April 29, 18S8. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
347 
■will do as well. We have known this plan to answer admirably. Before 
planting the Asters give the ground a heavy dressing of soot, as this will be 
distasteful to the wireworms and a good manure for the plants. We saw 
both the varieties of Tomatoes you name with single stems 15 feet high 
last year, and you ought to have no difficulty in covering a trellis with 
them in yonr Cucumber house, planting in enriched turfy loam, making the 
soil firmer than is generally used for Cucumbers. 
Mushrooms (<?. M.). —The Mushrooms you sent are safe enough, but 
■not good. We at first thought they were samples of Agaricus campestris 
var. silvicola, but we do not think so now. We believe them to be ordinary 
Mushrooms changed in colour by ammonia from the bed, and conclude that 
either the manure has not been sufficiently purified or the casing of soil 
is either too thin or has shrunk, leaving small fissures, so small perhaps as 
not to be very discernible. In a long house in which additions of three or 
four yards are made of fresh materials at intervals of three weeks for 
securing a successional supply of Mushrooms, there is almost always a row 
of silvery-gilled Mushrooms across the older portion of the beds after each 
addition of fresh manure to the end of the n, but those following after¬ 
wards are of the right colour. We have a specimen before us now with the 
gills whitish except where the edge has turned up, as it does with age, and 
there the gibs are pink. The turned up portion escaped the direct action of 
the ammonia rising from the bed. Try the effect of another covering of 
loam and do not let the surface of the bed get dry, and you may possibly 
effect a change for the better with your crop. 
Hedge Unsatisfactory ( Cambridge ).—It is almost impossible to induce 
a thin hedge to thicken at the bottom without reducing its height. Improve¬ 
ment may sometimes be effected by cutting down some of the growths 
which form the hedge without materially impairing it as a screen ; and 
some growths may occasionally be spared for “laying”—that is, cutting 
them almost through at or near the base, so that they can be bent down and 
affixed in position where required. Notes on hedges will be found in another 
column from a contributor who has had great experience in the work on 
which he writes. Hedges often get weak through poverty of soil and drought, 
and they invariably suffer in that respect under trees. The only remedy in 
such a case is to break up the ground, so that strong and copious supplies of 
liquid manure can be directed to the roots, afterwards top-dressing with a 
thick layer of good manure. Where it is convenient to do so strong young 
plants may be put in for forming a better base, providing enriched soil, and 
keeping the roots moist. 
Thuia Lobbi for Screens (If. W.). —Without doubt this is one of the 
best Conifers for forming ornamental hedges and valuable sheltering screens, 
though it would be some time before getting tall enough for protecting 
standard orchard trees. It is very elegant in growth, and retains its bright 
green colour in winter. It grows freely in good loamy soil, such as is suit¬ 
able for fruit trees. One row is sufficient for forming a good screen. We 
know of a number of trees that were planted 6 feet apart all grown together 
now forming a beautiful hedge 20 feet high and 8 feet through at the base. 
The distance for planting depends entirely on the size of the trees and 
whether a close hedge is desired at once. If a space be allowed between 
the trees equal to their diameter they will soon touch each other, and every 
alternate one can then be removed if desired to form another screen, or they 
can be left and trimmed to form a close hedge. You will find much of 
interest in respect to this fine North American tree in Yeitch’s “ Manual of 
the Conifer®,” in which it is illustrated. There is some confusion regard¬ 
ing its nomenclature. Its correct name is no doubt Thuia gigantea, but 
the Conifer widely known under this name is Libocedrus decurrens; but we 
think the Conifer you inquire about is sold as Thuia Lobbi by most 
nurserymen. It was introduced by Messrs. Veitch & Sons in 1853 through 
their collector, Mr. William Lobb, hence its name. 
The Morel ( Kittie ).—The specimen you have Bent is undoubtedly the 
Morel (Horchella esculenta). From the complaint that Dr. Badham makes, 
that in England this fungus is only known as an article procurable at the 
Italian warehouses, we augur that he has not been brought up among the 
thrifty housewives of Yorkshire. In the kitchens of that county, at any 
rate of the northern and wetern divisions of it, a string of Morels pendant 
from the ceiling is as familiar an object as a bunch of Sage twigs, or bundles 
of Thyme ; and the heads of the household complain of the cook’s neglect 
if she omits the Morel flavour in certain sauces. As children we knew the 
plant at sight, and brought it home whenever we encountered it in our 
walks; and the poor knew it also, for ever and anon the women who 
gathered Cowslips for the wine-brewing would bring a few in the corner of 
their basket, and plead for an extra shilling for the “ Jew’s Ears,” as they 
were pleased to call the Morel. In Germany the excellence of the Morel 
was well appreciated, and, finding that it flourished the most luxuriantly on 
wood ashes, it became a regular system to burn down a portion of the forest 
annually to secure a crop of Morels. This custom was stopped by an edict 
of the Government, and thus legislation was turned against the fungi. M. 
Roques gives some receipts for the dressing of the Morel, which our readers 
may find serviceable :—“1st, Having washed and cleansed them from the 
earth which is apt to collect between the plants, dry thoroughly in a napkin, 
and put them into a saucepan with pepper, salt, and Parsley, adding or not 
a piece of ham; stew for an hour, pouting in occasionally a little broth to 
prevent burning. When sufficiently done, bind with the yolks of two er 
three eggs, and serve on buttered toast. 2nd, Morelles A l’ltalienne.— 
Having washed and dried, divide them across; put them on the fire with 
some Parsley, Scallion, Chervil, Burnet, Tarragon, Chives, a little salt, and 
two spoonfuls of fine oil. Stew till the juice runs out; then thicken with a 
little flour; serve with bread crumbs, and a squeeze of Lemon. 3rd, 
Stuffed Morels.—Choose the freshest and whitest Morels, open the stalk at 
the bottom, wash and wipe them well, fill with veal stuffing, anchovy, or 
any rich farce you please, securing the ends, and dressing between thin 
slices of bacon. Serve with a sauce like the last." 
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 plants, and Fern fronds 
should bear spores. Specimens should ariive 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. 
(C.N.L.). —1, Narcissus incomparabilis aurantius plenus ; 2 resembles a 
Grevillea, but cannot be determined by the leaf alone ; 3, We do not recog¬ 
nise ; 4, Polygala Dalmaisiana. ( Earn ).—1, Ccelogyne barbata ; 2, 
Coelogyne ocellata; 3, Will be named next week. 
Bees (Jacobis and A. E.). —A\ r e have forwarded your letters to “ A Lanark¬ 
shire Bee-keeper,” and requested him to attend to them through the post. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April 28th. 
Trade falling off, and prices of house fruit lower. 
FRUIT. 
a. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Apples. 
4 sieve 
2 
0 to 3 
6 
Peaches. 
per doz. 
0 
0 to 0 
0 
Canadian .. 
barrel 
12 
0 
20 
0 
Pears, kitchen .. 
dozen 
l 
0 
l 
6 
Coba, Kent •• per 100 lbs. 
27 
6 
30 
0 
,, dessert 
dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Figs . 
dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Pine Apples English .. tb. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Grapes, New.. .. 
.. lb. 
2 
6 
8 
0 
Plums. 
4 sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Lemons. 
8 
0 
10 
0 
St. Michael Pines 
. .each 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Melon . 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Strawberries .. .. 
per tb. 
3 
0 
8 
0 
Oranges .. .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d 
s. 
d. 
s. 
d 
Artichokes .. . 
dozen 
1 
0 to 0 
0 
Lettuce . 
dozen 
1 
0 to 
1 
6 
Asparagus .. . 
. bundle 
2 
0 
8 
0 
Mushrooms .. . 
punnet 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Beans, Kidney 
. lb. 
2 
0 
2 
6 
Mustard and Cress 
punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red .. . 
dozen 
i 
0 
2 
0 
Onions . 
bunch 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Broccoli. 
bundle 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley .. dozen bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Brussels Sprouts . 
. 4 sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsnips .. .. .. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cabbage . 
dozen 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Potatoes. 
cwt. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicums .. . 
100 
1 
6 
2 
0 
,, Kidney . 
cwt. 
4 
6 
5 
0 
Carrots. 
bunch 
0 
s 
0 
4 
Rhubarb. 
bundle 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers .. . 
. dozen 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Salsafy. 
bundle 
1 
0 
0 
6 
Celery . 
bundle 
i 
6 
2 
0 
Scorzonera .. .. 
bundle 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts doz. 
bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Seakale .. .. per basket 
2 
0 
3 
6 
Cucumbers .. . 
. each 
0 
3 
0 
8 
Shallots. 
0 
s 
0 
0 
Endive. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Spinach. 
bushel 
8 
0 
4 
0 
Herbs .. . 
. bunch 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes .. .. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Leeks . 
. bunch 
0 
8 
0 
4 
Turnips .. .. 
bunch 
0 
4 
0 
0 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
s. 
d. 
s. d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
a. 
Aralia Sieboldi 
.. dozen 
9 
0 to IS 0 
Ficus elaBtica .. each 
l 
6 to 7 
0 
Arbor vitas (golden) dozen 
0 
0 
0 0 
Ferns, in variety .. dozen 
4 
0 
18 
0 
„ (common) dozen 
6 
0 
12 0 
Foliage Plants, var. each 
s 
0 
10 
0 
Arum Lilies .. 
.. dozen 
9 
0 
18 0 
Genistas .. .. dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Azaleas .. .. 
0 
42 0 
Hyacinths .. .. dozen 
8 
0 
9 
0 
Begonias 
.. dozen 
0 
0 
0 0 
Lilies of the Valley, in 
Bouvardia . • 
.. dozen 
0 
0 
0 0 
clumps or pots, per doz. 12 
0 
18 
0 
Cineraria 
.. dozen 
8 
0 
12 0 
Marguerite Daisy dozen 
8 
0 
12 
0 
Cyclamen 
.. dozen 12 
0 
24 0 
Myrtles.dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Cvnerns .. .. 
4 
0 
12 0 
Palms, in var. . . each 
2 
6 
21 
0 
Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30 
0 
60 0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
.. viridis .. dozen 12 
0 
24 0 
Primulas, single, dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Erica, various 
. . dozen 12 
0 
24 0 
Solanum .. .. dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Euonymus, in 
yar. dozen 
6 
0 
18 0 
Spineu . dozen 12 
0 
18 
9 
Evergreens, in var. dozen 
6 
0 
24 0 
Tulips . 12 pots 
6 
0 
9 
0 
CUT FLOWERS. 
s. 
d. 
s. d. 
S. 
d. 
S. 
a. 
Abntilons 
12 bunches 
0 
0 to 0 0 
Lilium longiflorum, 12 hlms. 
6 
0 
to 9 
0 
Acacia (Mimosa), Fr„ per 
Lily of the A r alley, 12 sprays 
0 
9 
1 
0 
bunch 
2 
0 
4 0 
Marguerites .. 12 bunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Anemone .. 
doz. bunc’ es 
2 
0 
6 0 
Mignonette .. 12 hunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Arum Lilies . 
12 blooms 
4 
0 
6 0 
Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Azalea .. .. 
12 sprays 
0 
6 
1 0 
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 
0 
4 
0 
8 
Bouvardias . 
per bunch 
1 
0 
1 6 
Poinsettia .. 12 blooms 
0 
0 
0 
o 
Camellias 
12 blooms 
2 
0 
4 0 
Roses (indoor), per dozen 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Carnations .. 
12 blooms 
i 
0 
8 0 
„ Tea. dozen 
0 
9 
2 
0 
Chrysanthemums 12 blooms 
0 
0 
0 0 
„ red ., .. dozen 
2 
0 
6 
0 
12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 0 
Primrosep, Yellow, dozen 
Cowslips .. 
doz. bunches 
1 
6 
2 0 
bunches . 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Cyclamen 
doz. blooms 
0 
4 
0 6 
Primroses, Double White, 
Daffodils 
12 bunches 
1 
6 
6 0 
dozen bunches .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Epipliyllum .. 
doz. blooms 
0 
0 
0 0 
Spirtea .. . . 12 sprays 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Encharis 
per dozen 
4 
0 
8 0 
TropaBolum .. 12 bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Gardenias 
12 blooms 
2 
0 
6 0 
Tuberoses • . 12 blooms 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Hellebore 
doz. blooms 
0 
0 
0 0 
Tulips . . dozen blooms 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays 
0 
6 
1 0 
Violets .. .. 12 bunches 
0 
4 
0 
8 
Dutch .. per box 
1 
6 
S 0 
„ Czar,Fr., .. bunch 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Lanageria, white, 12 blooms 
0 
0 
0 0 
„ Farme, French, per 
Lapageria, red 
..12 blooms 
1 
0 
2 0 
bunch . • .. 
8 
0 
5 
0 
THE FUTURE OF FARMING. 
“ Agriculture, if it is again to thrive in islands, must 
begin at once to walk ann-in-arm with science. Thus far, 
the vast majority of English farmers have learnt their busi¬ 
ness by rule of thumb. Most of them have been brought up 
on farms occupied by their fathers, and when they succeed to 
possession of the farm they work it on the very same lines 
