Jane 24, 1886. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
509 
plants as something akin to weedy straggling rubbish, and not worth the 
room they occupy. In my experience this has frequently been the reply 
when I have been endeavouring to persuade a friend or acquaintance to 
attempt the culture of a few of these plants, and in the cases where I 
have succeeded in persuading them, which are not a few, their only 
«gret has been that they were not aware sooner of the. really good plants 
which are so plentiful. I will conclude these preliminaries by remarking 
that I consider a collection of hardy plants should find a place in all 
gardening establishments. 
Among bulbous plants yet in flower may be mentioned the double 
Poet’s Narciss, N. poeticus fl.-pl., in which we have a flower of pearly 
whiteness with fragrance unsurpassed. There appears difference in form 
even of these, some strains being as fully double as a Rose to use a 
common expression, aud others only having a double number of petals. 
Or course everyone will decide in favour of the former who requires a 
flower of durability. From rather late-planted batches of poeticus 
quantities of flowers have been takeD, and the same remark applies to 
N. biflorus, while N. echizsnthes orientalis has been past a week or more. 
This latter is very pleasing in a cut state. It may here be observed that 
the season of flowering of these and other bulbous plants may be con¬ 
siderably prolonged by successional plantings, which, beyond supplying a 
more lengthened display, will materially deepen the interest already in¬ 
volved. 
T’*’ 0 P^er charming bulbs just now are to be found in the genus 
Allium, in which A. triquetrum and A. neapolitanum are represented. 
The former is a most pleasing species, not quite 1 foot high, but certainly 
a most desirable and interesting plant. The flowers are arranged in 
drooping umbels somewhat bell-shaped and pure white, and in the centre 
of each petal an exceedingly narrow line of light pea green. This com¬ 
bination of colour does not usually meet with many admirers. In the 
present case, however, it is the exception, for all who behold it speak 
highly of its ornamental characters. The latter plant also has white 
flowers, which are very useful for cutting, as is the first named. There is 
not much in blue flowers just now among bulbous plants. The Scillas or 
Squills, both of the nutans and campanulata sections, are passing out of 
flower. They have, however, been very charming, and for grassy slopes 
or naturalising they are valuable. In both groups are to be found rose, 
white, and blue flowers, the latter colour being represented by several 
shades. 
Speaking of blue, our thoughts very naturally turn to the Gentians, in 
which genus this colour predominates, and what more striking when seen 
en masse have we than the intense blue of its flowers, which are always 
so bright in the morning sun ? But how shy this plant is of flowering in 
certain localities, while in others small tufts may be found almost hidden 
by its large erect bells of blue. Often have I recommended firm, very 
firm, planting for this, and, in fact, any of the family with compact tufts 
of leaves, and I still advocate and practise it. Only this day, June 3rd, 
have I planted a small patch, and not content by exceptional firm plant¬ 
ing in the first place, I took a spade and beat the whole surface hard, 
plants and all, which, owing to the coriaceous texture of its leaves, do not 
appear to suffer the slightest injury therefrom. This circumstance, which 
I have always regarded as a valuable hint towards good culture, dawned 
upon me some twelve years ago owing to a quantity of it then used as an 
edging flowering more freely than the clumps in the middle of the bed. 
The outer ones were nearly always being walked upon, except when in 
flower, so that the ground became as hard as a well trodden path, and 
through this hard surface the stoloniferous growths issued abundantly, 
and it is due to this accidental though valuable lesson that I have pur¬ 
posely trodden many hundreds. I find, however, that it flowers quite 
well without all this care in some soils, but in clayey and cold soils it is 
shy, and from my own experience it flowers most freely when situated in 
light sandy or turfy loam and peaty soils, and especially so if the subsoil 
be of gravel. The same may be said of the Vernal Gentian, a delicious 
bit of blue, which the artist really delights in reproducing. 
The Grape Hyacinths are on the wane now, though they constitute 
when m flower a most pleasing group of dwarf spring bulbs, which last for 
weeks in succession ; and who, I wonder, would wish his garden to be 
devoid of that lovely colour to be found in Omphalodes verna, a plant 
which for shade moisture is most delightful ? Spreading out into large 
tufts, or rather broad carpets, and studded with its brilliant blue flowers, 
few plants are more enchanting than this modest beauty, and few rejoice 
more in cool and shade than this and the pretty white variety which 
forms so fitting a companion for it. I have the latter at the present 
time behind a low brick wall where the sun never reaches it, and nothing 
could be more perfectly happy than it appears to be, and which its luxuri¬ 
ance fully illustrates. 
But yet another bit of blue may be found in that charming little rock 
shrub, Lithospermnm prostratnm, than which we have few finer plants 
for adorning our rockeries. It delights in a sunny position and not too 
much exposed, and where its tiny fibres may go down deeply into good 
soil. It should be well planted iu the first instance, for it is one of 
those plants which cannot endure being removed, as the twiggy fibres do 
not hold the soil, hence the danger. The first season or two after plant¬ 
ing it should receive attention, or it may become straggling and thin. 
This is overcome by cutting it back immediately after flowering, when it 
will form abundant growth from the centre before autumn arrives. These 
young growths when 2 inches long may be detached with a heel, and if 
inserted under a handlight or bellglass root freely, such cuttings as 
these generally making good plants ; and seeing we cannot have too much 
of such a one, its propagation may freely be indulged in, and may be used 
as an edging with very good eSect. 
Of plants bright and conspicuous in the flower garden just now we 
have nothing to compare in any way with Primula japonica; its stout 
bold stems, on which are arranged its whorls of crimson magenta flowers, 
are simply unique. I need hardly add that a plant so telling indivi¬ 
dually is a glorious sight when a number is seen together ; and even after 
an acquaintance of some years, an intimate acquaintance too, I have 
never seen it so near perfection as when viewing it this week, when it 
attracted attention at a distance of about 80 yards. So rich and so intense 
were its massive spikes of flowers, towering above abundant aud vigorous 
foliage. This is a glorious plant for the moist bog garden in full sun or 
a moist border in partial shade, and it mav be well to observe that none 
of the variety known to me appear to approach in intensity of colour 
that of the original plant. In its genus it is unique, and in the flower 
garden and herbaceous border at this time it holds a similar position. 
—J. H. E. 
(To be continued.) 
AMMONIA IN FRUIT AND PLANT HOUSES. 
I WAS under the impression that the value of ammonia in the atmo¬ 
sphere of fruit and plant houses was understood by gardeners generally. 
I know that many of the best fruit-growers practise it with beneficial 
results. Fresh stable manure, which has been turned a few times so as 
to dispose of its noxious vapours, is very valuable for surfacing the inside 
of fruit houses, and if this can be renewed a time or two before the fruit 
commences ripening it will be all the better. A little guano placed occa¬ 
sionally in the evaporating troughs is very beneficial, but this must be 
applied with caution or the reverse would be the case. We have placed a 
large pot filled with cow and horse-droppings and soot in Cucumber and 
Melon houses. This was stirred up every afternoon when the house was 
damped down and closed, and beyond question the plants enjoyed it. 
Some of the finest plants of Gardenias I ever saw were grown in a dung- 
heated pit; the foliage was almost “ black with health," and the plants 
bloomed profusely. Where stove plants are grown the centre of the 
house is often occupied with a stage of either wood or slate, but I am 
quite certain a pit which could be filled with prepared stable manure and 
leaves, leaves alone, or even tan, would be far better for the plants.— 
A. Young. 
I, like t; F. H. W.” (page 481), felt disappointed that no one sup¬ 
ported Mr. Iggulden in his views respecting the value of ammoniacal 
vapour in vineries. Speaking for myself, 1 have found most beneficial 
effects from the use of it, as I believe it is a great check to red spider. 
When I have been able to get liquid manure from the drainings of cow 
sheds or stables I have used it without stint both in vineries, Peach houses, 
and more especially for Cucumbers and Melons, of course being careful in 
using it when the foliage is very tender or the Grapes in bloom. I once was 
inclined to think that it was the cause of some Grapes rusting when used 
liberally when they were in bloom, and thus was cautious ever after. 
When natural liquid manure is not obtainable I sprinkle a handful of 
guano on the floors after they are damped down, the fumes at times 
caus ng a person entering the houses immediately after to sneeze ; but 
this soon goes off, and by leaving a little ventilation all night the houses 
are as sweet as can be desired in the morning. Time will not allow me to 
say more on the subject, but I must say Mr. Iggulden has hit the right 
nail on the head for success in Grape-growing by his advocacy of ammonia 
in vineries.— J. Gadd. 
LIVERPOOL—VISITORS’ GUIDE. 
( Continued from page 4S2.) 
Fjrom the nursery last mentioned directions should be obtained for 
the residence of E. Harvey, E-q., Riversdale Road, Aigburtb. I think 
Otterspool the best station for this establishment. Mr. Lindsay would be 
able to give the necessary instructions, or visitors would obtain them from 
the nursery named. The garden is famous for alpine and herbaceous 
plants, and also for a large and varied collection of Orchids, Mr. Harvey 
being remarkably fond of both classes of plants. The gardener is 
Mr. Bostock. In a large measure Mr. Harvey’s energy and perseverance 
have assisted in gaining support for the coming Royal Horticultural 
Society’s Show at Liverpool. 
I may here state what I have omitted to say while at Wyncote and 
Calderstone. From this point about twenty minutes’ walk will reach 
Cleverley, Allerton, the residence of T. S. Timmis, Esq. (gardener, 
Mr. B. Cromwell). The glass there is comparatively new, and com¬ 
prises a number of plant and fruit houses all leading from a long 
corridor. This arrangement is, perhaps without exception, the most 
compact and convenient within a considerable distance of the city. Mr. 
Cromwell being a good gardener, will be certain to hav r e something good 
on view by the date of the Show, the houses only just being furnished at 
the time of my last visit. The arrangement of the houses alone is well 
worth a special journey from Liverpool to see. 
About twenty minutes’ or a half an hour’s walk from there is Allerton 
Priory, the home of J. G. Morris, Esq. (gardener, Mr. W. Tugwood). 
There is a large extent of glass in these gardens, both for the accommo¬ 
dation of plants and fruit. Mr. Tugwood has been a successful exhibitor 
at the Liverpool Bbows for some years. Close by are Allerton Towers, 
the seat of Sir T. Earle, Bart, (gardener, Mr. J. Storey). The principal 
feature is the Peach range. Directions for reaching these should be 
obtained from Mr. Cromwell. 
