June 27,1895. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
561 
it otherwise often happens when shut in a close atmosphere it smells 
rank and soon decomposes. As the sun gains power the temperature 
may rise to 90° by day with abundance of air, giving them a sprinkling 
with a fine syringe three times a day, allowing the moisture to escape, 
however, before closing for the night. It must not be syringed to the 
extent of laying it on the ground. If it should get dry and need water¬ 
ing spaces must be opened to pour the water in, having for the purpose 
in the left hand a T square, with the end of which the dense foliage is 
gently drawn aside, while with the watering pot in the right hand water 
is given, gently closing the spaces made after watering. No mention has 
yet been made as to the space under the border, but as Mustard and 
Cress would not do well underneath. Rhubarb or Seakale or both would 
do there, the manure after the Mushroom crop having been left would 
now be useful for forcing these edibles. 
For darkening the space underneath mats could be hung from the 
border above. As the routine of Rhubarb and Seakale growing is well 
known, it is unnecessary to dwell here on that subject any further 
that to state that Rhubarb should be lifted carefully without injuring 
the fibres nor dividing the crowns, then placing them as closely as 
possible together, working the manure, in which a little soil has been 
added, well among the roots—keep well watered and syringed. 
In preparing for market those most equal in size must be bunched, 
tying four or more, according to the season, in the bunch ; a firm tie at 
the base and one at the top being all that is needed. In taking Seakale 
up for forcing the rootlets may be shortened to within an inch of the 
base of the stem, then planted in the compost about 4 inches apart each 
way. When about 6 or 8 inches in length, and nicely blanched, it is fit 
to cut. 
Total Estimated Results .—The total estimated results derived from 
vatious sources may be summarised as follows :—Computing that eighty 
dozen bunches of Rhubarb (or the tqual value of Seakale) may be got 
from under the border, at Is. 6d. per dozen would give £6. For the 
four crops of Mustard and Cress from Ist January to the end of March, 
at £25 per crop, wouli produce £100, added to which is the item for 
Mustard and Cress from the border from November to January, bringing 
the total to £137 Is. Deduct for seed, of which 8 bushels would be 
required, and would cost about £5 6 j. 
Placing the total Mustard and Cress expenses at 25 per cent, a sub¬ 
stantial balance is then left, or a total profit from the Mustard and Cress 
crop of £103. From “ Geraniums,” after deducting 30 per cent, 
expenses, a margin is left of £49. From Mushrooms a total profit of 
£G4 58., or a grand total of £212 5s. Thus, according to the size of 
structures used, the foregoing bases may be used in proportion to the 
structures employed, and will be found to be at least one satisfactory 
way of solving the problem of “ The profitable employment of glass 
structures in winter.” 
BEAUTY IN VINE LEAVES. 
The interesting article by “Market Grower” on page 522 of the 
Journal draws attention to tne beauty that often develops in Vine leaves, 
and more especially in those of Gros Colman. As I happen to know 
who “Market Grower” is, and have often seen samples of his skill 
as a Grape grower, and also admired the beauty of the Vine leaves 
produced at his place, I was the more interested in the article 
referred to. Barbarossa has generally been looked on as the Vine 
capable of producing the most beautifully tinted leaves, but Gros Colman 
as produced by “ Market Grower ” excels in beauty even the leaves 
of that variety. As exhibited by “ Market Grower ” at various autumn 
shows the leaves of Gros Colman have attracted the attention of many 
people, and a good trade has been done in the retailing of them to people 
who were struck with their wonderful beauty. 
We have them here in great variety of tint, and they are often much 
admired, and sought after ; but we never have had them as beautiful 
as those of “ Market Grower.” Whether it is any peculiar quality 
in the soil, the treatment given to the Vines, or from what¬ 
ever cause I cannot say; but one thing is certain, and that is for 
beauty the Vine leaves produced at “ Market Grower’s ” place are really 
remarkable. The demand for these leaves is likely to increase, as when 
properly presied, sized, and varnished they last for at least two years, 
and form most beautiful subjects for house decoration. 
“ Market Grower ” is well entitled to give an opinion on modes of 
Grape culture, as he is a most successlul cultivator of the Vine. High 
finish is always found in his establishment, and Grape-growing can be 
seen at its best at “ Market Grower’s ” place. Tomatoes are also culti¬ 
vated with wonderful success, and the crops produced every year are 
tremendous. “Market Grower” has opinions of his own on most 
matters, and is not afraid to act up to them. Certainly his opinions on 
the culture of the Vine and Tomato must be correct, as the success 
which annually attends his efforts in connection with both is suflScient 
to prove. 
Those who have not seen Gros Colman leaves as exhibited by 
“ Market Grower ” can have little idea of the beauty to be found in 
them. Nowhere else have I ever seen such rich coiours and so much 
variety, and, whatever may be credited with the production of these 
tints, one thing is certain, and that is the leaves are simply unique. 
The bloom and general finish of “ Market Grower’s ” Gros Colman are 
splendid, and testify to high cultural skill, combined, it may be, with 
some natural advantages of earth, air, and water.— John Thomson, 
Clovenfo) ds. 
SOBRALIA MACRANTHA. 
All the species comprised in this genus are strong growing 
terrestrial Orchids with upright reed-like stems, producing their 
flowers from the apices. S. macrantha is the best known and most 
popular kind, and should be included in every collection. When 
newly imported the plants require a strong moist heat in order to 
get strong growth, without which it is useless to expect them to 
establish themselves, but after a season or two, and when the plants 
are thoroughly established, they are better at the cooler end of the 
Cattleya house. 
S. macrantha has very large fleshy roots, and these require 
ample sustenance and a rough open compost. The pots should be 
wide rather than deep, and filled about half their depth with 
drainage. To insure this always being free, and prevent the 
earthy parts of the compost from swilling downwards, a layer of 
moss should be placed on this carefu’ly, but thinly. Spread the 
roots out as much as possible, but carefully avoid snapping them, 
and fill in with two-thirds of peat fibre to one of good loam, to 
which has been added a sufficient quantity of potsherds or charcoal 
to insure porosity and aeration. There is no need to raise the 
plants above the level of the rim, so no difficulty will be found in 
fixing the plants if the roots are abundant, if not, a few stakes will 
be required. After potting the plants may be syringed daily until 
FIG. 99.— DENDROBIUM ILLUSTRE. (See page 666.) 
new roots are forming, and a surfacing of moss reduces the task of 
watering at this stage to a minimum. When they have obtained a 
good hold of the soil a full supply must be given as long as the 
plants are growing. When this is comolete less is needed, but they 
do not require to be absolutely dried off at any season, or injurious 
effects are sure to follow. 
Old plants that have been flowering several years have often a 
lot of weak old stems, that, though not absolutely dead, are of no 
further use. These should be taken ou*^, in order to admit light to 
the newer growths, and to allow space for their full development. 
A good plant of this species, when well grown and flowered, makas 
a fine display, as the blossoms are very large and showy ; and 
although of an evanescent character, the number produced 
successively on the racemes keeps up the display for a considerable 
time. The individual flowers are from 5 to 7 inches across, and 
very fragrant; rosy purple in ground colour, with a distinct yellow 
throat. S. macrantha is an old inhabitant of our Orchid house.'*, 
being introduced over half a century ago from Mexico, and there 
are several varieties of later introduction. S. m. albiia i* an 
introduction by Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, and has a light 
rose lip, and whitish sepals and petals. S m. Tvienastiana is 
a newer and rare variety, with pure white flowers. S. m. nana. 
is, as its name implies, a dwarf form of the type of which 
the names of S. m. delicata, pallida, and splendens are amply 
' descriptive.—H. R. R. 
