August 13, 1891. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
147 
a lime, then it becomes so choked with sediment that it oozes through 
the “ bank.” We do not see how a pipe having one end below the level 
of the “ water ” in the tank can possibly have any effect. The gases 
will ascend by the ventilating pipe. The fault is not there, nor in the 
tank, but in the overflow, and that can only be dealt with two ways. 
1, By deodorisation, as with town sewage ; 2, continue the overflow to a 
point where its outlet would not be offensive. There is one more plan. 
Empty the cesspool often enough to prevent overflowing. 
The Apricot Weevil (F. James). —The name of the glossy black 
weevil is Otiorhynchus tenebrieosus. It is an enemy to fruit trees that 
are trained against the wall, the Apricot being the greatest sufferer from 
its attacks. Vines also are much damaged by this beetle, the larva of 
which lurks at the roots, and does infinite damage, though unseen. The 
perfect insect is fond of hiding in the crevices found so commonly in 
old walls, and finds a congenial resting-place beneath the rough bark of 
the Grape Vine. Mr. Curtis, whose experience on such subjects is well 
known, advises that where the wall-fruit fails from no apparent cause, 
every chink in the wall should be stopped with cement, plaster of Paris, 
or mortar—the first-mentioned substance being most effectual—and that 
the rough bark of the Vine should be stripped off in the early spring. 
Whitewash, also, should be liberally used in the interior of hothouses 
and greenhouses ; and in October the earth round the roots should be 
removed, and a diligent search made after the beetle, so as to prevent it 
from laying its eggs. These minutiae are somewhat tedious, but the 
gardener will be well rewarded by the improved condition of his fruit 
trees. If the beetle should be found lurking along the base of the wall, 
it will be advisable to lay salt thickly along the wall, as the insects are 
killed almost instantaneously when they come into contact with that 
substance. Strong tobacco water poured along the base of the wall will 
have the same effect, and infusions of aloes and quassia are useful. 
“ Ockra ” ( General Ilamley). — The following extract from Dr. 
Hogg’s “ Vegetable Kingdom ” has reference to the plant in question— 
* l Hibiscus esculentus (Abelmoschus esculentus) is the Ochro or Okro of 
the West Indies, the Gombaud or Gombo of France, the Baudikai of 
Madras, and the Ram turai and Dhenroos of Bengal. This plant is 
cultivated as a poiherb in the warm countries of Asia, Africa, and 
America, and also in some parts of the south of Europe and the Levant. 
The parts used are the long pyramidal young seed pods, gathered when 
green, which are filled with a large proportion of nutritious mucilage, 
and form a jelly with water. They are used for thickening soups, and 
when buttered and spiced make an excellent dish. The seeds are used 
in soups in the same way as we do barley, and they have also been 
recommended when roasted as a substitute for coffee. Besides as an 
ingredient in soups, the Ochro is thus employed : Before the pods have 
arrived at maturity, of whatever size that may be, they are first boiled 
iu water, then dried a little, and allowed to cool; after which they are 
cat transversely into two equal puts, retaining the seeds. They are 
then placed in layers one over the other, and vinegar and oil poured 
over them, and seasoned with pepper and salt. After being boiled, 
they may also be eaten with the gravy of meat. These pods, which are 
from 2 to 6 inches long, are the chief ingredient in the celebrated pepper¬ 
pot of the West Indies, which is considered a rich dish, the other 
ingredients being either flesh, or dried fish and capsicums. As a medicine 
Ochro is employed in all cases where emollients and lubricants are 
necessary. The bark of this plant abounds in fibre, which is of fine 
quality. H. (Abelmoschus) bammia is the African Ochro, which Dr. 
Royle seems to think does not differ materially from the preceding ; but 
G. Don, who was acquainted with, and had partaken of both species in 
their native situation, regards them as distinct. Speaking of the 
Bammia, he says : 1 We have seen it cultivated with the Okro, or H. 
esculentus ; it is called the Autumnal Okro, and the young pods are used 
to make Okro soup. It differs from H. esculentus in the leaves not 
being so deeply lobed and in the pods being much longer.’ ” 
Mites on Torenias (J. L.). — We have communicated with 
Mr. Bardney on this subject, and he says he sympathises with you in your 
-endeavours to stamp out the pest that infests your plants. For some 
years the minute insect gave him much trouble, and this year it has 
appeared in force on a variety of plants. Many gardeners have 
suffered from its ravages, but as the insect is so minute they have 
•overlooked it. It belongs to the same family as the “red spider,” 
which, however, is not a spider, but a mite. No doubt the red form 
has received this name through weaving a fine web on the leaves of 
plants. The insect to which you have drawn attention is similar in 
shape to the “ red spider,” but considerably smaller and white. Like 
that insect it weaves a very fine web, which can only be seen under a 
strong magnifying glass. It belongs to the family of mites called 
Tetranychidae, and Mr. Bardney calls it Tetranychus talarius alba—that 
is, adding the last word to the name of the red spider—but thinks the 
means by which it can be eradicated is perhaps of more importance 
than its name. If you have one or two plants infested only he advises 
you to burn them. It is brought about, he says, by an attempt to grow 
plants too quickly—that is, by maintaining a too warm, too close, and 
too confined an atmosphere. A warm moist atmosphere favours its 
increase, especially when very little air is admitted. Frequently when 
plants are removed from atmospheric conditions of this nature to a cool, 
airy house they recover ; indeed, he has never known a failure with 
such plants as Achimenes, Gloxinias, Begonias of sorts, Fuchsias, 
Celosias, and many others of a like nature when thus treated. It 
attacks Cucumbers and Melons, even the tips of Crotons. The only 
means of stamping it out is to use less moisture, give more air, and not 
close the house with much sun heat in the afternoon. In addition to 
this treatment he places: one handful of sulphur, or a 3-inch potful, 
into two gallons of water in which an ounce of softsoap has been 
dissolved, adding sufficient tobacco juice to turn the water the colour of 
ale and stout mixed in equal proportions. This he leaves on the plants 
three or four days, when, by the cooler treatment advised, he finds the 
insects vanish, and healthy growth commences. Mr. Bardney expects it 
is the same minute insect that causes the leaves of Vines to turn hard, 
brown, and crisp—at least, that is the effect it has on all plants which it 
attacks. 
Tfames 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. (A. 0 .).—The Cherry is Florence, (M. IF. 2?.).—It is 
most difficult to name Raspberries from fruits sent by post, and when 
crushed, as many were in this case, impossible. The long fruit resembles 
the Autumn-bearing or October Red. (G. R. B.). —The Peach is Lord 
Palmerston. 
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, soft green grass or leaves form the best packing, dry 
wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once, 
and the numbers should be visible without untying the ligatures, 
it being often difficult to separate them when the paper is damp. 
(2. T.). —1, Insufficient without flowers ; 2, Mimulus cardinalis; 3. 
Centranthus rubra. (T. F.).—1, Acer Negundo ; 2, Ailantus glandulosa ; 
3, Populus alba ; 4, Ulmus montana variegata ; 5, Hedera Raegneriana ; 
6, Cryptomeria elegans. (Nemo). —1, Adiantum Pacotti; 2, Spiraea 
ariaefolia ; 3, Centranthus ruber ; 4, Sedum ibericum ; 5, Cornus mas 
variegatus. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET. —AUGUST 12th. 
MARKET heavy -with prices lower all round. 
FRUIT. 
s. 
a. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
a. 
8. 
d. 
Apples, i-sieve .. .. 
1 
6 to 
3 
9 
Lemons, case .. .. 
15 
0 to 20 
0 
Grapes, per lb. 
1 
0 
2 
6 
Oranges, per 100 .. 
• • 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Cherries, i-sieve .. .. 
6 
0 
10 
0 
Peaches, per doz... 
• • 
1 
0 
6 
0 
Black Currants, J-sieve.. 
7 
6 
0 
0 
St. Michael Pines, each 
• • 
3 
0 
8 
0 
Red „ „ .. 
2 
9 
4 
6 
Strawberries, per lb. 
• • 
0 
0 
0 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Asparagus, per bundle .. 
0 
0 to 0 
0 
Mushrooms, punnet 
• • 
0 
8 
to 0 10 
Beans, Kidney, per bush. 
4 
0 
rt 
0 
Mustard & Cress, punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Onions, bunch .. .. 
0 
3 
0 
5 
Cabbage, dozen .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunohes 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Carrots, bunch .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Parsnips, dozen 
• • 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen.. .. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Potatoes, per cwt. .. 
• • 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Celery, bundle. 
1 
0 
1 
8 
Rhubarb, bundle .. 
• • 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Coleworts, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Salsafy, bundle .. 
1 
0 
1 
G 
Cucumbers, doz. 
1 
0 
4 
0 
Scorzonera, bundle .. 
• • 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Endive, dozen .. .. .. 
I 
3 
1 
6 
Shallots, per lb. .. 
• • 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Herbs,bunch. 
0 
S 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel .. 
• • 
5 
0 
6 
0 
Leeks, bunch. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. .. 
• ' 
0 
4 
0 
6 
Lettuce, score. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Turnips, bunch .. 
• • 
0 
0 
0 
4 
AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES.—CUT FLOWERS. 
Orchid Blooms very good, rather plentiful. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 
to 4 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
to 4 
0 
Asters, doz. bunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Marigolds doz. bunches .. 
1 
6 
2 
6 
„ (French) doz. bchs. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Mignonette, 12 bunches.. 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Bouvardias, bunch 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Myosotis, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Carnations, 12 blooms .. 
0 
9 
1 
6 
Pansies, dozen bunches,. 
Pelargoniums, 12 bunches 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Carnations, doz. bunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Cornflower, doz. bunches 
1 
6 
3 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 bnchs 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Dahlias, doz. bunches .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Pink (various) doz. bchs. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Eschscholtzia, doz. bchs. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Poppies (various), 12 
Eucharis, dozen .. .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
bunches. 
1 
6 
4 
0 
Gardenias, per doz. 
Gladiolus (white), dozen 
1 
6 
4 
0 
Primula(double)12 sprays 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Pyrethrum, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
bunches. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Roses (indoor), dozen .. 
0 
6 
1 
6 
Lapageria, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
„ (mixed), doz.bnchs. 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Lavender, dozen bunches 
5 
0 
8 
0 
„ Red (English) per 
Lilium candidum, 12 blms 
0 
4 
1 
0 
dozen blooms .. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Lilium longiflorum, 12 
„ Tea, white, dozen.. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
blooms. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
„ Yellow, dozen .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Lilium (various) dozen 
Sweet Peas, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
blooms. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Sweet Sultan, doz. bnchs. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Maidenhair Fern, dozen 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms .. 
0 
4 
0 
6 
bunches. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
PLANTS 
IN POTS. 
s. 
a. 
s. 
a. 
S' 
d. 
8. 
a. 
Aralia Sieboldi, dozen .. 
Arbor Vitse (golden) doz. 
6 
0 to 12 
0 
Foliage plants, var., each 
2 
Oto 10 
0 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Fuchsia, per doz. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Asters, dozen pots .. .. 
Begonias (various), doz. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Geraniums, Ivy, per doz. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Heliotrope, per doz. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Calceolarias, per dozen .. 
Campanula, various, doz. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Hydrangeas, per doz. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Lilium longiflorum, doz. 18 
0 
80 
0 
Coleus (various), per doz. 
3 
0 
9 
0 
Lobelia, per doz. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
Draesena terminalis, doz. 24 
0 
42 
0 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
„ viridis, dozen .. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Mignonette, per dozen .. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
Erica, various, dozen 
8 
0 
12 
0 
Myrtles, dozen. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Euonymus, var., dozen .. 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Palms, in var., each.. .. 
Pelargoniums, per doz. .. 
2 
6 
21 
0 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen.. 
4 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums,scarlet, doz 
2 
6 
6 
0 
Ficus elastica, each.. ,. 
1 
6 
7 
0 
Tropseolums, per dozen.. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
