446 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
March 13, 1886. 
Wills dealt first with the structure of a typical and 
perfect flower, and the functions of the parts concerned 
in reproduction, and then, after showing how the visits 
of insects are the chief agency for ensuring fertilisation, 
proceeded to show how nature encourages cross-fertili¬ 
sation and discourages self-fertilisation by a variety of 
general arrangements as well as by special contrivances, 
these latter reaching their climax in the structure of 
Orchids. The address was concluded with a brief 
reference to the connection of this subject with that of 
natural selection. It was illustrated by a large number 
of illuminated transparencies, mostly drawn from nature 
by the lecturer. 
Mr. Latham, in moving a hearty vote of thanks to 
Mr. Wills for his able and interesting address, said he 
thought that he had dealt with a subject of the greatest 
importance to the gardening profession, more par¬ 
ticularly to its younger members, whom he advised to 
try and acquire a thorough knowledge of the parts and 
functions of flowers. The resolution was carried unani¬ 
mously, after which the chairman drew the attention 
of those present to the subject of the next lecture, to 
be delivered by Professor Hillhouse, on Wednesday 
evening, March 17th, namely, “ The scientific value of 
gardeners’ experience,” which he had no doubt would 
be very interesting, and he hoped to see as good an 
attendance of members as on the present occasion. 
-->*<-- 
We regret to record the death of Mr. R. P. Kee, 
head of the firm of Messrs. R. P. Ker & Sons, of 
Basnett Street, and the Aigburth Nursery, Liverpool, 
which took place at his residence, Canning Street, 
on the 4th inst. Mr. Robert Preston Ker was 
born at Dickson’s Nursery, ILassendean Burn, near 
Hawick, on July 18th, 1816. His father, Mr. 
Andrew Ker, managed these nurseries, then the most 
extensive in Scotland, for 25 years ; his grandfather, 
Mr. John Ker, held the same position for 40 years ; 
and his uncle, Mr. William Ker, was sent from Kew 
to China, and afterwards to Ceylon, where he died in 
1814. Kerria japonica was named after this gentleman. 
Mr. R. P. Ker left Hassendean Burn, at the age of 
fourteen, for Edinburgh, being apprenticed to Messrs. 
Dickson & Co., of Waterloo Place ; and after the usual 
seven years’ term, went to Mr. Skirving, at Liverpool, 
whose business was then beginning to expand, both 
locally, and in Ireland and the Midland Counties. In 
1840, Mr. Ker was placed by Mr. Skirving in charge 
of the seed department, which under his care prospered 
very much. For eighteen years, including the famine 
period, he travelled through the whole of Ireland, and 
also from the commencement of the Smitlifield Club 
Cattle Show, first held in the Carriage Bazaar, Baker 
Street, he represented Mr. Skirving at all the exhibi¬ 
tions until 1860 ; when Mr. Skirving, having refused 
to give him any share or interest in the business, 
which his efforts had very materially aided in building 
up, Mr. Ker commenced business on his own account in 
Liverpool, with quiet energy and determination to 
succeed. In 1870, finding that the addition of a 
nursery would tend to consolidate his business, the 
Aigburth Nursery was commenced, and now contains 
one of the best collections of trees, shrubs, and plants, 
both hardy and tender, in the trade. Those who have 
seen the very fine groups of plants exhibited at the 
National Exhibitions held in Manchester from the 
Aigburth Nursery, have seen the examples of the high 
culture which is there carried out. Mr. Ker took a 
deep interest in gardeners, was always willing to be of 
service to them, and sympathise with their cares and 
struggles. To the Gardeners Benevolent Institution 
he was a generous donor, and was a member of the 
committee of management up to his death. Local 
Gardening and benevolent societies he was alwa^ s 
ready to help. He was interned at the Toxteth 
Cemetery, on March the 8th, in the presence of very 
many old and attached friends. Mr. Ker has left 
three sons, two of whom had been his partners for 
some years ; two daughters and nine giandsons, and 
two of these have made a good beginning as young 
members of the gardening fraternity. The senior 
partner is now Mr. R. Wilson Ker, formerly the 
secretary of the Liverpool Chrysanthemum Society. 
The death is also recorded of Mrs. Squibbs, widow 
of Mr. R. Squibbs, who for many years previous to his 
death, in 1859, was gardener at Rook’s Nest, Godstone. 
Mrs. Squibbs died on February 23rd, aged 78. 
-- 
TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. 
John Forbes, Hawick, N.B.— Florists’ Flowers, Stove and 
Greenhouse Plants, Ferns, &c. 
TVm. Cutbush & Son (Limited), Ilighgate Nurseries, N.— 
Trade Specialities. 
i i H. Bennett, Shepperton, Middlesex. — Pedigree Seedling 
Roses. 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 
Flies.—I am told that there is a plant well adapted for window 
culture that will keep flies away, as they will not enter a room 
where it is. Can any reader tell me what it is ?— Curio. 
African Violet.— R. H. D.: Try Messrs. James Veitch & 
Sons, King’s Road, Chelsea, S.W. 
Correction.— In the report, at p. 430, of the meeting of the 
Preston and Fulwood Horticultural Society, for Mr. Waters, 
“gardener, Worden Hall," read “gardener to J. Eccles, Esq., 
Farington House.” 
Tufa.- H. T.: Write to Mr. John Fisher, Ashover, near 
Chesterfield. 
Names of Plants.—/. J. D.: 1, Acacia dealbata; 2, Acacia 
Drummondi; 3, Cytissus racemosus ; 4, Echeveria retusa ; 5, 
Agave Americana variegata; 6, Yucca quadricolor. 
Communications Received. —J. B. (a week too late).—T. M. 
—J. C.—B. S. W.—W. S.—H. J. C.-B. L.—G. F.—J. H. F.— 
W. P. R.—R. D.—J. L. (many thanks).—C. L. P. (thanks, next 
week).—A. M.—W. E. G. 
-—«£<-- 
LONDON SEED TRADE. 
March 10 th, 1886. 
Messrs. Hurst & Son, 152, Houndsditch, and 39, 
Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.C., report a better trade 
for Clover Seeds, although the recent snowstorm causes 
some buyers to defer operating. Red Clover of medium 
quality is decidedly dearer, the exports to America 
having almost exhausted stocks. White Clover and 
Alsike are firm and in good request at present low 
prices. Trefoil unchanged. Italian and Perennial 
Rye Grasses sell slowly at unchanged rates. Bird Seeds 
sell slowly at rates current last week. 
-- 
OOVENT GARDEN MARKET. 
March 1 1th. 
Fruit.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. s.d. 
Apples, £ sieve. 2 0 4 0 
Grapes, per lb. 2 6 8 0 
Kent Cobs,per 100 lbs.30 0 
Melons, each. 
Peaches, per doz. 
s.d. 
Pine-apples, Eng., lb. 1 0 
Pine-apples, St. 
Michaels, each .... 26 
Plums . 
Canadian Apples, bi-1.10 0 
s.d. 
S 0 
14 0 
Vegetables.—Average Retail Prices. 
s.d. 
Artichokes, Globe,doz. 2 0 
“26 
2 0 
0 4 
2 6 
0 6 
s.d. 
3 0 
5 0 
Beans, French, per lb. 
Beet, per dozen. 
Brussel Sprouts, lb... 
Cabbages_per doz. 
Carrots, per hunch .. 
Cauliflowers, English, 
per dozen . 4 0 
Celery, per bundle ..16 
Cucumbers, each .... 1 0 
Endive, French, doz. 2 6 
Herbs, per hunch_ 0 2 
Potatos.- Kent Regents, 80s. to 100s. per ton ; Kent Kidneys, 
80s. to 100s. per ton ; Champions, 70s. per ton. 
s.d. 
Horse Radish, bundle 3 0 
Lettuces .. per dozen 1 C 
Mushrooms, p. basket 1 0 
Onions, per bushel ..50 
Parsley, per bunch ..06 
Radishes, per dozen.. 1 6 
Small salading,punnet 0 4 
Sea Kale, per basket.. 2 0 
Spinach, per strike ..20 
Tomatos, per lb.16 
Turnips, per bunch ..06 
s.d. 
5 0 
3 0 
2 6 
Cut Flowers.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. s.d. 
Abutilon, 12 hunches 
Acacia mimosa,French 
per bunch. 10 16 
Anemone,French,12 b. 3 0 6 0 
Arum Lilies, 12 blms. 4 0 SO 
Asters, 12 bunches 
Azalea, 12 sprays_ 0 6 10 
Bouvardias, per bun. 0 6. 1 0 
Camellias, 12 blooms. 2 0 6 0 
Carnations, 12 blooms 10 3 0 
Carnations, 12 hunch. 
Chrysanthemums, 12 
blooms. 2 0 4 0 
Chrysanthemums, 12 
bunches .12 0 18 0 
Cyclamen, 12 blooms. 0 4 0 6 
Daffodils, per bunch ..06 16 
Epiphyllums, 12blms. 0 6 10 
Eucharis, per dozen.. 4 0 6 0 
Gardenias, 12 blooms. 6 0 IS 0 
Heliotropes, 12 sprays 0 6 10 
Lapageria, white, 12 
blooms. 
Lapageria, red, 12blms. 10 2 0 
Lilac (French), bunch 2 0 7 0 
Lilies, 12 sprays .... 0 9 16 
s.d. s.d 
Lilium Longiflorum, 
12 blooms . 
Marguerites, 12 bun... 4 0 SO 
Mignonette, 12 bun... 4 0 12 0 
Narciss, 12 hunches ..40 SO 
Pelargoniums, per 12 
sprays. 10 16 
— scarlet, 12 sprays ..OS 10 
Poinsettia, doz. blms. 
Primula, double,bun. 0 9 16 
Primulas,Chinese,bun 0 4 0 6 
Roman Hyacinths, 12 
sprays. 0 6 10 
Roses (coloured) .... 4 0 9 0 
Roses (indoors), doz. 10 3 0 
Roses, Tea ,, 2 0 3 6 
Roses, red, French ,, 2 0 4 0 
Snowdrops, doz. bun. 10 3 0 
Stephanotis, 12 sprays 
Tuberoses, per dozen. 16 2 6 
Tulips, 12 blooms.... 0 9 10 
Violet, 12 bunches ..10 16 
— Czar, French, per 
bunch. 16 2 6 
— Parme. 40 60 
White Jasmine, bun.. 0 6 0 9 
Plants in Pots.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. s.d. 
Aralia Sieboldi, doz.. 6 0 IS 0 
Arum Lilies, per doz. 9 0 12 0 
Asters, per doz. 
Azalea, per dozen ..24 0 42 0 
Begonias, per dozen. .60120 
Bouvardias, per dozen 9 0 IS 0 
Chrysanthemums, per 
dozen pots . 
Cineraria, per dozen.. 10 0 12 0 
Cockscombs, per doz. 
Cyclamens, per dozenl2 0 24 0 
Cyperus, per dozen .. 4 0 12 0 
Daffodils, per dozen.. 9 0 12 0 
Dracsena term., doz.. 30 0 60 0 
— viridis, per dozen 12 0 24 0 
Evergreens, in var., 
per dozen . 6 0 24 0 
Ferns, in var., doz. .. 4 0 IS 0 
Ficus elastica, each ..16 70 
Foliage Plants, vari¬ 
ous, each. 2 0 10 6 
Fuchsias, per dozen.. 
Genista, per dozen . .10 0 15 0 
s.d. s.d. 
Heaths or Erica, var., 
per dozen .10 0 24 0 
Hyacinths, per doz. ..6 0 9 0 
Hyacinths, Roman, 
per dozen . 
Hydrangea, per dozen 
Lilies of ihe Valley, 
pots or clumps, doz.18 0 30 0 
Lilium lancifolium, 
per dozen . 
Marguerites, per doz. 9 0 12 0 
Mignonette, per doz. 
Narciss, per dozen .. S 0 12 0 
Palms in variety, each 2 6 21 0 
Pelargoniums, doz. .. 
Pelargoniums,scarlet, 
per dozen . 60 90 
Poinsettia, per dozen 
Primula, single, doz.. 4 0 6 0 
Solanum, per dozen.. S 0 12 0 
Spiraea, per dozen... .12 0 15 0 
Tulips, per dozen pots 6 0 9 0 
Dickson’s Matchless White Celery. 
ONE OF THE FINEST IN CULTIVATION. 
M r. J. Muir, Morgan Park, writes us.—“ I 
have cultivated some hundreds of this in 1SS5, and it 
has proved one of the best varieties we ever possessed. It is 
very compact and robust, is crisp in texture, and excellent in 
flavour.”—Per packet, Is. 
JAMES DICKSON & SONS, 32, Hanover Street, Edinburgh. 
EVUE de rHORTICIILTUKE BELGE 
et ETRANGERE (Belgian and Foreign Horticultural 
Review).— Among the principal Contributors are :—A. Allard, 
E. Andre, C. Baltet, F. Burvenich, F. Crepin, De De Jonge van 
Ellemeet, O. de Kerchove de Denterghem, P. E. de Puydt, C. de 
Vis, J. Gillon, A. M. C. Jongkindt Coninck, J. Kick, L. Linden, 
T. Moore, C. Naudin, B. Oliverer, H. Ortgies, B. Pynaert, E. 
Rodigas, A. Siraux, O. Thomas, A. van Geert Son, H. J. van 
Hulle, J. van Volxem, H. J. Veitch, A. Wesmael, and P. Wolken- 
stein. 
This illustrated Journal appears on the 1st of every month, in 
Parts of 24 pages, Svo., with Two Coloured Plates and numerous 
Engravings. 
Terms of Subscription for the United Kingdom :—One year, 
14s., payable in advance. 
Publishing Office : 136, Rue de Bruxelles, Ghent, Belgium. 
Post Office Orders made payable to M. E. Pynaert. Ghent. 
T ~HE FARMER and CHAMBER op AGR1- 
CULTURE JOURNAL. Every Monday. ONE PENNY. 
This JOURNAL, in its forty-third year, is now published at 
One Penny weekly, and is the largest, cheapest, and best Agri¬ 
cultural Paper. It contains all the Agricultural News of the 
Week, the Latest Markets, and numerous original and interesting 
articles on Farming subjects by the leading Agricultural Writers 
of the day. Should he in the hands of every Farmer. Post tree, 
6s. 6 d. per annum. Specimen copies will be sent for one month, 
post free, for 6 d. —Office, 291, Strand, London, W.C. 
IF-YO U-WIS H-TO-EXC EL IN’HORTl CULTURE 
„ - . - - female . 
(DanietsiBros-^O Exchange St JMop wict?- 
Choice Irish Ferns for Sale. 
T HREE Maidenhair Ferns and one of each 
of Lady Fern, Mouleii, and Rubrum, evergreen Asplenium 
Marinum, Tricliomanes, Ruta, and Black Maidenhair Splecnwort. 
Blechnum Boreale, Scaly Spleenwort, and Crenatum. Cystop- 
teris, Fragilis, hard and soft Shield Ferns with thorns. Lastrea 
recurva, like Parsley. Dilatata and Thelypteris. Royal flower¬ 
ing Fern and the Tunbridge Filmy Fern. Seolopendrium cris- 
tatum and marginatum, and the very rare Obtusidentatum. 
Polypodium semilacerum and serrulatum. A1 llarge and well 
rooted Ferns. The 23 rare and assorted species for 5s. 6 d. ; hall 
quantity for 2s. 9 d. ; S, 2s. Carriage Paid, and satisfaction 
guaranteed. 12 different Irish Alpine plants for 3s. 0J. Free 
important Catalogues on application for 2d. The Ferns and 
Flora of the Burren Mountains of Ireland are fully developed in 
those Catalogues. P. B. O’KELLY'. Fernist, Florist, Botanist, 
&c., Glenarra House, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. 
SCHWEITZER'S 
OOCOATINA, 
Anti-Dyspeptic Cocoa or Chocolate Powder. 
Guaranteed Pure Soluble Cocoa of the Finest 
Quality, with the excess of Fat Extracted. 
THE FACULTY pronounce it “the most nutritious, perfectly 
digestible beverage for Breakfast, Luncheon, or Supper, and 
invaluable for Invalids and Children.” 
Being without Sugar, Spice, or other admixture, it suits all 
palates, keeps for years in all climates, and is four times the 
strength of Cocoas thickened, yet weakened, with Arrowroot, 
Starch, &c., and in reality cheaper than such mixtuies. 
Made instantaneously with boiling water, a teaspoonful to a 
Breakfast cup costing less than a halfpenny. 
Coeoatina possesses remarkable sustaining proper¬ 
ties, and is specially adapted for early Breakfast. 
In tins, at Is. 6 d., 3s., 5s. 6 d,, &c., by Chemists and Grocers. 
Sole Proprietors: 
H. SCHWEITZER & CO.. 10, Adam Street, Strand, London, 
W.C. 
G ardener (head, or orchid 
GROWER). Age 27.—13 years experience in the cultira- 
tion of Orchids, Stove and Greenhouse Plants, &e.—G. CYPMhH. 
F. Sander & Co., Orchid importers, St. Albans. 
