380 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
May 17, 1894. 
and when found in them have often been introduced with grass 
sods or earth brought from fields, which they specially haunt. It 
is the habit of the wireworm, however, to descend deeper into the 
ground than does the cranefly maggot. Rolling the soil, in the 
case of both insects, though it does not in itself hurt them, is of 
service, under some circumstances, as it interferes with their 
freedom of movement ; also just the opposite plan, breaking it uu 
during dry weather, when the insects are more easily reached 
by their natural enemies, or they may be destroyed by some 
application. 
Baits of sliced Carrots or Potatoes will capture wireworms, 
centipedes also sometimes, but do not seem to entice the cranefly 
or Tipula maggot. This false wireworm is just now attacking 
Peas in some places, and needs looking after ; a spring dressing of 
quicklime, soot, and wood ashes dry, and in equal proportions, has 
'been found serviceable. A friend had suffered much with his 
'Tomatoes from the true wireworm this season, and applied success¬ 
fully a mixture of 2 ozs. petroleum to a gallon of water. No doubt 
sprinkling the surface with soot and salt is of use, alkalis being 
unpleasant to the wireworm. Soda-ash is effective, but gas-lime 
has been known to fail.— Entomologist. 
PLANTS FOR HOUSE DECORATION. 
In dealing with the above subject one must remember that it is 
somewhat unlimited, for innumerable plants may be used for house 
decoration. I shall, therefore, only touch on those which I consider the 
best for the purpose. Ornamental foliage plants are much more exten¬ 
sively used than those which flower, but I will give lists of the most 
suitable of both kinds, either to be used as single specimens or for 
grouping. 
For Halls, Corridors, and Staircases. 
There are no plants grown I believe that are so largely employed 
for decorative purposes as Palms, and certainly few that will give 
such an effect when grouped in the hall or on the staircases. Among 
the best will be found Latania borbonica, Kentia Forsteriana, 
Chamffirops humilis and excelsa, Rhapis humilis, Phoenix, Arecas, 
and Thrinax in variety. 
Dracisnas may also be utilised, and of course for the hall and corridors 
the greenhouse varieties will be found to stand the dry atmosphere better 
than the stove kinds, although these may be used with advantage in 
sheltered nooks and corners either singly or in conjunetion with other 
foliage or flowering plants. A few useful greenhouse varieties are 
I), australis, D. congesta, D. indivisa, D. lineata, and D. rubra. The 
stove sorts include D. Cooperi, D. Goldieana, D. regina, D. Guilfoylei, 
D. Lindeni, D. terminalis, and many others. Ficus elastica and elastica 
variegata make a good effect with their large glossy leaves, and when 
■in pots from 4 to 6-inch they can be placed in vases or stands. Curculigo 
recurvata looks very well indeed, especially when used with the other 
foliage and flowering plants, and it has the advantage over Palms in 
being easily propagated by offsets, and growing to a suitable size in a 
short time. Crotons are very ornamental, but I do not recommend them 
being largely used. If the halls and corridors are heated a short stay 
will not do a great deal of harm, but gas is injurious to them. 
Cyperus alternifolius and variegatus are pretty plants suitable for 
the edges of the larger groups or as single specimens. Pandanus Veitchi 
is another plant well adapted for standing in vases, especially when 
of fairly large size. Aspidistra lurida variegata must rank as one 
of the hardiest and most useful decorative plants we have, its ability to 
withstand the effect of gas being alone sufficient to recommend it to all 
gardeners who have anything to do with house decoration. Grevillea 
robusta with its Fern-like foliage presents a light, graceful appearance, 
and is effective when associated with other plants. Acacias, Aralias, 
Aucubas, Myrtles, Euonymuses, and Veronicas may be employed with 
advantage, and even where gas be used the plants can be utilised. 
Many kinds of Ferns are indispensable, and of Tree Ferns Dicksonias 
antarctica and squarrosa, with Cyathea dealbata, according to their size, 
may be used as single specimens, or mixed with the groups of Palms and 
other plants. Many different speeies and varieties of stove, greenhouse, 
and hardy Ferns are adapted for this work, but these are too numerous 
to mention. Those most extensively used are the varieties of Adiantum 
nnd Pteris. 
I will now mention a few of the most suitable flowering plants, 
bulbs, and shrubs. Of course it will depend on the season as to what 
kind of flowers should be used. If, for instance, it is in November, 
what more beautiful plant could be arranged, and with more effect, than 
the Chrysanthemum, especially when used with the Palms and other 
foliage plants ? Camellias in variety, winter-flowering Carnations, 
Epiphyllums, Primulas, Cyclamens, Salvias, Mignonette, Zonal Pelar¬ 
goniums specially prepared for the winter. Arum Lilies, Roman Hya¬ 
cinths, and Solanums (berries) are all gay, and will maintain a bright 
appearance until well into the New Year. At that period Azaleas, 
Cytisus, Hyacinths, Deutzia gracilis, Spirma jrponica. Narcissi, 
winter-flowering Begonias, Laurustinus, Lily of the Valley. Heaths, 
Abutilons, and Amaryllis will be forthcoming. Spring will bring forth 
an abundance of Dielytras, Tulips, Roses, Cinerarias, Imantopbyllums, 
Primroses, Hydrangeas, Calceolarias, Lachenalias, Epacris, and Rhodo¬ 
dendrons, all of which are most effective. In the summer there will be 
Fuchsias, Begonias, Campanulas, Petunias, Phloxes, Liliums, Cockscombs, 
Celosiao, Heliotrope, and a host of other floweiiug plants to carry the 
decoration until the Chrysanthemums are again in bloom. 
For Pedestals, Vases, and Stands in Rooms. 
For these we have a large assortment of plants, both foliage and 
flowering, from w'hich to make a selection. Gardeners should not study 
what they like, but rather what will please their employers. Some 
persons admire flowering and foliage plants in combination, and 
certainly, in my opinion, this is as it should be. Still, others prefer 
principally foliage, and not a few mu-t have all flowering plants. 
A selection of the most graceful Palms will be found necessary, and 
one must be guided by the size of the vases and the positions they occupy. 
Cocos Weddelliana will surely rank first among Palms, but Areca lutescens, 
A. Baueri, Euterpe edulis, Chamterops humilis, C. excelsa, Seaforthia 
elegans, and many other Palms will be found to give a good effect and 
stand the atmosphere of the rooms fairly wdl. Ferns are favourite 
plants, and when grown well and hardened in a cool and dry tempe¬ 
rature, will sometimes last for months together, especially if in a 
favourable position with an average amount of light. Among the best 
are Adiantum cuneatum, A. pubescens, A. gracillimum, A. capillus- 
Veneris, Asplenium bulbiferum, Davallia canariense, Blechnum corcova- 
dense, Cheilanthes elegans, Dicksonia antarctica, Lomaria gibba, 
L. gibba crispa, Microlepia hirta cristata, Nephrolepis exaltata, 
N. tuberosa, Ouychium japonicum, Pteris cretica, P. cretica albo- 
lineata, P. serrulata, and P. tremula. Dracmnas will here again prove 
useful, and the greenhouse species w i Jstand a long time in good con¬ 
dition—viz., D. australis, D. congesta, D. indivisa, and D. rubra. The 
stove varieties should be changed oftener—D. Cooperi, D. Goldieana, 
D. Baptist!, D. Lindeni, D. regina, and D. terminalis are excellent 
decorative plants. Aspidistra lunda and its variegated form must also 
be reckoned amongst the best plants for room decoration. Grevillea 
robusta, as before remarked, is very ornamental and distinct, and is also 
easily raised from seeds. Pandanus utilis and Veitchi, Ficus elastica, 
F, elastica variegata, Aralia elegantissima. Asparagus plumosus, and 
A. plumosus nanus, ornamental foliage Begonias, Crotons in variety, 
Cyperus alternifolius and C. alternifolius variegatus, Aralia Sieboldi, and 
A. Sieboldi variegata might also be employed. 
Of flowering plants for the purpose of associating with the above 
mentioned, Bouvardias in variety are always much admired, as are 
Spirfea japonica, Lily of the Valley, Arum Lilies, Carnations (especially 
the Souvenir de la Malmaison varieties), Primula sinensis in variety, 
P. obconica, P. floribunda. Begonias in variety, Deutzias, Dielytras, 
Gardenias, Eucharis amazonica, Amaryllises, Pancratium fragrans. 
Gloxinias, Hyacinths, Heliotrope, Campanulas, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, 
Cinerarias, Petunias, Musk, Cyclamens, Hydrangeas, Gladioli, Celosias, 
and Abutilons. To these could be added many more, and by studying 
our employers we can find out in what direction their taste lay, and 
grow extensively what we know will please them. 
If there are window boxes in the rooms, or corners where plants are 
grouped, Selaginellas, Panicum variegatum, and Tradescantias will have 
to be grown, and are best in small pots. Coleus, which I had forgotten 
to mention, will come especially useful for window boxes in conjunction 
with Ferns and flowering plants. 
Dinner Table Decoration, 
For dinner table decoration where plants are used alone, a large 
assortment of both foliage and flowering plants will have to be grown, 
and in suitable sized pots for the purpose. For the centre of the table 
Palms of a graceful habit will be most largely used, and the following 
are suitable varieties, as they can be kept in good condition for a long 
period in from 3 to 4-inch pots—Cocos Weddelliana, Areca lutescens, 
A. Herbsti, Euterpe edulis, and Geonoma gracilis. Grevillea robusta 
might be utilised for this purpose, as can be some of the Dractenas and 
Asparagus plumosus nanus. Smaller plants are employed as a ground¬ 
work for the centre one, and for dotting about the table in pairs and 
fours. Those suited for this purpose are Caladium argyrites. Coleus, 
Pandanus, Dracsenas, Ferns, Selaginellas, Panicum variegatum, and 
Isolepis gracilis. Among flowering plants to be used in conjunction 
with the above foliage plants grow Gloxinias of the erect flowering type. 
Begonias, Cyclamen, hybrid Streptocarpus, Chinese Primulas, Primula 
obconica, and P. floribunda. The last two can also be had in flower all 
the year, and all I have mentioned make good plants in from 2 ^ to 4-inch 
pots. Through the winter and spring the following bulbs may be 
employed—Roman and other Hyacinths, Crocus, Tulips, and Jonquils. 
—Perennial. , ,. , , 
(To be continued.) 
RIPENING AND PRESERVATION OF FRUITS. 
[By Da. G. 0. Oaldwell, Professor of Chemistry, Cornell University. Read at the 
annual meeting of the Western New York Horticultural Society, January, 1894., 
The decay of fruit is the final ending up of a series of chemical 
changes, the beginning of which is away back at its first appearance 
after the flower withers and dies. The green fruit behaves like a green 
leaf; it takes up carbonic acid from the air and water from either air or 
soil, and gives off oxygen, and makes what we call vegetable substance, 
such as the cellulose of the walls of the multitade of very little cells or 
chambers of which the fruit is built up, and which increase in number 
and size as the fruit grows, as we make a house larger by adding on 
more rooms, or adding to the size of those that we already have. Then, 
in these cells, other vegetable substances are stored, such as starch, fats, 
