568 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ December 24, 1885. 
single Chrysanthemums. I have been closely observing what progress 
towards established popularity they are making. So far the evidence 
thereof is meagre. They will probably in the future hold the same 
relation to the doubles that single Dahlias do—both will have their 
patrons. I find from Mr. Castle’s list, of new Chrysanthemums of the 
present year, twenty-four have been certificated in England {vide page 464 
of the Journal) and of this number not one is single or semi-double. At 
this time of the year they are, however, extremely useful for cutting or 
decorative purposes, and there are numbers of people with aesthetic and 
refined tastes that consider the doubles, as usually grown, “ too large and 
lumpy” for personal decoration; or, as they say, “too like big mop- 
heads.” For the convenience and information of that large class, permit 
me to try to skim the cream of the newest single and semi-double varieties 
with which I am acquainted. Of American introduction, we may fitly 
commence with “ America.” This, when well grown, can be had upwards 
of 8 inches across, but smaller-sized blooms are generally preferred. It 
has a double row of marginal petals, that open rosy blush, gradually 
changing to white. These are fluted half length. Mr. N. Davis describes 
it as “ early,” but the fact of having fine blooms before me as I write 
shows its variability. A companion variety to this would be “ Peter 
Henderson,” large, flat petals, double row, and much the best yellow I 
know, without excepting even that other fine American single variety, 
“ Helianthus,” which is a shade of brighter yellow. Those who require 
yellows in variety should include Mr. Cannell’s Yellow Gem and Mr. 
Toole, though smaller flowers. Before I pass from the American varieties 
I must recommend “ Harriett Thorpe,” a semi-double incurved that opens 
blush, maturing pure white halls ; “ Mrs. Allen,” deep rose and white 
ring ; and, lastly, Dr. Hogg, distinct from those named, rather semi¬ 
double, velvety crimson, smooth, broad petals. Two of Mr. C. L. Tees- 
dale’s that should be in every collection are “ Mrs. Deane ” and “ Mrs. J. 
Mills,” the former distinctly Japanese, pure white ; and the latter very 
large, of the same ground colour, chastely suffused with pink. To those 
may be added the following four that I have grown last year, sent out by 
the same firm, “Dr. Kellock,” silver pink, white ring ; “ Magenta King 
“Mrs. Langtry,” silvery blush; and “Miss Cannell,” white, yellow 
centre. I have seen al-o some seedlings very large and distinct that 
more will be heard of.— W. J. Murphy, Clonmel. 
CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW AT FELLING-ON-TYNE. 
The above Show was held on Wednesday and Thursday, 10th and 17th 
of December, the Committee having organised the Show owing to the dis¬ 
appointment felt at the South Shields Exhibition not taking place this year 
through the present depression of trade. The Exhibition was small, but 
some good plants were staged. Mr. T. B. Morton, Howden Bridge, Mr. 
Fred. Bollam, Axwell Park, and Mr. Robert Charlton, Birtley, were the 
principal exhibitors with cut flowers. 
For twelve incurved blooms Mr. Morton was first with Golden Empress, 
Queen of England, Empress of India, Lord Wolseley, Princess Imperial, 
Hero of Stoke. Mr. Bollam was second with excellent blooms of Empress 
of India, Golden Empress, and Jardin des Plantes. For twelve reflexed 
blooms these exhibitors were in the same position; also for twelve Japanese, 
Mr. Morton having fine blooms Fair Maid of Guernsey and Criterion. Mr. 
B,. Charlton won the first prize for six Japanese with flowers 8 inches across 
of Fair Maid of Guernsey, Erectum Superbum, and Gloire de Toulouse. 
For six flowering plants Mr. Paul Blanshard, gardener to Dr. Gibb, Sandy- 
ford Park, Newcastle, was first with well-trained plants of Mrs. G. Bundle, 
G. Glenny, and Mrs. Dixon. The same exhibitors were also first for three 
Pompons, three Japanese, and two Anemone-flowered, followed in each class 
by Mr. Bussell, a local amateur, who exhibited plants. 
The Exhibition on the whole was very good for a commencement, con¬ 
sidering that the Committee only thought of it three weeks ago. The 
Committee and Hon. Secretary, Mr. W. Simpson, jun., are to be congratu¬ 
lated on their success. 
ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
The usual monthly meeting of this Society was held on Wednesday 
evening, the 16 th inst., at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Mr. R. H. Scott, 
F.B.S., President, in the Chair. 
Mr. J. Hartnup, Mr. A. W. Preston, Mr. R. Sheward, and Mr. W. B. 
Worthington, BSc., M.Inst.C.E., were balloted for and duly elected 
Fellows of the Society. 
■'■k® following papers were read:—(1) “On the Influence of Forests 
upon Climate, ’ by Dr. A. Woeikof, Hon.Mem.R.Met.Soc. The first step 
towards a scientific investigation of the influence of forests upon climate 
was taken by the establishment of the Bavarian forest meteorological 
stations. The example was followed by Germany, France, Switzerland, 
Italy, and other countries. As a general result it was found that during the 
warmer season the air and earth temperatures were lower in the forest as 
compared with contiguous woodless places; that their variations were less, 
and that the relative humidity was greater. Dr. Woeikof’s discussion of 
this question shows that in the western portions of the Old World extensive 
forests materially influence the temperature of neighbouring localities, and 
that the normal increase of temperature from the Atlantic Ocean towards 
the interior of the Continent is not only interrupted by their agency, but 
they cause the summer to be cooler in regions situated further in the interior 
than those nearer the sea. Hence forests exert an influence on climate 
which doe3 not^ cease at their borders, but is felt over a greater or less 
district, according to the size, kind, and position of the forests. From this 
it naturally follows that man, by clearing forests in one place and planting 
others in another, may considerably affect the climate. 
t> (“m ' < ,^ e P or *' on the Phenological Observations for 1885,” by the 
A* Preston, M.A.,F.R.Met.S°c. The year has been a very dry one, 
and this has acted in such a manner on vegetation, that although the winter 
„? s P^nts were very late in flowering and lasted only a short time. 
J. he bloom was often profuse, and as bees and other insects could visit them, 
the crop of fruit was unusually great, the Apples, for instance, being often 
spoilt in quality from the enormous number on the trees, whilst in the case 
of wild fruits the brilliant colour of the bushes when in fruit was quite as 
beautiful as when in bloom. But at the same time the drought acted very 
prejudicially, especially to root crops and bush fruit, as well as Strawberries. 
In the case of the root crops the seed had great difficulty in germinating, 
and the weak plants were at once overpowered by insect pests, so that the 
crops of Turnips were generally complete failures. The insect pests also did 
much damage to bush fruit, while the drought prevented the Strawberries 
from swelling. The corn did not suffer to any great extent, the dry season 
allowing the land to be prepared, and although the straw was often short, 
the yield was not unsatisfactory. A general absence of butterflies was 
noticed in some places. In the south of England the white butterflies were 
most abundant at one time, but the autumn butterflies were not so plentiful 
as usual. 
(3) “ Etudes sur les Crdpuscules Rosees,” by Prof. A. Ricco of Palermo. 
(4) “ The Storm of October 15th, 1885, at Partenkirchen, Bavaria,” by 
Col. M. F. Ward, F.R.Met.Soc. This was the most destructive storm which 
has occurred in this valley since the winter of 1821-22. The storm burst 
suddenly at 7 r.M., and lasted about half an hour, but in that short period 
nearly every house was unroofed, and it is computed that in one forest alone 
above 250,000 trees were laid prostrate. 
CHRISTMAS BERRIES IN THE OPEN AIR. 
Berry-bearing plants in pots which have partially grown and 
wholly matured under glass are very pretty and desirable at this time, but 
there is not one in a thousand of those who use evergreens and berries for 
Christmas decorations who have the means of growing them, but there 
are hundreds of those who cannot do so that might cultivate a few bushes 
which would supply them with berries at Christmas. Although all kinds 
of open-air berries are uncommonly plentiful this season we often hear 
of their being scarce; but that applies more particularly to the Holly, as 
when there is no fruit on this some appear to conclude that there are no 
berries, but by growing a small selection of berry-bearing bushes there 
will always be some of them in fruit at Christmas. It is a pity that those 
who plant a few scores or hundreds of shrubs in a small garden do not 
pay more attention to berries. The general desire is to plant those that 
will flower in spring or summer, when all kinds of blossoms are 
most common, and then the flowering bushes are looked on as being of no 
special value ; but now when we are in the dead of winter, and open-air 
flowers have quite disappeared, those bunches which bear berries become 
very conspicuous and valuable. Winter effect in planting should always 
be more studied than summer display, and where this good rule is followed 
berry-bearing trees will be largely used, and their possession will he 
hailed with delight at this time and throughout the winter. They require 
no special soil situation over and above that given to any other trees, and 
they are no more expensive at first. Generally speaking, they will grow 
in all soils and situations. The winter months, from October until March, 
is the time to plant, and any nurseryman will supply them in quantity. 
The Hollies are not very quick in growth, but they are remarkably 
hardy. They are sometimes just a little difficult to transplant, but this 
mainly applies to many large specimens, and little nursery plants from 
2 feet to 4 feet in height may be planted as successfully as almost any 
other bush. The common green variety is as good as any to produce 
berries. I. ferox is the Hedgehog variety, but not a free-fruiter. I. 
fructu-luteo produces yellow berries, and should always be introduced for 
the sake of variety. I. argentea variegata is the silver-leaved variety, a 
great beauty and a free fi uiter. This should never be omitted. I. aurea 
maculata and I. aurea Regina are the Golden Hollies, and although very 
pretty they are not specially fruitful. They are useful, however, for 
Christmas decorations apart from any consideration of berries. 
The Aucubas are well-known evergreens. They are extremely hardy 
and useful, as they grow in towns as well as in the country. By planting 
a male variety amongst female sorts the latter will become covered 
with beautiful scarlet berries of great size and value at this time. In this 
respect they are unrivalled. 
The Arbutus, especially A. Unedo, is a beautiful object now. The trees 
are. surrounded with little clusters of creamy bell-shaped flowers and 
Strawberry-like fruit. They are the largest of all Christmas berries. 
They grow well near the sea, and succeed aimirably amongst a general 
collection of bushes. The Sweet Bay produces berries very freely here. 
They are about the size of peas, oblong, dark purple in colour, and cluster 
round the points of the shoots. The Laurustinus also produces berries 
very like the preceding. They are a little smaller, and are clustered to¬ 
gether in terminal bunches. Cotoneasters are pretty evergreens, which 
produce red berries in winter with absolute certainty. C. microphylla is 
the small-berried sort, very prolific, and good for the front of shrubberies, 
walls, or rockworks. C. Simonsii grows taller, is more of a bush, and 
bears larger berries of a very charming character. Pyracanthas, espe¬ 
cially Crataegus Ltelandi and C. fructu-luteo are exquisite winter-berried 
plants. They are quite hardy and well adapted for walls and trellises. 
Their large effective berries remain on the whole of the winter, and 
those who introduce one plant of each or more will never be without 
Christmas berries, as I never knew them to miss a crop.— J. M. 
HOW TO FILL AN ICE HOUSE. 
In reply to “ J. R.,” who asks for information on this subject at 
page 539, I beg to say that some non-conductor, such as Wheat straw or 
sawdust, should be placed in the bottom of the ice house, and between the 
walls and the ice, as the work of filling proceeds. Assuming there is a 
brick or concrete surface outside the icehouse door for tipping the ice 
