.Miy 17,1£8?. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
409 
Is it true that manuring with nitrate of soda causes an excessive 
absorption of phosphoric acid and potash, and thereby diminishes the 
fertility of the soil ? Though the opinion that nitrate of soda exhausts 
the soil very much, so that succeeding crops grow badly, and therefore 
that the advantage of manuring with nitrate is very problematical, is 
now rarely advanced, yet it seems to me necessary to correct in this 
place the error which lies in that opinion, and to make the actual cir¬ 
cumstances clear through the results of new investigations. The fol¬ 
lowing must be noted in the first place. If by manuring with 200 lbs. 
of nitrate of soda the yield of the field is increased by about 600 lbs. of 
Oats and 1000 lbs. of Oat straw, then, in round numbers, 22 lbs. of 
potash and 7^ of phosphoric acid are contained in this extra crop, and of 
course the soil will be so much the poorer through manuring with 
nitrate, unless these qualities are restored to the field. It is evident 
that larger crops will withdraw correspondingly larger quantities of 
nourishing materials from the soil, and that the question as fo which 
substances and what quantities of these must be restoi-ed to the soil in 
order to preserve its fertility gains in importance as the yields increase ; 
but it would be very illogical to wish to raise an objection to the use of 
nitrate of soda from the fact that it converts nourishing materials lying 
in the soil into plant substances, for it is the proper aim of agriculture 
to transform into field produce the raw material at our disposal in the 
soil and in manures. 
This, then, I think clearly shows that nitrate of soda when judiciously 
used is capable of increasing the yield of crops and inducing a fertile 
growth in plants, in accordance with the sound judgment that is 
brought to bear upon its use, taking into consideration the circumstances 
already explained ; and the conclusions I draw from these facts are, that 
plants do not really require such a nicely proportioned chemical com¬ 
bination as my opponent has contended. Provided the principal 
elements they require are present, and that the nitrogenous manures are 
used in the way described, his own description of the action of nitrate 
on the pasture bears out this statement, as it clearly shows that it was 
the nitrate of soda that stimulates the grass so as to bring out the full 
productive powers of the soil ; and also that the deficiency thus caused 
in it was returned with interest in the form of phosphate of lime, 
carbonate of potash, and sulphate of potash, and various other sub¬ 
stances, of which the dung and urine of animals are composed. I find, 
therefore, from a study of these valuable investigations that the manures 
I recommended in the first place to be given to plants for a change 
contain in conjunction with the soil all the really important elements 
needed for plant food, only those elements were not given in what my 
opponent would call a “properly proportioned combination of the 
elements needed,” but used in a such a way that our knowledge of the 
habits of growth and purpose for which the various subjects were 
intended could be the better regulated according to the changing 
circumstances of light, air, heat, and water. It now only remains for 
me to thank you for the valuable space you have allowed me for the 
defence of my views ; and also my opponent for the spirited and 
energetic but friendly way in which he has criticised them.—H. Dunkin. 
[We think it due to our correspondents to express our acknowledg¬ 
ments of the ability displayed by both, and of the admirable tone main¬ 
tained through the interesting controversy, which may be continued if 
desired.] 
BLENHEIM PARK. 
AmO¥GST other improvements in progress at this celebrated ducal 
demesne we understand that the accumulated deposit of many years in 
the extensive lake is being removed, and that when the contemplated 
work is completed it will present as fair an appearance as it did more 
than half a century ago. The trunks of some of the old Oak trees in 
the park are of huge dimensions, some of them more than twelve paces 
round, veritable gnarled giants that have survived the storms of centuries. 
Many of them are passed on the approach to the gardens. 
Little has been left standing of the old glass structures in the kitchen 
garden, or it would be more correct to say that there has been an immense 
addition in recent years to the plant houses. There is one block of. as 
near as we can remember, 118 feet in length with glazed corridors at 
each end. These in addition to others have Iseen designed for cultivating 
Orchids, and it is manifest that a full measure of success has attended 
the undertaking, regarded both as to the enormous numbers of some of 
the kinds grown and their strikingly healthy appearance. An establish¬ 
ment that can furnish 1200 spikes of cool Orchids at once is, it must be 
admitted, one of an exceptionally limited class, and one that necessarily 
demands the most skilful management. 
The progress at Blenheim has not, however, been entirely with respect 
to the glass department. The large bush and standard fruit trees that 
may be remembered as growing in the enclosed garden have been trans¬ 
planted to a situation immediately outside, where they are now in 
eminently satisfactorr' condition. A selection of the best known varieties 
has been planted within the walls, and in numerous other respects there 
is much that is noteworthy. At every turn there is indication of the 
bold spirit of enterprise that prevails, together with evidence of pro¬ 
mising success. The time is not far distant, judging from what has 
already been achieved, when Blenheim, from a horticultural ])oint of 
view, will emerge from its final stages of transition a more perfectly 
appointed garden than at any other period in its history. The beauties 
of Blenheim it may be said are not confined to the 12 or more acres of 
garden proper which Mr. Mdiillans has so successfully dealt with, but 
there are panoramic views to be obtained that, like the sight of the 
12,000 Odontoglossum Alexandra, the groups of Cypripediums, and the 
lengths of dense masses of Stephanotis—festoons of fragranee—above 
Gardenia shrubs that are impressed on one’s memory, invests the antici¬ 
pation of a summer visit to the Park with feelings of real pleasure.—■ 
S. P. E. S. 
ROYAL BOTAKIC SOCIETY. 
May IGth. 
The summer shows of the above Society are invariably most attrac¬ 
tive, and in fine weather large num'bers of visitors attend. Unfor¬ 
tunately, although the Show was an exceedingly good one, the weather 
was very unfavourable, and the attendance in consequence was not so 
large as usual. The plants were admirably arranged by Mr. Coomber, 
the general effect at the entrance being varied yet harmonious, the side 
banks and slopes being occupied with numerous large specimen Boses, 
stove and greenhouse plants, and Azaleas, with fine central groups of 
Orchids, and choice non-competing plants and flowers. 
A magnificent bank of Orchids was formed by the competing col¬ 
lections, and Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, contributed two especially fine 
groups, winning the premier prizes both for twelve specimens and a 
group of Cattleyas and Lselias. The dozen specimens comprised fine 
masses of Cattleya citrina, C. Skinneri, C. intermedia superba, Laelia 
purpurata, and Odontoglossum vexillarium. The Cattleyas and Laslias 
in the other class included fine varieties of L. purpurata, two of which, 
nobilius and Arch Duchess, were certificated. Mr. James, Norwood, was 
second in both classes with large specimens. Mr. F. J. Hill, gardener 
to A. Little, Esq., The Barons, Twickenham, was first in the amateurs’ 
class for twelve Orchids and in the corresponding class for Cattleyas and 
Laelias, and in both cases the plants were admirably grown examples of 
choice species and varieties. An interesting group of Orchids from 
Messrs. H. Low & Co., Clapton, occupied one of the side banks, for which 
a small silver medal was awarded. 
Considerable space was occupied by Roses, which afforded some 
softer shades of colour than the Azaleas that usually occupy a good 
portion of their space. In the larger classes, Messrs. Paul & Son, 
Cheshunt ; C. Turner, Jackman, and Eumsey were the prizewinners. 
Mr. P. Perry, gardener to W. G. Rowlett, Esq., The Woodlands, 
Cheshunt, exhibited well in the amateurs’ class, and Messrs. Wm. Paul 
and Son, Waltham Cross, had a large non-competing group of Roses in 
pots and cut blooms, for which a silver medal was awarded. 
Azaleas from Mr. C. Turner won first prizes, both with six large 
specimens and twelve small ones, all being profusely flowered and 
brilliant plants. Mr. G. Wheeler, gardener to Sir Julian Goldsmid, 
St. John’s Lodge, Regent’s Park, was first in the amateurs’ class for 
six Azaleas, followed by Mr. R. Scott, gardener to Miss Foster, The 
Holme, Regent’s Park. 
Mr. H. .James took the lead with twelve and six specimen stove and 
greenhouse plants, including Azaleas, Heaths, Anthuriums, and various 
hardwooded plants. Mr. W. Chapman, gardener to J. Spode, Esq., 
Hawkesyard Park, Eugeley, secured first honours for six stove and 
greenhouse plants in the amateurs’ class with well-grown and evenly 
trained specimens of moderate size, but in excellent condition ; and his 
premier collection of twelve specimens was equally commended, a 
vigorous example of Statice profusa and an evenly trained globular 
plant of Dracophyllum gracile being noteworthy. 
Pelargoniums, both show and fancy varieties, formed handsome groups 
on opposite banks near the entrance to the tent, Mr. C. Turner gaining 
the leading honours, followed with fancy varieties by Mr. Phillips, 
gardener to E. W. Mann, Esq., Langley Broom, Slough, who was also 
first in the amateurs’ class for show varieties, followed by Mr. Hill. 
With hardy plants Messrs. Collins Brothers & Gabriel, Waterloo 
Bridge Road, won first honours, showing a fine group of nearly 100 
effective specimens. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, was second with a 
much larger collection of smaller plants, and, in consequence, not quite 
so effective. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, were third with a large 
group of small plants. Fine-foliage plants and Ferns were staged by 
Messrs. H. James, R. Butler, H. Offer, and G. Wheeler, who were awarded 
the principal prizes, the Palms generally being very healthy examples, 
but the Crotons were very deficient in colour. 
Miscellaneous exhibits in addition to those already noted were as 
follows,:—Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, had a magnificent group 
of Azaleas, Imantophylluras, Tuberous Begonias, choice Orchids, 
Gloxinias, Caladiums, Draemnas, Palms, and Ferns, admirably arranged 
(large silver medal). Mr. B. S. Williams contributed a choice group of 
Orchids and fine-foliage plants (large silver medal). Messrs. Wm. 
Cutbush A Son, Highgate, exhibited an effective group of greenhouse 
plants (silver medal). Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, had a 
group of fine Cinerarias (bronze medal). From Messrs. Cannell & Sons, 
Swanley, came a group of single and double Tuberous Begonias, 
representing some very fine varieties, also stands of Zonal Pelargoniums 
(bronze meilal) ; from Mr. D. Phillips a group of Pelargoniums (bronze 
medal). Mr. J. Walker, Thame, showed two boxes of wonderfully fine 
Mareclial Niel Roses (bronze medal). Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent 
Garden, showed a large group of Daffodils and hardy flowers (large 
bronze medal). 
Floricultural certificates were awarded to Sir. C. Turner for Azalea 
indica Theodore Reimers, double, purplish crimson ; Louise Vervacne, 
double white ; Amidu Coeur, large double red ; and Vervaenianum, double 
salmon and white, fine. To Messrs. Carter & Co. for Mimulus Carter’s 
Jubilee Prize, fine deep red, gold centre ; to Mr. H. Bennett, Shepper- 
ton, for the bronze yellow Tea Rose, Princess Beatrice; to Messrs. 
