May 17, 1888. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
415 
Various {J. —We have seen excellent beds of double Petunias, 
and on the other hand many that were not satisfactory. Much depends 
on the varieties that are grown and the weather. During a wet and 
generally cold summer double Petunias arc seldom effective in beds, 
even in the south of England, or in Wales, where you reside. Last 
summer the plants flowered remarkably well in beds ; but for massing, 
the single varieties are, as a rule, much more effective than the doubles, 
and exuberant growth is checked and floriferous induced by plunging 
the pots an inch or two over their rims in the beds, instead of removing 
them and planting in the usual way. The soil in the pots must not be 
dry when the plunging is done. Stout plants 3 or 4 inches through 
may be inserted about a foot apart. Marvel of Peru is not suitable for 
ordinary bedding purposes, thouili a mass may perhap.s suit you. The 
flowers close in the daytime, except in dull weather, opening towards 
evening, and then diffusing a honey-like fragrance. The plants vary in 
height according to age, soil, and season, but generally attain a height of 
2 feet, though we have had many bushes upwards of 3 feet high and 
the same in diameter. The tubers may be preserved from year to year. 
We have seen some nearly a foot in diame ter. If your plants are seed¬ 
lings, and you require to grow them in a mass, they may be planted 15 
or 18 inches asunder. Zinnias grown in good soil and a warm position 
make brilliant beds. There is no better way of raising and planting 
them than you may And described on page 79 of our issue of February 
2nd of the present year. Strong plants, similar to those there referred 
to, may be planted 9 inches apart. Smaller, such as we often see by 
less intelligent preparation, may be i)lanted more closely, thinning them 
afterwards if needed. The Auricula sent is “ peculiar ” in colour, but 
not in being “ unshaded as a self,” because true seifs are not shaded, but 
many Alpines are. 
Evaporation from Heavy Soli (IF. It. It.'). —The advice given in 
the book from wLich you quote is sound, as drainage and a loose 
ameliorated surface are the principal means by which heavy soil is made 
available in the highest degree for cultural purposes. Drainage by 
ridding the soil of water within 3 feet of the surface renders it drier, 
therefore warmer, which is demonstrated by grass land during a thaw, 
the surface immediately over the drains is freed of snow or “ white 
frost ” much sooner than in the spaces between the drains ; in fact, the 
grass now (May 10th) over the drains a full yard wide is double the 
height of that on the intervening surface. The drains by carrying off 
superfluous water from the soil draw in, so to say, a corresponding 
([uantity of air, which causes the water retained to bo more divisible, 
hence sooner warmed. The air entering is particularly valuable as a 
direct source of fertility, and peculiarly so as supplying nitric acid for 
attacking stubborn substances, hastening the decomposition of vegetable 
and animal matter, making it sooner and in large proportion available 
as plant food. Decomposition means heat; stagnation, cold. It is an 
old and true saying that grass does not grow as it ought because the 
ground is “ cold and wet,” or, in other words, the grass does not grow 
because the soil is cold, and it is cold because wet. Evaporation only 
intensifies the effect of the cold temporarily, therefore is to be taken 
into consideration relatively with the condition of the soil and time of 
year, as evaporation from an undrained soil is different in effect to that 
t.iking place from soil efficiently drained. Evaporation means abstracting 
moisture and supplying its place by air, whieh at the time of year when 
cultural operations are practised is warmer than the water displaced ; 
comcomitantly soil deprived of water by evaporation is made drier and 
warmer because more absorbent of heat from the atmosphere. Evapora¬ 
tion from an undrained soil will tend to make the surface colder during 
the process, but no soil is in a fit state for cultivation that is allowed to 
contain stagnant water within 3 feet of the surface. Preventing 
evaporation or the escape of moisture with the heat absorbed by means 
of a mulch or covering of non-conducting material when required, is 
very different from preventing it by a close surface at all times of the 
year. Drainage on a heavy soil counteracts the tendency to a lower 
temperature by evaporation in summer, Throwing up the soil roughly 
in winter prevents its getting sodden, allows the water to pass more 
quickly to the drains, and the larger surface exposed admits of more 
rapid evaporation and subsequent absorption of heat. A loose surface 
of ameliorated soil is also the most efficient agent except mulching in 
resisting drought—that is, conserving moisture in the soil when needed in 
s immer, because without the loose surface the soil would bake and crack, 
f irming miniature chasms and larger rents through which the moisture 
escapes. A hard close surface is the great evil of heavy soil ; it holds 
more water in the close state than in the loose, and its absorbing and 
retentive power both as regards heat and moisture are in proportionate 
ratio to its divisibility and porosity, and its wealth for cultural purposes 
is proportionate to its depth of ameliorated soil and the food assimilated 
therein. 
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 Arm 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. 
(./. IF. ff .).—A double variety of Narcissus incomparabilis known as 
” butter and Eggs.” (N. A'.).—A fine variety of Cattleya Mossim. 
(A. P. U. S.). —The Narcissus is the double variety incomparabilis, 
known as Eggs and Bacon. It is totally different from N. cai)ax. 
(•/. IF.).—Saxifraga oppositifolia and Sempervivum arboreum. It is 
not a Sedum. (7'. IF.).—Send us a specimen, and we will endeavour to 
give you its name. (./. C.). —No numbers were attached to your speci¬ 
mens, the names cannot therefore be clearly indicated. The red flower 
is Kennedya rubicunda, the white one Leptospermum scoparium. The 
Daffodil is a double Narc'ssus incomparabilis. 
Stewarton Hive (.1. R. C.). —The Stewarton hive, octagon or 
square form, can be had from Messrs. George Neighbour & Sons 
149, Regent Street, London, whose advertisement appears in this 
Journal, and practical modes of management for these hives at all limes- 
are given in these columns. The Stewarton system is now recognised 
by all bee-keepers of note as the best. 
Separators (.7. G .).—In crates of sections. It is quite unnecessary 
to have pieces of wood, tin, or glass between sections. They obstruct 
the bees, reducing greatly the harvest of honey. They are meant to 
give flatness to the surface of the comb, but when managed properly 
the end is attained without them, to the great advantage of the bee¬ 
keeper, especially that of profit. 
Bees Xieavlngr their Hive (^Inquirer ).—In the absence of fuller 
information as to the whole history of the bees from the beginning, we 
can only conjecture what has been the cause of the bees leaving their 
hives, there being so many causes ; but the one most probable is the 
queens were old ones and had been superseded by young ones last 
autumn, which had in all probability either missed fertilisation or had 
been lost when out for wedding purposes. Another cause which induces- 
bees to leave their hive during the early spring is, if the hive has been 
kept too cold, toikeep the bees in a normal state, a sudden warm blink of 
the sun rouses them into activity, and, becoming excited, they leave the 
hive. There are other causes, but not knowing all the facts we cannot 
give particulars. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— May 16th. 
GOOD eiippUes of all classes of fruit to haod. Vegetables of all kinds short, with the 
exception of Asparagus, which owing to the heavy consignments from the Continent ie 
hardly cleared at low rates. 
FRUIT. 
s. 
d. 
B. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
6. 
aj 
Apple?, 4 sieve.. .. 
2 
6 
to 4 
6 
Oranges, per 100 
4 
0 to 9 
0 
Nova Scotia and 
Peaches, dozen .. .. 
12 
0 
20 
0 
Canada barrel 10 
0 
18 
0 
Fears, dozen .. •• 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cobs,100 lbs. 
45 
0 
0 
0 
St. Michael Pines, each 
3 
0 
5 
0 
Grspee, per It... .. 
3 
6 
5 
0 
Strawberries, per lb. 
2 
0 
& 
0- 
^emioiip, case .. 
10 
0 
16 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
B. 
d. 
B. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Artichokes, dozen .. 
1 
0 
to S 
0 
Lsttuce, dozen .. 
0 
9 
to 1 
9 
Asparagus, bundle .. 
1 
0 
4 
0 
Mushrooms, punnet 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Beans, Kidney, per lb. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Mustard and Cress, punt. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet,Red,dozen •• 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Onions, bunch.. .. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Broccoli, bundle .. 
• • 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Brussels Sprouts, « sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsnips, dozen 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Cabbage,dozen 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Potatoes, per owt.., 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicump, per 100 
• • 
1 
6 
2 
0 
„ Kidney, per owt. 
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 
6 
Celery, bundle 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Scorzonera, bundle 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts, dcz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Seakale, basket •• 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Cucumbers, each •• 
0 
4 
0 
7 
Shallots, per tb. •• 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Eadive, dozen ,• •• 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Spinach, bushel •• 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Hero?, bunch •• •• 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. .. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Lieks, bunch .. .. 
0 
S 
0 
4 
Turnips, bunch .. 
• • 
0 
4 
0 
0 
PLANTS 
IN POTS. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Aralia Sieboldi, dozen ,. 
6 
0tol2 0 
Ficus elastics, each 
1 
6 
to 7 
0 
Arbor vitm (golden) dozen 12 
0 
24 0 
Foliage Plants, var.,each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Arum Lilies, dozen.. .. 
6 
0 
12 0 
Fuchsia, dozen pots 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Azalea, dozen. 
0 
0 
0 0 
Geuista, per dozen .. 
6 
0 
12- 
0 
Cineraria, dozen • • . • 
6 
0 
10 0 
Heliotrop^, dozen pots ». 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Coleus, dezen. 
4 
0 
6 0 
Hydrangea, dozen .. .. 
9 
0 
18 
» 
Cyclamen, dozen •• .. 
12 
0 
18 0 
Lilies Valley, dozen 
12 
0 
18 
0 
Dielytra, per dozen 
12 
0 
18 0 
Lilinm Harrissit,doz.pots 30 
0 
42 
0 
Dentzia, per dozen 
6 
0 
9 0 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Dracaena terminalis, doz. 
30 
0 
60 0 
Musk, dozen pots .. •. 
2 
0 
4 
9 
„ viridis, dozen,. 
12 
0 
24 0 
Mjrtles. dozen. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Erica, various, dozen .. 
9 
0 
18 0 
Palm s, in var., each 
2 
6 
21 
0 
„ ventricosa .. .. 
18 
0 
24 0 
Pelargoniums, dozen 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Euonymus, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
18 0 
,, scarlet, doz. 
4 
0 
0 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
24 0 
Foinsettia, dozen .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen 
4 
0 
18 0 
Spirca japonica, doz. 
6 
0 
12 
9 
CUT FLOWERS. 
8. 
d. 
8 d. 
B. 
d. 
B. 
A 
AbntiloD8,12 bunches .. 
2 
0 to 4 0 
Lily of the Valley, 12 
Anenome (Fulgens), 12 
sprays . 
0 
6 
to 1 
0 
bunches 
3 
0 
6 0 
Mignonette. 12 bunchea 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Anemones 12 bunches ., 
1 
6 
4 0 
Narciss, various, 12 bohs 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 
4 0 
Pansies, 12 bchs .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Azalea, 12 sprays .. .. 
0 
6 
1 0 
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Bouvardias, bunch .. 
0 
6 
1 0 
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 
0 
4 
0 
6 
Camellias, 12 blooms •. 
1 
0 
3 0 
Polyanthus, 12 bohs 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Carnations, 12 blooms .. 
1 
0 
3 0 
Primroses, 12 bunches •. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
CowsUps, 12 bunches .. 
1 
0 
2 6 
„ (double), bunch ,, 
0 
9 
1 
6 
Cyclamen, 12 blooms .. 
u 
4 
0 6 
Roses, Red, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Daffodils, Double, 12 bchs 
1 
0 
2 0 
,, (indoor), dozen •. 
0 
6 
1 
6 
„ Single, 12 bchs 
1 
0 
3 0 
„ Tea, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
6 
Daisies, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
4 0 
red, dozen (French) 
0 
0 
9 
0 
Epiphjllum, 12 blooms •• 
0 
0 
0 0 
„ yellow . 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Euch^s, dozen .• •• 
2 
0 
4 0 
Spirsea, bunch. 
0 
e 
1 
0 
Gardenias, 12 blooms .. 
1 
6 
4 0 
Stephanotis, 12 sprays . • 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Hyacinths, French, 12 
Tropaeolum, 12 bunches 
1 
6 
2 
0 
bunches .. 
12 
0 
16 0 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms . • 
0 
9 
1 
0 
„ (Dutch), box .. 
1 
6 
4 0 
Tulips, dozen blooms .. 
0 
8 
0 
6 
Lapageria, coloured, 12 
Violets, 12 bnnohes.. .. 
0 
4 
0 
9 
blooir 8. 
1 
0 
1 6 
„ (French), bunch 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Lilinm longiflorum, 12 
„ (Parme), bunch 
0 
0 
a 
9 
blooms. 
2 
0 
4 0 
Wallflow<rR, 12 bchs .. 
2 
0 
4 
(> 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
6 0 
White Lilac, per bunch .. 
5 
0 
6 
6 
