1877. ] 
GARDEN GOSSIP. 
239 
side by side, and under precisely the same conditions, I gathered Hale’s Early three weeks 
sooner than that variety comes Rivers’ Qoshawlx, the fruits of which are of good size, 
rich soft colour, and excellent flavour; it is a very fine Peach, and in before Early York. 
Writing to the Journal of Horticulture, early in July, on the subject of early 
Poaches, Mr. Kivers remarks : — “I am now gathering some brilliant specimens 
of the Early Beatrice Peach, of fair size and excellent flavour. Closely following 
are^ Early Louise, Early Rivers, and Hale’s Early. The house in which these 
fruits are ripening was heated in the last week of December, the temperature for a 
few weeks being kept from 45° to 50° Eahr., and the average temperature during March 
and April ranging between 60° and 70°. In the same house, with the same treatment, 
Koyal George and Grosse Mignone will not, I think, ripen for a month to come. The 
house in which the trees are grown is a small span-roof, 150 ft. long by 15 ft. wide, and 
contains 150 trees in pots, all in fruit. Next in order come Rivers’ Early York and Con¬ 
dor; I have found them the best two in succession for forcing. Lord Napier Nectarine 
ripens with Early York, and is an excellent forcing nectarine, large, of good colour, and 
exquisite flavour.” As a late Peach Hesse Tardive is one of the best of good sorts, and 
much deserving wider cultivation than it now obtains ; it does not come in till the end of 
September, has the fine appearance of a Bellegarde, and is of delicious flavour. This 
is also one of the few sorts bearing a crop at Chiswick this year. 
- toE following are notes on JVew Picotees., received from Mr. 0. Turner, 
of Slough :—Morna (Fellowes), a fine medium-edged red, of full average size, the 
white very pure, the marking even and well defined, and the edge smooth; a 
very choice flower. Lothair (Fellowes), nearly of the same colour, but wath a much heavier 
edge j it is also a larger flower than the last, and has a pure white ground and well-defined 
marking, but here and there shows a slight roughness on the edge. Princess Mary 
(Fellowes), a full average-sized light purple-edge, perhaps rather too full for some tastes, 
but smooth, pure, and with a clean wire edge of colour. Idalia (Fellowes), a light rose- 
edge, of much promise. Estelle (Fellowes), a light rose edge—so light, indeed, as to be 
scarcely discernible, and therefore, though the flower is full-sized and well built, it is scarcely 
attractive. Lady Louisa (Abercrombie), a lovely flower, with heavy rose edge; the petals 
broad, smooth, and pure, not too numerous, and the markings clear and evenly distributed. 
Beauty of Cheltenham (Abercrombie), a light-edged purple, full and large, fairly smooth 
on the edge, and with a neat and even marking. Miss Froivd (Turner), a large, heavy, 
red-edged sort, very full and high-centred, smooth, with the edge rather irregular, but 
bright and clear. Most of them appear to be worthy acquisitions to a most charming 
class of flowers. ® 
- ItN liis new work on tlie Different Forms of Flowers (Murray), Mr. 
Darwin discusses with his usual fullness and perspicacity, and in an amplified 
form, the subject of the dimorphism of certain plants, which had formed the 
substance of a communication to the Linnaean Society. Several chapters of this new 
work are devoted to the group of “ heterostyled ” hermaphrodite plants, that is to say, 
those bearing stamens and pistils of various lengths; while others follow on “cleisto- 
gamic ” plants—those which produce both perfect and rudimentary flowers; and also on 
monoecious, dioecious, and polygamous plants. Regarding the object and functions of these 
diversities of floral structure, the conclusion arrived at from the observations and experi¬ 
ments made is, that to ensure the largest number of healthy seedlings, the pollen from 
each particular form or size of stamen must be transferred to the stigmas corresponding 
with the stamens in point of development; and this Mr. Darwin believes is chiefly effected 
by insect agency. Whatever opinion may be formed on Mr. Darwin’s particular specula¬ 
tions and theories, there can be no doubt that his observations and records of facts are 
most careful and trustworthy, and consequently, that something must be learned from the 
study of them. 
- Though scarcely horticultural, we may notice with approval an 
interesting little book bearing the title of Meetings and Greetings., received from 
the author and publisher, Mr. Tegg. Its second title—“ The Salutations, 
Obeisances, and Courtesies of Nations, with Notes on Titles, Dignities, &c.,” explains the 
nature of its contents, which will be found very pleasant for reading and reference bv 
those who take interest in ceremonial matters. 
