1874 . ] 
OBITUARY.-GARDEN WORK FOR APRIL. 
93 
- ^HE Vitis cestivalis is strongly recommended by the French gardeners as 
a suitable plant for covering arbours or walls, it being especially recommended 
on account of its vigorous habit, growing freely in all soils and in all exposures, 
■while its very lai'ge, deep, shining green leaves are useful for the packing of fruits. There 
are few Vinos whoso leaves are broader, consequently more fit for packing purposes, than those 
of V. cestivalis, which, besides being broad, are almost entire. 
- ®^HE Americans have introduced a Silver Occidental Arhor-vitce (Thuja 
occidentalis argentea)^ which they name Victoria, and which is described as a 
curious and beautiful dwarf plant, wholly unlike any hitherto described, being 
of a fresh green colour, with the branchlets distinctly tipped with white, entirely 
hardy, and most attractive and pleasing in appearance. 
- En the Populus angulata tortuosa, grown by M. Barthere, of Toulouse, 
the French gardens possess a novelty which, though scarcely to be regarded as an 
ornamental tree, is one of the most curious and remarkable forms of its species 
yet known. Its habit is similar to that of Rohinia tortuosa, thus forming a densely branched, 
bushy shrub, with angular crooked or flexuous zigzag branches, having the petiolate glabrous 
leaves rolled in the direction of the mid-rib, and forming a sort of hood or cowl, with an 
acuminate point. 
©bitttarg* 
- John Delany died at Brennanstown, Oabinteely, on March 17, 
aged 44 years. For twenty years he had occupied the position of steward and 
gardener to George Pirn, Esq., and was well known as a most successful grower 
of pot-roses, azaleas, pine-apples, and vegetables. The records of the Royal Horticultural 
Society of Ireland bear testimony to his excellent worth as a practical horticulturist, and 
the Council of the Society proved their appreciation of his worth by invariably appointing 
him as Judge, when not himself an exhibitor. 
GAEDEN IVOEK FOE APEIL. 
FLOWERS. 
'PRING-flowering plants, which will soon be in great beauty, are well worth 
every care. A judiciously arranged Spring garden is unquestionably 
the most satisfactory and interesting amongst the many phases of flower- 
garden embellishment. Stir the surface of the ground amongst plants 
that are coming forward, and support Hyacinth blooms, &c., with neat 
stakes, keeping the grass trim by frequent mowings. Should any planting of 
evergreens yet remain to be done, they should be seen to at once. Hollies^ 
Rhododendrons^ and the various sorts of American plants^ may be planted during 
the Spring months ; and all recently planted trees and shrubs must be watered. 
Replant Cerastiuin^ and after planting in damp soils and situations, strew the 
surface of the ground with some dry material, such as broken tiles, which prevents 
fogging off ; when well done, this is one of the most effective band plants we 
possess. The Variegated Honeysuckle is also a most effective edging plant, 
which should now be planted, as well as Veronica incana^ Dactylis^ and many 
others. Plant out all hardy Perennial plants, wintered in frames. Sow seeds of 
Annual^ Biennial^ and Perennial plants^ including ornamental Beet. Weeds 
must be kept under, and neatness and order everywhere maintained. 
Hardy Ferns and Rock plants should now be rearranged, filling up vacancies, 
and surface-dressing with fresh compost, removing also all decayed fronds and 
protecting litter. The present is the best time to plant Hardy Yuccas; a few 
judiciously disposed groups of these picturesque plants would proYO most 
acceptable in most gardens, 
