424 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ November 12, 1835 
-A Northern correspondent writes, “My Chrysanthemums 
are from ten days to a fortnight late this season owing to the unusually 
cold and wet autumn in this district. I have a very smooth lot, but f am 
under the impression that some of the varieties will be rather under their 
usual size, and, so far as I can see at present, the petals are rather fewer 
in number, owing, in my opinion, to a deficiency of solar heat and light 
in the autumn. The only varieties I have expanded are Jeanne d’Arc,. 
Lady Hardinge, Mrs. W. Shipman, Refulgence, Mr. Bunn, Beverloy, Golden 
Beverley, Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. Bundle, and George Glenny—ten varieties 
My best flower so far is Mr. Bunn, a good, solid bloom, measuring 9 inches 
over and 13 inches in horizontal circumference.” 
- Mr. E. W. Badger writes as follows on Curing Diseased 
Eucharises.— “ After reading ‘ W. W.’s ’ note on this subject 
it occurred to me that the recently introduced remedy for mildewi 
red spider, aphis, &c., is one which might most probably be 
effectual in this case. I refer to sulphide of potassium (Harris & Co)> 
which has been favourably reported on by several of our best gardeners. 
I am only judging by analogy, but I am persuaded that there is every 
chance of it proving destructive to the Eucharis mite without being in the 
slightest degree hurtful to the bulbs ; indeed, it will most likely do them 
good by arresting any decay which may have begun in them. A weak 
solution only is necessary—namely, quarter of an ounce of the sulphide 
dissolved in a gallon of water. I would suggest two mode3 of experi' 
menting. 1, To plunge the plants in pots in the solution until the soil 
is saturated ; and, 2, To wash the bulbs thoroughly in it. This sugges¬ 
tion is not intended to supersede ‘ W. W.’s ’ method, but to supplement it. 
Anyone trying the sulphide will render service to gardening by reporting 
the result in the Journal.” 
-Hull Chrysanthemum Show. — A photograph of the 
challenge vase that is provided for open competition at Hull on November 
19th has been sent to us. The vase is evidently a very beautiful one and 
such as will be prized by its fortunate possessor. Its value is fifteen 
guineas, and there is £10 in addition for the winner, the other prizes in 
the same class being £8, £5, and £2 ; or £25 (excluding the vase) for 
twenty-four incurved blooms in not less than eighteen varieties, and 
twenty-four Japanese under similar conditions. This ought to insure fine 
stands and good competition. Other substantial prizes are provided in 
the schedule. The Show continues for two days. 
- “ W. B.” observes that Begonia semperflorens rosea is 
an excellent variety for flowering during the dreary months of autumn 
and winter; It is a robust grower, and flowers profusely in the stove, but 
soon becomes tall in the close moist atmosphere of that structure. It is, 
however, well worth growing, for it appears to greatest advantage when 
its stems and flowers stand out well above surrounding objects. For this 
purpose the plants should be grown in small pots with single stems. It 
branches freely from the base if larger plants are desired. This variety 
is probably most suitable for the conservatory where the temperature 
does not fall below 50°, or any intermediate structure. Growth under 
these conditions is slower than is the case when kept in the stove. The 
trusses of flowers are crimson in colour, and borne on strong, rather 
lengthy stem, after the style of B. nitida, but the individual flowers are 
larger than those of that variety. Begonia semperflorens carminea is 
very similar to the above variety, and is also well worth growing, the 
only difference between the two being the size and darker shade of 
colouring in the flowers. 
- A farmer writing in the Florida Dispatch respecting Inde¬ 
structible Fence Posts, observes that twenty-five years ago he set 
split white Oak posts for his garden fence, putting about a peck of air- 
slaked lime about each, and they are all good yet. He attributes tbeir 
good condition to the effect of the lime, in which he is doubtless correct. 
A board that has been used in a mortar bed, and thoroughly saturated 
with lime, is almost indestructible from decay. 
- Pteris tremula. —Mr. W. H. Divers writes :—“ I notice 
* W. B. H.,’ page 402, recommends this Fern for indoor use where no gas 
is used, and I can endorse all he says in its favour. I have often found it 
stand well when grown in rooms, &c. ; but in conversation with some 
ladies a few days since they gave it a much stronger recommendation, as 
they told me it was the only Fern they could keep alive any length of 
time where gas was often used. I have noticed Pteris cretica albo-lineata 
also does well under adverse circumstances, but I have never found any 
plant so useful as Aspidistra lurida variegata for growing in very bad 
positions in rooms.” 
- At the ordinary meeting of the Royal Meteorological 
Society, to be held at 25, Great George Street, Westminster, on 
Wednesday, the 18th inst., at 7 P.M., the following papers will be 
read :—“ The Helm Wind of August 19th, 1885,” by William Marriott, 
F.R.Met.Soc. “ The Typhoon Origin of the Weather over the British 
Isles during the 2nd of October, 1882,” by Henry Harries. “Note 
on the Principle and Working of Jordan’s Improved Sunshine Recorder,” 
by J. B. Jordan and F. Gaster, F.R.Met.Soc. A Committee of the above 
Society has'been appointed to take into consideration the question of the 
supposed Diminution oe Water Supply and the Suggested 
Increase of Floods. The Committee is desirous of obtaining as 
much information as possible, and will therefore be very glad to receive 
any data bearing upon the subject, and showing the past and present 
state of the water supply, either from gaugings of wells or springs ; 
the height of flood marks in rivers, streams, and lakes ; the records of 
low water periods ; or any historic data which may have been collected 
relating to the subject. Information relating to the period between 1825 
and 1835 would be extremely valuable, in order to enable the Committee 
to fill up a gap in the diagram accompanying the report in the “ Quarterly 
Journal ” for July, 1885. All communications should be addressed to the 
Assistant Secretary, Mr. W. Marriott, 30, Great George Street, West¬ 
minster. S.W. 
NOTES ON NEW AND RECENTLY INTRODUCED 
VEGETABLES. 
The experience of another year enables me to speak more fully and 
conclusively of the merits of some of our new vegetables than I have 
hitherto been capable of doing. 
Chou de Burghley. —The seed of this was sown in April, and I 
am glad to find it is now perfectly true iu character. There are no tall 
narrow ones here, and broad short ones there, but all are of that compact 
conical form which distinguishes the true variety. It has turned in well, 
and when cooked like Cabbage it is more delicate and delicious than any 
Cabbage I ever tasted. I am more satisfied with it this season than ever, 
and all who desire a Cabbage of great excellency should grow it. I am 
not going to say anything of its Broccoli character. I fear none of our 
heads will ever reach the Broccoli-forming stage. 
Sutton’s Early Snowball Turnip. —There are many Snowball 
Turnips, but this is the finest of all, It is most handsome in shape, pure 
white throughout, and of the highest quality. We cultivated more of it 
this year than on any previous occasion, and it has taken its place as a 
standard sort in our garden. Some object to seed firms putting their 
name as a prefix before vegetables, but were it not for this plan such a 
Turnip as this would not be known from other Snowballs, and it certainly 
merits distinction. It is superb for exhibition. 
Veitch’s Autumn Giant Cauliflower. —What 1 this amongff 
new vegetables ? No ; but it is amongst good ones, and I am sure no one 
can ever think of the best vegetables without this Cauliflower appearing 
amongst the first. We have been cutting it for upwards of three months, 
and shall continue for about two months more. I would as soon think of 
being without a Cauliflower altogether as omitting this one. There are 
those who think that any seedsman can supply such gems as this as well 
as going to head quarters, but it is not always so. Some years ago I had 
seed of this Cauliflower from a respectable firm in the north, and was 
greatly mortified to find that the majority of the plants were untrue. I 
could see this before the plants headed, and they disarranged the Cauli¬ 
flower supply so much that autumn that I resolved to always go to head¬ 
quarters for specialities. 
Gilbert’s Universal Savoy.— Seed of this was sown at the same 
time as the Drumhead and Green Globe. Some of these two are just 
ready for cutting now, and others will not be fit for some time ; but the 
Universal has been ready since the middle of September, and scores of 
them have burst, as they came in quicker than there was a demand for 
them. This early heading and splitting disappointed us, but it should be 
sown six weeks or two months after any other Savoy. It does not grow 
very large, and may be planted much closer than other Savoys; 15 inches 
between the rows, and the same between the plants, would be ample 
space. Owing to this early hearting I shall have none of it by mid¬ 
winter, and shall require another season’s experience of it before recom¬ 
mending it. 
White Plume Celery.— This novelty becomes a greater favourite 
by extended cultivation. I had some seed sent from New York again in 
January last, and it has turned out true. Some might think it a little 
wanting in crispness when used as salad, but for cooking purposes it is 
excellent, and for this alone quantities of it should be grown everywhere. 
Its culture is most simple ; indeed planting and weeding is the whole of 
the details necessary for its successful culture. 
Onions. —Webb’s Banbury continues one of the best of summer 
varieties. It is evidently cultivated with great care to keep the stock 
pure, as for the last half-dozen years at least one crop has resembled 
another as closely as possible. I have some specimens which weigh 
