480 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARBLEER. 
[ November 26, 1885. 
narrower form, and covered with shaggy hairs, especially at the tip, 
which is reflexed. 
The seed is also of a different structure to that of the Calendulas, as 
the accompanying figure will show. The Venidiums are more closely 
allied to the old genus Arctotis, with which some of them were formerly 
incorporated; but in Arctotis the seeds are furnished with a chaffy 
pappus, an appendage which appears to be wanting in Venidium. 
The present species is a dwarf annual plant, not often exceeding, even 
when in flower, 5 or 6 inches in height; the radical leaves are of a 
broadly ovate, almost orbicular form, with a sinuate margin, and long foot¬ 
stalks more or less winged at their edge ; the whole leaf, but especially 
its margin, nerves, and petiole, being clothed with long white, clammy, 
spreading hairs. The leaves at the base of the flower stalk are of a similar 
form, but rather narrower, and have their petioles more winged ; those 
higher up are sessile, becoming more pointed as they approach the 
flower. 
The blossoms are produced singly, of which each plant yields a cor. 
siderable number. As those which spring directly from the root fade j 
others are developed from the axils of the stem leaves. 
The circumference of the flower head is composed of about fifteen to 
twenty strap-shaped florets, arranged in a single series and of a fine light 
orange colour ; they bear no stamens, but only a short style terminated 
by a stigma, divided into two broad black lobes. The florets of the disc, 
or central portion of the flower, are tubular, and contain both stamens and 
style. Before the tubes open the disc is green, but as they expand it 
assumes a blackish purple tint, which is due to the black tips of the 
segments of the florets. The character of the scales of the involucre has 
already been explained, as well as the absence of the paopus, so peculiar 
to most Composite plants. The receptacle on which the florets are seated 
is slightly pitted, but otherwise quite smooth, or naked as it is termed in 
botanical parlance. When fully expanded tbe flowers are about 11 inch 
in diameter. They will open in diffused light, but usually close about 
two o’clock. 
Venidium calendulaceum requires the treatment of most other half- 
hardy annuals, such as Zinnias, Stocks, Asters, &c. There are several 
other species, chiefly of perennial duration. All of them, as well as the 
present plant, ar6 natives of the Cape of Good Hope.—T. 
JOHN DOWNIE GRAPE. 
My opinions are not in “ touch ” with those of Mr. Mclndoe when he 
thinks it “ odd ” that I should not have reported my experience with this 
Grape last year instead of this season. I think it would be well if 
cultivators always took longer time to praise or censure the merits of new 
horticultural products than the first season in which they have had trial of 
them. Most of us know well what material changes often take place 
when a fruit or flower has been grown a few seasons, especially when 
circumstances may have been untoward, or vice versa. Some striking 
illustrations are before us while we write. Gros Maroc, which has grown 
extra fine in berry with us, but with flavour little better than 1 have 
tasted it elsewhere. Last year the berries were oblong and somewhat 
hammered ; this season they are as round and smooth as ever I saw 
Grapes. 
I have every confidence in the integrity of Messrs. Dunn and Downie, 
and believe it is possible that the Grape to which reference is made may 
have been sent inadvertently instead of the bona fide one. I had my 
Vine sent gratis with the express wish that I would test the fruit in our 
new vineries.—M. Temple. 
WORK forthe WEEK.. 
KITCHEN GARDEN. 
Mushrooms. —We do not attempt to grow these all the year round 
When vegetables are plentiful they are not much valued in summer, and 
as autumn comes on we generally gather a large quantity in the park; but 
now and during the entire winter the house Mushrooms are in great 
demand, and we try our best to have them daily from the end of October 
until April. At present we have them unusually good, and this we attribute 
in a great measure to the excellency of the spawn. Without first-rate 
spawn abundance of the best Mushrooms will never be produced. The 
utmost care should be exercised by seedsmen to have this good, and no 
one should buy any but genuine bricks. The whole crop depends on the 
quality of them. We have known much labour thrown away and material 
lost by working with bad spawn. Just now one of our best beds is in the 
potting shed. It is a lean-to house with a bench in front, a pathway in the 
middle, and a pot bin at the back, and it is here the bed is formed and the 
Mushrooms are coming in hundreds. This bed began to bear five weeks 
after spawning, and others which have been added to it for a succession 
promise to be equally quick and sure. We exclude light and keep off cold 
draughts by covering them wiih a thick coating of hay. We have tried 
the open-air culture, but prefer this simple shed plan in winter. The 
Mushrooms are much finer and more of them than when cultivated in a 
specially heated Mushroom house. More beds should be formed to bear in 
January and February. The produce will be very acceptable then, as 
vegetables will be scarce. Have the manure moderately well dried and 
spawn and soil it before the temperature falls below 85°. When the 
manure is in good condition we spawn on the same day as the bed is 
formed, and soil over immediately afterwards. Beds which have been 
bearing for some time should have a good soaking of manure water heated 
to 90°. That from the cowsheds or manure is excellent. Cover with hay 
immediately, and a strong abundant second crop will soon appear. 
Mustard and Cress. —As other salad plants become scarce these 
will be more wanted, and weekly sowings should be made. We use 
shallow boxes, 15 inches wide and 3 feet in length, for sowing in at this 
season. Rich soil is put in to the depth of 2 inches or 3 inches, and the 
seed is simply put on the surface and the box placed in a warm house. 
By sowing one or two boxes a week a constant succession may be kept up, 
and as a box may be stood here and there in any odd corner the expense 
of culture is not great. 
Beetroot and Carrots. —Where taking up these useful roots has 
been delayed, no time should now be lo9t in getting them under cover. 
Tbe Carrots will stand much frost, although it does not benefit them, but 
the Beet is very easily injured, and one sharp frosty night may ruin an 
unprotected crop. 
Heeling Broccoli. —Those which have formed small heads or about 
to fruit should be lifted with a good ball of soil to the roots, and be laid 
in close together in trenches facing the north. This retards them from 
coming all in at once, and it also protects them greatly, especially if their 
position is a sheltered one. They are also easily protected in very severe 
weather, as, being laid in close together, the whole can be covered over 
with mats, bracken, or straw. 
Chicory. —We have just lifted a quantity of roots of this and planted 
them in 10-inch pots. Probably before this is in print they will have 
been placed in a semi-dark place under the stage of a warm pit, and here 
they will soon grow and produce a large quantity of excellent salad 
material. Where there are plenty of roots forcing is easily done, and 
with plenty of Chicory and Mustard and Cress there will be no scarcity 
of salads in winter. 
Forcing. —Continue to introduce Asparagus roots. Growth will be 
rapid and certain with a bottom heat of 85°. When kept near the glass 
the heads will always be robust and excellent in flavour. Cover more 
Rhubarb and Seakale ; both will be in at Christmas if attended to at once. 
Lift and pot a quantity of Mint and Tarragon roots. P'ace them in a 
temperature of 70°, and the tops will soon be large enough to gather. 
Wheeling Manure. —Digging and trenching should now be the 
standing orders for all favourable opportunities of advancing kitchen 
