1875. J 
GARDEN GOSSIP. 
239 
on the surface, like that of Lilium giganteum, but should be deeply planted in alight vegetable 
mould, and protected from the direct rays of the sun. Maximowicz found the bulbs as 
much as 18 in. deep in the shady forests of North Japan. 
-is stated that Mr. Schmidt, of Lyons, has succeeded in raising a 
New Race of Begonias between B. insignis and some of the tuberous-rooted 
species. Although not of a very brilliant colour, B. insignis is extensively grown 
for cut-flowers in winter; and if these new hybrids possess the valuable quality of flowering 
freely in winter, combined with greater brilliancy of colouring, they will indeed be a valuable 
acquisition. Eight varieties are described, and it is stated that they are almost perpetual 
bloomers. We hope that they will prove all that is promised. The varieties have white and 
variously coloured flowers, from salmon and pink to rich carmine. The time is approaching 
when these qualities may be put to the test. 
- Et has been announced that Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, of Chelsea, 
have been awarded the Empress’s Prize , consisting of a splendid porcelain service, 
richly painted with views of the Rhine, for the fine group of plants shown by 
them at the Cologne Exhibition. 
- By far the best of all the Heliotropes which have come under our 
observation is one named Surpasse Guascoi. It is strong-growing, of erect habit, 
with very large corymbs of light-coloured flowers which open of a lilac colour, 
and fade off to a French white; these corymbs are often as much as 6 in. across, with an 
angular outline, the individual flowers being large, and the trusses very freely produced, and 
furnishing an abundant succession. The best of the dark-coloured varieties is M. Sernent, 
which is of spreading habit, and has flowers of a dark-reddish purple, freely produced, in 
moderate-sized trusses. 
- Et is often difficult, observes the Gardeners ’ Chronicle , to get plants to 
do well under the Shade of Trees. We lately saw the difficulty overcome in a very 
satisfactory manner in the garden of Miss Hope, of Wardie Lodge, near Edinburgh, 
where the plant used was Saxifraga umbrosct , or an allied species, which formed a perfect 
carpet under the trees. It is occasionally cut over, which induces the plant to throw out 
offsets, and keeps it neat in habit. 
- ®he Bulletin de la Societe Horticole de Soissons, on the authority of 
M. Willermoz, gives the following Cure for Sickly Pot-Plants , which he states 
has been pursued for some years with unfailing success by M. Lucas, of Hohen- 
heim. It is recommended in the case of plants which have become sickly through over¬ 
watering, planting too deeply, &c. Amongst the plants so treated were Palms, Roses, Ficus 
elastica, and others. Instead of changing the soil, it is well stirred and soaked with water 
heated to a temperature of 133° to 144° Fahr., until the latter runs off freely from the 
bottom of the pots. After a feAV days the sickly plants recover their original look of health 
and vigour, and begin to grow again. The earth, it is said, becomes much more friable after 
this treatment, and when dry has all the appearance of fresh soil. 
- ©f the race of Smooth-skinned Cucumbers —tlie best of all for flavour 
—some of the favourite modern varieties are Improved Telegraph and Duke of 
Edinburgh; the skin of the former is of a lively green colour, that of the latter 
a shining olive-green. In winter and spring the Improved Telegraph is much esteemed in 
Covent Garden Market, but towards the middlo of the summer it is apt to come crooked. 
Monro’s Duke of Edinburgh is another excellent type of market Cucumber; it was raised 
by Mr. Monro from one he formerly grew for market under the name of Rabley Hero, and 
when well grown, averages from 15 in. to 18 in. in length, is very smooth, symmetrical 
in shape, and whether required for winter or summer work, or for cultivation in houses or 
frames, cannot be well surpassed. 
- $1 conversation took place at the annual meeting of the Pelargonium 
Society, in reference to the Origin of the Fancy Pelargonium , in the course of 
