November 19, 1885. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
461 
Wintering Cannas (J. C. E .).—Cannas that have been taken up from 
beds in the London parks are packed closely together in soil under the 
stages of greenhouses in -which Zonal Pelargoniums are wintered, and little 
or no water is given to them, nor is there any drip from the plants above. 
Your plants may be wintered just as well in pots in a greenhouse having a 
night temperature of about 45°, falling a few degrees in damp weather. 
They must be kept dry rather than wet, but not dust dry. Moisture is 
needed to keep the crowns fresh, not to support nor encourage growth in 
the winter. 
Pears on a West Aspect (Surrey Amateur ).—In good loam 3 feet deep 
on chalk we should not hesitate to plant any varieties of Pears or Plums 
we desired to cultivate against a wall in Surrey, on which the sun does not 
shine till 12 or 1 o’clock in the day; and, instead of having three trees only 
on a wall 40 feet long, we shall have more than twenty, training them a 
diagonal cordons. These are the cheapest trees of all (maidens), and tha 
is the quickest method of covering a wall. 
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 plantR, and Fern fronds 
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm 
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. 
( B. J. B.). —Laurus nobilis. ( John Cameron). —1, Retinospora ericoides ; 3, 
Retinospora filicoides ; 4, Thuiopsis dolabrata ; 5, Cupressus Lobbi ; 6, 
Cupressus Lawsoniana; 7, Arbutus Unedo. 2 will be named next week. 
We do not undertake to name more than six specimens at one time. (S. W., 
Yorks). —As you supposed, the specimen received was completely crushed, 
but it is evidently a Streptocarpus, probably S. Rexi. 
COYENT GARDEN MARKET. —November 18th. 
Business at a standstill. 
Scale on Pear Trees ( W. J.). —The spurs you have sent are seriously 
infested with oyster scale (Aspidiotus ostreoeformis), and it is impossible 
that trees in such a state can flourish. The wood is quite encrusted with 
the scale. You had better scrape them without injuring the bark, then 
dissolve three or four ounces of Gishurst compound or softsoap in a gallon 
of water, stirring ;in briskly while hot a wineglassful of petroleum, and 
apply with a brush, rubbing well into the crevices. Great good would be 
done by well syringing the trees with the petroleum mixture, but many 
parts would not be reached, and brushing would be more effectual. The 
preparation should be kept constantly stirred during its application. The 
name of the shrub of which you have sent a spray is Leycesteria formosa. 
Growing Chrysanthemums (A Novice). —Every man who becomes 
successful was a “ novice ” some time, but by attentively picking up hints 
from others, an aptitude for learning by reading and observation, and 
thoughtful and persevering attention to small details of culture, many 
“ novices ” have become “ masters ” in Chrysanthemum growing, and other 
work in which they have been engaged. You will find on perusing the 
notes relating to Mr. Molyneux in another column that that renowned 
cultivator was entirely “ self-taught ” in the production of large and highly 
finished blooms. You will also perceive that there is a probability of his 
publishing the details of his method of culture, and these when they appear 
you had better read. Much has been published in the past, and we are 
informed that some of the largest blooms that have been exhibited this year 
were the result of the cultivator having turned to account the instructions 
that have appeared in this journal. 
Preparing Beds for Roses (Merchant). —The preparation of the beds is 
of primary importance, and you seem to have set about it in a proper 
manner, only we think the manure should have been used more freely as 
well as the turfy loam. We have recently made a Rose border. First we 
put in 6 inches of drainage, biickbats, and other loose material at hand, 
securing this with a layer of turves grassy side downwards ; then a layer 
of manure 3 inches thick, and on this a layer of the old soil taken from the 
border, which was a good friable loam, and on this a layer of turf cut about 
2 inches thick from a roadside and chopped up roughly only. Upon this a 
layer of manure, then the old soil and turf again, and so on to the top, the 
depth above the drainage 2 feet. This were done early in October, and it 
will lie until early January, when we shall put on an inch thickness of bones 
(half-inch) and 3 inches thickness, if possible, of charcoal, and then have 
the border turned over from end to end and the whole of the materials 
thoroughly mixed. The turf over the drainage will not be disturbed. We 
shall then plant and mulch with 3 inches thickness of short manure. We 
ought to state that this is for Roses under glass, though we make similar pro¬ 
vision for the outside border. We should add more turfy loam to your 
beds, and add manure to the extent of a fifth of the other materials, incor¬ 
porating them together. If your plant be a Theophrasta you may make 
cuttings of the ripe young shoots in spring, inserting in sandy soil with a 
surfacing of sand, and place in heat, covering with a bellglass. The Arau¬ 
caria we are afraid you can do nothing with, only tolerate it as long as 
you can, and then obtain a young plant. 
Pyramid Apple and Pear Trees not Fruiting (C. E. Bolton). —Judging 
from the wood sent, and your account of the trees, we think they make too 
much wood— i.e., are too vigorous, and do not ripen the wood sufficiently to 
insure the perfect development of the fruit. We know but one remedy, 
which is to restrict the root-action, and encourage surface roots by rich top 
dressings. We should form a trench a yard from the stem all round, and 
cut off all the roots, going down as deeply as the roots to make sure of 
severing all that extend beyond a j'ard distance from the stem. The trees 
against the wall should have the trench taken out at a distance of 4 feet 
from the stem. Before filling the trench the surface soil should be removed 
from the roots with a fork, and if they are deep carefully raise them and re¬ 
lay in fresh soil nearer the surface; but as the trees have not been disturbed 
at the roots for some years, it will not answer to interfere too much with 
them, therefore confine the lifting to the uppermost roots. The trench 
should be filled up again and the soil trod firmly as well as that over the 
roots, which should not be covered deeper than 3 or 4 inches with soil. 
When the work is complete mulch with 3 inches thickness of well-decom¬ 
posed manure. The Apples you name are free bearers, and so are the Pears 
Are you in a smoky locality ? 
Names 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. (A. J. 
Brown). —All three Pears are Beund Diel. (N. H. Poicnall). —Apples : 
1, Norfolk Stone Pippin ; 2, Lewis’ Incomparable. Pear : No. 1, Duchesse 
d’Orleans ; 2, Epine du Mas. (F. J.). —1, Beurre de Wet term ; 2, Doyenne 
du Cornice ; 3, Beurre Superfin ; 4, Probably Doyenne du Comi 
Carel’s Seedling ; 6, London Pippin. (E. M. B.). —1, Ribston Pipj 
Doyenne Defays ; 3, Knight’s Monarch ; 4, General Todleben ; 
DoyennA (J. Watson). —1, Beauty of Kent ; 2, Cockle’s Pippin ; 3, 
dick’s Nonpareil; 4, Marie Louise d’Uccle; 5, Glou Morqeau; 6, Chaumontel. 
L. G.). —1, Golden Reinette ; 2, Bess Pool ; 3, Uncertain. 
FRUIT. 
1 
3. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Apples .. . ■ 
l 
0 
to 8 
6 
Oranges. 
0 
0 to 
0 
0 
,, Canadian 
.. barre 
10 
0 
15 
0 
Peaches . 
per doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cobs. Kent .. per 100 lbs. 22 
0 
25 
0 
Fears, kitchen .. 
dozen 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Figs . 
. dozen 
0 
8 
0 
9 
,, dessert 
dozen 
0 
4 
1 
6 
Grapes .. .. 
0 
6 
2 
0 
Pine Apples English .. lb. 
2 
0 
0 
0 
Lemons .. .. 
.. case 
15 
0 
21 
0 
Plums. 
£ sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Melons . • . • 
1 
0 
1 
6 
St. Michael Pines 
..each 
1 
6 
5 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
S. 
d. 
s. d 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
Artichokes .. 
dozen 
l 
0 
to 0 
0 
Lettuce. 
dozen 
l 
0 to 
1 
6 
Asparagus 
.. bundle 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Mushrooms .. . 
punnet 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Beans, Kidney 
lb. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Mustard and Cress 
punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red 
.. dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Onions. 
bunch 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Broccoli .. .. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Parsley .. dozen bunches 
2 
0 
s 
0 
Brussels Sprouts 
.. £ sieve 
2 
6 
3 
0 
Parsnips. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
9 
Cabbage .. .. 
0 
0 
1 
0 
Potatoes. 
cwt. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicums 
.. 100 
1 
<5 
2 
0 
,, Kidney . 
cwt. 
4 
e 
5 
0 
Carrots .. .. 
0 
s 
0 
4 
Rhubarb. 
bundle 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers .. 
.. dozen 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Salsafy. 
bundle 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Oelerv .. .. 
1 
e 
2 
0 
Scorzonera .. . 
bundle 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts doz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Seakale .. .. per basket 
2 
0 
a 
6 
Cucumbers .. 
.. each 
0 
s 
0 
6 
Shallots. 
0 
3 
0 
6 
Endive .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Spinach .. .. 
bushel 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Herbs .. . • 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes .. .. 
.. tb. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Leeks .. •. 
0 
8 
0 
4 
Turnips .. .. 
bunch 
0 
4 
0 
0 
WINTER DIET. 
THE FLOCK. 
If we were asked for a golden rule for guidance in feeding 
animals our reply would be, “ Avoid extremes.” Plain 
teaching is our aim, and we strive to avoid a too scientific 
or technical tone ; yet we are bound to keep well in view the 
importance, nay, the absolute necessity, of combining science 
with practice, and no farmer can have clearness of aim and 
purpose unless he has a sufficiently clear understanding of 
cause and effect in its relation to his work. Take, for 
example, the well-known fact that a diet of Turnips or 
Swedes frequently causes abortion in ewes. Why ? In cold, 
often very wet weather, a pregnant ewe will consume from 
20 to 30 lbs. of Turnips, which if not frozen are certainly at 
a very low temperature when eaten. In point of fact, it is 
a dietary consisting of nine-tenths of water so cold that the 
temperature of the body is lowered; there is a falling off in 
condition, the foetus lacks nourishment, is chilled, starved, 
dies. Cause and effect are surely before us here. The remedy 
is equally clear—reduce the quantity of roots by one-half or 
two-thirds, according to the condition of the sheep ; substitute 
sound dry food in the form of mixed straw and hay chaff 
with bran or crushed Oats if the condition is very low, and 
see that the sheep are able to rest in comfort. Very simple 
all this, is it not ? yet of such vital importance that it marks 
the difference between success or failure. Do not forget that 
exposure to cold and wet, as well as the consumption of half- 
frozen Turnips, lowers the temperature of the body, causes 
an unhealthy strain upon it because so much heat is absorbed, 
and much food is wasted in raising the temperature of the 
superabundance of cold water contained in the Turnips. 
We desire to call particular attention to this important 
matter now, for the critical time for the breeding flock is 
