1S71. ] 
GARDEN GOSSIP. 
119 
of its deep-green leaves, which serve to contrast all the more forcibly with the 
pure colouring of the blossoms. The latter, which form collectively a bluntly 
pyramidal mass, are upwards of two inches in diameter, and on account of the sub¬ 
stance continue for a long time in perfection ; they are opaque white, with a large 
yellow eye. As a variety, this giant form of Primula is perfectly distinct from all 
others we have met with. It has been unaccountably passed over at the South 
Kensington meeting, though shown on more than one occasion, but was awarded a 
well-deserved First-Class Certificate at the Regent’s Park show in March last. 
The variety is in the hands of Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, by whom it 
will shortly be distributed.—T. M. 
GARDEN GOSSIP. 
MONGST the events of the month has been the establishment of the 
French Horticulturists Relief Fund , the subscriptions to which amounted 
on the 19th ult. to about £700. The spring shows have been full of 
beauty and interest, the Roses and Cyclamens, Hyacinths and Auriculas 
taking tke first positions. No flower has improved so rapidly as the Cyclamen has done within 
the last three or four years, the advance in form, size, and colour being alike remarkable. 
- ££he Sweet Violets are amongst the most charming little gems of the 
spring garden; and they will grow almost anywhere, provided they get pure air ; 
but what they most delight in is a rich, deep loam soil, with liberal soakings of 
manure-water during the flowering season. The following are a few of the most distinct:—• 
King of Violets , an improvement on arborea, dark violet, a good grower, free bloomer, and fit 
for greenhouse or out-door culture. Reine cles Violettes, blush-white, very double and hardy, 
a free bloomer; will do either in-doors or out. The Giant and The Czar, if not the same, are 
very much alike ; both have large flowers, with long stalks, which make them very valuable for 
either bouquets or vases; Rubro-plena , double red or copper colour, very distinct, hardy, and a free 
bloomer. Arborea alba, tree habit, pure white, one of the best for in-door cultivation, as it likes 
a little protection. Devoniensis, in bloom the whole season, and has a long flower-stalk, which 
makes it valuable for gathering; it is of a light violet colour. Neapolitan, one of the most 
beautiful, second to none, remarkably sweet-scented, with charming pale blue flowers. These 
are all worthy of general cultivation. 
- ®he following plan of Raising Vines from Eyes has recently been strongly 
recommended in the Gardeners’ Chronicle , by Mr. J. Simpson, gardener at 
Wortley Hall. The system is founded upon the theory that every healthy Vine 
eye ought to make a vigorous cane the first year, unless checked. The modus operandi con¬ 
sists in providing as many pieces of good turfy loam, G in. square, as there are eyes to be 
planted; to cut a little hollow in the centre of each, and lay them close together, on boards, or 
on a floor in any house where there is plenty of light, and where the temperature is about 55° 
or 60°. The eyes are prepared in the usual way, about the end of February, and inserted one 
in the centre of each turf, and covered with a little light soil. In a few weeks they will be 
throwing their quill-like roots round the edges of the turf, and must be transferred to turves of 
larger dimensions, or may be set farther apart, and the spaces between them filled with finely- 
sifted loam and sand, into which they will root so freely that when removed the roots will come 
away from among the light soil, hanging like a fringe round the turf, and without damage to 
a spongiole. In this state set them on the ready-prepared border, cover the roots with a little 
soil, and planting is finished. They rush up with astonishing rapidity, and the roots get a 
grasp of the border at once before the fibre gets decayed and sodden. When intended for pot¬ 
ting, crock the pots and fill them up v r ith soil till within 4 in. of the top, bring them into the 
house where the young vines are, set a sod in each, and fill up to the level of the turf. Since 
1867 Mr. Simpson has planted three vineries in this way, and has never failed in filling the 
