234 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Marchu. 1895. 
All the varieties offered by the firm in its “ Vade Mecum,” besides 
many others, are tested at Perry Hill, and the comparisons between the 
numerous varieties is most instructive, at the same time exceedingly 
interesting. One can in walking through the structures see at a glance 
which are the best of their respective colours, and thus make a selection ; 
but as numbers of readers of the Journal of Horticulture will probably 
have been unable to go and see for themselves it will be the object of 
the writer of these notes to mention those that are especially meri¬ 
torious, either in floriferousness, colouration, or size and substance of 
the flowers. Of course, regard must be had for the matter of taste, some 
persons having a partiality for one colour, and others for another. It 
may safely be asserted, however, that those mentioned below will give 
every satisfaction, as being of the highest quality and of the most 
general utility. 
Amongst such a plethora of beautiful varieties it is diflacult to know 
where a start should be made, but we may safely surmise that if the 
much-discussed Blue is placed at the top of the poll that we will not be 
far wrong. The Blue is now an established fact, much as it was ridiculed 
a few years ago, and in Holborn, Iris is almost a paragon. The plants 
are of strong growth, free in flowering, while the petals are of splendid 
substance and form. The colour is a real blue, though not perhaps of a 
celestial hue, but this mayhap will be obtained in the course of a few 
more years. Such earnest work must eventually, one would think, 
bring a rich reward, and if the same is done in the future as in the 
past then indeed will this be the case. Though good, and still in 
much demand, the Holborn Blue cannot be compared to the one 
previously named. 
A variety that is certain to command admiration is Princess May, 
which carries shapely blooms of the most delicate rose hue. The sub¬ 
stance of the petal is good, and the flowers are moreover very freely 
borne. It certainly has a great future before it, and will most likely be 
seen and heard of for a number of years to come. One of the most 
chastely beautiful is Elaine, with pearly white flowers carried well above 
the rich green foliage. It is a variety that would be an acquisition to 
any collection. Holborn Queen is exquisitely soft white in colour, the 
trusses being very fine both in shape and size. This is unquestionably 
one of the best white Primulas in cultivation. Hercules is admirably 
named, for the massive growth and flowers force one to think of 
wondrous strength. The colour is a very deep, and at the same time, 
brilliant rose, and the blooms are borne with great freedom. 
Numbers of other single forms were seen, but they are far too 
numerous to permit of an extended notice of each of them. It must 
not be thought, however, that they are not worth growing, for such is 
not the case, and those who are desirous of having a complete and up to 
date collection cannot afford to miss them, or the goal will not have 
been reached. Amongst these may be mentioned Carter’s Scarlet, Single 
Magenta, Vulcan, Boses Venus, Kuby, and Carmine, all of these being 
singles, and all well worthy of a place where a thoroughly diversified 
stock is aimed at. 
* Turning now to the doubles, the same variation of colours with perfect 
form and substance is readily observable. Again, let the Blue be accorded 
the premier position. This time, however, such high praise cannot 
be accorded so far as colour is concerned as the single, but though lacking 
slightly in this respect it fully makes up for it in others. The shape 
of the flower is superb, as also is the solid texture of the petals, while 
they are borne in exceptional abundance. It is called Lilac Queen, and 
good as it undoubtedly is, it will be ousted as soon as a richer, clearer 
blue is thoroughly established. Another very beautiful double variety 
is Snowflake, which is early, free, and of excellent colour. 
Richer in hue than either of the foregoing is Carmine Empress. 
The colour is remarkably pure, and such as always elicits admiration. 
In addition to this both flower and truss are of the first quality. When 
the names of the Prince and Princess of Wales are reached something 
good is very naturally expected, and the hopes are thoroughly realised. 
The colour of the former is a pure rose, and of the latter white, very 
pleasingly spotted with rose, the bloom in each case being very 
handsome. 
These notes are necessarily brief, and must now be brought to a close, 
though they cannot possibly have done justice to the Primulas at Perry 
Hill. In conclusion, let us heartily congratulate Messrs. Carter k Co. on 
their work, and express the hope that they may continue to work amongst 
Primulas for a number of years yet, in which case it is almost certain 
that many more superb varieties will find their way into commerce 
through the medium of this world-renowned firm.— Nomad. 
PRUNINGS. 
Advice opportunely timed is of twofold value. Last week’s 
number of the Journal of Horticulture prompts this reflection. 
Digesting the matter therein contained arrests some passing thoughts 
thereon. _ 
“ Fragaria ” (page 199) gives sound and seasonable advice by 
pointing out “ mistakes in Strawberry forcing,” most desirable to 
know in order to avoid. He says, “ As soon as ... . five to 
nine fruits are set remove the other flowers.” From now onwards I 
think the “ stitch in time should save nine.” Considering the labour 
involved, compensation must be looked for in the highest possible 
return, not necessarily in the number of fruits, but in the weight. 
My criticism is for the sole purpose of acquiring knowledge from one 
who is apparently well able to give it. Hence, what should be a fair 
average weight of fruit per pot, and what per-centage of plants may 
be expected from good culture to be worthy of retention at the final 
stage ? Approximate data would be useful to growers. You have, 
“ Fragaria,” told us so much that we would like to know more. 
“ T. F.” (page 205) says, “ When the Onion bed is prepared . . . 
sprinkle a good pinch of flowers of sulphur in each drill . . . this 
will produce a sure crop of Onions and no grub will trouble them.” 
Thanks, “ T. F.,” the remedy is simple ; we shall test it. 
I note (page 207) that the Chas. Collins’ fund is about to be closed, 
and sincerely hope that it may close over a large amount of practical 
sympathy for his bereaved ones. 
Mr. Taylor (page 208) discourses pleasantly on Vine culture, and 
conscientiously criticises earlier practice by the light of later experience. 
May we all be as expert in Vine culture and as liberal-minded to 
receive and dispense new ideas._ 
Fig. 38, Pentas carnea, revives memories of an old favourite, which 
had but one fault, namely—its prevalence to attacks by mealy bug. To 
this I attribute its going out of date, for of all buggy subjects it is 
the buggiest. Once infested, cleaning, from its hirsute nature was out 
of the question, lienee, Pentas carnea was frequently pitched out, and 
is now all but of the past. _ 
In the Rose department there is weeping and wailing. A high death 
rate must be looked for when returns are published. I hear of heavy 
losses in the North amongst the standards. In all departments notice¬ 
able effects of the late severity are increasing with the sun’s power. It 
could not be otherwise considering the soft, sappy condition of vege¬ 
table life when the frost set in._ 
Mr. Arnott (page 210) timed his notes on Snowdrops when they were 
most interesting. The thought arises, and cannot be suppressed, that 
anything not known by this gentleman about hardy plants is not worth 
knowing, _ 
Queries anent Mushrooms still crop up. To those who read, mark, 
learn, experience of either success or failure in culture is of value. 
Those who cannot afford to fail should read Wright’s “ Mushrooms for 
the Million,” for if they go by Wright they can hardly go wrong. 
The article by “ G. H. H.” (page 212) on Humea elegans recalls an 
anecdote related of an old time gardener, who when seeing his lady 
making her way for the greenhouse would hurry in and vigorously shake 
these highly perfumed plants, thus paying respect by offering incense to 
his employer. H. elegans purpurea is more attractive than the type. 
“ Notes and Comments,” by “ The Missus ” (page 214) are most 
enjoyable. Presumably her evident love of gardening detracts not 
from her culinary skill, and such savoury odours arise from her table 
as to overcome any sensations of the Faugh I type from the velvety 
French Marigolds we all admire, but their odour is by some deemed a 
drawback to table decoration. Still, “ Comparisons are odorous,” 
especially in recalling the troubles of a huntsman (in “ Punch ”) whose 
hounds “ lost the scent through running over that bank o’ stinking 
wilets.” _ 
Has Covent Garden Market been removed to the Riviera? One 
might imagine so in noting the prices quoted, which would afford texts 
for more than one sermon at the present time, when the question is 
raised, “ What pays to grow ? ” Taking Cucumbers for instance, the 
mean price quoted being Ss. per dozen. By what arithmetic could a 
sum be worked out, including cost of production, carriage and 
commission, so as to leave a remainder for the grower?— Saynor. 
EXAMINATION IN HORTICULTURE. 
I WAS pleased to learn from your correspondent, “ W. D., Turnford," 
page 214 in last week’s issue, that so many of the successful candidates 
in the Royal Horticultural Society’s examination last year were under 
the age of twenty-five years, as it reflects great credit on the abilities of 
youthful competitors; but your correspondent does not mention how 
many of those forty-nine successful ones obtained first-class certificates, 
for after all a mere pass or third-class certificate but inadequately 
satisfies most young candidates’ expectations. 
“W. D.” says, ‘‘All who sit might (if their answers were good 
enough) gain a fiist-class certificate.” Here he puts young gardeners 
and others on an equal footing with men who have had years of 
practical experience, and surely as much, if not more, theory than any 
young man, and expects the latter to pass as creditably as the former an 
examination in horticulture, composed of questions one-half of which 
(as he himself admits) relate to practical gardening operations. 
If some of our head gardeners, school teachers, and others wish to 
compete for these certificates let them do so by all means, but let there 
be two separate grades of examination—a senior grade, without any 
limit as to age or experience, and a junior grade, candidates for which 
would be limitei to, say, not above twenty-five years of age. Then 
young men who think they are capable of competing in the higher grade 
can do so. 
