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ADIANTUM EUBELLUM. 
267 
The Apricot is also subject to be attacked by mildew, and sulphur has been 
generally applied as a remedy, but with somewhat uncertain results. The most 
efficacious remedy for this insidious and troublesome disease with which I am 
acquainted was found out, and its efficacy proved on a large scale, in the nurseries 
of Mr. Smith, of Worcester. The Eoses in these nurseries were attacked by 
mildew, which was so generally prevalent last summer ; and after repeated trials 
of all the prescribed remedies without the slightest effect, it was discovered that 
the best soft soap, in the proportion of one pound to three gallons of cold water, 
is most effectual. The soap is whisked until it is dissolved, and immediately 
applied to the trees ; and thus a plot of six acres, planted with Eose trees, was 
gone over, and perfectly freed from this most formidable assailant, at the trifling cost 
of 4d. for the three gallons of liquid used. The preparation was also apphed to 
Picea Nordmanniana^ and other plants infested with mildew, with equally good 
results. It must be noted that the soap is to be dissolved in cold water, as it 
loses its effect when mixed in hot water. Further, if it is allowed to stand for 
any length of time after being mixed, it is perfectly useless. I should observe 
that it is requisite to test the strength and quality of the soap on a single plant 
previous to using it on an extensive scale, as soaps are found to vary much in 
quality, and often act injuriously on the foliage, but the above may be taken 
generally as the proper proportions. The best soft soap only should be used.— 
G. Westland, Witley Court. 
ADIANTUM EUBELLUM. 
OLIVIA is the native country of this pretty dwarf Maidenhair Fern, 
one of several South American species, which the Messrs. Veitch and 
Sons have had the gbod fortune to introduce to our gardens within tho 
last few years. It is one of a set belonging to the Capillus-Veneris 
group, bearing more or less resemblance to A. Capilliis-Veneris., A. cuneatum., 
and A. concinnum., the several forms of which, though not easy of definition, are 
obviously distinct to the eye, and are welcome additions to onr garden species. 
To this set, besides A. ruhellim., belong A. tinctum., A. colpodes.^ and A. 
decorum.^ all plants of ornamental character. A. ruhellum itself is the dwarfest of 
the series ; its fronds rarely exceeding six or eight inches in length, and growing 
up in a dense mass. The young fronds come up rosy red, like those of A. 
tiiictum and A. colpodes., and owing to the crowded habit of growth and the profu¬ 
sion of them constantly produced, the plant is, under good management, always 
more or less embellished with the roseate tint which has suggested the name. 
The fronds are of trianguLr-ovate form, 4 in. to 5 in. long, quite smooth, and 
attached to glossy stipites of about the same length. They are bipinnately divided, 
the ultimate pinnules being small, wedge-shaped, tolerably uniform in size, and 
deeply lobed at the margin, with the lobes indistinctly serrated ; each of the 
fertile lobes is split, but with a closed sinus ; and round the base of this the 
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