92 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ July 30, 1885. 
but which are now growing and rooting very freely. This Cattleya house 
is also rich in C. Trianaj and its varieties, many very large plants. The 
same may be said of C. Mossirn, C. Mendeli, and other well-known popular 
Orchids. C. gigas and C.Dowiana had been removed to what is known as 
the stove, where they and several other varieties are suspended from the roof 
to enjoy more light, which Mr. Davies has found of importance. Several 
plants of Thunia Marshalli were in full beauty, while those that had pre¬ 
viously flowered were stood outside, after having been well prepared for the 
remainder of the season to ripen and mature their growths. Ltelia purpurata, 
fine healthy plants, were also outside with them in a shady position. I am 
not aware that the last-named plants have been subjected to this treatment 
in previous years, but it has been discovered that a lengthened and complete 
season of rest is essential in retaining them in perfect health. 
The East Indian house is a long span-roofed structure, and built of 
teak. Several plants of Aerides Dayanum were in flower, Aerides expan¬ 
sum leonire, Aerides crassifolium, Aerides Lobbi were also in bloom, several 
plants of each as well as two or three distinct forms that had been recently 
imported with Aerides crassifolium. Aerides affine superhum (Manley 
Hall variety), a sturdy, healthy plant producing two large flower spikes. 
Saccolabium guttatum Holfordianum, two beautifully developed spikes, 
while the display of S. Blumei majus will he very fine in a short time, for 
the flower spikes are visible on several dozens of plants, from those growing 
in 6 and 7-inch pots to large masses in baskets 2 feet across. The whole of 
the Aerides and Saccolabiums have been imported during the past two 
years; they have made remarkable progress and are now well established 
and perfectly healthy. No attempt is made to cram the roots of these or 
any similar plants into the material in which they are potted, but they are 
allowed to throw out their roots naturally into the moist atmosphere of the 
house, and the admirable condition of the plants proves that they enjoy the 
treatment they receive. Along the middle of the house on the centre stage 
are some healthy Vandas, while a number of Anoectochilus occupy a 
close frame in one corner. The Phalsenopsis noted in these pages a year 
or two ago occupy a position in this house, and are now being established 
on the top of long narrow Orchid pots—if they may be so termed, for minus 
the numerous holes they resemble drain pipes (these, I believe, are a form 
of the new Orchid pots supplied from the Liverpool Horticultural Company). 
Others very similar are made of teak, to which the roots are commencing to 
cling freely; the centres are filled with charcoal in lumps, very little moss 
or peat fibre being used. In this house a large batch of Odontoglossum 
Roezliis doing splendidly and showing numerous spikes of their large lovely 
•flowers. A large collection of Cypripediums are also making their growths 
in this structure. C. Spicerianum is represented by a score or more of 
plants, the largest being in about 10-inch pots; C. barbatum nigrum, a large 
panful about 4 feet through, fine plants of C. caudatum, C. Parishi, 
C. Stonei, C. Lowii, and many others might be named. 
The Calanthes are grown in the stove, in which a general collection of 
stove-flowering and foliage plants are also grown. The number of 
Calanthes grown would of themselves fill an ordinary sized structure ; they 
are very strong and luxuriant, most of them being grown in 8-inch pots, 
with about half a dozen pseudo-bulbs in each pot. This might also be con¬ 
sidered an Orchid house from the enormous quantity of Dendrobiums and 
others that are suspended from the* roof all over the house, one end being 
entirely filled with Dendrobium Jamesianum and D. formosum giganteum 
making their growth and established on blocks and in baskets. The 
Ccelogynes occupy this house in which to make their growth, and many of 
the plants are more than 3 feet through. They are making very strong 
growths, especially C. Lemoniana, which is about the same size, and always 
flowers twice in the season, in the autumn from the top of the pseudo-bulbs 
made, and in spring from the base the same as C. cristata. Is this natural 
to this variety, or in any way due to superior cultivation ? Several stove 
plants are worthy of mention, but I merely name the two large and well- 
grown plants of Anthurium Andreanum and a collection of fine plants of 
Nepenthes and pass to the fernery. 
The fernery is close to the Orchid houses and rock garden, the interior 
presenting a natural and picturesque appearance. The rockwork is well 
and tastefully arranged with red sandstone, which in time will become 
naturally green and the Ferns increase freely upon it. The rocks and interior 
of the house is well furnished already, for Dicksonias, Cyatheas, and 
Alsophilas with stems varying from 5 to 8 feet have been freely planted, 
and are spreading their gigantic fronds and already filling the roof portion 
of the house. The dwarf-growing Ferns are thriving amazingly beneath 
them. Upon entering a fine plant of Asparagus plumosus nanus planted 
out and trained to a few thin wires stretched from the ground to the roof 
has already reached the top of the house. This is a grand plant for such a 
position and evidently grows luxuriantly in the temperature of the fernery. 
Behind this Asparagus and hid from view by it when entering is a small 
pool of water surrounded with Todea superba, and remarkably well they 
look, it is just the position for them. A small stream crosses the walk, in 
fact issues from the rocks and enters the pool, and here again Todea 
pellucida is doing well, and Trichomanes radicans. Many other Filmy Ferns 
were at first planted out, but it has been necessary to lift them and place 
them in a c'ose case in the house, where they can be kept constantly moist, 
the atmosphere of the fernery proving too dry for them; they are now 
established and growing well. 
It only remains for me to Bay that the condition of the Orchids, con¬ 
sidering what has been done in so short a time, and the gardens generally, 
reflect the greatest possible credit upon Mr. W. Davies, who is evidently a 
thoroughly good general gardener, for all he takes in hand does well. I 
wish to thank him for the courtesy he has shown to me on several occasions, 
and I regret to learn that he has resigned the charge he has had for the past 
nine years, hut hope he will soon be in harness again where he will be able 
to display his superior knowledge and ability.—W. Bard x by. 
GRAPES IN THE NORTH. 
Now that another exceptional season is getting well advanced, perhaps 
the following notes regarding Grape culture north of the Tweed will 
interest many readers of the Journal. Being privileged lately to visit a 
few fruit-growing establishments, it was gratifying to note the marked 
mprovement generally apparent this season, doubtless arising from the 
fine season we had last year. 
NOBWOOD HOUSE. 
This, the residence of John Baton, Esq., is distant about one mile from 
the town of Alloa, and seven from the ancient town of Stirling. Beauti¬ 
fully situated on a rising eminence an the north bank of the river Forth, 
it commands a fine view of the rich tract of country watered by that 
river. The glass houses are not extensive, and the accommodation for 
Vine-growing rather limited, there being hut two vineries ; nevertheless, 
the Grapes they annually produce but proves the fact that, when in the 
hands of a skilful cultivator, large and separate houses for different 
varieties are not always necessary for the production of first-class Grapes. 
Here we found as many as sixteen varieties growing in one lean-to house 
not more than 30 feet long, and all receiving the same treatment. They 
include Muscat of Alexandria, Duke of Buccleuch, Buckland Sweetwater, 
Rasin de Calabria, Black Hamburgh, Alnwick Seedling, Lady Downe’s, 
Alicante, Gros Colman, Madresfield Court, and many others, and, what is 
most remarkable, scarcely any are on their own roots, but are grafted, 
some with as many as four and five varieties on the same rod. Although 
it was too early at the time of our visit to speak of their finish, still their 
appearance was satisfactory. The most striking Grape is undoubtedly 
the Duke of Buccleuch, and in few places is this noble though trouble¬ 
some Grape grown to such perfection as it is at Norwood. This season 
it is looking as good, if not better, than is usual, large bunches with 
magnificent berries. What a robust grower this variety is even when 
grafted ! The stalks of some bunches were almost as thick as one’s 
finger, with wood and leaves of a corresponding grossness ; indeed, this 
is a striking feature of all the Norwood Vines. Some Gros Columns 
especially were very large in leaf and strong in wood, and were swelling 
oil bunches with very large berries. Madresfield Court wa3 also very 
fine in berry, and just changing colour. We noticed some rather large 
bunches of that highly flavoured, though insignificant-looking Grape, 
Duchess of Buccleuch. We were sorry we did not take note of the 
stocks the diffeient varieties were grafted upon, and which seemed to be 
doing so well; but perhaps Mr. Kirk will kindly make good the omission 
at some future time. He informed us by putting in an eye in spring ho 
can cut a bunch fit for exhibition from the same eye by autumn. 
Plants are not numerous, but are extremely healthy and well grown. 
A plant stove contained a good collection of the best varieties of Crotons 
and Dracaenas suitable for table work. A large circular conservatory 
adjoining the mansion was well filled with the usual greenhouse plants, 
well grown and flowered, and included a very fine strain of herbaceous 
Calceolarias. Out of doors everything was extremely neat and tidy, 
carpet bedding especially being very effective. The lawns and shrubberies 
were thickly studded with the finer varieties of Conifers, which, although 
small, were remarkable for their health and vigour. Altogether this is 
indeed as pretty a little garden as we could really wish to see, and highly 
creditable to Mr. Kirk. 
CALLENDAB PAEK. 
This grand old place, the seat of William Forbes, Esq., is situated 
midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow on the Main North British line, 
and is reached in forty minutes’ ride from either place. Fruit is exten¬ 
sively grown both outside and in. The forcing department is situated in 
the kitchen garden, and is a very fine range of large lean-to houses 
separated in the middle by a large three-roofed ridge-and-furrow green¬ 
house, and comprises six vineries and two Peach houses. The first house 
we enter is a late vinery and filled with Lady Downe’s. It was carrying a 
fine even crop with rather large bunches for this variety, although we 
failed to observe any so large as the two sensational bunches exhibited 
from this place last year at the Dundee International Show. They were 
indeed exceptional bunches, being 16 inches in length, well filled and 
shouldered, and perfect in finish. The next house we entered was truly 
a magnificent sight. All Black Hamburghs, and they truly deserved the 
title. As a houseful of better bloomed, finer finished Grapes it has not 
been our good fortune to see. From top to bottom, back wall included, 
dense clusters of fruit hung in rich profusion. From this house were cut 
the two grand bunches which were so much admired, and which carried 
off first honours at the recent Show of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural 
Society, Edinburgh. The next house was also filled with Black Ham¬ 
burghs for late use, and were looking well. Next is a mixed house, com¬ 
prising Alicante, Gros Guillaume, Muscat Hamburgh, West’s St. Peter’s, 
Muscat of Alexandria, Madresfield Court, &c., the latter very fine ; also 
Muscat Hamburgh, large in bunch and berry. This variety is exception¬ 
ally well grown there, and few have been so successful as Mr. Boyd in 
getting it coloured. He is the holder of two Veitch Memorial medals, 
both gained with this variety. Of the remaining two vineries one 
contained a good crop of useful late varieties ; the other, young Vines, 
from which we may expect something good, judging from their robust health 
and the wonderfully strong short-jointed canes they had made. They 
were carrying a few good buncheB on each rod, the most notable of which 
were Gros Colman, Alnwick Seedling, Champion Muscat, Muscat Ham¬ 
burgh, Golden QueeD, and Golden Hamburgh. Two Peach houses finish 
this fine range of glass, both filled with healthy trees and bearing an even 
crop. In one house we noticed some good Plum trees in pots, ripening 
a fine crop, principally Blue Orleans, Prince Engelbert, and Green Gage. 
If I have not already trespassed too far upon your space I should like 
to say a word upon the Melons, the culture of which deserves more than 
passing notice. Leaving the vineries, we passed a large span-roofed plant 
stove, in the centre of which, planted out, were some wonderful clusters 
of Bananas remarkable for their size. We were shown the photograph 
