01 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER AND COUNTRY GENTLEMAN, May 17, 1859. 
“ Such facts as these seem to render it probable that lime may 
supply the place of alkaline matter to a certain extent—may per¬ 
form some of its functions in some plants. We know too little, 
however, of the changes which take place in the relative pro¬ 
portions of the inorganic substances in the same part of a plant 
at different periods of its growth, or of how much of that which 
is found in the leaf or twigs is really essential to its healthy 
existence, to be able to estimate the amount of reliance which 
ought to be placed upon the conclusions to which the above facts 
seem to lead. 
“ It is not likely that lime should serve the purpose of the 
alkalies in rendering silica soluble, and thus making its entrance 
into the roots of plants more easy—though even here our know¬ 
ledge is by no means certain. As lime is so very abundant, it 
would be both interesting and important to make out by ex¬ 
periment to what extent it may perform the functions and supply 
the place of alkaline matter in our cultivated crops.”—( Lectures 
on Agricultural Chemistry .) 
When caustic lime, or, as it is commonly called, quicklime is 
added to a soil it decomposes the salts of ammonia which the soil 
contains, driving off the ammonia, but which is absorbed and 
retained by the alumina in the soil. Caustic lime also promotes 
the rapid decay of vegetable and animal bodies in the soil; and 
is especially useful in rendering fertile boggy soils full of woody ( 
matters, and containing an excess of the salts of iron.—J. 
(To be continued.) 
NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 
ANGESiCUM sesquifedale (Foot-and-a-half Angrcecum). 
This magnificent orchid was introduced from Madagascar by 
tlio Rev. IV. Ellis. It bloomed in February of this year at his 
residence, Hoddesden, Herts. The flowers, including the spur, 
arc really more than eighteen inches across, of ivory whiteness, 
and perfumed like the Garden Lily. It is “ the prince of 
orchideous plants.”— ( Botanical Magazine, t. 5113.) 
Bileeegia jiacrocalyx ( Large-calyxed Bilbergia). 
Nalive of the mossy branches of trees at Bahia, whence it was 
introduced by our consul, J. Wetherell, Esq. Its chief beauty is 
conferred upon it by its bright crimson bracts. — (Ibid. t. Slid.) 
Gesneea PunruREA ( Purple-flowered Gesnera). 
This has been called also G. verticillata and G. Bouglasiv 
Native of Ilio Janeiro. Flowers pink, very regularly spotted 
with crimson.— (Ibid. t. 5115.) 
Rhododendron AVilsoni (Wilson's Rhododendron). 
Result of a cross between 11 . ciliatum and R. glaucum, effected 
by T. Nultall, Esq., of Nutgrove, Rainhill, Lancashire. Flowers 
white, tinged with pink.— (Ibid. t. 5110.) 
./Esculus Indica (Indian Horse-Chestnut. Called also Pavia 
Indica). 
“Found on mountains at elevations of from 8000 to 10,000 
feet in Kamaon, Gurhmal, and Sirmore ; also near the sources 
of the Ganges, and in Kunawar.” It bloomed in July, 1858, 
at the family seat of the Bunburys near Mildenhall, in Suffolk ; 
being raised from seed sent by Col. Bunbury from the north of 
India. Flowers white, blotched with pink, and yellow at the 
base.— (Ibid. t. 5117.) 
PORTLAND CEMENT INJURIOUS TO GOLD 
FISH. 
In answer to “ A Reader” (p. 70), I am certain that this is 
harmless to fish, except they are put in the water too soon. To 
escape this, till the tank or basin with water, and expose it to 
the sun and air for about a week; then empty the water, and 
clean it perfectly. 
Next take as much of an aquatic plant as is required to 
obtain an equal balance (Valisneria or Anacharis is best) ; tying 
the roots with a piece of matting, and sinking it with a stone. 
Let it stand for about twenty-four hours in the sun after 
putting in the water : it is then ready for the fish. 
There is no occasion for fear as to the winter affecting the 
fish or tank, as the warmth of a living-room is quite sufficient 
to kqep it in order. In fact, I am of opinion that in the winter 
time the fish are more healthy than in the summer, 
Any further information I can give you I shall feel most 
happy in affording, should it be of any use. What I have sent 
I know from experience.—G. M. B., Yarmouth. 
[We shall be glad to hear from you on the general manage¬ 
ment of gold and silver fish.—E ds.] 
FERNS IN MINIATURE CONSERVATORIES. 
§, This engraving gives a very imperfect representation of the 
only really tasteful arrangement in a confined space of Ferns, 
Lycopods, and Mosses, that we have ever examined. 
The rockwork and liliputian ruin, on and about which these 
cryptogamic plants are growing, are prepared by Mr. W. F. French, 
of Bristol, and specimens, at very moderate prices, are on sale at 
Mr. R. Kennedy’s, Bedford Conservatory, Covent Garden. To 
look at them in their unfurnished state they are not very attrac¬ 
tive ; but when placed under a glass shade and appropriately 
planted, as in the above engraving, they arc very effective. We 
have ono before us most strikingly so. The base, or ground¬ 
work, composed like the ruin, of fragments of various calxes and 
stones, is covered with growing Lichens ; and grouped about 
the ruin are —Adiantum formosum, Adiantum capillus Veneris, 
Asplenium ruta muraria, Pteris serulata, Lycopodium densa, &c. 
The following arc Mr. French’s directions for keeping them in 
a healthy condition :— 
“ The best situation for the caso is in a window open to the 
north ; but the plants will grow and flourish in other aspects, if 
duo care bo taken to shade them from direct sunlight, which 
causes Ferns to grow too rapidly, and to become deformed. 
Twice a-week in summer, and once a-week in winter, tlio glass 
cover should be removed for a few minutes, and occasionally the 
inner side of the glass and the rim of the case may be wiped dry. 
“ A small quantity of rain water must be added, from time to 
time, to replace that subtracted by evaporation and by wiping 
the glass cover. About a wine glass full at a time, and five or 
six times a-year, will generally be found sufficient. The best 
way to apply the water is with a small piece of sponge, or a 
small syringe ; care being taken to avoid wetting the loaves, which 
causes them to rot aw'ay. 
“Dead leaves and branches must bo cut out neatly. The same 
side of the case should be always kept turned towards the light. 
The natural growth of Ferns is very slow.” 
We ought not to omit mentioning that wherever Mr. French 
has exhibited his Forn-adomed rockwork it has been generally 
admired. It forms one of the most elegant of room adornments. 
HOME-MADE SUGAR. 
Were Beet-roots duly cultivated in England, observes Mr. 
J. Bruce Neil, “ baked,” without scraping the skins, and sold as 
cheap as they might be, many a poor person would have a hearty 
and good meal, who is now often obliged to go without one! 
He recommends to all, having small gardens, to cultivate them 
