36 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
January 11,1894. 
favourable the ventilators should be left open wide enough to cause a 
current of air to circulate in the house all night. I am well aware 
that it is a difficult matter to obtain a suitable house that may be 
devoted to their culture, but with a little judicious arrangement I feel 
confident that this difficulty may be surmounted.—G, Parrant. 
ABERPERGWM, SOUTH WALES. 
The “Vale of Neath” is one of the few Glamorganshire valleys 
that retains most of its primitive beauty and is not obscured by the 
smoke from the numerous collieries, iron or steel and tin works that 
abound in the valleys and hill sides of South Wales. Yet this charming 
valley is not totally free either. Works extending thereunto for a consider¬ 
able distance at its lower end, and a few isolated collieries even in its 
upper and most beautiful part flourish, but, as though ashamed to exist 
among such surroundings, are carefully hidden as far as possible from 
view. We are only reminded of their existence by the large number of 
coal trucks full and waiting to be fliled with their precious cargoes 
that occupy the Great Western Railway premises as we alight at the 
Glyn-Neath station. 
Our visit was during the dry part of the summer, and though vege¬ 
tation all around seemed to enjoy its usual luxuriance, the various 
watercourses—some of which form charming cascades—and even the 
river “ Nedd ” itself, with the exception of stagnant pools in its deeper 
parts, were quite dry. The canal only seemed totally unconcerned at 
the drought, and in its perennial sluggishness for once directly echoed 
the state of our own feelings on that exceedingly hot day. We cross 
the latter, and pass near to an old and quaint-looking church, which, 
from its appearance, must have the secrets of ages in its safe keeping, 
and immediately we are within the gardens that form the subject of our 
notes. 
Here we find Mr. C. Foster literally “ earning his bread by the 
sweat of his brow,” and we start on a tour of inspection. Mr. Foster 
is young and an enthusiast, bent upon making his mark, and comes of 
a good gardening stock, consequently we set off with high expectations, 
and notwithstanding many drawbacks and obstacles, which need not 
here be enumerated, they have had to give way before the will and 
perseverance of our young friend. We were impressed with the fact 
that the department usually obtaining the least care and attention 
from young gardeners, the kitchen garden, was here perhaps even more 
cared for than others. Would that young men in the earlier stages 
of their training devote more attention to this branch of gardening. If 
they were to do so, they would meet with fewer reverses when called 
upon to meet the demands of the kitchen, perhaps with meagre 
resources, in establishments to which they may be appointed. When 
Mr. Foster was appointed gardener here a few years ago he found the 
kitchen garden in a most deplorable condition. Forest plants occupied 
a large portion, and weeds—well, the old adage is, “ One year’s seeding, 
seven years’ weeding,” but what about several years’ seeding? “ I shall 
manage it very well,” was our guide’s remark. “ I keep the hoes 
going, and the hot dry weather will help and so it seemed to be, 
and the crops, too, seemed the better for the “ hoes kept going.” What 
Carrots and Parsnips, and what Peas, too, for such a dry season ! 
Tomatoes on walls and borders were bearing loads of fine fruit, the 
first being gathered on the 17th June. Speaking of first fruit, it is 
worth noting that the earliest Apricots were gathered on walls here 
the last week in May. It should be stated, however, that the spot 
where they grew is a veritable suntrap. 
It must be very many years since the stout Yew hedges in the garden 
were planted. How stately they look ! and what an air of patronage 
they seem to assume side by side with commonplace crops 1 The principal 
entrance to the kitchen garden is between two of these massive hedges, 
with enough space, however, for good herbaceous borders on each side 
the path, which were wonderfully effective in their arrangement and 
variety. A feature in the gardens throughout is the wealth of old- 
fashioned Monthly, China, Cluster, and other Roses. Rustic pillars, 
arches, arbours, odd corners, chimneys, and all sorts of places are made 
charming by this garb of frequently despised objects ; and a wall forming 
a terrace near the front of the hall itself was rendered singularly beautiful, 
clothed with the old Monthly from end to end and ablaze in bloom ; 
indeed, Roses of all sections are seen at home here—the Teas as well as 
H.P.’s with the finest possible growths were carrying blooms indicative 
alike of rich soil and good treatment. Yucca gloriosa was conspicuously 
blooming, and Sweet Peas of an excellent strain demanded more than a 
casual glance in passing them. 
The glass is neither extensive nor modern in style, but every 
structure was as full as the proverbial egg. A crop of Black 
Hamburgh Grapes was something to be justly proud of, particularly 
remembering the condition of house, border, and Vines not a very long 
time previous. Muscats, too, were good in another house, and in a stove 
near some capital Ferns, Eucharis, and various foliage and other plants 
were luxuriating, under the partial shade of a fine Stephanotis, which 
occupied the roof. Wonderfully fine Achimenes were blooming in 
dense masses, and only in 4-inch pots, in a cooler house, with very good 
Tuberous Begonias, and a stage full of Zonal Pelargoniums in 4-inch 
pots, carrying enormous trusses of bloom, were certainly extraordinary. 
The plants were rooted in the preceding autumn, and had made pheno¬ 
menal growth in so short a period. Tomatoes were everywhere, indoors 
as well as out, and Melons, we were .almost saying, were as plentiful. 
Certainly, there were enough of them, and not lacking in quality either, 
Blenheim Orange and Scarlet Invincible being most in evidence. 
Hardy fruit, as in most places, was plentiful, and the wall fruit 
particularly fine. On one of the lawns a fine old Mulberry was fruiting 
freely, and Fig trees were loaded with good fruit. The Mulberry just 
mentioned is a very old specimen, and its branches had many years ago 
partly given way from tbe main stem, and resting themselves on the 
ground in a semi-detached state, took root again at the various points 
of contact, gaining fresh support, and adding new life to the worthy 
veteran. In the near distance are to be seen the Tulip Tree, Hemlock 
Spruce, and Copper Beech, of more than ordinary heights and dimen¬ 
sions ; and further still extraordinary specimens of common Beech, 
Silver and common Fir, with here and there an Arbutus, no longer a 
shrub, but trees rejoicing in a girth of 9 and 10 feet. The park and 
adjoining meadows are well wooded, and the specimens in a most 
charming woodland behind the gardens are fine ; whilst beneath them 
the wealth of native flora and Ferns that clothe the banks and the bogs 
on all hands, are of more than ordinary interest. Before concluding our 
notice of Aberpergwm we should inform our readers that it is the 
residence of W. S. Williams, Esq., a gentleman well known throughout 
the industrial centres of South Wales and the West of England. Leaving 
this romantic spot we proceed nothwards, and soon forget romance and 
poetry in the spectacle and reality of coal tips and chimney stacks in 
the vicinity of the ever-grimy Merthyr Tydvil.— Bradwen. 
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
We have received a copy of the “ Arrangements for 1894,” issued by 
the Royal Horticultural Society, and in addition to the customary 
periodical meetings, the dates of which were given on page 553 of the 
Journal of Hi rticulture for December 2l8t, several prominent features 
are noticeable. The annual Exhibition of the National Auricula and 
Primula Society wdll be held, in conjunction with the usual meeting, on 
April 24th. The Temple Show takes place on May 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 
and in connection with this the first Exhibition of the Southern Section 
of the Royal National Tulip Society will be held. The London Pansy 
and Violet Society’s Exhibition is arranged for June 12th, and a special 
Rose Show will take place at the Drill Hall on June 26th. July 24th is 
the date fixed for the Exhibition of the National Carnation and 
Picotee Show, held in connection with the usual fortnightly meet¬ 
ing ; and a Conference on Trees and Hardy Shrubs at Chiswick on 
September 25th, the details of which will be published in due course. 
An examination in Horticulture will be held on May 1st, and intending 
candidates can obtain further particulars from the Secretary, 117, 
Victoria Street, Westminster. We append the names and addresses of 
the members of the various Committees for the current year. 
Scientific Committee. 
Chairman .—Sir J. D. Hooker, K.C.S.I., C.B., F.R.S., &c., The Camp, 
Sunningdale. 
Vice-Chairmen. —Dyer, W. T. Thiselton, C.M.G., F.R.S., Royal 
Gardens, Kew ; Foster. Professor M., Sec. R.S., Great Shelford, 
Cambridge ; Masters, Maxwell T., M.D., F.R.S., &;c., Mount Avenue, 
Ealing, W. 
Hon. Secretary. —Rev. Prof. G. Henslow, M.A., F.L.S., Drayton 
House, Ealing, W. 
Allen, J., Park House, Shepton Mallet. 
Baker, J. G., F.R.S., Royal Gardens, Kew. 
Balfour, Prof. I. B., F.R.S., Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. 
Blandford, W. H. F., M A,, F.E.S,, 48, Wimpole Street, W. 
Bonavia, Dr. E., 5, Harrington Mansions, South Kensington. 
Burbidge, F. W., M.A., F.L.S., Trinity College Gardens, Dublin. 
Cheshire, Prof. F , Ham melton Road, Bromley. 
Church, Prof, A. H , M.A., F.R.S., Shelsley Gardens, Kew. 
Clarke, Colonel R. Trevor, Walton Place, Daventry. 
Darwin, Francis, F.R.S., Wychfield, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge. 
Dod, Rev. C. WoDey, Edge Hall, Malpas, Cheshire. 
Elwes, H. J., F.L S., F.Z.S., Colesborne, Andoversford, Glos. 
Engleheart, Rev. G. H., M.A., Appleshaw, Andover. 
Ewbank, Rev. H., St. John’s, Ryde, Isle of Wight. 
Farmer, Prof. J. B., M.A., Royal College of Science, S. Kensington. 
Frankland, E., F.R.S., The Yews, Reigate Hill, Reigate. 
Godman, F. DuCane, F.R.S., 10, Chandos Street, Cavendish Square. 
Green, Prof. J. R., M.A., 17, Bloomsbury Square, W.C. 
Lindsay, R., Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. 
Llewelyn, Sir J. T. D., Bart., F.L.S., Penllergare, Swansea. 
Lynch, R. Irwin, A.L.S., Botanic Gardens, Cambridge. 
Maxwell, W. H., Munches, Dalbeattie, N.B. 
McLachlan, R., F.R S., West View, Clarendon Road, Lewisham, S E. 
Michael, A. D., F.L.S., Cadogan Mansions, Sloane Square, S.W. 
Morris, D., M.A., C.M.G., F.L.S., 11, Kew Gardens Road, Kew. 
Mliller, Hugo, Ph.D., F.R S., 13, Park Square East, Regent’s Park. 
Oliver, F. W., D.Sc., F.L S., 10, Kew Gardens Road, Kew. 
Pascoe, F. P., F.L.S., 1, Burlington Road, Westbourne Park, W. 
Plowright, C. B., F.L.S., 7, King Street, King’s Lynn. 
Russell, Dr. W. J., F.R.S., 34, Upper Hamilton Terrace, N.W. 
Salvin, Osbert, F.R.S., Hawksfold, Fernhurst, Haslemere. 
Scott, D. H., M.A., Ph.D., F.L.S., The Old Palace, Richmond, S.W. 
Symons, G. J., F.R.S., 62, Camden Square, N.W. 
Veitch, H J., F.L.S., King’s Road, Chelsea, S.W. 
Ward, Prof. Marshall, F.R.S., The Laurels, Englefield Green, Staines. 
Weir, J. Jenner, Chirbury, Beckenham, Kent. 
Wilson, Geo. F., F.R.S., Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath, 
