October 4, 1888. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
325 
lifting- Young Vines (TV. T.). — Tt is a great mistake to have 
Muscats planted alternately with Black Ham burghs in the same house, 
as justice cannot he done to either, and we do not think you will mend 
matters by shifting the Muscats to one end, having Black Hamburghs at 
the other, as it is scarcely possible to maintain the needful temperature 
for Muscats by less ventilation at that end of the structure. What you 
require is a partition so as to make the house into two, having Muscats 
in one and the Black Hamburghs in the other, and even then you will 
need to have the pipes arranged so as to heat each house separately. It is 
little use attempting to grow Muscats if you cannot command a higher 
temperature than 50° when they are in flower. Instead of lifting the 
Vines we shonld take up fresh canes from the Black Hamburghs 
and train them so as to supplant the Muscats, or you might graft 
the Muscats with varieties requiring similar treatment to the Black 
Hamburghs. 
Pruning Neglected Vines ( Walnert). — In order to insure a crop 
of Grapes next year the shoots should be pruned to various lengths 
and to a plump bud in all cases on well-ripened wood. If the spur 
shoots are cut hard back there is little prospect of a crop of fruit, and 
there may not be a satisfactory break. It is much better to act cau¬ 
tiously in cases of this kind, as the hard pruning is only calculated to 
induce further growth, and scarcely that from pruning hard back to 
two-year-old dormant buds. We should prune or cut away some of the 
shoots where most crowded and least promising, and so shorten the 
other as to provide for an even spread of growth and crop. If the 
Vines are desired on the spur system a fresh cane may betakeu up from 
the base of the rafter, and as this advances the old spurs or growths on 
the old rod may be cut away to allow of its extension, and ultimately 
be removed. In that way the rods may be renewed without loss of 
crop. 
Asphalt (.7. J7.).—The small dust should be rejected, also the 
larger particles, but under ordinary circumstances it is only necessary 
to pass the ashes through the screen, using the screened part, the 
rougher portions being employed for the foundation of the road or 
pathway. The best material is the ash from large boiler furnaces, as it 
is harder burned than that of house grates, and passed through a half¬ 
inch screen it is first rate. The clinkers broken if requisite will be 
suitable for forming the necessary bed, which should have the same 
form as the intended surface. Soft stone is no good, as it will not wear, 
but it may be used for levelling before laying the asphalt. Leave a 
hole in the centre of the ashes, into which pour boiling coal tar, mix 
well together, and when as stiff as mortar lay it down 3 inches thick on 
a dry and previously well levelled surface. It may be sprinkled with 
fine spar or granite or sand, distributing just enough to prevent the 
boots sticking to it, and when sufficiently firm pass a roller over it. All 
the materials as well as the surface on which the asphalt is placed 
should be perfectly dry. Cold tar will not answer, it must be boiling 
hot. 
Sowing Ranunculus Seed (77. .7. 7*.).— Sow the seed in February 
in boxes about 18 inches long by 11 inches wide and 4 inches deep, full 
of loamy soil, and the surface level. Let the seeds be about the eighth 
of an inch apart, cover them thinly with soil, and water with a fine 
rose, placing the boxes in a cold frame. The plants usually make their 
apppearance in about a month. Afford air day and night except in 
the severest weather, then cover with mats. Place them outdoors about 
the second week in May, and water daily until the leaves wither, 
let the soil become quite dry, and in the middle of July lift and pre¬ 
serve the roots in bags until February, and then plant them as the 
general stock. In the following June they will flower. The roots 
should be planted in drills about 2 inches deep, placing a little sand 
at the bottom, and after planting just cover the crowns with sand. 
The rows should be 5 inches apart and the roots 4 inches asunder. The 
beds may be 4 feet wide, with 18-inch-wide alleys between. The ground 
requires to be in good heart and well worked. Your proposed pre¬ 
paration of the ground ought to answer. The commercial value may 
be 10s. per 1000 roots, but much depends upon the strain and other 
circumstances. 
Spearmint and Peppermint (.17. S.). —Spearmint, or Green-mint, 
is Mentha viridis, a native of Britain, in marshy places. The plant has 
a strong, aromatic odour, with a warm and slightly bitter taste, which 
is less pungent but more agreeable than that of peppermint. The 
properties of the plant depend on a volatile oil, obtained by distillation. 
Oil of Spearmint is pale yellow or greenish when fresh, but becomes 
darker with age, and ultimately of a mahogany colour ; it is used for 
the same purposes as oil of Peppermint. Its specific gravity is 0-975, 
and its boiling point 320°. Peppermint (M. piperita) is also'a native of 
Britain. The plant has a warm, pungent, and camphorous,taste, leaving 
a remarkably cold sensation in the mouth. Its odour is very strong, 
balsamic, and penetrating, particularly When touched, and which it does 
not lose, even in drying. Peppermint is stimulant/and aromatic, and is 
good against nausea and flatulence. Its properties are owing to the 
presence of a large quantity of volatile oil which it contains, and is 
obtained by distillation. Oil of Peppermint is greenish-yellow, and has 
a strong aromatic odour, with a warm, camphorous, and very pungent 
taste. Its specific gravity is 0-920, and its boiling point 3G5°. It is 
often adulterated with alcohol, and even with oil of turpentine. Com¬ 
bined with alcohol it forms essence of Peppermint, and it is used 
medicinally as a carminative and stimulant, as well as in confectionary 
for flavouring bonbons. Peppermint water, obtained by distillation, is 
very much employed in tonic, cordial, and anti-spasmodic drinks. 
Names of Fruits.— 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. (No Name)— I, Jefferson ; 2, Washington ; 3, Pond’s 
Seedling. Pear unknown. (E. Wallis). —White Magnum Bonum. 
(J7. A.). —Pear not known. It ought to be gathered before it is ripe 
and allowed to mature in the fruit room. ( G. L. Court). —Beurrb 
d’Amanlis. 
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 a fresh 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 r 
and the numbers should be visible without untying the ligatures, 
it being often difficult to separate them when the paper is damp. 
(II. C. Sons ).—The specimen being loosely packed was damaged and 
dried when it reached us, but it is probably Matricaria inodora plena, a 
hardy plant of easy culture. (IF. C., Ilavant). —The succulent plant is- 
Stapelia variegata. The Cypripedium is a good variety of C. insigne* 
(G. II.). —3, Gymnogramma chrysophylla; 5, Selaginella Martensi 
variegata. The other specimens are insufficient for naming, and a sample 
of the wood and foliage should have been sent with the Plum. ( T.. S .).— 
We will endeavour to give you the name required next week* 
(R. II. S.). — 1, Xylophylla falcata ; 2, Veronica Andersoni; 3, Osmunda 
gracilis ; 4, Doodia aspera. (77. IF.).—Lobelia syphilitica. 
COVENT GARDEN 1 
our market is now overstocked with 
Cohs down in price. 
8. 
a. 
B. 
a. 
Apple*, \ sieve. 
2 
6 to 4 
6 
Cherries, $ sieve .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Oobs, 100 lbs. 
70 
0 
76 
0 
Currants (Red). ^ sieve .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ (Slack), \ sieve.. 
, 0 
0 
0 
0 
drapes, per ft. 
0 
6 
a 
6 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
Artichokes, dozen •• •• 2 
Asparagus, bundle .. .. 0 
0 
to 3 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Beans, Kidney,per lb. .. 0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 1 
0 
2 
0 
Broccoli, bundle .. .. 0 
Brussels Sprouts, \ sieve 0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cabbage, dozen .. 1 
6 
0 
0 
Capsicums, per 100 .. 0 
0 
0 
0 
Carrots, bunch .. .. 0 
4 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen .. 3 
0 
4 
0 
Celery, bundle .. .. 1 
8 
2 
0 
Coleworts, dcz. bunches 2 
0 
4 
0 
Cucumbers, each .. .. 0 
s 
0 
4 
Endive, dozen.1 
0 
2 
0 
Hero?, bunch.0 
2 
0 
0 
Leeks, bunch •• •• .. 0 
8 
0 
CUT 
4 
F 
8. 
d. 
8 
la. 
Abutilcns, 12 bunches .. 2 
0 to 4 
0 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 8 
0 
6 
0 
Asters, dozen bunches .. 2 
0 
4 
0 
,, French, per bunch 1 
0 
i 
8 
Azalea, 12 sprays .. .. 1 
0 
2 
0 
Bouvardias, bunch .. .. 0 
6 
i 
0 
Calceolaria, 12 bunches.. 0 
0 
0 
0 
Camellias, 12 blooms .. 3 
0 
4 
0 
Carnations, 12 blooms 1 
0 
2 
0 
„ 13 bunches .. 4 
0 
6 
0 
Chrysanthemums, 12 bl... 1 
0 
4 
0 
„ 12 bcha. 2 
0 
6 
0 
Corr>fl iwer. 12 buuches.. 1 
0 
3 
0 
Dahlias, 12 bunches.. .. 2 
0 
4 
0 
Daisies, 12 bunches .. 2 
0 
4 
0 
Eucharis, dozen .. .. 2 
0 
4 
0 
Gardenias, 12 blooms .. 1 
6 
4 
0 
Lapageria, 12 blooms ,, 1 
0 
2 
6 
Lavender, 12 bunches .. 3 
0 
4 
0 
Lilinm longiflorum, 12 
blooms. 3 0 6 0 
PLANTS 
e. d. s. d. 
Aralia Sicboldi, dozen ., 
6 
0 to 12 
0 
Arbor vitae (golden) dozen 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Asters, 12 pots. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Balsams, per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Begonia, variovs, per doz. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Chrysanthemum, uoz. .. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
large, doz. 
15 
0 
24 
0 
Coleus, dezen. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Cra^snia, dozen 
Dracaena terminalis, doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
so 
0 
80 
0 
„ viridis, dozen.. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Euonymus, in var.,dozen 
8 
0 
18 
0 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen 
4 
0 
18 
0 
Ficus elastics, each .. 
i 
6 
7 
0 
,ET.— OCTOBER 3ed. 
i, with difficulty clearing at low prices* 
8. 
a. 
8. 
d. 
Lemons, case.10 
0 to 15 
0 
Oranges, per 100 .. .. 4 
0 
9 
0 
Peaches, dozon.2 
0 
6 
ft 
Pears, dozen.0 
9 
i 
6 
Plums, t-eisva. 2 
0 
4 
ft 
St. Micnael Pines, each 8 
0 
6 
0 
s. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
Lettuce,dozen .. .. 0 
9 
to 1 
S' 
Mushrooms, punnet .. 0 
8 
1 
ft 
Mustard and Cress, punt. 0 
2 
0 
ft 
New Potatoes,per owt... 8 
0 
14 
<> 
Onions, bunoh.0 
S 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 2 
0 
s 
0 
Parsnips, dozen .. .. 1 
0 
0 
0 
Potatoes, per cwt... .. 4 
0 
6 
ft 
,, Kidnev,per cwt. 4 
0 
8 
0 
Rhubarb, bundle .. .. 0 
2 
0 
ft 
Salsafv, bundle .. „ 1 
0 
1 
6 
Scorzonero, bundle .. 1 
8 
0 
ft 
Shallots, per .. .. 0 
s 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel .. .. 1 
6 
2 
0 
Tomatoes, per ft.0 
3 
0 
7 
Turnips, bunch •• •• 0 
4 
0 
& 
8. 
d. 
B. 
d. 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 
2 
0 to 6 
ft 
Mignonette, 12 bunches 
1 
0 
8 
0 
Panwies, 12 bchs .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
ft 
Pelargoniums, 12 trasses 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 
0 
3 
0 
ft 
Pyrethrum, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
ft 
Roses, Red, 12 blooms .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„ (outdoor), 12 bcha 
8 
0 
6 
ft 
,, (indoor), dozen .. 
0 
8 
1 
0 
„ Tea, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
„ yellow . 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Stephanotis, 12 sprays .. 
2 
0 
4 
» 
Stocks, 12 bunches .. .. 
4 
0 
6 
ft 
S weet Peas, dozen .. .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Sweet Sultan, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
4 
ft 
Tropseolum, 12 bunches 
i 
0 
2 
0 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms .. 
0 
4 
0 
Gladiolus, 12 sprays 
0 
6 
1 
6 
Violets, 12 buuches.. .. 
1 
0 
1 
6- 
„ Parme (French), 
per bunch 
8 
0 
4 
o- 
N TOTS. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Foliage Plants, vat. ,each 2 
0 to 10 
0 
Fuchsia, dozen pots .. 8 
0 
6 
0 
Genista, per dozen .. 6 
0 
0 
0 
Heliotrope, dozen pots .. 8 
0 
6 
o 
Ivy Geranium.0 
0 
0 
0 
Hydrangea, dozen .. .. 6 
0 
12 
ft 
Lilinm, various, doz. po's 12 
0 
21 
0 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen 6 
0 
12 
ft 
Mignonette, per dozen .. 4 
0 
6 
0 
Musk, dozen pots .. .. 0 
0 
0 
ft 
Myrtles, dozen.. ., .. 6 
0 
12 
0 
Nastartiums, per dozen.. 0 
0 
0 
ft 
Palms, in var. .each .. 2 
6 
21 
a 
Pelargoniums, dozen .. 0 
0 
0 
o 
„ scarlet,doz. 3 
0 
6 
0 
