May 9, 1889. ] 
JOURNAL of horticulture and cottage gardener. 
383 
“ Laelia majalis appeals to have an extensive range over Southern 
Mexico, whilst in some of its native habitats the temperature is said 
at times to fall below freezing point. It is called by the natives 
‘ The Flor de Mayo,’ or May Flower, and is dwarf in habit with 
roundish pseudo-bulbs, which bear leaves some 4 inches or more 
high, and of a light green hue. Peduncle about the same length as 
the leaf, usually bearing a single flower, which measures from 6 to 
8 inches or more across. Sepals lanceolate, acute, rather narrow, of 
a uniform delicate lilac-rose ; petals twice the breadth of the sepals, 
oblong-ovate, but of the same colour ; lip large and three-lobed, the 
side lobes small, white inside with magenta-purple stripes, middle 
lobe large, rounded, emarginate, purplish-lilac at the sides and 
white in the centre, marked with blotches, forming broken lines of 
magenta purple. The blossoms are produced in May and June, 
and they remain in full beauty for nearly four weeks if the plant 
is kept in a warm house and the blooms preserved free from damp. 
“ This Laelia requires somewhat different treatment to the 
larger-growing members of the genus. Although the mode of 
culture necessary is very simple it still requires careful treatment, 
a suitable place being one of the great essentials to success. It is 
a small-growing plant, found naturally on the branches of Oak 
trees, and in situations where there is usually a strong current of 
air. Under cultivation, however, we prefer small baskets for this 
plant, for the reason that less attention is necessary than when they 
are grown on blocks of wood. Good drainage is indispensable, and 
the material used should consist of rough fibrous peat and living 
sphagnum moss, with some medium-sized nodules of charcoal 
added. The baskets used should be as small as possible, and the 
plant raised well up on a cone-like mound, in order that the roots 
may ramble over the surface, but care must be taken not to over¬ 
load the roots with soil, as if this falls into a state of decay the 
roots soon become affected, and the health of the plant will rapidly 
decrease ; should, however, the material get into a bad state, care¬ 
fully disturb it, and wash the roots before replacing the plant in 
the basket, but the plant should not be disturbed whilst the roots 
continue in good condition, as it is impatient of removal. During 
the growing season it enjoys an abundant supply of water, and 
hence the necessity of good drainage, whilst at the time of rest it 
should be carefully tended, so that its bulbs and leaves may be 
kept in a plump condition. This plant should be suspended near 
the roof glass, as it enjoys abundance of light and but little shade, 
and unless these conditions are well studied the growth does not 
ripen, and no flowers will be produced. The Mexican house is the 
most suitable structure for its successful cultivation.” 
JOTTINGS. 
Miscellaneous notes of visits or observations sometimes accumu¬ 
late and cannot be readily disposed of under special headings, so this 
week, as on previous occasions, a few have been transferred from a 
pocket book as “ Jottings.” 
A NATURAL HISTORY EXHIBITION. 
The Selborne Society at Richmond, Surrey, was formed some time 
since under the patronage of the leading residents in the district, with 
the special objects of studying the natural history of the Thames valley, 
and endeavouring also to preserve from extinction the rarer of its flora 
and fauna. The latter object is one which the now numerous field 
naturalists’ societies too seldom keep in view, and there is no doubt that, 
through the energetic and enthusiastic researches of their members, some 
rare British plants have been or are being gradually lost in a wild state. 
The study of natural history is a most wholesome recreation, but it can 
be pursued without a kind of wholesale destruction by appropriating 
every specimen found. Much interest has been excited in the Richmond 
district by the Selborne Society, and it was a happy idea which led to 
this Society, in conjunction with the Richmond Athenaeum, holding an 
Exhibition of the natural history, antiquities, literature, and art of the 
Thames valley. Mr. Edward King entered into the scheme with his 
accustomed energy, and the result of his efforts was that a most in¬ 
teresting exhibition was opened on May 1st last, and continued on the 
next day. Many amateur and professional horticulturists are interested 
in some special branch of natural history outside the vegetable kingdom, 
and amongst the visitors were some of those who had applied themselves 
to particular studies. I have known gardeners who possessed an exten¬ 
sive and critical knowledge of British birds, and others again who were 
“ well up ” in entomology, both of more than ordinary importance in 
connection with gardening, but it must be admitted that knowledge of 
this character is not so widely diffused as might be desirable. Exhibi¬ 
tions like that at Richmond assist greatly in furnishing information and 
developing an interest in these and cognate matters. 
A considerable portion of the spacious room in the Star and Garter 
Hotel, where the Exhibition was held, was devoted to cases of birds, 
insects, and fishes collected in the district. There were also collections 
of geological curiosities, with an admirable series of engravings and 
paintings illustrating the scenery of the Thames valley. The whole 
was well arranged and the explanatory notes in the artistic catalogue 
very instructive. It afforded a capital example of what can be accom¬ 
plished by such societies, and might well be imitated in other districts. 
In a town like Richmond there should, however, be a permanent 
museum, and if such a project were taken in hand little difficulty would 
probably be found in making a modest commencement. 
A NOTED COLLECTION OF SUCCULENT PLANTS. 
The late Mr. J. T. Peacock of Sudbury House, Hammersmith, was 
for a number of years the most enthusiastic and liberal amateur col¬ 
lector of succulent plants in England. It is said that he expended over 
£5000 in the purchase of the numerous specimens which filled many 
spacious houses, and some of the plants were almost unique—certainly 
there were several not included in the Kew collection. When Mr, 
Croucher was engaged by Mr. Peacock as gardener, the special know¬ 
ledge possessed by the former enabled him to assist very materially in 
extending the collection and increasing its interest. Many efforts were 
made to revive the popularity of the plants. Portions of the collection 
were shown in London for a considerable time, and visitors to the South 
Kensington Exhibitions were familiar with the large Agaves, Euphor¬ 
bias, &c., that occupied the 'gallery in the conservatory. But though 
regarded with curiosity, such plants could never be expected to become 
popular in the same sense as more effective flowering plants. Many of 
the Cactese undoubtedly possess considerable floral attractions, but the 
majority of the other so-called “ Succulent Plants” are simply vegetable 
curiosities. 
At the sale in question there was perhaps a larger attendance than 
might have been expected, but they were chiefly representatives of the 
Botanic Gardens, a continental nurseryman, with a few amateurs and 
gardeners. For instance, there were Mr. Moore from Dublin, Mr. 
Lindsay from Edinburgh, and Mr. Watson from Kew, Mr. W hell an 
from Blenheim, Mr. Ross from Pendell Court, Mr. Corderoy from near 
Oxford, and others. The bidding was not, however, very brisk, and 
most of the plants were sold at moderate prices, some of the rarest and 
best going to Kew at considerably less than a tenth of their original cost.. 
For instance, two fine plants of Leuchtenbergia principis were sold for 
21s., a large specimen of Cereus chilensis realised 30s., and an enormous 
example of Euphorbia grandicornis sold for 22s. A still more remark¬ 
able example of the low prices obtained was afforded by one lot 
containing eleven plants of Echinopsis and one of Anhalonium prisma- 
ticum, a peculiar little plant which has not inaptly been compared to a 
small Aloe retusa, but which is referred to Mammillaria by some authori¬ 
ties. It was rare at one time and acquired a high value with specialists ^ 
indeed it is said that Mr. Peacock gave £50 for two plants, one of 
which subsequently died, leaving that sold as the only one in the 
collection, yet 50s. was the highest bid obtained for it with the eleven 
other plants. Several similar examples could be given, for the Agaves 
were sold at extremely small prices, some of the plants being really 
handsome specimens, such as A. Botteri, the finest plant in the col¬ 
lection, but it was sold for 20s., and the others range downwards to 7s„ 
It is evident there is not much encouragement for amateurs to make 
speculative investments in these plants, and no doubt the Orchids which 
have yet to be sold will realise much better prices. 
A RIVERSIDE GARDEN. 
Upon the Middlesex bank of the Thames from Richmond to Kingston 
are many charming gardens, which during the spring and summer 
months have a delightful appearance. Amongst these Poulett Lodge at 
Twickenham invariably attracts the attention of all passing up or down 
the river, and to horticulturists the garden itself is even more interest¬ 
ing. For a number of years Mr. W. Bates has had charge there as 
gardener, and has practised with more than ordinary success both as a 
cultivator and exhibitor. It is one of those gardens of moderate dimen¬ 
sions where every department seems to be made a special study, and to 
visit such an establishment upon a bright May day when the fruit trees 
are in flower is something that can be enjoyed, more especially if an 
hour or two be spent in the company of the genial superintendent. Mr. 
Bates is an enthusiastic gardener, and evidently derives the greatest 
pleasure from his occupation. There is a good general collection of 
flowering plants, Azaleas and Rhododendrons being special favourites ; 
of the last named such as R. Sesterianum, R. foimosum, R. Edgeworthi, 
Countess of Haddington, Countess of Sefton, Duchess of Sutherland, 
Princess Alice, and Mrs. James Shaw are well grown, and yield abun¬ 
dance of their fragrant flowers. Neat little plants for table decoration 
have been made a special feature, Dracaenas and Crotons being the 
principal; three each of the best for this purpose are Dracaenas elegan- 
tissima, terminalis, and robusta, with Crotons VVeismanni, angustifolius, 
and interruptus auieus. In the greenhouse Tropaeolum King of Crim¬ 
sons is trained on the roof, and has flowered profusely nearly all the 
winter, its bright flowers being welcome at any time. Of the Azaleas 
Empress of India, a double form of the Criterion type, crimson and 
white, is thoroughly useful, being of good habit and free. Rachel is 
also a good double white, the flower of moderate size, but neat. The 
collection of Ferns is a good one, and a large quantity of Asparagus 
plumosus is grown, as it is highly valued for cutting, lasting well with 
flowers in rooms. 
The indoor fruits comprise Grapes, Pines, Peaches, and Nectarines, 
the outdoor fruits including a fine collection of Apples, Pears, Plums, 
and Cherries, concerning which we may have something more to tell 
later in the season. At present it must suffice to say that all are look¬ 
ing most promising, and with a continuance of fine weather for a short 
time the safety of the earliest will be assured. Apples are somewhat 
backward, but are showing we'l, and against one of the walls several 
