282 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
January 1, 1887. 
instances of tliis, and others are recorded where the 
flowers expand of a green colour, or become so pre¬ 
maturely. A similar thing happens where the plants 
are poorly furnished with leaves, and the flowers are 
fully exposed to the influence of light, wind and rain, 
with the resulting consequence that the sepals become 
tarnished, soiled, spotted, tinged with green, rose, or 
purple. Some might fancy the rose-tint, but popular 
taste generally regards anything that detracts from the 
snowy purity of this species of Hellebore a blemish or 
defect that should be avoided, or steps taken for its 
remedy. Hand-lights are often used for this purpose 
with good effect. 
In the warm and dry south-eastern part of the islandi 
and particularly in the neighbourhood of London, where 
the soil often becomes baked and hot in the early part 
of the summer, the difficulties of the cultivator, whether 
amateur or professional, are greatly augmented, and the 
more so if the area under cultivation is of any extent. 
In such a locality it is well to plant under a high wall 
with a northern aspect, or under the shade of deciduous 
trees, whose grateful umbrage will be enjoyed in sum¬ 
mer, and whose leafless boughs will not obstruct the 
light in winter, when the plants should have all the 
light possible. Recourse has been taken to break the 
intensity of the illumination in summer by laying down 
branches or hurdles about the plants or between the 
lines ; but a much more effective protection would be 
afforded by a mulching of some kind—say of half- 
rotted stable manure. If 'the ground is first forked up 
lightly, or otherwise loosened, then well mulched close 
up to the plants, but by no means over the crowns, and 
a liberal watering given, beneficial effects cannot fail to 
evince themselves in a more vigorous growth of the 
foliage. 
The lifting and forcing of clumps in coarse wicker¬ 
work baskets is sometimes practised. The baskets are 
placed in a warm pit or house, and the flowers expand 
more quickly and are usually of greater purity. Ex¬ 
cepting, however, the stock is extensive this treatment 
is not advisable, as the long, fleshy, slow-growing roots 
are impatient of disturbance, especially when the sum¬ 
mer after their replanting proves to be a dry one. 
Fresh plantations of the forced clumps may be made in 
spring, after all danger of hard weather is over. Till 
then, the previously forced clumps ought to have the 
protection of a cool house or pit. The other species of 
Hellebores may be subjected to precisely the same 
treatment, out of doors, as the Christmas Rose itself. 
They serve to prolong the season till well into spring, 
and the decided beauty and distinct appearance of 
many should ensure a more extended cultivation of 
these hardy flowers.— J. F. 
-- 
KENNEDYA MARYATTiE. 
Most of the Kennedyas and the allied species of 
Hardenbergia are extremely handsome greenhouse 
climbers, but if preference should be given to one more 
than another, K. Maryattfe certainly deserves first 
attention for several reasons. Most of the species 
flower in spring or summer, but the subject of this note 
almost deserves the name of perpetual-flowering, owing 
to the fact that flowers continue to be produced so long 
as there are young growing shoots on the plants. By 
training the primary or leading shoots up underneath a 
rafter of the greenhouse or cool conservatory, and 
allowing the lateral’branches to hang down loosely, a 
continual supply of flowers may be reckoned upon from 
one year’s end to the other. At the same time one 
may observe flowers and fruits in all stages of develop¬ 
ment and maturity on a healthy vigorous W’ell-estab- 
lished specimen. 
This vigorous condition is not difficult to obtain in a 
well-ventilated, -well-lighted house, when the roots of 
the plant have ample scope to ramble in a border 
of prepared soil. Owing to its rapid-growing character, 
this species is better adapted for planting out than 
some of the slower-growing species, although all are 
amenable to both kinds of treatment. A mixture of 
loam, peat and sand has been used for this class of 
plants, but a good, fibrous, rich and light loam will 
answer perfectly. If a thorough drainage and porosity 
of the soil is maintained, it may be enriched with some 
kind of well-decayed manure, and a satisfactory amount 
of growth and flower is almost ensured. An abundance 
of scarlet flowers is very acceptable at this season. The 
plant is easily propagated by cuttings or by seeds, 
which it produces freely, and seedlings soon attain a 
flowering condition. This species is figured in the 
Botanical Register, 21, t. 1790, and is closely allied to 
K. prostrata, a small-growing plant.— J. F. 
-- 
THE AIGBURTH NURSERY, 
LIVERPOOL. 
When the wind is driving sleet in one’s face, and 
the earth is hard bound by frost and covered with snow 
to the depth of from 3 ins. to 4 ins., is hardly the best 
time to call at a nursery ; but such were the conditions 
under which I recently paid a visit to Grassendale. In 
the Messrs. Ker’s nursery there is always something 
new to be seen, and a genial welcome to receive, so that 
the weather had not much effect on me. At the prin¬ 
cipal entrance on the Liverpool and Garston Road, 
some five miles from our great sea-port, the outlines of 
the flower-beds, now filled with an assortment of small 
conifers and evergreen shrubs, were only just visible, 
not tempting enough to linger over, so we turned to 
the right and were soon under glass. 
The first house we entered was a lofty span-roofed 
structure, 120 ft. by 27 ft., divided in the centre. 
The first compartment contains Camellias, 12 ft. to 
14 ft. in height, well laden with flower-buds ; Sweet 
Bays and other large plants arranged down the middle, 
with greenhouse Rhododendrons of the most approved 
varieties, and some in flower, showing the value of this 
class, which is rising so rapidly into public favour ; 
Azalea indica, Cytisus, Pimelias, &c. In the second 
division are some noble specimen Palms, tree Ferns 
and Dracaenas on the centre bed ; whilst on the stages, 
with a groundwork of Adiantum cuneatum, are a varied 
and attractive selection of flowering plants, including 
Roman Hyacinths, Cinerarias, Poinsettias, Bouvardias, 
Abutilons, Begonias, Linum trigynum, &c. 
The next house is a span of smaller dimensions, 
with a pathway down the centre, containing quantities 
of Heliotropes, Pelargoniums, Kalosanthes and Migno¬ 
nette. Then comes the octagon or Palm-liouse, which 
is furnished with a fine collection of plants of all sizes ; 
Kentia Fosteriana, K. Balmoreana and K. australis 
are in robust health, and ranging from 2 ft. to 4 ft. in 
height—a most useful size for decorative purposes; and 
to prove the hardiness and usefulness of this species for 
such work, it may be mentioned that one of them had 
been at the Liverpool exhibition for over five months, 
and yet looks as well and healthy now as could possibly 
be desired. Seaforthias, Lantanas, &c., are also well 
represented. From this house radiate, in various 
directions, the potting and packing sheds ; also six 
houses, including the one already referred to. 
The propagating-house follows, and here are seen 
Vine eyes, Chrysanthemums, and other cuttings. The 
adjoining structure is filled with a varied and useful 
assortment of Ferns, in moderate-sized pots. In the 
two houses opposite are staged the Primulas, amongst 
which Gipsy Queen, with its Fern-like foliage, stands 
well to the fore. Here also may be seen one of the 
Aigburth specialities—viz., Cyclamens in colour, rang¬ 
ing from pure white to the deepest, yet brilliant, 
crimson, in pots, ranging from 4 ins. to 8 ins. in 
diameter, with magnificent foliage of great substance, 
and crowned with large numbers of massive, well-formed 
flowers on strong stems. All are young, having been 
grown on from seeds sown in the autumn of 1885, 
and always kept close to the glass, which is the pre¬ 
vailing arrangement in all the houses ; for as Mr. H. 
Ranger, the courteous manager, tersley puts it, “day¬ 
light is so scarce in Lancashire during the short winter 
days that every ray possible must be utilised.” 
The stove facing nearly due south is a lean-to 
building of considerable size, filled to its utmost 
capacity with healthy well-grown plants, which include 
Anthurium Ferrierense, A. Andreanum, with a new 
hybrid A. carneum, somewhat deeper in colour than 
the first-named, A. Yeitchii flora rubra, and for foliage, 
A. Veitchii and A. crystallinum ; of Dracsenas, 
Lindeni and Danelliana, an improvement on D. rubra, 
promise to be acquisitions ; Tillandsia tessellata, a 
splendid specimen in a tub, with leaves over 20 ins. 
in length ; Coccoloba pubescens, with foliage somewhat 
resembling the ear of an elephant, and 22 ins. in 
diameter; Higginsia Roezlii, Echites rubro-venosa, 
Pellionia pulchra, and Aristolochia elegans, all attrac¬ 
tive subjects, either for their beauty, variety, or 
novelty. The miscellaneous plants include Dracrenas 
and Palms in great variety, with numbers of the most 
graceful and elegant Cocos Weddelliana, Aralias of 
sorts, Pandanus Yeitchii, Ficus elastica alba variegata, 
Eranthemums, Ma^antas, Dieffenbachias, Trades- 
cantias, and Asparagus plumosus nanus, represent the 
variegated and ornamental section. Specially noted 
amongst the flowering plants were Bougainvilleas, 
Stephanotis, Clerodendrons, Rondeletias, the new 
Amasonia punicea, bearing its brilliant and attractive 
bracts, which last in perfection fully two months ; 
Impatiens Hawkerii, carrying large flowers of a rich 
carmine colour ; the much-admired old favourite 
Eucharis amazonica, with the newer additions, E. 
Candida, E. Mastersii and E. Sanderiana. 
Leaving the stove by the north door, several low 
span-roofed houses, built expressly for smaller-growing 
stock, were next visited, and in these we noticed a 
collection of Bromeliads, including Tillandsias, En- 
cholirions, Nidulariums, and Yriesias, with the pecu¬ 
liarly marked and appropriately named . hiero- 
glyphica. Ferns are numerous, and include many new 
and valuable acquisitions. Gymnogramma gloriosum, 
Adiantum elegans, which, like one of its parents 
A. gracillimum—will stand well in a cut state ; Ne- 
phrolepis Bausei, Davallia tenuifolia A eitchiana, 
described as the most graceful and finely cut Fern in 
cultivation ; Selaginella amcena, and the well-known 
Adiantum Farleyense are all conspicuous. 
The Crotons next commanded attention ; but before 
describing the plants with which Messrs. R. P. Ker & 
Sons have gained so many honours—having been placed 
in the premier position in every competition in which 
they have taken part—a brief description of the house 
and of the system of culture adopted may not prove 
unacceptable. The structure is about 50 ft. in length, 
and nearly 9 ft. in height, running north and south, 
with side-lights nearly down to the ground level. The 
rafters are fluted to prevent drip, and the glazing is on a 
principle that admits all the light possible. The squares 
of glass are 20 ins. wide, with the edges cut in a semi¬ 
circular form to induce the water to run down the middle. 
Shading of the lightest texture is used only for two or 
three hours during the brightest summer days, and low 
stages run round the house and down the centre. 
Yentilation is provided both at the top and sides, and 
the minimum temperature maintained is 70°, rising to 
90° and 100° by sun-heat. 
The compost generally used, though we were informed 
that it was not considered important to adhere strictly 
to any particular mixture, consists of two-thirds loam 
and one-third leaf-soil, with sufficient sand to keep the 
whole open. A special style of growth at this establish¬ 
ment is what may be termed the columnar, that is to 
say, the plants are groivn on one single stem to the 
height of from 4 ft. to 6 ft., with the cutting leaves 
still on, when they are admirably adapted for decoration 
where tall plants are in request. 
It would take far too much space to attempt a 
description of the manj 7 forms, from the curious cork¬ 
screw twisted, the halberd, the broad flat-leaved or the 
brilliant coloured. In naming a few of the most 
prominent varieties, we have divided them into five 
sections :—1, the long narrow-leaved, in which are 
Warrenii, Prince of Wales, Princess of Wales, Sinitzin - 
ianus, and Rodeckianus ; 2, the broad-leaved, including 
Williamsii, Neumanii, Mortii, Bergmanii, variegata 
elegans ; 3, the halberd or fiddle-shaped, viz., Morte- 
fontainensis, Evausianus and Thomsoni ; 4, the small 
narrow-leaved, such as Aigburthiensis, Flambeau 
Chelsoni, Countess and Ruberrimus ; and 5, the medium 
narrow-leaved, i.c., Queen Yictori'a and Hawkerii. 
A new house has recently been erected on a similar 
principle for the purpose of growing pot Yines and stand¬ 
ing parallel to the Croton house with plenty of light to 
ensure short jointed and firm wood. It has four iion 
and slate stages, and ample path room. The house 
that has been used for that purpose heretofore is to 
be devoted to Roses, for which it appears well adapted. 
The heating power is supplied by four large boilers, 
two of Messrs. F. & J. Mee’s patent powerful saddles, 
with their patent waterway backs and bars, such as 
gained the premier award at the Royal Horticultural 
Society's provincial show held in Wavertree Park last 
summer, having recently been placed in position. The 
outside ground covers some ten acres, and in the 
various quarters may be seen a general assortment of 
fruit trees of the most approved kinds, conifers and 
evergreens in excellent condition for transplanting; 
Hollies, including a grand lot of Ilodginsii, which 
thrives so well in this neighbourhood ; an extensive 
