September 17,1891. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
255 
and some other products, their bulk consisting mainly of water. The 
smaller of the fruits you have sent are excellent in quality, the larger 
being relatively inferior in proportion to their size. We have found the 
same difference between gigantic and comparatively small fruits of other 
varieties of Tomatoes we have been testing of late, the very large fruits 
in every case being inferior to the smaller. We omitted to say that the 
lar^e fruits are attacked with the fungus, the small are not, nor is this 
distinction uncommon. It is by forcing growth for large fruit that 
many fungoid attacks have been invited. 
Streptocarpus Culture (7/. K. H).—The reply to your question 
has been accidentally delayed. Your flower is one of the many varieties 
of Streptocarpus Rexi. They are pretty dwarf growing plants, and 
require warm greenhouse treatment. They are readily raised from seed, 
nnd if raised early and grown well they flower at the end of summer. 
■Grown indifferently the seedlings may not flower until the second year. 
Prooagation is also effected by division in spring. The plants require 
resting in winter, not allowing them to become dust dry at the roots, 
but keeping on a rather moist base, where they will receive a little 
moisture without making the soil wet, and the temperature ought not to 
be less than 50°. When growth recommences water should be given 
more freely. They grow well in light rich soil, preferably fibrous loam 
two parts, and one part of leaf soil with a sixth of sand. Seedlings are 
■sometimes kept gently moving through the winter from a summer sowing 
of seed, and these make a fine display the following season. The plants 
do not require a large amount of pot room, and take up little space. 
They are fine for margins to plants of larger growth. We have seen 
them luxuriating planted close to the edge of the path in the succulent 
house at Kew, where they formed an attractive border. 
Ammonlacal Carbonate of Soda Solution and Tomatoes 
ITomato Grower ').—A gardener of wide knowledge and great experience 
sends the following in reference to the subject of our reply to 
“ C. B. A.” last week, and appears to meet your case :—“ To be effective 
the solution must be used over the whole plant, fruit included, distri¬ 
buting it in a fine spray so as to coat every part with a thin film, and 
in advance of an attack by fungi so as to destroy the germs. The small 
quantity of carbonate of copper is not found deleterious to the fruit, 
that sprayed with it being very extensively used in the United States of 
America for canning. It is assumed that the plants will be washed 
more or less by rain, and that those under glass will be syringed. This 
is in substantial accordance with our reply, which had to be of the 
briefest character in consequence of the question arriving too late to be 
satisfactorily dealt with. When the solution is used, as undoubtedly it 
should, ‘‘ in advance of fungoid attacks,” the fruits are not in an 
advanced stage ; but in September they are ripening, and some of them, 
it may be presumed, would be used almost immediately after being 
sprayed with the copper solution. We should prefer not to eat those 
fruits with the copper “ film ” on them, American customs notwith¬ 
standing ; and we have yet to learn that American growers of Tomatoes 
and Apples spray the ripening fruits. Their rule is to take action 
sooner, and they are wise. It is too much the custom in England to 
wait too long, and thus give the enemies of plants an enormous 
advantage. When the disease has taken possession of Tomatoes or 
Potatoes, or, in other words, when the mycelium of the fungus becomes 
established in their tissues, we have not much faith in the efficacy of 
any applications, and we should not eat Tomatoes that had been sprayed 
when ripening with the solution in question. We are all the same 
obliged to our correspondent for his suggestive remarks. 
Planting Crocuses in Grass (F. J. B .).—A narrow, gouge-like 
trowel, about 1^ inch between the edges of the blade, which should 
curve so as to form in cross section a half circle, answers very well for 
making the holes, the trowel being inserte I 3 or I inches deep in the 
turf, and a similar cut made on the opposite side admits of the soil being 
readily removed by a twist and upward movement of the trowel. This 
makes a hole about 1 \ inch in diameter, sufficing for the largest bulbs, 
and a little soil being introduced the Crocus may be inserted crown 
upwards, and the hole filled level with fine soil, or if the natural soil is 
light or easily broken with the trowel it may be used for filling up the 
holes, and made moderately firm. Where large quantities have to be 
planted it pays to have a gouge made at a blacksmith’s, 1J inch wide at 
the lower end, and If inch across at the upper end, the gouge being 
to 4 inches deep, welded to a socket, and an ash shaft, with a hilt or 
b >x handle fitted into the socket, forming a good hold for the hand. 
A tread should be formed on the “ hand ” side of the gouge correspond¬ 
ing to that of the person using the implement, and its lower side level 
with but clear of the opening of the gouge. To use this a person has 
only to insert it into the ground at the place desired, give it a slight 
twist after driving it down to the tread with the foot, and withdraw it, 
proceeding to the next place, and the gouge being forced into the ground 
perpendicularly the pellet of the previous hole will be expelled, and the 
implement kept in working order. In soft ground holes are readily 
ma le with an iron shod dibber, or a solid iron point may be used formed 
in the shape of a T, the cross piece or upper part of the T forming the 
tre d, and with a socket and a handle the implement is complete. It 
can be forced into the ground up to the tread, and the Crocuse3 inserted 
in the holes as advised. A little fresh good soil for them to rest on is 
very desirable, and in some lawns indispensable. 
Names of Fruits. —Notice .—Special attention is directed to the 
following decision, the object of which is to discourage the growth of 
inferior and promote the culture of superior varieties. In consequence 
of the large number of worthless Apples and Pears sent to this office to 
be named, it has been decided to name only specimens and varieties of 
approved merit, and to pass the inferior, which are not worth sending 
or growing. 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. (J. laylor). —Plums.—Young wood should always be 
sent with Plums for showing whether it is smooth or downy. 1, Prince 
of Wales; 2, Pond’s Seedling; 3, possibly Nectarine. Pears.—1 resembles 
Beurr6 Diel ; 2, Williams’ Bon ChrStien ; 3, Beunh Capiaumont; but 
the specimens are not fair typical samples. (.7. Hartland). —1, Worth¬ 
less ; 2, Longville’s Kernel. ( Pennell f Sons). —The Apples were 
mealy, and therefore the quality could not be tested. Possibly the 
variety may be the Sack and Sugar : you will find it described in 
Dr. Hogg’s “ Fruit Manual,” which is no doubt in your library. The 
Pear resembles small samp'es of Uvedale’s St. Germain. (./. Austen). — 
A fine specimen of Red Astrachan. (iV. C.). —Pear, Beurrb Giffard; 
Apple, Worcester Pearmain. 
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. 
(W. C.). —1, Flowers withered, therefore undeterminable ; 2, Retino- 
spora ericoides; 3, Eupatorium ageratioides ; 4, Rudbeckia triloba. 
( G. Meyrich ).—Hibiscus syriacus, of which there are varieties with 
darker flowers. ( Somerset ).—The name of the Grass is Alopecurus 
agrestis. We agree with you that properly named collections are 
interesting and approve of your endeavour. QF. J. R.). —1, Rivina 
lasvis ; 2, Flowers all withered ; 3, Viburnum Lantana ; 4, Crataegus 
pyracantha. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET. —September IGth. 
MARKET heavily supplied, with prices low. 
FRUIT. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Apples, psieve .. .. 
i 
0 to 
8 
9 
Oranges, per ICO .. 
• • 
4 
0 
to 9 
0 
Cobs. Kent per 100 lbs. .. 
30 
0 
0 
0 
Peaches, per doz... 
• • 
1 
0 
6 
0 
Grapes, per lb. 
0 
6 
1 
9 
P urns, 4-sieve .. 
I 
0 
8 
6 
Lemons, case. 
15 
0 
20 
0 
St. Michael Pines, each.. 
3 
0 
8 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Asparagus, per bundle .. 
0 
0 to 0 
0 
Mushrooms, punnet 
• • 
u 
8 
to 0 
10 
Beans, Kidney, per bush. 
2 
0 
8 
0 
Mustard & Cress, punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Onions, bunch .. 
0 
8 
0 
5 
Carrots, bunch .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen.. .. 
2 
0 
8 
0 
Parsnips, dozen .. 
• . 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Celery, bundle. 
1 
0 
1 
8 
Potatoes, per cwt. .. 
• • 
8 
0 
4 
0 
Coleworts, doz. bunches 
8 
0 
4 
0 
Salsafy, bundle .. 
• • 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Cucumbers, doz. .. .. 
1 
0 
4 
0 
Scorzonera,bundle .. 
• • 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Endive, dozen. 
1 
3 
1 
6 
Shallots, per lb. .. 
• • 
0 
8 
0 
0 
Herbs, bunch. 
0 
8 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel .. 
• • 
5 
0 
6 
0 
Leeks, bunch. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. .. 
• • 
0 
2 
0 
4 
Lettuce, sc n n. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Turnips, bunch .. 
• • 
0 
0 
0 
4 
AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES.—CUT FLOWERS. 
Orchid Blooms not plent'ful in variety. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 
to 4 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
to 4 
0 
Asters, doz bunches 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Maidenhair Fern, dozen 
,, (French) doz. bc’is. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
bunches. 
4 
0 
9 
n 
Bouvardias, bunch 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Marigolds doz. bunches .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Carnations, 12 blooms .. 
0 
9 
1 
6 
Mignonette, 12 buncheH.. 
1 
6 
8 
0 
Carnations, doz. bunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Myosotis, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Chrysanthemums, dozen 
Pansies, dozen bunches.. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
bunches. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Pelargoniums, 12 bunches 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Chrysanthemums, dozen 
„ scarlet, 12 bnchs 
3 
0 
4 
0 
blooms . 
n 
9 
3 
0 
Primula(double)12 sprays 
0 
8 
1 
0 
Dahlias, doz. bunches .. 
i 
6 
4 
0 
Pyrethrum, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Eucharis, dozen .. .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Roses (indoor), dozen .. 
n 
6 
1 
6 
Gardenias, per doz. 
1 
6 
4 
0 
„ (mixed', doz bnchs. 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Gladiolus, dozen bunches 
4 
0 
8 
0 
„ Red (English) per 
„ per 100 spikes 
5 
0 
7 
0 
dozen blooms .. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Lapageria, 12 blooms 
1 
0 
3 
0 
,, Tea, white, dozen.. 
1 
0 
0 
Lavender, dozen bunches 
4 
0 
5 
0 
„ Yellow, dozen 
2 
0 
4 
Lilium longiflorum, 12 
Sweet Peas, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
blooms. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Sweet Sultan, doz. bnchs. 
2 
n 
4 
0 
Lilium (var.) doz. blooms 
1 
0 
8 
0 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms .. 
0 
3 
U 
6 
PLANTS 
IN POTS. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Aralia Sieboldi, dozen .. 
6 
0 to 12 
0 
Ficus elastica, each.. .. 
l 
6 
to 7 
0 
Arbor Vitas (golden) doz. 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Foliage plants, var., each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Asters, dozen pots .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Fuchsia, per doz. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Begonias (varirus), doz. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Heliotrope, per doz. .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Campanula, various, doz. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Hydrangea 0 , per doz. 
8 
0 
12 
0 
Chrysanthemums, perdoz. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Lilium, various, doz. 
18 
0 
80 
0 
Cockscombs, per doz. .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen 
6 
O 
12 
0 
Coleus (various), per doz. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Mignonette, per dozen .. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
Dracaena terminalis, doz. 24 
0 
42 
0 
Myrtles, dozen. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
„ viridis, dozen .. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Palms, in var., each.. .. 
2 
6 
21 
0 
Euonymus, var., dozen .. 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums, per doz. .. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Evergreens, in var., do’en 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Pelargoniums,scarlet, doz 
2 
6 
4 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen.. 
4 
0 
18 
0 
