358 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
I October 27, 1887. 
adjoins the mansion, and is a commodious structure. Externally its 
architectural features are unobtrusive. Nor are the internal arrange¬ 
ments more conspicuous ; there is plenty of space for promenading 
round the fountain in the centre, and the plants are grouped at the 
sides of the structure. The floor is not laid with blue and red Minton 
tiles or Italian marble ; but it is as comfortable and safe to walk upon 
as fine gravel, is clean in appearance, and neutral in colour. Growing 
all over the roof is a gigantic Acacia mimossefolia, from which 
cartloads of flowers are cut annually. Ferns and foliage plants are 
grouped about, and a clump of Bambusa is in full flower, and its plumes 
have a beautiful effect. 
Planted on the lawns are beautiful specimens of Conifer®, varying 
from 20 to 30 feet in height. These have been planted judiciously in 
partially sheltered positions ; henci nearly every tree is a perfect speci¬ 
men of its kind. Thousands of Conifers are spoiled through lack of 
shelter from the prevailing winds. People think that if the soil and 
climate are suitable for them that is all that is required, but a greater 
mistake could not possibly be made. Conifers will thrive in almost any 
kind of soil—but retentive loamy soil is the best for them—and in a 
comparatively bad atmosphere, if they are only sheltered from the wind; 
and the best shelter is that afforded by other trees. 
Among the Conifers most worthy of notice were Thujopsis borealis, 
Cupressus Lawsonianus, Picea Nordmanniana and P. Pinsapo, Crypto- 
meria japonica, Thuia Lobbi and Thuia gigantea, Abies canadensis, 
Abies Douglasi, Larix Kasmpferi, Pinus cembra, Pinus excelsa, Araucaria 
imbricata, Cedrus Deodara, Cedrus atlantica, Wellingtonia gigantea, and 
Picea nobilis ; these represent the “ cream ” of the Conifer®, and it is 
a treat to see such a splendid collection. When artistically grouped the 
effect produced by this class of trees cannot be surpassed by any fine- 
foliage d plants in the stove or greenhouse. Prominent features at 
Drayton Manor are the avenues of Pinus excelsa with its silvery-grey 
effect; the avenue, dark and sombre—and in contrast with the spark¬ 
ling waterfall beyond—of the fine Irish Yews ; and the stately avenue 
of Araucaria imbricata, with their walks of velvety greensward. 
In the glass structures were good crops of Tomatoes, Cucumbers, 
Grapes, &o., and hundreds of small decorative plants were in exuberant 
health. The vegetable and fruit crops in the kitchen gardens were 
luxuriant and abundant, and testify to the energy and ability of Mr. 
Mack.—J. Udale, Efurd. 
LTLIUM SPECIOSUM AND ITS VARIETIES. 
At the conclusion of the first paragraph at page 299 on the above 
subject, your correspondent, “ D., Deal," remarks that his notes may 
not be unacceptable to some of the many Lily lovers who read the 
Journal,” and I for one confess that I have read his “ notes ” with great 
interest, and the more so when I see that he has an acquaintance with 
this Lily of which few can boast. Would “ D., Deal," mind stating if 
the species was first called “ speciosum,” or whether the name “ lanei- 
folium ” now regard d as erroneous was adopted ? Some years ago I 
had the acquaintance of a very eld nursery hand who was conversant 
with the introduction of Lilium lancifolium, by which name he always 
spoke of this group. I have another reason for asking the question— 
namely. “ The Floricultural Cabinet ” for 1838 contains a coloured figure 
of this Lily under the name of L. speciosum, while L. lancifolium ap¬ 
pears to be first introduced in 1820. But the variety to which I refer as 
figured in the number of the “ Cabinet” quoted, is nearly if not quite 
identical with the now existing L. s. Melpomene, and is thus described, 
M It is not only handsome on account of its clear deep rose-coloured 
flowers, which seem all rugged with rubies and garnets and sparkling 
with crystal points, but has a very delightful fragrance.” Th n, again, 
in the “ Cabinet ” for 1839 there is another variety figured under the 
name of L. lancifolium roseum, but this appears to me to be a mistake, 
and I am inclined to the belief that it is the true punctatum by its very 
distinct sj ots, and also by its yellow anthers, which is I believe the true 
characteristic of punctatum, and as far as I know found in no other 
coloured Lily of this group. This appears to be a later introduction, 
and reference is given as to its flowering in Messrs. Low’s nursery at 
Clapton, and also Messrs. Loddiges’ of Hackney. No notice is taken 
about calling the one speciosum and the other lancifolium, and both are 
referred to as of delightful fragrance. I also notice that “ D., Deal," 
speaks of their “ delightful and fragrant blooms,” but can this be re¬ 
garded as strictly correct ? I think if it was at all fragrant I should 
have found it out years ago, and I have been associated with thousands 
of their flowers this summer. Its non-fragrance I had regarded 
characteristic of the group, and since your correspondent's notes ap¬ 
peared I have requested several people to tell me whether they could 
detect any perfume, and to-day, October 17th, I have had a last try for 
this season on a bloom or two of Kraetzeri, but it cannot be regarded 
as a fragrant Lily, as compared with auratum, longiflorum, chalcedoni- 
-cum, Szovitzianum, tenuifolium,pomponium, and others. Perhaps “ D., 
J'eal," will tell us more of this fragrance, of which I cannot find any 
mention in Dr. Wallace’s “Not s on Lilies,” but this I find that the 
punctatum of Lemaire, “Flore des Serres,” 276, albiflorum of the 
“ Bot. Mag.,” t. 3785, and lancifolium roseum of “ Paxton’s Magazine,” 
vol. v., tab. 267 are synonymous. 
Will your correspondent be good enough to inform the readers of the 
Journal if his variety punctatum has yellow anthers ? This is an im¬ 
portant characteristic, but which I do not find mentioned in any work I 
have. My experience of it is identical as regards its more delicate 
constitution. 
There are not many well defined forms, as stated at page 299, which 
is to be wondered at considering its free seeding qualities and the 
number of seedlings raised by the Dutch growers, hence the numerous 
slight variations of flowers and of general habit. To the list of varie¬ 
ties named I would add L. s. album prascox, and L. s. album novum. 
The former is a July flower, pure white, and the latter is also a pure 
white very distinct flower, revolute when fully open, good vigorous 
habit, 5feet high ; this has also yellow anthers, consequently a very 
distinct white on that account, and a companion to punctatum in this 
particular. This is somewhat singular that these two should be possessed 
of yellow anthers, while all the others, at least I believe all, have brown 
or chocolate anthers ; it is, however, a most decisive character, and 
which cannot be well confused. 
These Lilies may, as far as winter frost is concerned, be regarded as 
quite hardy; not so, howevt r, in the biting frosts of spring, which in 
some localities is very trying to them, and in some seasons disfigure 
them not a little, but a very slight protection will suffice, such as a few 
sprays of Laurels or small sticks, or boughs of trees, or if they are 
planted in the Rhododendron bed, the leaves and branches of these wilt 
perform the necessary function ; and to protect their blossoms when ex¬ 
panding I make it a rule to remove the anthers as soon as the buds open, 
and while they are yet hard ; the flowers then last for a fortnight aad 
even longer either on the plants or in a cut state, but as pot plants for-- 
the greenhouse and conservatory they are unrivalled at their time. To 
their culture in pots I cannot add much that is new ; I must, however, 
endorse what has been said in the notes referred to, of the great risk, 
in standing them out exposed to all weathers, for this is as dangerous as- 
drying them off. After they are repotted in October stand them on a 
bed of coal ashes, and cover with about 6 inches of the same material.. 
I find they keep well at this depth, and never become too wet, but if 
from incessant rains I should deem it requisite I cover with old lights,, 
boards, or the like. I prefer deep planting, and the soil is a rich light 
loam without peat, though they do not object to it. T see no improve¬ 
ment, however, by using it, and being an expensive item I do without 
it. Nearly two years ago I planted a large bed, about 200 Kraetzeri,.to- 
which I gave peat; these I lifted on October 17th, and though they are 
in splendid style. I see nothing exceptional which is likely to cause me 
to use it again, since others planted in loam are equally good. I plant 
deeply with a view to assist the great mass of stem roots annually formed r 
and I find that, by deep planting a greater number of stem bulbs are 
formed, which is a consideration. 
I consider 24-size pots a fair size for good bulbs ; under this I do- 
not think there is sufficient room for the proper development of the 
future bulb, and a little extra room always brings its reward. My" 
plants usually carry from ten to sixteen flowers, and I give weak cow 
mauure and soot water regularly daily in summer time. Charcoal is ex¬ 
cellent and never out of place. But why does “ D., Dea 1 ," in potting- 
leave a portion of the bulb exposed ? He most certainly would not do so- 
if he planted in the open ground ; why, then, does he pursue it for pot. 
culture, and what benefit does the plant derive ? Would it not be as- 
well to supply the whole of the soil at once as well as at two periods £ 
and is it not foreign to the nature of any Lily that its bulbs should be 
exposed to the ever-changing influences of atmosphere? For my part I 
never allow any Lily, even if I expect to plant it in a day or so, to be 
left uncovered for an hour. I cover with bags immediately they are 
out of the ground, and with fibre or soil directly they enter the shed,— 
J. H. E. 
INDIAN EXPERIENCES. 
(Continued from page 339.) 
When a person is desirous of obtaining a piece of land on the 
Nilgiris nowadays for the purpose of Tea or Chinchona cultivation he 
must first of all consult th3 district maps to see whether the choice is- 
reserved. If there is no reserve he then makes formal application to- 
the collector to have it put up to auction, and after a delay extending 
over several months the sale is advertised in the district Gazette, and the- 
land is sold. On the day of sale woe to the applicant who is out of 
favour with the wily native, for, as the auction is public, he may find 
his discharged cook, butler, or tailor calmly bidding against him. 
Should the first applicant cease bidding, and the land be knocked down 
to the native, he generally manages to disappear in a mysterious manner,, 
and the land relapses to the Government, who will put it up again if 
requested; but as probably the original applicant is by this time- 
disgusted the land remains waste. 
Under the new rules land may be taken up without going to auction,, 
but in this case the rent is payable from the date of occupation. This- 
tax on land may not appear heavy to English agriculturists, but when; 
it is taken into account that there is no return from Chinchona officinalis- 
(almost the only species now cultivated) until the fifth or sixth year 
after planting, it will be seen that this tax, combined with the 
restrictions of sale and the difficulty in actually becoming possessor of 
the land, is much too high. Chinchona planters have other difficulties- 
to contend with. Grass collected from waste lands—that would otherwise 
fall a prey to annual fires on the hill sides—for the use of the plantations- 
is f axed, as is also all forest produce used in buildings, except grass used 
in thatching ; so that if two Lundies of grass be cut and only one used) 
in thatching, that one is taxed, while the other goes free. As tie; 
decortication of the Chinchona trees is only undertaken during the 
rainy season, fuel is required for drying the bark, which is used at the 
rate of 3 lbs. of fuel to 1 lb. of bark. This fuel is supplied by the 
