174 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ August, 
as any of the others do. Here we have the roots started in advance of the 
stem, and an equable temperature for root and branch : the result, healthy, 
fruitful Vines. Still some aerial roots are produced, which I have ascribed 
to moist heat, with diminished light through the winter and early spring. 
At such times could we stimulate the activity of the leaves, the organs of 
breathing and digestion, to assist in securing that reciprocal action between 
root and branch so often dwelt upon, it would be advantageous ; and I 
have a strong opinion that to secure a freer circulation of air would be a 
step in the right direction, but to effect this, in conjunction with a genial 
temperature, we must look to an improved system of ventilation. This 
opinion is advanced with every respect to those of your various able corre¬ 
spondents who may have found other predisposing causes, and consequently 
look to other remedies. 
Melbury House, Dorchester . T. C. Elliott. 
TABLE DECORATIONS. 
.^js^HE prizes for dinner-table decorations, offered by Sir Wentworth 
Dilke at the Exhibitions of the Royal Horticultural Society, did good 
service—at least, in that they were instrumental in bringing into use 
the March Flower Stands, now so generally adopted for table orna¬ 
mentation, and which rank amongst the most tasteful improvements 
made in this direction during the last few years. Since their first appear¬ 
ance, indeed, several attempts have been made to introduce others of a 
different original design, but we had seen nothing approaching them in 
elegance until we met with the Dobson Flower Centre, of which the figure 
here given represents the central or taller piece, 27 inches high, which 
with two smaller stands, 28 inches high, make up the set of three—a centre 
and two end pieces. We have to thank Mr. Dobson (of St. James’ Street), 
for the illustration, and for the following general directions for arranging 
the stands:— 
In the flower dishes put wet sand mixed with a little common charcoal 
in powder or small lumps ; the use of the latter prevents any smell from the 
decay of the flowers, even should they be kept for several days. Wet sand 
is recommended; because in shallow vessels it is impossible to arrange 
flowers in water alone. The sand gives consistence, and the stalks will 
remain where they are placed without falling about. It is an improvement 
to place a lump of moist clay round the bottom of the glass stem, the clay 
being firmer than the sand, and permitting of the flowers being fixed in it, 
with any bend or in any direction required. Wet moss is lighter than sand, 
and will answer the purpose, but on the whole sand is the cleanest, and 
being easily washed with water will last for months. 
A circle of leaves should be arranged round the border of the lower dish, 
