April 7,1887. ] 
JOURjsaL of horticulture and cottage gardener. 
281 
■weather the Vines will require water more frequently. After the Grapes 
change colour lessened supplies will be needed,, and when ripening is 
advanced and completed it will suffice to keep the soil moist. 
Camellias with Yellow Foliage (Idem). —The Camellias are not, we 
think, in good health. They are probably in a bad state at the roots. It 
would be desirable to examine the drainage, and if defective rectify it. At 
the same time examine the soil, and if not wtll occupied with healthy roots 
it would be advisable to remove it from amongst them and supply freBli. 
We use fresh turfy loam of a light nature, cut about 2 inches thick and 
turned up roughly. In this we pot rather firmly. Good drainage is neces¬ 
sary, as the plants should not be more frequently disturbed than every third 
or fourth year. Failing the loam, Camellias thrive well in fibrous peat, 
small plants doing admirably in leaf soil alone with a free admixture of 
sand. With the roots in a healthy state the now growths will produce 
better foliage. If the roots are in good condition afford soot water, which 
will improve the growth and colour of the foliage. 
Destroying Slugs (Inquirer). —In your case we should try the effects of 
lime water. Place a peck of lime in lumps fresh from the kiln in a tub 
holding 40 or 50 gallons of water, stirring well; then allow the lime that is 
not taken up to settle at the bottom of the tub. If there is a light covering 
the water will be as strongly impregnated with lime as it can be. Apply it 
to wherever the slugs abound through the rose of a garden can precisely as 
if you were giving the ground a good watering after a dry day. Do tbis an 
hour or so after nightfall when the marauders are engaged in their foraging 
expeditions, and unless your slug3 are of a harder kind than ours all will be 
killed that receive a good drenching. The lime water will do no harm to 
the soil or the plants. By a few nightly applications the enemy will, we 
think, 60 on be decimated. 
Burned Bones (J. H.). —By burning bones the organic or animal 
matter is consumed, and that undoubtedly possesses manurial value, but the 
phosphates remain, and these may be regarded as the chief constituents of 
boms. Burned beef bones have been fonnd to contain in 100 parts, phos¬ 
phate of lime and fluoride of calcium, 90 70; carbonate of lime, 2T6; 
carbonate of magnesia 110; carbonate of soda, 5'74. This bone earth is 
thus decidedly valuable, especially for fruit trees, and app’ied to soil rich in 
animal matter would be practically equal to bonemeal, but to soil rich in 
phosphates and poor in animal matter burned bones could not be of much 
service. It will be apparent, therefore, that the question of burning or not 
must be determined in accordance wi h the nature of your soil and the 
crops to which you desire to apply the manure. By breaking the bones 
moderately small they are more quickly dissolved by the acid. 
Top-dressing for Roses (A. B.). —Dissolved bones and soot form a good 
manure. It is not advisable to mix the lime with them as proposed, but the 
lime alone would be a good addition to the soil. It should be applied fresh 
or newly slak d at the rate of a bushel per rod (30^ square yards). It is 
best applied in March or in the autumn, but it may be given now and lightly 
pointed in. As a surface dressing you could not have anything better than 
dissolved bones, soot, and the artificial manure you name, using them in 
equal proportions. If you add half a part of sulphate of ammonia it would 
improve the mixture. A dressing early in May, about the middle of June, 
and towards the close of July, would probably be sufficient, half a peck per 
rod being a proper dressing of the mixture. We are pleased to learn that 
we have been of some service to you in securing “ fine Chrysanthemums 
up to the middle of December,” and that the Tomatoes planted after them 
enabled you to “gather the first dish on March 29th.” We congratulate 
you upon your well merited success. - 
Peach Wood not Ripening [No Name). —We assume the trees grow 
luxuriantly, though you do not say so. You merely say the wood does not 
ripen, and there is a paucity of pollen, also that you train tlrnly. We once 
inspected some Peach trees in the charge of a garden°r, and he undoubtedly 
considered the growths were disposed thinly over the trellis, but there 
were at least thrice the number of shools that ought to have b en retained. 
The result was immature wood, in which little nutriment could have been 
stored, small buds, and the year following not half a crop of fruit. If the 
6hoots of your trees are so arranged that the leaves of one do not overlap 
those of the other the wood ought to ripen under good management. 
Perhaps the border is too rich, loose, and deep, also deficient in calcareous 
matter. If that is so, and the tr.e3 grow grossly, you will probably not 
find the topping and pinching process advantag ous. It is desirable to 
know something about the nature of the growth and condition of the 
border for advising in a case of this kind ; but the probability is that the 
root-action is excessive, in which case lifting the trees soon after the crop 
is gathered, and placing the roots in firm soil containing a liberal addition 
of lime rubbish, would result in improvement. 
Melon Plant Diseased (31. C.). —The plant is attacked by the disease, 
and it is not of fungoid origin but due to nematoid worms at the roots, and 
the swellings indicate the presence of nematoids on the growths. It arises 
in most instances from an excess of organic matter in the soil, or a de¬ 
ficiency of inorganic matter so often essential for the conversion of inert 
organisms into available aliment. We find all plants subject to tubercles 
or knobs on the roots fall a prey to nematoids when there is a deficiency of 
lime in the soil. Last year we were consulted by an octogenarian culti¬ 
vator about his Melons, which he could not induce to grow and set satisfac¬ 
torily. The plants had every appearance of nematoids at the roots. We 
advised a dressing of quicklime to the surface, allowed to lie a few days 
before stirring it in. Our friend wrote us lrter on : “ The lime acted like 
magic. I have a splendid crop of Melons.” We advise lime to be added to 
the soil. If the plants are too far gone with them, clear out the soil and 
start afresh. Either char the soil before using, which wilt not only 
destroy any nematoid or fungoid germs, but will cause excessive organic 
matter to pass off ; or an equally goo! corrective is quicklime at the rate 
of a sixth, which causes the inorganic matter to bs converted into nitrate 
of lime, an essential in the successful cultivation of all plants with excres¬ 
cences or knobs on the roots. 
Cucumber Leaves Scorched (A Constant Header). — The leaves are 
destitute of tissue, and in a condition to be extremely liable to scorching on 
a bright sunny day succeeding a term of dull weather. Though we avoid 
the use of artificial shade as much as pos-ible, it is often advisable to have 
recourse to it judiciously under the circumstances indicated, as the lesser of 
two evils, the greater being the destruction of the foliage. The temperature 
you name is not the cause of the evil, though 65° at night is not too much 
when the pipes are only moderately heated, but we prefer a few degrees 
lower rather than make the pipes very hot indeed. We suspect the atmo¬ 
sphere of the house has been kept too dry at times ; and we should not be 
surprised if the soil at the bottom of the bed is too dry also. Dig down and 
ascertain whether that is the case or not. If it is in the least dry make some 
holes in the bed and pour in water as fast as it drains away till the soil at 
the bottom of the bed is as moist as that at the top. We are led to think 
the house has been too dry by the condition ©f the Kidney Bean leaves you 
have sent, whioh are seriously infested with red spider, and would not have 
been in the condition they are if they had been systematically and effectively 
syringed. Some of the insects have also found their way to the Cucumbers. 
The Beans that are still bearing should be laid on their sides and heavily 
syringed. Very early in the afternoons of sunny days syringe the Cucumbers 
also, and every part of the house, closing so that the temperature rises to 
90° afterwards ; with a slanting sun and much moistura in the atmosphere 
the plants will not be injured if the temperature rises to 95°. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April Gth. 
FRUIT. 
8. 
d. b. d. 
B. 
i. 
s. 
a. 
Apples. 
. * sieve 
2 
0 
to 5 0 
Melon . 
0 
0 
to 0 
0 
„ Nova Scotia and 
Oranges .. .. 
6 
0 
11 
0 
Canada 
per barrel 10 
0 
IS 0 
Peaches . 
perdoz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cherries. 
. h sieve 
0 
0 
0 0 
Pears. 
dozen 
l 
0 
2 
0 
Cobs . 
. 100 lb. 60 
0 
65 0 
Pine Apples English .. lb. 
i 
e 
2 
9 
Figs . 
dozen 
0 
0 
0 0 
Plums. 
4 sieve 
i 
0 
2 
0 
Grapes. 
4 
0 
8 0 
St. Michael Pines 
..each 
2 
0 
5 
0 
Lemons. 
0 
15 0 
Strawberries .. .. 
per lb. 
8 
0 
12 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
s. d 
8. 
d. 
Artichokes .. 
.. dozen 
l 
0 
to 0 0 
Lettuce . 
dozen 
l 
0 
to 1 
0 
Asparagus 
.. bundle 
8 
0 
12 0 
Mushrooms .. . 
punnet 
0 
6 
1 
6 
Beans, Kidney 
. per lb 
2 
0 
2 6 
Mustard and Cress 
punnet 
0 
2 
0 
6 
Best, Red 
. dozen 
i 
0 
2 o 
Ouions . 
bunch 
0 
8 
0 
0 
Broccoli .. .. 
0 
0 
0 0 
Parsley .. dozen bunches 
9 
0 
s 
Brussels Sprouts 
. 4 sieve 
8 
0 
2 6 
Parsnips. 
dozen 
i 
0 
2 
0 
Cabbage .. .. 
1 
6 
0 0 
Potatoes . 
cwt. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicums .. 
.. 100 
1 
6 
a o 
,, Kidney . 
cwt. 
4 
0 
Carrots .. .. 
0 
4 
0 0 
Rhubarb .. .. 
bundle 
0 
s 
Cauliflowers .. 
.. dozen 
8 
0 
4 0 
Salsafy .. .. 
bundle 
i 
0 
i 
0 
Celery .. .. 
1 
6 
2 0 
Scorzonera .. .. 
bundle 
i 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts doz 
bunches 
2 
0 
4 0 
Seakale .. .. per basket 
i 
6 
Cucumbers .. 
. each 
0 
4 
0 6 
Shallots. 
0 
3 
Endive .. .. 
1 
0 
2 0 
Spinach . 
bushel 
8 
0 
4 
6 
Herbs .. .. 
0 
2 
0 0 
Tomatoes .. .. 
X 
0 
2 
0 
Leeks .. .. 
0 
8 
0 i 
Turnips .. .. 
bunch 
0 
4 
0 
e 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
8. 
a. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
B. 
d. 
Aralia Sieboldi 
.. dozen 
9 
0 to 18 
0 
Fern?, in variety .. dozen 
4 
0 to 18 
0 
Arbor vitae (golden) dozen 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Ficus elastica each 
i 
6 
7 
0 
,» (common) dozen 
e 
0 
12 
0 
Foliage Plants, var. each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Azalea .. .. 
per dozen 24 
0 
86 
0 
Hyacinths .. per dozen 
6 
9 
9 
0 
Begonias 
.. dozen 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Lilies Valley.. .. dozen 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Cineraria 
per dozen 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Marguerite Daisy dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Cyclamen 
.. dozen 
2 
0 
24 
0 
Myrtles.dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30 
0 
60 
0 
Narciss (various).. dozen 12 
0 
15 
6 
„ viridis 
.. dozen 12 
0 
24 
0 
Palms, in var. .. each 
2 
6 
21 
0 
Erica, various 
.. dozen 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Primula sisensis per doz. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Euonymus, in var. dozen 
e 
0 
18 
0 
Solanrms per doz. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Evergreens,in var. dozen 
8 
0 
21 
0 
Tulips .. ..per doz. pots 
6 
0 
9 
0 
CUT 
FLOWERS. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
Abntilons 
12 bunches 
2 
0 to 4 
0 
Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays 
0 
9 
to 1 
0 
Arum Lilies .. 
IS blooms 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Marguerites .. 12 bunobes 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Azalea .. .. 
12 sprays 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Mignonette .. 12 bunches 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Bouvftrdias .. 
per bunch 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Narciss, Paper-white bunch 
0 
4 
0 
8 
Camellias 
blooms 
1 
6 
4 
0 
White English, bunch 
Pelargoniums, per 12 tmeses 
1 
S 
1 
6 
Carnations .. 
12 blooms 
1 
0 
8 
0 
0 
0 
0 
6 
12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 
0 
6 
1 
6 
Chrysanthemums 12 bches. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Roses .. 12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ 
12 blooma 
0 
0 
0 
0 
t, (indoor), per dozen 
l 
0 
2 
6 
Cornflower .. 
12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ Tea. dozen 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Cyclamen 
12 blooms 
0 
4 
0 
9 
„ red (French) dozen 
2 
6 
8 
0 
Dahlias 
12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parme Violets (French) 
6 
0 
7 
6 
Epiphyllum .. 
ioz. blooms 
0 
s 
0 
0 
Poinsettia .. 12 blooms 
0 
0 
0 
6 
Eacharis 
por dozen 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Primula (single) per bunch 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Gardenias 
12 blooms 
12 
0 
24 
0 
(double) per bunch 
Stocks, various 12 banches 
1 
0 
1 
0 
Hyacinths. Roman,12 sprays 
1 
0 
1 
6 
0 
0 
0 
0 
•a • • • • 
Lapageria, white 
12 sprays 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Tropmolum .. 12 bunches 
1 
6 
2 
0 
, 12 blooms 
a 
0 
4 
0 
Tuberoses .. 12 blooms 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Lapageria, red . 
12 blooms 
l 
0 
2 
0 
Tulips .. .. doz. blooms 
0 
6 
i 
6 
Lilinm longiflorum, 12 blms. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Violets .. .. 12 bunches 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Lilac (white), French, bunch 
6 
0 
8 
0 
„ Czar, French, per bunch 
2 
0 
2 
6 
PRUDENTIAL CROPPING. 
If it were only possible to impart precision to our 
plans, or rather to results, what a delightful occupation 
would farming become. Subject as it is to the uncertainty 
of times and seasons, our best laid plans, our most 
strenuous efforts, are beset with the doubt and difficulty 
that must always attend the pursuit of agriculture in our 
fickle climate. True it is the seasons follow in due order, 
