May 16, 1895. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
427 
- We learn that the presentation of the VeitcTi medals will be 
made at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday, 
June 11th, at 3 p.m., by the President, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. 
- The Directors of the New York Institution for the Instruction 
of the Deaf and Dumb have in contemplation the education of the 
inmates in horticulture; The experiment will be watched with great 
interest, 
- Viola, and Pansy Conference. —We understand that, as 
previously suggested, a Conference of Viola and Pansy growers will be 
held on the 29th inst., in connection with the show of these flowers to 
be held in the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, Birmingham, on that date. 
- Floral Nomenclatitre. —The practice of naming flowers 
after eminent public characters occasionally leads to the display of 
a certain amount of unconscious humour. Thus in an illustrated 
manual for the garden and farm, published by a firm of seed 
merchants in Adelaide, South Australia, under the heading of Chrys¬ 
anthemums was the following :—“W. E. Gladstone, a showy and 
effective variety, crimson and violet, brilliant but erratic.” 
- Fruit Prospects in Monmouth. —In this district prospects 
of a heavy crop of fruit are very promising. Apples, Plums, and in fact 
fruit trees of all kinds are laden with blossom, and the heavily bloomed 
orchards give the country a pleasing appearance. Pear trees have all 
been full of flower, which, however, fell earlier than is usual. With 
bush fruits and Strawberries it is the same, and if no check follows an 
abundant supply is expected to be the result.—J. H. 
- Ceylon Tea and Coffee. —The exports of these products in 
1893 show a marked increase in the output from that flourishing colony 
over the preceding year. The Governor’s report for 1893 is most 
interesting, and shows that the “ Paddy tax,” a direct tax on the food-of 
the people, was removed that year ; public works were instituted and 
largely carried out, and trade increased generally. Of Coffee 
55,423 cwts. were exported in 1893, as against 43,338 cwts. in the pre¬ 
vious year ; while 82,269,353 lbs. of Tea were exported in 1893, as 
against 72,279,985 lbs. in 1892. 
- The Weather and the Crops in Guernsey. — Since 
reporting to you last we have had a fortnight of very brilliant weather, 
which has brought on produce of every kind, indoors and out, at an 
amazing pace, so that we are (much sooner than was expected) within 
measurable distance of the full Tomato season, Already a fair number 
of small parcels are being shipped, and every day henceforward will see 
a substantial increase in these. So far fair prices have been realised for 
these in England. French Beans and early Peas have also done fairly 
well, but the second sowing of Radishes came in too late to realise 
anything like a paying return. Flowers also to some extent are becom¬ 
ing too numerous to pay the senders, excepting it is something of a 
special nature. Potato digging (in the more sheltered situations) will 
commence as soon as this month is out. Very few forest trees, excepting 
the Horse Chestnuts, are yet in leaf. There is plenty of grass in the 
meadows and pastures; corn also, what little there is grown, is looking 
very well. Fruit prospects are fairly good.—X. 
—— Insects on Fruit Trees. —These form the subject of a leaflet 
issued by the Board of Agriculture. Apple, Plum, and Damson trees, 
it is reported, are being specially attacked by caterpillars of several 
species of moths, chiefly the winter moth. The latter at first are 
greyish, with black heads, and so small as to escape notice unless 
attention is specially directed to them; in their later stages the cater¬ 
pillars are green, or yellowish green, with whitish stripes and brown 
heads, and nearly three-quarters of an inch long. Syringing the trees 
with certain mixtures are recommended, particularly in respect of Plum, 
Damson, and small Apple trees, and fruit bushes. Fruit growers may 
be interested to know that the mixtures specified by the Board of Agri¬ 
culture are as follows :—1, The extract of 7 lbs. of quassia, obtained by 
boiling quassia in water, to 100 gallons of water with 5 lbs. of softsoap. 
2, The extract of 5 lbs. of quassia to 100 gallons of water, with 5 lbs. of 
softsoap and 5 pints of petroleum, well stirred. 3, The extract of 4 lbs. of 
quassia to 100 gallons of water, with 4 lbs. of softsoap and 4 pints of 
Calvert’s carbolic acid. No. 5. 4, Six lbs. of softsoap and 2 lbs. of finely 
ground hellebore, and a quart of petroleum, boiled and well stirred 
together. This is sufficient for 100 gallons of water. Those who desire 
to have fuller particulars can obtain copies of the leaflet free of charge 
and post free on application to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture, 4, 
Whitehall Place, London, S.W. 
- The Pasque Anemone. —I see Mr. Arnott has pointed out 
a singular typographical error in my article, about which I was about 
to write you. The “ black grub,” asked about on same page (403), I 
presume is the larva of some moth, probably a noctua.—J, R. S, 
Clifford. 
- Fruit Prospects in France. —The orchards in the districts 
round Paris now present a mass of bloom such as has seldom been 
witnessed. Pear, Cherry, and Apple trees arealike loaded with blossom. 
The season is unusually late, but there is every prospect of a splendid 
crop providing the weather continues favourable. 
- Asparagus in the Vale of Evesham. —The past few days 
of hot weather has caused the Asparagus grown in the Vale of 
Evesham to come on at an enormous rate. It is hardly possible to 
keep it cut before becoming run. The increase has caused prices to 
fall low. On Thursday last, 9th inst., 83. per bundle (120 heads) was 
the average price realised in the local auction market. It is computed 
that 300 more acres have come in for cutting this year in this neighbour¬ 
hood.— Alfred G. Grove. 
- A Good Winter Lettuce. —I send for your, inspection a 
sample of Sutton’s Winter White Cos Lettuce, which has been grown 
out of doors without the slightest protection. I had about ,300 plants 
pricked in a small border during the latter part of September, an,d they 
have nearly all stood the very severe winter. I am now able to cut 
splendid Lettuces, like the one enclosed.— Sydney J. Chalk. [It is 
very fine indeed, resembling an excellent specimen of the Paris Cos,] 
- Floors Castle. — I think your Belgian correspondent 
(page 403) has somewhat misapprehended the meaning of the incidental 
passage in my article on Floors Castle, its gardens and romantic 
environments, to which he refers. I did not say anything intended to 
indicate that its modern name of Floors signified “ flowers.” It was 
the ancient title of the castle (Fleurs) which I interpreted thus, as he 
will find by referring again to my contribution. The older, and as I 
think more beautiful, name appears in the “ Gizetteer of Scotland ” for 
1842, which I have beside me here. I do not doubt, however,'that your 
correspondent’s interpretation of the modern name of the Duke of 
Roxburghe’s palatial residence is absolutely correct. I am glad that he 
appreciated my article.— David R. Williamson, 
-Summary of April Meteorological Observations at 
Hodsock Priory, Worksop, Notts. — Mean temperature of the 
month, 47-3°. Maximum on the 23rd, 65*4°; minimum on the 13th, 
26-7°. Maximum in the sun on the 10th, 121° ; minimum on the grass 
on the 8th, 18°. Mean temperature of the air at 9 A.M., 47 9°. Mean 
temperature of the soil 1 foot deep, 46 2°. Nights below 32°, in the 
shade, six; on the grass, fourteen. Sunshine, total duration in the 
month, 140 hours, or 34 per cent, of the possible duration. We had 
three sunless days. Total rainfall, 2'18 inches. Rain fell on ten days. 
Approximate averages for April :—Mean temperature, 45-4°; sunshine, 
123 hours ; rainfall, 1'65. A fine and mild month, with warm days, but 
no very hot ones. Rather more rain than usual, but it fell on a email 
number of days. Vegetation is making fair progress. Fruit blossom 
of all kinds very abundant, except Apricots, which are thin. Queen 
wasps are very numerous this year. Alpine and herbaceous plants do 
not appear to have taken any harm during the last severe winter^ 
as they are growing and blooming very strong and bright.— 
J. Mallender. 
-New South Wales Flowering Plants and Ferns — 
We have received from the publisher, Mr. Chas. Potter, Government 
Printer, Phillip 'Street, Sydney, part I. of a work from the pens of 
Messrs. J. H. Maiden, F.L.S., and W. S. Campbell, F.L.S., entitled, 
“The Flowering Plants and Ferns of New South Wales.” The 
introduction says, “As far as possible, each part will contain illus¬ 
trations and descriptions of two forest trees (consequently of economic 
value), and of two flowering shrubs or smaller plants selected without 
any utilitarian considerations, but because of the beauty or scientific 
interest of their flowers or foliage.” Such a work, well produced as is 
the copy before us, should prove of great use to botanists and others 
all over the world. Part I. centains admirably executed coloured plates 
of Telopea speciosissima (the Waratah), Eucalyptus corymbosa 
(the Bloodwood), Actinotus Helianthi (the Flannel Flower), and Acacia 
glaucescens (the Coast Myall). Accompanying each plate are several 
interesting particulars regarding origin of nomenclature and uses of 
the plants. The price of the part is 23. 63. each to subscribers, or 
38. 6d, to non-subscribers. Particulars may be had from the publisher. 
