1S76.] 
GARDEN GOSSIP. 
23 
nerves on the nncler-side, where there is a little rusty clown and a few traces of stelliform 
pubescence, which doubtless covers the lower surface when young. The general form is 
obovate, deeply pinnately lobed, the two lobes between the midclle and the apex of the leaf 
so much lai’ger than the rest as to make the apex appear distinctly 3-lobed ; each lobe obtuse 
or truncated, somewhat sinuous in outline, and provided at distant intervals with long, 
slender points projecting directly from the margins. The base of the leaf is broadly wedge- 
shaped, tapering into a stalk about 2 in. in length. It must be a very fine addition to our 
stores of ornamental trees. 
- The Agaricus 2 '> 6 rsonatus^ one of our common so-called edible fungi, for¬ 
merly sold in Covent Garden Market, and even now exposed for sale in tlie market of 
Nottingham under the name of “ Blue Hats,” has according to Mr. Berkeley been 
supposed to be occasionally dangerous.” Mr. W. G. Smith has recently had sent him from York¬ 
shire (Hovingham) some typical specimens of this fungus, with the information tliat the keeper 
had gathered a dish of it and cooked it for the table, with the result that soon after taking it 
the whole party—himself, family, and mates—were seized with vomiting and pain in the 
pit of the stomach. From this it would seem that the fungus is really at times dangerous, 
and should be eaten with caution. Mr. Berkeley has since confirmed this. He states that 
some years since the late Professor Henslow sent a quantity of Miishrooms consisting entirely 
of this species, which formed part of a basketful of which some persons in Cambridge had 
partaken, and had died in consequence. As A. personatus has not only the reputation of 
l->eing wholesome, but is sold in some of our markets, it was supposed that some deleterious 
species had been mixed with the others, and had proved fatal. It should seem, however, he 
says, from this additional information, that I was wrong. It is, however, pretty certain that 
species which are in general wholesome occasionally contain such a portion of their peculiar 
alkaloid, as to be dangerous. 
- The Gardeners' Year-Booh and Almanack^ 1876, by Dr. Hogg (171 
Fleet Street), contains as usual mucli useful information, such as is commonly 
sought for in an annual of this class, the most striking feature of merit, however, 
being the notes on New Fruits, Plants, and Garden Flowers, which together occupy some 
50 pages. The select lists of Fruits and Vegetables are also trustworthy, being confined to a 
few standard sorts, and not made up of improved novelties. 
- ®HE Sjjortiveness of the Chrysanthemum is well known. The white 
variety named Mrs. George Bundle twaor three years ago threw quite a pale amber 
or primrose-coloured sport, distinct in character, which was named George Glenny. 
Lately a bright golden sport from George Glenny, named Golden George Glenny, possessing 
the same ball-like symmetry of shape peculiar to the white type, has been exhibited. Several 
of our finest Chrysanthemums were obtained as sports, among them Golden Beverley, 
Golden Dr. Brock, Orange Annie Salter, and White Venus. The reddish cinnamon John 
Salter has produced in the same way. Golden John Salter, and Mr. Howe, the latter an orange- 
amber. The blush Queen of England sported into the Golden Queen of England, and this 
last has now sported in a pale amber or straw-coloured form, named Emily Dale. It is 
worthy of remark that while the White Mrs. George Bundle sported first to amber and then 
to gold, the blush Queen of England sported first to gold and then to amber. Cede Nulli is 
another sort which has sported freely. 
- We have recently seen the grand circular roof of tlie Royal Aquarium at 
Westminster glazed on Eendle’s patent system, whicb Has now bad a tolerably 
. good test, and appears to prove satisfactory. In forming these circular roofs 
straight glass is used, the expensive bent or curved glass being entirely dispensed with. The new 
patent grooves into which the glass is slipped not only provide against bi'eakage, by expan¬ 
sion and contraction, the glass having full play in all directions, but they carry off the water, 
which falls on the outside, as well as that which arises from the condensed steam inside, so 
that they carry off all Avater both outside and inside, and thus injurious drip is avoided. The 
paint-Avork, Avoodwork, and iron are all covered in by the glass, so as not to be exposed to 
the damaging influences of the atmosphei'e. ' This mode of glazing can, it is said, be effected 
in one-fourth the time taken up by ordinaiy glazing. The Avork is all done Avithout putty ; 
and it is asserted that 1,500 square feet of glass can be put in in one hour by one man, Avhile 
any damaged glass can be instantly replaced Avithout the aid of a glazier. 
