22 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ J ANUARY, 
THE GOLDEN CHAMPION GRAPE. 
FEEL somewhat diffident in speaking of this grape, because I think we 
have not yet tried it long enough to speak positively. I have both a bad 
and a good word to say of it. In the first place, it is what I consider a 
very highly-bred grape, with some good points well developed, but in con¬ 
sequence, as I think, of its high breeding, lacking the essentials of good health, 
namely, a uniform growth and well-ripened wood all through. The berries blotch 
before they are ripe, and will not keep long after ripening. I had some handsome 
bunches to look at, ripe, in June of this year, and I tried to keep them for a 
few weeks, but failed entirely, none of them being fit for table in consequence of 
being so much marked with blotches. Now for the good points. It bears a 
most handsome bunch, with very large berries : indeed, it is perhaps the hand¬ 
somest of all grapes ; it is a good setter, and a strong but unequal grower. It 
would make a good market grape, on account of its large berries, and because, 
where the crop is to be sold, it can be cut at once, when ready, before getting 
spoiled—J. Freeman, Knowsley. 
KITCHEN GARDENING FOR JANUARY. 
f N this first month of the year work entirely depends upon weather. As the 
long continuance of autumn frosts has retarded all garden operations, 
? advantage should be taken of favourable weather to push forward delayed 
work of every kind, as draining, trenching, ridging, digging, &c. As soon 
as the ground is sufficiently dry, Peas and Beans of the early kinds may be sown 
on a well-sheltered border. Some should also be sown in pots or boxes, and 
placed in a vinery or peach-house just started, to be transplanted out-doors on a 
sheltered border towards the end of February; these will come in for use as soon 
as those sown out-doors in November. Sow Radishes and Early Horn Carrots 
in frames on gentle hot-beds, and towards the end of the month, if the weather 
be open and the soil dry, some may also be sown on a warm border. Give air 
freely to Cauliflowers and Lettuces under glasses and in frames ; stir the surface 
soil; pick off the dead leaves, and dust with quick-lime. I cannot too strongly 
recommend the true I Valcheren to all who want good Cauliflowers. I have been 
cutting them frOm the beginning of June last, up to the present time, and shall 
be able to continue cutting late into next month from plants in cold pits. My 
earliest cutting in June was from plants grown in pots during the winter, and 
planted out at the beginning of March at the foot of a south wall; the supply, 
from that to the present time, has been from sowings made in March, April, and 
May. Sow Mustard and Cress in boxes weekly, and place them in a little heat. 
Put some Ash-leaved Kidney Potcitos into heat to sprout. Cover up fresh 
patches of Seakale and Rhubarb for succession, or put some roots into the 
mushroom-house. Make a gentle hot-bed for a fresh batch of Asparagus roots. 
Parsley and Celery should be well protected from frost. 
