July 5, 1888. J 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
15 
swell or not after injury by the hail storm. You diil right in applying 
light dressings of nitrate of soda for inducing a quick growth of new 
leaves, but had tetter not continue its use much longer. 
Pink and Blue Hydrangeas (Y. C .).—You ask if liquid manure 
of any kind given to Hydrangeas will cause the flowers to have a deep 
pink tinge, and add that, “ alum will cause it, but it injures the plants.” 
As alum is given to cause the flowers to become blue, and as they are 
usually more or less pink, perhaps you inadvertently used the wonlpmk 
instead of blue. The plants are injured by alum when it is used in 
excess. On the subject of blue Hydrangeas a correspondent, who has 
had them in abundance, wrote some time ago :—“ Iron rust is an excel¬ 
lent agent for changing the pink flowers of the Hydrangea to a deep 
blue. In a valley here there is a vast ochreous deposit arising from 
the action of the air upon mineral springs. Some thousands of cart¬ 
loads of the soil through which this water has percolated for a long 
course of years has been used for fruit stations and flower borders. 
All the Hydrangeas (about fifty in number) that have been planted 
in it have grown freely, and are annually laden with a profusion of 
flowers of a deep rich blue colour. This fact is as important as it is 
interesting, affording a hint of such value as to place bluc-floweied 
Hydrangeas within the means of everyone. Here is my explanation. 
Ochre in its pure state is simply a combination of iron rust and water, 
technically termed a hydrated peroxide of iron or ferric acid. If, 
therefore, common ochre be mixed with the soil in which Hydrangeas 
are planted the flowers will come blue, and the depth of colour will be 
pretty much in proportion to the quantity of ochre used as well as its 
condition. It is well to remember this, because the ochre of commeice 
is often much adulterated with substances which are only to be detected 
by a chemical test.” Sulphate of ammonia at the strength of from a 
quarter to half an ounce to a gallon of water given to tlie roots twice 
or thrice a week deepens the colour of Hydrangeas. 
House for Porcing- Rhubarb ( Young Gardener'). —A lean-to 
facing east would answer very well. As you only require it for 
affording a daily supply, we presume for a private establishment, a 
house C feet 6 inches wide inside would answer, and the height at 
the back need not be more than 7 feet fi inches. This will allow of 
a bed in front 1 feet wide, but 1^ inches of the width would be 
required for a wall, which should be taken up 18 inches above the 
ground level, and have a wooden coping inches by 2.‘ inches. The 
front wall need not be more than 4 feet (1 inches high above the 
ground level. A flow and return 3-inch pipe will be sufficient ; 
indeed you will require valves to regulate the heat where the pipes 
enter the house, and the flow may be fixed along the front a few 
inches above the surface of the bed, and the return in the pathway, 
either next the bed or against the wall. If the ground allow of the 
pathway being sunk to the depth of the bed, it would be an advantage 
as regards the height of the front wall. The best soil we have used 
for packing around the stools of Rhubarb for forcing is leaf mould. 
A temperature of 55° is necessary to have the finest stalks, but in 
forcing against time the temperature may be 65°. About a dozen stools 
of three-year-old plants must be introduced at intervals of a fortnight 
or three weeks, according to the demand, to maintain a daily supply, 
from three weeks to a month being needed from the introduction of the 
plants to gathering. As two or three rows of stools can be put in the 
bed the house would need to be about 18 feet long. It is usual to have 
a wider house in which to force Mushrooms and Seakale, as well as 
Rhubarb ; and, whilst you are about it, it may not be undesirable to give 
the subject consideration, a larger structure being relatively cheaper, as 
it certainly is moi-e useful than the smaller. We maintain a daily supply 
of Mushrooms, Seakale, and Rhubarb in the forcing season from a house 
13 feet long and 11 feet wide, having beds on the floor on both sides 
18 inches deep by 3 feet G inches wide, including the walls, for Rhubarb 
and Seakale forcing, and two beds on each side above them for Mush¬ 
rooms, there being 18 inches space between the beds. The house is a 
lean-to with a north aspect. If you were to give a more precise 
account of your requirements we might be able to furnish a more 
definite reply. 
Names 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 afresh state in firm boxes. 
Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry cotton 
wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once. 
( Unknown ).—The plant is Pitcairnia punicea, also known as Pepinia 
punicea, and is occasionally grown in gardens as P. Jacksoni. It is very 
handsome when grown like the specimen sent. ( [Batile ).—A dark 
variety of Cypripedium barbatum. (S.). —The Lilium is L. testaceum ; 
the Odontoglossum is a small variety of the 0. luteo-purpureum type. 
( M. C .).—Cattleya Reineckiana, undoubtedly. (<?.).—Probably Rodri- 
guezia crispa. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 4th. 
BrflXEFS remaps the .ame with large supplies to hand. Prices generally easier- 
Outdoor Strawfceiries in full supply. 
FRUIT. 
s. d. s. d. b. d. s. d. 
Apples, J sieve.0 0 to 0 0 Oranges, per 100 .. .. 4 0 to 0 0 
Nova Scotia and Peaches, dozen.6 0 12 0 
Canada barrel 10 0 18 0 Pears, dozen. 0 0 0 0 
Cobs,1001bs. 45 0 0 0 St. Michael Pines, each SO 5 0 
Grapes, per lb. 1 6 8 6 Strawberries, per lb. ..0 6 10 
lemons, case.10 0 15 0 
VEGETAI LES. 
f. 
d. 
8. 
d 
8. 
d. 
p. 
d. 
Artichokes, dozen .. .. 
2 
0 
to 8 
0 
Lettuce, dozen •• •• 
0 
9 to 1 
3 
Asparagus,ouiidJe .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Mushrooms, punnit 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Peans, Kidney, per lb. .. 
0 
6 
0 
0 
Mustard and Cress, punt. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
New Potbtoep, per owt... 
8 
0 
It 
0 
Broccoli, bundle .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Onions, bunch. 
U 
3 
0 
0 
Brussels Sprouts, £ sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen ounches 
2 
0 
8 
0 
Cabbage, dozen .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Parsnips, dozen .. .. 
i 
0 
0 
0 
CapsicuraF, per 100 .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Potatoes, per cwt. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
CarrotP, bunch .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
,, Kidnev, per cwt. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Ciuliflowers, dozen 
s 
0 
4 
0 
Rhubarb, bundle .. .. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Celery, bundle .. .. 
1 
< 
2 
0 
Salsafv, bundle .. 
I 
0 
1 
6 
Coleworts, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Scorzonera, bundle 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Cucumber?, each .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
7 
Shallots, per lb. 
0 
8 
0 
0 
Endive, dozen. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Spinach, bushel .. .. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Hero?, bunch. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. 
0 
6 
0 
10 
Lseks, bunch .. M M 
0 
8 
. 0 
4 
Turnips, bunch .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
» 
CUT 
FLOWERS; 
8. 
d. 
8 
a. 
8. 
d. 
0. 
d. 
Abntilons, 12 bonches .. 
2 
0 to 4 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
to 6 
o- 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Mignonette. 12 bunches 
8 
0 
6 
ft 
Asters, French, per bunch 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Pansies, 12 bchs .. .. 
1 
0 
4 
o 
Azalea, 12 sprays .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Peiargoni ums, 12 trusses 
0 
6 
i 
0 
Bouvardias, bunch .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 
0 
4 
0 
6 
Calceolaria. 12 bunches.. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Pinks, various, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Camellias, 12 blooms 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Polyanthus, 12 bchs 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Carnations, 12 blooms .. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Pyrethrum, doz. bunches 
s 
0 
6 
o 
,, 12 bunches .. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Roses, Red, 12 bl 10 ms .. 
1 
6 
2 
u 
Cor. flower, 12 bnnehes.. 
i 
6 
8 
0 
,, (outdoor), 12 bchs 
4 
0 
12 
Of 
Daisies, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
,, (indoor), dozen 
0 
fi 
1 
6 
Delphinium, 12 bunches.. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
„ Tea, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
6 
Epiphyllum, 12 blooms .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ yellow . 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Eucharis, dozen .. .. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
,, (Moss), 12 bunches 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Gardenias, 12 blooms .. 
1 
6 
4 
0 
Spiraea, bunch. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Iris, 12 bunches .. .. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Stephanotis, 12 sprays .. 
1 
6 
8 
0 
Lapageria, coloured, 12 
Stocks, 12 bunches .. .. 
1 
6 
4 
0 
bloom 8. 
i 
0 
i 
6 
S veet Peas, dozen .. .. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
Lilium candidum, Freach, 
Sweet Sultan, 12 bunches 
6 
0 
8 
0- 
per bnnch . 
i 
0 
3 
0 
Tropaeolum, 12 bunches 
1 
0 
2 
0 
„ E- glish 12 blooms 
i 
0 
1 
6 
Tuberoses. 12 blooms .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Lilium lougiflorum, 12 
White G1 idiolus,12 sprays 
0 
9 
1 
8 
blooms. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
White Lilac, per bunch .. 
0 
0 
0 
0- 
PLANTS 
IN POTS. 
S. 
a. 
8, 
d. 
s. 
d. 
0. 
4. 
Aralia Si=b jldi, dozen .. 
6 
0 to 12 
0 
Fuchsia, dozen pots 
4 
Oto 12 
0 
Arbor vitae (golden) dozen 12 
0 
24 
0 
Genista, per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Bedding out plmts in 
Heliotrope, dozen pots .. 
4 
0 
8 
o 
variety, per dozen 
i 
0 
3 
0 
Ivy Geranium. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Calceolaria, per dozen.. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Hydrangea, dozen .. .. 
9 
0 
18 
0- 
Cineraria, dozen .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Lilies Valley, dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Coleus, d( zen. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Lilium Harrissii, doz. po‘ s 
18 
0 
SO 
0 
Craseula, dozen .. .. 
18 
0 
80 
0 
Lobelia, per dozen .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Deutzia, per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen 
6 
0 
12 
» 
Draciena terminalis, doz. 30 
0 
60 
0 
Mignonette, per dozen .. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
,, viridis, dozen.. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Musk, dozen pots .. .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Erica, various, dozen 
» 
0 
18 
0 
Myrtles, dozer.. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
„ veatricosa .. .. 
18 
0 
24 
0 
Nastartiums, per dozen.. 
3 
0 
6 
o 
Euonymus, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Palms, in var.,each 
2 
6 
21 
0 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Pelargoniums, dozen 
6 
0 
18 
» 
Ferns, in variety, dozen 
i 
0 
18 
0 
,, scarlet, doz. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
Ficus elastica, each 
1 
8 
7 
0 
Spirea japonica, doz. .. 
6 
0 
18 
0- 
Foliage Plants, var.,each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Stocks, per dozen .. .. 
8 
0 
6 
u 
MANURES FOR PASTURES. 
THE DYSON’S WOOD EXPERIMENTS. 
Tiie end and aim of these experiments is to ascertain which- 
manure, or mixture of manures, answers best for the promotion 
of a full development of all the Clovers and Grasses sown upon 
new pastures or found established in old ones, and not to induce- 
rampant growth of a few at the expense of the remainder. That 
such important knowledge w is surely, if slowly, being evolved, was- 
clearly evident when our inspection was made on June 21st— 
slowly, because results are materially affected by weather, and this-, 
being so, experience has shown that greater certainty attends the. 
result of hay crops than those of the aftermath, which is so fre¬ 
quently spoilt by the drought of summer. Repeatedly have we 
told our readers, as an unmistakeable result of our own experience, 
that the application of chemical manures not later than the end of 
February tends to promote such strong free growth as insures a 
full crop of hay. Sown then, the nitrogenous manure is quite 
certain to be dissolved and all of the manure washed down to the 
roots, and it is found that the growth of pasture so nourished is so 
little affected by cold spring weather that it is always comparatively 
