170 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
Xovember 14, 1885. 
We were pleased to see a very healthy stock of Lnculia 
gratissiraa, a plant seldom seen, yet most beautiful when 
well grown. Of Acacia pubescens (R. S. Yates’ variety) 
Messrs. Clibran pride themselves on having the finest 
stock in the trade. Large quantities of tree Carnations 
and Gardenias, Poinsettias, Callas, double and single 
Primulas, Cyclamens, &c., are coming on in their various 
stages. Ckoisya ternata, the new Abutilons, Daphne 
Iudica rubra, Glonera jasminiflora, Jasminum gra- 
cillimum, &e., are also grown. A fine lot of Marechal 
Kiel Roses have made growth of from 12 ft. to 15 ft. 
long, and are now stood outside to ripen and harden. 
Such plants as these cannot fail to give a fine crop of 
bloom during the coming spring. Of pot vines, also, 
a capital lot are also ripening outside, and, in fact, are 
now ready for sending out to customers who purpose 
planting new vineries of a permanent character, or such 
as intend fruiting a batch more rapidly in pots. — W. 
Swan, Falloivfield, Nov. 9. 
-->:£<-- 
FRUITS, FLOW ERS k V EGETABLES. 
Alnwick Seedling Grape. —I can fully endorse 
what your correspondent “D. B.’’says at p. 154, as to 
the perfection to which this fine looking Grape is grown 
by Mr. Murray, of Culzean Castle Gardens, Maybole. 
The bunches which were staged at the late Edinburgh 
show, from this fine gardening establishment, were, in 
point of size, form, and perfect shape, everything 
that could be desired—in fact, I have not before 
nor since seen such meritorious specimens of the 
Alnwick Seedling—and I can honestly say the same 
of the grand bunches of Golden Queen, which were 
staged at the same show from the Culzean Vineries. 
Indeed, so favourably was I impressed with the Golden 
Queen, as there staged by Mr. Murray and Mr. 
Hammond, of Brayton, that I have resolved to add it 
to the varieties growing in the Longford Vineries, 
believing, as I do, that if such a high standard of 
excellence can be attained in the culture of any plant 
or fruit by one set of practitioners, it is quite 
possible for another “ intelligent set ” who have not 
previously attempted the culture of whatever the 
subject may be, to succeed equally as well, providing the 
accommodation is suitable. Still, I am not so rash as 
to say—though I see no reason why I should not— 
that I shall ever attain to such success in the cul- 
tureof the Golden Queen as Messrs. Murray and 
Hammond have reached. I may remark that the 
specimen of Muscat Hamburgh, which was staged in the 
same show in the 4-bunch class by Mr. Boyd, of Cal¬ 
lander Park, Falkirk, and the Lady Downes by his 
neighbour, Mr. Murray, of Parkhall, were grand 
specimens, the best I have ever seen of the respective 
varieties, and they attracted great attention from Grape 
growers including H. IV. Ward. 
Griffinia hyacinthina maxima. —Of the 
many species of Amaryllids which are grown either in 
stoves or greenhouses, this Griffinia from its novel and 
beautiful colour - , is one of the most desirable, and yet 
how seldom is it met with in good condition, or even at 
all in collections of plants. In some gardens it is 
found to be most easily cultivated, whilst elsewhere it 
is of uncertain habit and unsatisfactory. Having grown 
it for many years, my experience of it has been that it 
takes occasional fits of prolonged repose as if preparing 
for another effort, and suddenly starts off for growing 
and blooming. There are now two bulbs of it in bloom 
with me, each bearing two heads of flowers, of twelve 
and fourteen blooms on a head, and a charming 
sight they are, the delicate mauve and blue tints of the 
flowers contrasting well with Eueharis, Tydieas, and 
other plants now in bloom in the stove, where this bulb 
is best grown at least for the greater part of the year, 
with a rest in an intermediate house after the young 
growth is made. Sandy loam and leaf mould suit it, 
with ample drainage and careful watering.— J. T. Toe, 
Riverston. 
Greenhouse Rhododendrons at the 
Handsworth Nurseries. —In the extensive and 
valuable collection of greenhouse Rhododendrons at 
these well-known nurseries, there are many choice 
varieties now in flower, and amongst them several 
promising seedlings of different shades of colour. 
Princess Royal is well represented by many fine speci¬ 
mens, as full of bloom as well-grown Azaleas. This 
fine old variety should be grown in quantity where 
choice flowers are in demand, whether they be for 
market or private use. Duchess of Connaught, with 
its globular and compact trusses of bright vermilion- 
red flowers, freely produced on some very small plants, 
is very effective. Duchess of Edinburgh is also veiy 
bright in colour and free-flowering. Prince Leopold, 
Princess Frederica, and Maiden’s Blush are also among 
these floral treasures. Messrs. Fisher, Son k Sibray 
make a speciality of these plants and grow them by 
thousands, house after house being filled with the best 
varieties in commerce, and the plants in the best pos¬ 
sible condition, indicating good treatment on the part 
of the excellent manager, Mr. "Williams.— J. W. S. 
Matricaria inodora flore plena.—Might I 
ask your correspondent, “ J.,” who furnishes the very 
interesting and instructive notes on “Select Hardy 
Perennials,” why he thinks “this is probably not a 
true perennial ” ? That it is hardy there can be no 
question, and as I have several large plants—even still 
with hundreds of expanded blooms—that have stood in 
the same place for the past three years, I cannot doubt 
its perennial character. Of its usefulness for cutting 
none can speak too highly ; the pure white colour, and 
the fact that even in summer they will retain their 
beauty for three weeks, at least, in water, makes them 
very desirable. Cuttings, well watered, and exposed 
in rich soil, give most satisfaction ; old plants get 
woody, and give smaller flowers.— W. J. Murphy, 
Clonmel. 
Plant Cultivation. —In no other profession than 
that of gardening is the point of excellence attainable 
by so many varied roads. "Who has ever heard of two 
gardeners treating their subjects precisely alike ? And 
yet, in walking through an exhibition tent, it is mar¬ 
vellous to beliohl the similarity of plants that have 
been subjected to the most widely different treatment. 
Of course, it does not follow that the results brought 
about by attention and industry will be rivalled by the 
result of inattention and carelessness, if ever such cases 
occur. In perusing the different gardening papers, the 
same circumstance is prominently noticeable. One 
asserts, for instance, that if Adiantums are to be grown 
with success, you must use nothing but pure peat; 
while another, with laudable purpose, says that any¬ 
thing but pure loam will have the most detrimental 
and ruinous consequences. Indeed, though interesting 
it is often amusing, sometimes even laughable, to read 
these little differences of opinion and experience; and 
to those who are not thoroughly initiated they are often 
inexplicable. “ Necessity is the mother of invention.” 
And so it often happens that gardeners have to do with, 
not what they desire, but what they can get. As 
regards soil, the fundamental principles should always 
be understood. Plants will live and thrive so long as 
the chemical constituents necessary to their construction 
and progress are supplied ; it does not matter whether 
they are given to the plants in the form of peat, loam, 
or sand ; the essentials must be there or the plant will 
die. There are also atmospherical conditions on which 
the life of a plant as much depends as on those which 
regulate the application of soil. To all plant cultivators 
these conditions are more or less widely known, and it 
is only by careful personal experience and observation 
that we are enabled to arrive at any fixed conclusion 
regarding the atmospherical requirements of a plant. 
Were gardeners of a warlike disposition, there would 
often be more than discussional battles over these and 
similar matters. But it is not so. They always accept 
the experience of their friends with the utmost thank¬ 
fulness, and generously impart any result of abnormal 
treatment. — M. Barker. 
Old Apples.—At the recent autumn show at 
Richmond, an Apple shown under the name of Goose¬ 
berry Pippin was sent by someone, who also sent fruits 
from the same tree as the fresh fruits were obtained 
from last year's and the preceding year’s crop. 
Those of the present year were very good samples, those 
of the previous year of fair size, but soft in texture ; 
and those of 1883 rather small, shrivelled, and spongy. 
Probably, both lots thus carefully kept weie quite 
useless ; the exhibit so far was a curiosity and nothing 
more. The sort no doubt was Alfriston, as all the 
fruits were conical and angular, whilst those of the 
Gooseberry Pippin are smaller and rounder. As a rule, 
very few Apples keep good beyond six to seven months 
from the time of gathering, unless very favourable 
places can be found for storing. No doubt the fruits 
suffer most from changes of temperature in the winter, 
which induces sweating, and an atmosphere that is too 
dry. Probably the best keeper is the old French Crab, 
but it is not of much value for cooking after the month 
of May. It is all very well to point out Apples that 
have kept well, but their merit depends upon quality 
and if no better than sponges after so many months 
preservation, then the term “kept” is barely applicable. 
No doubt the best way to ensure long keeping, is to allow 
the fruits to hang on the trees as late as possible, because 
they plump up and mature so much more freely than if 
gathered too soon. I have this year been surprised at 
the way in which Apples have held on ; I gathered a 
quantity of Wellingtons, Norfolk Bearers, Russetts, 
and Cockle Pippins so late as November 6th, and many 
would have hung longer had I have left them.— A. I). 
Duke of Buccleuch Grape. —I think your 
correspondent, “J.,” and myself might argue our re¬ 
spective cases for a very long time, if it would serve 
any practical purpose, which I hardly admit. “J” 
has put forth assertions respecting the “ Duke,” with 
which, speaking from my own practical experience, I can¬ 
not agree ; but, because I differ from him, he must not 
consider that I do so from any spiteful motive, 
because I have not the slightest idea who “ J.” may be, 
and, therefore, cannot possibly have any spite against 
him ; and I certainly have no cause to entertain other 
than feelings of the greatest respect for the raiser of the 
‘ 1 Duke. ” I always endeavour to speak, not only of 
things, but of men as I find them : I have spoken of 
the “Duke” as I have found it, and nothing will 
make me alter my opinion but substantial proof based 
upon my own practical experience. — W. C. 
Leucanthemum major.—This fine autumn¬ 
flowering hardy perennial keeps in fine form, despite 
the rain, which affects but little the purity of its 
blossoms. I would advise any gardener to grow it for 
flowering at this season of the year. I can, at the 
present time, cut from a small clump something like 
fifty fine flowers, so free is it. I find that it grows 
freely in a strong loam, and increases abundantly. It 
is, without exception, one of the best late-flowering 
hardy perennials I know, because it succeeds the white- 
flowered Japanese Anemone.— Quo. 
-- 
The Gardeners’ Calendar. 
THE FRUIT HOUSES. 
Peach and Nectarine Trees. —If not already 
done, no time should be lost in preparing the trees, in 
the early and second house, for forcing. The first step 
to be taken in this direction is to wash the glass and 
woodwork with warm water, and the brickwork and 
plaster with hot lime, into which a few handfuls of 
flour of sulphur should be stirred before being used. 
This done, cut out as much of the old wood as can be 
dispensed with, as well as superfluous and extra strong 
shoots of the current year’s growth, and some of those 
left should be shortened back to a wood-bud where 
necessary to secure a balance of growth in the individual 
trees. This object should never be lost sight of in 
pruning trees of any description. Then the trees— 
unless they have been perfectly free from blight during 
the past season—should be washed with a soft brush, 
and a solution consisting of 3 oz. of soft-soap dissolved 
in a gallon of warm water, with two handfuls of sulphur, 
well mixed. This should be applied to every particle 
of the tree, care being taken not to damage the fruit 
buds in performing the operation. 
The shoots should be thinned out to from 4 ins. to 
6 ins. apart and these should be trained at the same 
angle on either side the centre of the tree, and should 
not be tied too tightly to the wires, otherwise they will 
not have room to grow without sustaining injury by the 
ties. This done, prick over the surface of the border 
with a fork, remove the loose soil, and replace it with 
a mixture consisting of three-parts of calcareous loam, 
and one of lime-rubble and wood-ashes, following this 
with 2 ins. thieli of horse-droppings or short manure, 
and a good soaking of tepid water. If Peaches are 
required in May next the house should be kept close 
towards the end of the present month, and the trees be 
syringed two or three times a day, according to the 
weather, and only turn sufficient liot-water on in the 
pipes to prevent the night temperature from falling 
below 40°. Trees in late and cold houses should in due 
time be attended to in the manner indicated above. 
