March 8,1894, 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
193 
Crafting: Apple Trees (^F. J .').—It is necessary to smooth the 
cuts with a chisel or sharp knife, as the smoother the surface the less it 
will hold moisture. The top of the stock must be made smooth where 
the scion or scions are to rest upon it. As you are going to proceed by 
crown grafting the scion must only be prepared or cut on the side next 
the stock, for it is there only that I the scion unites with it ; and to cut 
off a portion of the bark on the side next the old bark of the stock 
simply weakens it, and makes a needless wound, which may cause the 
failure of the operation. 
Shortening: Vine Canes (i. F.'). —No matter how strong young 
planting canes are for developing into permanent Vines, they should 
either be shortened in the autumn before planting or disbudded in the 
spring after planting. It will not be advisable to shorten the canes now, 
but as the buds start remove them from the upper portion of the cane 
down to where a good leading growth can start in a light position ; and 
as a rule the lower this is the stronger the growth. Any laterals between 
the leader and the ground may be pinched to three or four leaves. 
Some persons allow them greater extension, and secure at the same time 
a strong leading cane. Allow several of the buds to start, and choose 
the most promising as the leader, pinching the others. When the leader 
gets a decided start further extension of laterals below will not arrest 
its growth. 
Decaying' Chestnut Trees (i?.).—Instead of boring holes to let 
the water out of the hollows it would be better to empty them as far as 
practicable with a pump, and then fill the holes with Portland cement 
formed into a running consistency with water. For economy two parts 
of sharp sand or small gravel may be mixed with one part of cement, 
which should be quite fresh. When the holes are filled with the cement 
allow it to set, then smooth over the crown with the same material, 
rounded to throw off the wet, just having it level with the bark around 
each wound, and over this apply a coat of grafting clay so as to 
encourage the growth of the bark, which we have known to grow and 
close over the cement. The thing is to get the water out and keep it 
out in the future. Clay alone would not do that, but rather accelerate 
the decay by allowing water to enter. 
Grape Hyacinths In Pots (ZT. C. M.'). —We quite agree with you, 
that as the Muscari, or Grape Hyacinth, is so easily cultivated, it is almost 
a pity that it is not more generally grown as a pot plant, and used 
for decoration along with the ordinary Hyacinths, Convallarias, and 
Narcissi, the treatment in many respects being very similar. To 
obtain good free-flowering plants it is advisable to repot the bulbs as 
soon as they lose their leaves, for root action commences very soon 
afterwards, and if not potted before this takes place they will receive a 
severe check. The soil used in potting should be a light compost of 
loam, leaf mould, and sand. Seven or eight bulbs may be placed in a 
4 or 6-inch pot, 2 or 3 inches under the surface of the soil, and potted 
moderately firmly. The pots may then be buried in cocoa-nut fibre 
refuse, ashes, or in a spare border of the garden. From the middle of 
December onwards they will require to be examined occasionally, and 
the plants removed to a cool frame as they start into growth. 
Cbrysanthemum Cuttings Damping (JIard Lines). — The 
cuttings have simply damped off by an excess of moisture, the soil being 
wet to soddenness, consequently sour. This has caused the destruc¬ 
tion of the tissues, and the decay has spread upwards, so that the cuttings 
are black level with the soil. The only preventive is to use sweet loam 
with a third of well decayed leaf soil and one-sixth of sand, mixed, for 
filling the cutting pots, surfacing them with the latter, and using a 
blunt dibber for inserting the cuttings, so that some of the sand is 
forced down for the base of each cutting to rest on ; a little of the sand 
will drop about each cutting, or it can be pushed into the hole before 
closing the soil. With this care and attention to keeping the soil moist, 
but not overwatering, every cutting ought to root and be healthy. Of 
course, failure may arise from other causes, but there is no apparent 
trace of fungus, which is very often introduced in the soil, especially 
leaf mould and old rich garden loam. We suspect your leaf soil is not 
so good as it should be, and you have used too much of it, also too much 
water. 
Iia'wn Tennis Court (J. P.). —Many players of tennis prefer 
grass on account of its being elastic, more pleasing, and less fatiguing to 
the eyes than a floor of cement. The advantages of a cemented court 
are—1, It can be played upon at any time of the year, and in almost 
any w'eather. 2, Once made it requires no after attention, and on that 
account is considered the most economical in the end. The “ best,” 
therefore, depends upon circumstances. If the court is in a conspicuous 
position it would be more pleasing in grass, and may be formed either 
by sowing with lawm seeds after the ground has been properly stirred 
and duly levelled, or laying with good turf. By using the latter the 
ground will be fit to play upon as soon as the turf has become estab¬ 
lished, as it will by the early part of summer; w'hile that formed by 
sowing grass seeds will not be available for play until the grass has been 
mown several times, and the ground well consolidated by rolling, which 
will also promote a closer growth of the grasses. Where there is no 
objection to the appearance of a cemented court, that certainly is more 
serviceable than a grass one, especially in or near large towns, where the 
grasses do not grow freely, are more subject to sooty deposits, and the 
court is used far oftener than in the country. 
Hames of Fruits. — Notice. —We have pleasure in naming good 
typical fruits (when the names are discoverable) for the convenience of 
regular subscribers, who are the growers of such fruit, and not col¬ 
lectors of specimens from non-subscribers. This latter procedure is 
wholly irregular, and we trust that none of our readers will allow 
themselves to be made the mediums in infringing our rules. Special 
attention is directed to the following decision, the object of which is 
to discourage the growth of inferior and promote the culture of superior 
varieties. In consequence of the large number of worthless Apples and 
Pears sent to this office to be named, it has been decided to name only 
specimens and varieties of approved merit, and to reject the inferior, 
which are not worth sending or growiyig. The names and addresses of 
senders of fruit to be named must in all cases be enclosed with the 
specimens, whether letters referring to the fruit are sent by post or 
not. The names are not necessarily required for publication, initials 
sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be named at once, and any 
beyond that number cannot be preserved. They should be sent on the 
first indication of change towards ripening. Dessert Pears cannot be 
named in a hard green state. (^S. F.). —1, Cockle’s Pippin ; 2, 
Scarlet Nonpareil ; 3, Dumelow’s Seedling; 4, Northern Greening. 
(Lacelles).—!, Bergamotte Esperen ; 2, Easter Beurr^ ; 2, Beurr6 
Ranee. 
iTames of Plants.— We only undertake to name species of plants, 
not varieties that have originated from seed 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. 
(^Orchidist). —1, Cypripedium superbiens ; 2, C. Stonei platytaenium ; 
3, Dendrobium nobile Cooksonianum ; 4, Sophronitis grandiflora. (^C. P.). 
—1, Adiantum assimile; 2, Pteris argentea ; 3, Polystichum capensis. 
{R. D.). —1, Retinospora plumosa ; 2, Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta 
viridis ; 3, Thujopsis borealis. 
OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Maech 7th. 
Market still very quiet. 
FRUIT. 
a. 
d. 
9. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
a. 
d. 
Apples, per bushel .. .. 
2 
6 
to 9 
0 
Lemons, case .. .. 
10 
OtolS 
0 
,, Nova Scotia, per 
Peaches, per doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
barrel. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Plums, per half sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cobs . 
40 
0 
42 
6 
St. Michael Pines, each 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Grapes per lb. 
1 
0 
2 
6 
Strawberries per lb. .. 
• • 
10 
0 
16 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
a. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
3. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Asparagus, per bundle 
7 
0 
to 8 
0 
Mustard and Cress, punnet 
0 
2 to 
0 
0 
Beans, Kidney, per ib. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Onions, bushel .. .. 
3 
6 
4 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Carrots, bunch .. .. .. 
0 
3 
0 
4 
Parsnips, dozen .. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen .. .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Potatoes, per cwt. .. 
2 
0 
4 
rt 
Celery, bundle . 
1 
0 
1 
3 
Salsafy, bundle .. ., 
1 
0 
1 
5 
Ooleworts, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Scorzonera, bundle .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Cucumbers, dozen .. .. 
2 
0 
7 
0 
Seakale, per basket .. 
1 
3 
1 
6 
Endive, dozen . 
1 
3 
1 
6 
Shallots, per lb. 
0 
3 
4 
0 
Herbs, bunch . 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel .. .. 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Leeks, bunch . 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Lettuce, dozen. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Turnips, bunch .. .. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Mushrooms, punnet ,. .. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES.—OUT FLOWERS. 
Orchid Blooms in variety. 
8. 
d. 
3. 
d 
9 . 
d. 
3. 
d. 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 
1 
6 to 
3 
0 
Narciss, White (French), 
Azalea, dozen sprays,. .. 
0 
4 
0 
6 
dozen bunches. 
3 
0 
to 5 
0 
Bouvardias, bunch .. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Pelargoniums, 12 bunches 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Camellias, dozen blooms ,. 
0 
9 
2 
0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 
Carnations, 12 blooms 
1 
6 
3 
0 
bunches. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Daffodil or Lent Lily 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Primula (double), dozen 
„ double. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
sprays . 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„ single. 
2 
6 
9 
0 
Primroses, doz. bunches .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Eucharis, dozen. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Pyrethrum, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Gardenias, per dozen 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Roses (indoor), dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Hyacinths, dozen spikes 
2 
0 
4 
0 
„ Tea, white, dozen .. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Hyacinth, Roman, dozen 
„ Yellow, dozen .. ., 
2 
0 
4 
0 
sprays . 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Roses (French), per dozen 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Lilac (French) per bunch 
2 
6 
4 
0 
Roses, Safrano (English), 
Lilies of the Valley, dozen 
per dozen. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
sprays . 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Roses, Marechal Neil, per 
Lilium longiflorum, per doz. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
dozen . 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Maidenhair Fern, dozen 
Snowdrops, doz. bunches,. 
1 
6 
3 
0 
bunches. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Tuberoses. 12 blooms.. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bunches ., 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Tulips, dozen blooms 
0 
6 
1 
6 
Mignonette, 12 bunches .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Violets, Parme (French), 
Myosotis or Forget-me- 
per bunch. 
2 
0 
3 
6 
nots, dozen bunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Violets, Czar (French), per 
Narciss, Yellow (French), 
bunch . 
2 
0 
2 
6 
dozen bunches. 
1 
6 
2 
G 
Violets (English), dozen 
Orchids, per dozen blcoms 
1 
0 
9 
0 
bunches . 
1 
0 
2 
0 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Arbor Vitse (golden) dozen 
6 
0 to 12 
0 
Ferns (small) per hundred 
4 
0 to 
8 
0 
Arum Lilies, per dozen ., 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Ficus elastica, each .. .. 
1 
0 
7 
6 
Aspidistra, per dozen 
18 
0 
36 
0 
Foliage plants, var., each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Aspidistra, specimen plant 
5 
0 
10 
6 
Genista, per dozen .. .. 
9 
0 
15 
0 
Azaleas, per dozen .. ,. 
24 
0 
42 
0 
Hyacinths, per dozen 
5 
0 
9 
0 
Cineraria, per dozen ,. .. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Lilium Harrissi, per dozen 
15 
0 
18 
0 
Cyclamen, per dozen.. .. 
9 
0 
18 
0 
Lycopodiums, per dozen .. 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Dracaena termiualis, per 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen .. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
dozen. 
18 
0 
42 
0 
Mignonette, per doz. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Dracmna viridis, dozen ,, 
9 
0 
24 
0 
Myrtles, dozen . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Ericas, per dozen .. ,. 
9 
0 
24 
0 
Palms, in var., each .. .. 
1 
0 
15 
0 
Euonvmus, var., dozen .. 
6 
0 
18 
0 
„ (specimens) .. .. 
21 
0 
P3 
0 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
24 
Solanums, per dozen.. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen .. 
4 
0 
18 
0 
Tulips, per dozen .. .. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
