April 26,1888. ] 
JOrRXAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
353 
by having to traverse the various parts of the boiler before it reaches the 
chimney, is suitable. In tbe^c boilers either coal or coke can be con¬ 
sumed, or a mixture of both ; for instance, slack and gas coke constitute 
a good fuel. In the selection of a boiler we should advise you not to 
have one that is worked, or must lie set, with outer flues of brick, but 
one so that all the heat would be enclosed within the boiler. 
Hyacintb Stems Dislocated {Col. Urquhartl )—Your Hyacinths 
and letter were placed before the Scientific Committee of the Royal 
Horticultural Society, and the following is their report thereon ; — 
“ Specimens of this not uncommon phenomenon were sent from Colonel 
Urquhart of Rosebay, Broughty Ferry, for information as to the cause. 
The spikes have the appearance of being pinched off when just emerging 
from the bulb. The cause is apparently twofold. On the one hand the 
bud-scales at the top are too rigid, while on the other the spike was well 
nourished, the result being that the insufficient expansion of the scales 
checked the development of the spike at the place where it becomes de¬ 
capitated. The probable explanation was the excessively fine season of 
1887, the ‘ripening off’ bringing about the rigidity of the bulb-scales, 
at the same time favouring the formation of the spike within. Mr. Bur- 
bidge observed that it is a noticeable fact that the Japanese gash their 
bulbs with three slits at the top, to allow of the free escape of the spike, 
and to prevent such constrictions.” 
Wet Tennis Dawn (IF. 7?.).—The half of the lavvn which is so 
wet and unsatisfactory is obviously the result of bad workmanship. In 
levelling, some of the clay should have been taken out and a layer of 
porous soil added equal in thickness to that under the other half of the 
turf that is good. Drains in such a case are of small service, as the 
surface water cannot pass through the clay above them. Where drains 
are operative it is mainly by subsoil water rising upwards, then passing 
away through them, the level of the pipes being what is termed the 
water table, which but for them would be higher and the land might be 
swamped. Water does not pass downwards and directly into drains, but 
to the water table, hence pipes a foot below the surface may be “ dry,” 
while others 2 or 3 feet below them may “ run” freely. The turf should 
be taken off, some of the clay removed, a thick layer of soil and ashes 
spread on, firmed, and the turf relai i. Until that is done the bad half 
of the lawn cannot be made equal to the other. Those, who made the 
lawn were either ignorant or negligent, and you are a sufferer by their 
imperfect work. 
Gros IWaroc Vine Bunebes Shrivellingr (,9. -V.). — It is a conse¬ 
quence of the immaturity of the buds, which may be due to the extreme 
vigour of the Vine and the overcrowding of the growths, the principal 
foliage not having had full exposure to light. The shoots, or those 
parts of them that are to be relied upon for fruiting in the ensuing 
season, should in the current year have plenty of space for the foliage, so 
that the buds at the base of the leaves may be perfectly formed through 
the complete assimilation of the sap, the growth being thoroughly soli¬ 
dified as made, and nutrient matter stored in the buds and adjacent 
wood, on which depends not only the formation of the buds but their 
perfect development into fruitful shoots the following season. The 
laterals on those parts should be kept well in hand, either removed 
altogether or pinched at the first leaf, no further growth beyond a joint 
being allowed without stopping, and not these if the laterals interfere 
with the exposure of the main leaves to light and air. Sometimes the 
basal buds in vigorous Vines do not afford fruit, whilst an increase of 
length in pruning results in a satisfactory crop, which we think would 
meet your case—viz., do not prune so closely, thereby securing more 
fully developed buds on wood with more stored up sap. This Grape is 
not only more fruitful, but the fruit is finer and of better quality 
grafted on the Black Hamburgh than on its own roots, and this applies 
to all the thick-skinned varieties. 
BTames 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. 
(<?. P.).—We do not undertake to name varieties of Azaleas. These are 
now so numerous that they can only be determined by comparison with 
a large collection. (P. if.).—They are probably varieties of Narcissus 
pseudo-Narcissus. (Jajmtiica ).—Dendrobium eburneum. (P. R. J .").— 
The plant is Hippuris vulgaris, commonly called the Mare’s-tail, to dis¬ 
tinguish it from the Equisetums, which are termed Horsetails. (//. d/.). 
—1, Stenocarpus Cunninghami: 2, Anopterus glandulosa ; 3, Andro¬ 
meda angustifolia. (IF. G. II.'). —Spirma confusa. (P. H.). —1, Poly¬ 
gala Chammbuxus ; 2. Andromeda angustifolia; 3, Scilla campanulata 
alba; 4, Corydalis tuberosa. We cannot undertake to name varieties 
of Daffodils. Both yours are forms of Narcissus pseudo-Narcissus. 
(77. 0 .).—A fine pale variety of Crinum ornatum. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April 25th. 
Prices continue about the same as last week. 
FRUIT. 
s. d. B. d. 
Apples, 4 sieve.. .. .. 2 6 to 4 6 
Nova Scotia and 
Canada barrel 10 0 18 0 
Cobs, 100 lbs. 45 0 0 0 
Grapes, per lb. 3 6 60 
Tiemoiis, case.10 0 15 0 
s. d. 8. d. 
Oranges, per 100 .. .. 2 0 to6 0 
Fears, dozen. 3 0 6 0 
Pine Apples, English, 
per lb. 0 0 00 
St. Michael Pines, each SO 6 0 
Strawberries, per lb. .. 4 0 8 0 
VEGETABLES. 
B. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
B. 
d. 
e 
d. 
ArtiohokeP, dozen •• •• 
1 
0 
to 2 
0 
Lettuce,dozen •• ,, 
0 
9 
to 1 
3 
Asparagus, bundle .. .. 
8 
0 
b 
0 
Jdushroutns, punnet ,, 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Beans, Kidney,per lb. •• 
1 
6 
0 
0 
ilustard and Cress, punt. 
0 
2 
0 
B 
Beet, Red, dozen •• •• 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Ouionp, bunch. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Broccoli, bundle •• •• 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
8 
0 
Brussels Sprouts, } sieve 
3 
6 
4 
0 
Parsnips, dozen ., 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Cabbage, dozen .« 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Potatoes, per cwt. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicums, per 100 
1 
6 
2 
0 
„ Kidae.v, per owt. 
4 
0 
0 
0 
Carrote, bunch ,. ,, 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Rhubarb, bundle ,, 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Ciuliflowert*, dozen 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Salsafy, bundle .. ,. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Celery, bundle •• .. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Scorzonera, bundle ♦, 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
i 
0 
Seakale, basket •• •• 
1 
8 
1 
9 
Cucumbers, each •, •« 
0 
4 
0 
7 
Shallots, per tb. 
0 
s 
0 
0 
Eadive, dozen.. •• •• 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Spinach, bushel ., ,. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Herop, bunch •• ,, ,, 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per Ib. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
L^eks.bunch •• •• •• 
0 
3 
0 
4 
TurniD.s, bunch ,. ., 
0 
4 
0 
6 
PLANTS 
IN POTS. 
S. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
a. 
Aralia Sieboldi, dozen 
6 
0tol2 
0 
Fnehsia. dozen. 
6 
0tol2 
0 
Arborvit{e(golden) dozen 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Genista, per dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Arum Lilies, dozen.. .. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Hyacinths, dozen .• .. 
5 
0 
10 
0 
Azalea, dozen. 
18 
0 
33 
0 
Hydrangea,dozen •• 
9 
0 
18 
0 
Cineraria, dozen .. 
6 
0 
10 
0 
Lilies Valley, dozen 
18 
0 
24 
0 
Cyclamen, dozen .. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Liliam doz. 
24 
0 
36 
0 
Dielytra, per doz jn 
12 
0 
18 
0 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Deutzia, per dozen 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Myrtles, dozen,, 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Dracaena teruiinalis, doz. 
30 
0 
60 
0 
Narciss, per dozen 
8 
0 
10 
a 
„ yiridis, dozen.. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Palms, in var., each 
2 
6 
21 
0 
Erica, various, dozen .. 
9 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums, dozen 
12 
0 
18 
0 
Tentricosa .. .. 
18 
0 
24 
0 
„ scarlet, doz. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Euonymus, in var.,dozen 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Poinsettia, dozen .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Solanum, dozen .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen 
1 
0 
18 
0 
Spirea japouica, doz. 
9 
0 
16 
0 
Ficus elastica, each 
1 
6 
7 
0 
Tulips, dozen pots . • .« 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Foliage Plants, var., each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
CUT 
FLOWERS. 
8. 
d. 
8 
d. 
B. 
d. 
i. 
d. 
Abntilons, 12 bunches ,. 
8 
0 to 6 
0 
Lily of the Valley, 12 
Anenome (Fulgens), 2 
sprays . 
0 
6 to 1 
0 
bunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Mignonette. 12 bnnehea 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Anemones (French), 12 
Narciss,white (French) 12 
bunches 
1 
6 
4 
0 
bunches . 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Amm Lilies,12 blooms •• 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Naroies, various, 12 bohs 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Azalea, 12 sprays .. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Bouvardias, bunch . • •. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Camellias, 12 blooms •• 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Primroses,12bunche3 .. 
0 
9 
1 
6 
Carnations, 12 blooms •• 
1 
0 
3 
0 
„ (double), bunch .. 
0 
9 
1 
6 
Cyclamen, 12 blodms 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Roses, Red, 12 blooms •. 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Daffodils, Double, 12 bebs 
2 
0 
4 
0 
,, (indoor), dozen 
3 
0 
4 
0 
„ Single, 12 bohs 
1 
0 
3 
0 
„ Tea, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
6 
Daisies, 12 bunebes 
2 
0 
4 
0 
red, dozen (French) 
1 
6 
8 
0 
Epiphyllum, 12 blooms .• 
0 
4 
0 
6 
„ yellow . 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Euebaris, dozen ,, 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Spirffia, bunch. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Gardenias, 12 blooms •• 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Stephanotis, 12 sprays .. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Hyacinths, French, 12 
Tropreolum, 12 bnuohes 
2 
0 
3 
0 
bunches ., 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Lapageria, coloured, 12 
Tulips, dozen blooms •• 
0 
6 
1 
0 
blooms. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Violets, 12 bunches.. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Lilinm longiflorum, 12 
„ (French), bunch 
1 
0 
2 
0 
blooms. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
„ (Parme), bunch 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bnnohea 
2 
0 
6 
0 
White Lilac, per bunch .. 
5 
0 
6 
6 
HELPS TO SUCCESS—FRUIT ON FARMS. 
The practice of economy, in the full and most comprehensive 
sense of the term, which has arisen out of the agricultural de 
pression, has not only enabled really earnest energetic men to 
curtail expenses, but it has in such able hands assumed an aspect 
altogether apart from mere saving, for it is brought to bear upon 
every cultural detail. Much more attention is now given to the 
growth of crops for which there is a particular demand within a 
moderate distance of the farm, and we are bound to admit that 
there is a growing desire for improvement among farmers generally. 
Only a few hours before sitting down to write this article we were 
asked by a farmer fast approaching the ordinary span of human 
life to tell him what in our opinion was the best manure for Man- 
j golds. More than ordinary interest was excited by the question, 
for his land adjoins an artificial manure factory, and he had doubt¬ 
less expended much money in years gone by upon special manure 
mixtures. Of course we were only too glad to do our best for him, 
and he seemed positively amazed at the simplicity of our formula. 
He owned to having wasted money upon the dealers’ mixtures, 
about which he knew nothing, and expressed his anxiety to try and 
do better. It is in such applications that we find our reward for 
trying to show farmers that improvement in practice is possible. 
