January 2J, 18,88 ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
lb 
the earlier the better. If you require a better growth of grass, apply a 
dressing of decayed manure or compost a short time after using the lime 
and wood ashes, or apply soot during moist weather when the grass 
begins to grow. A peck per rod is a sufficient dressing. 
Witrate of Soda and Sulphate of Ammonia (JVartli 
As a rule the former is somewhat quicker in its action, the latter a little 
more lasting in effect, but the results are not uniform in all seasons, 
and on differing crops and soil. Speaking broadly, nitrate of soda is 
• the more effective in dry soils and seasons, sulphate of ammonia in cold 
soils and in wet seasons. It is impossible to indicate the quantity best 
to apply, as this must be determined by the fertility of the soil and the 
condition of the crops. An ounce of either sprinkled on a square yard 
of ground and hoed in, also watered in dry weather, would be a good 
dressing, and better results might be expected to follow with twice the 
quantity of superphosphate of lime added to your Roses and Straw¬ 
berries. You cannot make a mistake by trying both the nitrogenous 
manures, as they will stimulate growth, and you may then find which is 
the better for your soil and purpose. 
Yellow Picotees (Y. Wond^. —They are certainly not a “new 
race.” We have known them for thirty years at least, and remember 
some seedlings raised by Mr. Richard Smith of Witney that caused 
somewhat of a sensation at the time. In searching for a reference to 
these we find that after the death of Mr. Smith in 1860 his stock was 
P'laccd in the hands of Mr. J. 1). Hextall, who further alludes to the 
section as follows in “ Gossip of the Garden,” page 257, vol. vi. (1861). 
*• My own acquaintance with the yellow Picotee extends as far back as 
1821. 1 found a coloured plate of a bloom given in ‘ A Treatise on the 
Pink. Carnation,’ &;c., by Thos. Hogg, a high authority in those tlays. 
Its singularity attracted my attention, and I obtained a dozen varieties 
from Mr. Hogg as a trial ; but in a wet season, and with plants of 
German origin from a climate warmer and drier than our own, and the 
stock not sufficiently acclimatised, it was no wonder I did not then 
succeed. A few years afterwards I procured some of the best English 
raised ones I could obtain, and have continued to grow them to the 
})resent time, adding from time to time the new ones sent out by Mr. 
May, Mr. Bragg, and others, but must confess they have fallen short 
of my wishes. It remained for a veteran amateur, by a dozen years of 
unwearied scientific hybridisation, to accomplish that which had been 
attempted with less success by professional growers. Mr. Smith’s 
memory will for many years he perpetuated by his labours. There can 
be no doubt that the introduction of these seedlings, of such superior 
quality and stamina, will gi-eatly tend to the future popularity of the 
class, and if persevered in as they deserve to be, and a fair proportion 
of encouragement given to them, that they will add a new and attractive 
feature to the future exhibitions of the National Carnation and Picotee 
Society.” 
Porcing- House Arrangrements QCamhrkltia ).—It is not neces¬ 
sary to have the partition ; indeed, it would be alike objectionable from 
a cultural and economic point of view. A propagating frame could be 
made to I'est on the slates or covering over the hot-water pipes in the 
bed, and with cocoa refuse for plunging the cutting pots you will have 
all that is required for the successful propagation of most plants. It 
would be most desirable to have both sides the house arranged as shown 
on the east side in the plan, having the two I-inch pipes for bottom heat 
forming a chamber by covering with slates, and with cocoa refuse the 
arrangement would be complete, as it would form a moist medium for 
standing pots upon, or for plunging such as it is deemed advisable to 
afford bottom heat. For so narrow a house side ventilation is not neces¬ 
sary, but it should be provided in the roof at the ridge. The side walls 
we should have reduced to inches, four courses of bricks from the 
top, which should— Lc., the four courses of 4^ inch—be built in cement. 
This would form a ledge on which two rows of 4-inch pipes, a flow and 
return over each other, could be placed, and would give all the top heat 
necessary. The pipes on the roof are not necessary for the forcing 
house. The hot-water pipes for top heat will be quite right in the 
troughs, and adopting our plan you will only need a boai'd the depth of 
the pipes to keep the plunging material away from them. A shelf over 
them might be useful for small plants, but it must not rest on them, 
being fully 6 inches from them, so that the heat may rise freely, in fact 
it would be better without it. A frame on the west side would be useful. 
It would be best heated with hot-water pipes. A l.^-inch or 2-inch flow 
and return would be ample for a frame 6 feet wide inside. We have 
heated them very successfully by fixing the piping beneath the bearing 
pieces or rafters, one pipe at the lower part and the other near the 
middle of the slope of the roof. 
rruit for Strong- Soil (We;« Stib-iurther ').—If you cannot make 
the clayey soil more open by additions of lime rubbish, sand, or gritty 
matter of any kind, you should collect a little of the freest soil you can 
find to place in actual contact with the roots, fresh roots not forming 
quickly in cold heavy land. If you could char or partially burn some 
of the soil, it would improve it considerably for fruit culture. Both 
orchard standard, and bush or pyramid trees would answer, and it is 
for yourself to choose which form you prefer. The latter take up the 
least space and hear the soonest, but eventually, and in the course of 
years, the former give the most fruit with the least trouble in pruning. 
You do not say whether you wish to grow dessert as well as culinary 
Apples ; if you wish to do so, Irish Peach, Devonshire Quarrenden, and 
Cox’s Orange Pippin are good ; Duchess of Oldenburgh, Wormsley 
Pippin, and Blenheim Pippin are good for both dessert and cooking, 
the fii'St being the best for bushes, the last for standards. Stirling 
Castle, Small’s Admirable, and Lane’s Prince Albert are good for bush 
trees. Of Pears Williams’ Bon Chrfitien, Beurrd d’Amanlis, Louise 
Bonne of Jersey, Fondaute d’Automne. Doyennb du Comice and Ber- 
gamotte Esperen are good growers and bearers of excellent fruit. 
Denyer’s Victoria is one of the most profitable Plums, but if you want a 
variety for succession Rivers’ Royal Prolific, The Czar, White Magnum 
Bonum, Victoria, Pond’s Seedling and Grand Duke will be useful. 
You do not state your wants very precisely, so we give the best rejily 
we can under the circumstances. The sooner you plant the trees the 
better, but the soil must be in a dry and friable condition, not wet and 
adhesive when the work is done. Spread the roots out straight, cutting 
off any broken ends and cover with crumbled soil 4 or 5 inc’nes deep, 
and if when all is finished the trees are on mounds 3 or 4 inches above 
the general level of the ground they will be better than if planted level 
in your cold heavy soil. Stake to prevent their being blown about, and 
if convenient spread a layer of 3 inches of littery manure on the soil 
over the roots and a foot beyond their extension. The trees should be 
pruned soon after they are planted, shortening the wood made last year 
to half its length, more or less, due regard being paid to the symmetry 
of the trees, also thin out any misplaced or overcrowded growths alto¬ 
gether, following in regard to the disposition of the branches the routine 
described on page 37 last week. 
Hames 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 can¬ 
not be preserved. (P. //. Wrif/ht ').—1, Walsgrove Wonder ; 2, Lady 
Henniker ; 3, Greenup’s Pippin. 
Hames 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. 
(M.P. Ci).— Cupressus sempervirens stricta. (^Surrey Gardener). —Yes, 
your plant is the true Freesia refracta alba. F. Leichtlini is not so pure, 
being of a creamy yellow tint. The Epacris is miniata splendens. 
(IF. B. Sd). —1, Kennedya Marryattm ; 2, Cypripedium insigne Maulei 
3, Lidia albida. (P. .4.).—1, Libonia tloribunda ; 2, Peristrophe 
speciosa ; 3, Acacia platyptera ; 4, Erica melanthera. 
OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Januaky 25th. 
MAtKET Btill very quiet -with supplies falling off. 
VEGETABLES. 
8 
d. 
6. d. 
8. 
d. 
8 
d. 
Artichokes, dozen •» •• 1 
0 
to 2 0 
Lsttuoe, dozen ., .. 0 
9 
to 1 
3 
.Asparagus, bundle . • • • 0 
0 
0 0 
Mushrooms, punnet •• 0 
6 
1 
0 
Beans, Kidney, per lb. .. 1 
0 
0 0 
Mustard and Cress, punt. 0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 1 
0 
2 0 
Onions, bunch.. .. •• 0 
8 
0 
0 
Broccoli, bundle .. .. 0 
0 
0 0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 2 
0 
s 
0 
Brussels Sprout?, ^ sieve 3 
6 
1 0 
Parsnips, dozen .. .. 1 
0 
0 
0 
Cabbage, dozen «« •• X 
6 
0 0 
Potatoes, per cwt. 4 
0 
6 
a 
Capsicump, per 100 •• 1 
6 
2 0 
,, Kidney, per cwt. 4 
0 
0 
0 
Carrots, bunch •• •• 0 
4 
0 0 
Rhubarb, bundle .. .. 0 
2 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen •• 3 
0 
4 0 
Salsafy, bundle •• *• 1 
0 
1 
a 
Celery, bundle . • • • 1 
6 
2 0 
Scorzonera, bundle •• 1 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts, doz. bunches 2 
0 
4 0 
Seakale, basket .. .. 1 
0 
1 
3 
Cucumbers, each •. •• 0 
6 
1 3 
Shallot?, per ft .0 
S 
0 
0 
Eudive, dozen •• •• •• 1 
0 
2 0 
Spinach, bushel .. ,. 1 
6 
2 
0 
Herb?, bunch.0 
2 
0 0 
Tomatoes, per ft, •• •• 0 
6 
1 
0 
Leeks, bunch.. 0 
3 
0 4 
Turnips, bunch •* 0 
4 
0 
6 
FRUIT. 
8. 
d. 
s. d. 
s. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
Apples, i sieve.1 
6 
to 3 6 
Oranges, per 100 .. .. 2 
0 to 5 
0 
Nova Scotia and 
Pears, dozen.3 
0 
6 
0 
Canada barrel 10 
0 
13 0 
Pine Apple?, English, 
Cobs, 100 lbs. ..55 
0 
0 0 
per ft.0 
0 
0 
0 
G-rapos, per ft .2 
0 
8 6 
St. Michael Fines, each 5 
0 
5 
a 
Lsmon?, case.10 
0 
16 0 
CUT FLOWERS. 
8. 
d. 
s d. 
B. 
d. 
B. 
<?. 
Ahutllons, 12 bunches .. S 
0 
to 6 0 
Lilies, White, 12 bunches 0 
0 
to 0 
0 
Anemones (French), 12 
„ Orange, 12 bunches 0 
0 
0 
0 
bunches S 
0 
4 0 
Lily of the Valley, 12 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 6 
0 
8 0 
sprays . 0 
9 
1 
&• 
Asters, 12 bunches . . »« 0 
0 
0 0 
Mignonette. 12 bunches 8 
0 
6 
0 
Azalea, 12 sprays ., .. 0 
8 
1 0 
Narciss, white (Fiench) 12 
Bouvardias, bunch .. .. 0 
6 
1 0 
bunches . 3 
0 
9 
0^ 
Camellias, 12 blooms . • 3 
0 
4 0 
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses 1 
0 
1 
6 
Caraations, 12 blooms ,. 1 
0 
3 0 
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 0 
6 
0 
9 
Christmas R'^ses or 
Poinsettia, 12 blooms , • 4 
0 
8 
0 
Hellebore. 12 blooms ., 0 
R 
2 0 
Primula (single), bunch, . 0 
6 
0 
0 
Chrysantbemums.l2bchs. 15 
0 
24 0 
,, (double), bunch ,, 0 
9 
1 
6 
,, 12 blooms 2 
0 
4 0 
Polyanthus, 12 bunches, . 0 
0 
0 
0 
Cyclamen, 12 blooms .. U 
6 
1 0 
Ranunculus, 12 bunches 0 
0 
0 
9 
Daisies, 12 bunches .. 2 
0 
4 0 
Roses, Red, 12 blooms .. 12 
0 
18 
0 
Epiphjllum. 12 blooms •• 0 
6 
0 9 
„ (indoor), dozen .. 3 
0 
4 
a 
Eucharis, dozen .• •• 4 
0 
6 0 
„ Tea, dozen .. .. 1 
6 
6 
0 
Gardenias, 12 blooms .. 18 
0 
30 0 
red, dozen (French) 1 
6 
8 
0 
Hyacinths, Roman, 12 
„ yellow .4 
0 
9 
O' 
sprays .. 0 
6 
1 0 
Stephanotis, 12 sprays .. 0 
0 
0 
0 
Iris, 12 hunches ,• .. 0 
0 
0 0 
Tropaeolum, 12 bunches 2 
0 
3 
0 
Lapageria, white, 12 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms •• 1 
0 
1 
6 
blooms.2 
0 
8 0 
Tulips, dozen blooms .. 0 
9 
1 
6 
Lapageria, coloured, 12 
Violets, 12 bunches.. .. 1 
0 
1 
6 
bloODTB.1 
0 
1 6 
„ (French), bunch 1 
9 
2 
3 
Lilinm longiflornm, 12 
„ (Parme), bunch 6 
u 
7 
0 
blooms.6 
0 
9 0 
White Lilac, per bunch .. 6 
0 
7 
a 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 2 
0 
6 0 
