February 5, 1887. 
THE GAKDENING WORLD. 
359 
PEAR CONGRESS REPORT. 
Permit me, as a member of the committee conduct¬ 
ing the Pear Congress of 1885, to inquire as to 
the probable publication, or otherwise, of the Congress 
report. That report — compiled by Mr. A. F. Barron, 
the hon. secretary, with exceeding care, and after much 
labour—was laid before a meeting of the committee held 
at South Kensington about the middle of October last; 
and having been approved of by them, a recommenda¬ 
tion was passed that the council of the Royal Horti¬ 
cultural Society should undertake its publication. I 
believe private offers had been made to take the report 
and publish it; but it was felt that the association with 
it of any one trade house or firm was undesirable—- 
although much less an evil, in my estimation, than the 
non-publication of the report absolutely—and the 
council were urged to publish it in the interests of 
horticulture. I have not heard, from any source, of 
anything being done in relation to the matter since 
then ; and if nothing has been done, or the council 
have declined the responsibility, so much the more is 
such result to be deplored. So considerable a period 
has elapsed since the Pear Congress took place that it 
is obvious interest in its results is waning. Still, there 
can be little doubt but that a report of so interesting a 
kind would be in considerable request. My own 
opinion favoured the publication of the report at the 
moderate charge of Is. ; the committee, however, pre¬ 
ferred 2s. 6d., as enabling a stouter binding to be 
provided. Still, it is obvious that in these days we 
get remarkably good books for Is. Another matter 
discussed at. the meeting in question has also dropped 
out of sight. The work undertaken by Mr. Barron 
in connection with both the Apple and Pear Con¬ 
gresses was not only exceptional but great, entailing 
labours which fully merit some form of remuneration. 
Not only did Mr. Barron discharge the duties involved 
with exceeding ability and courtesy, but he had heavy 
strain, in both cases, placed upon his domestic hos¬ 
pitality. In neither case has, as far as I am aware, 
any personal remuneration been granted ; and if the 
council have not yielded to the request of the Congress 
committee, as instructed to be expressed to that body 
through the chairman, Mr. John Lee, in the matter, 
then all who benefited by the Congress should take 
the subject in hand, and in a generous spirit.— A. D. 
[The council announce that the report will shortly be 
issued.—E d. 
-- 
GARDEN PLANTS ILLUSTRATED. 
* 
Primula erosa and P. capitata var. 
Many of the Himalayan Primroses have much the 
same general aspect. Both these under notice may be 
regarded as forms of a group having for its centre of 
type, P. denticulata. P. erosa differs from the latter by 
its much more slender habit, and in the absence of 
meal on the leaves, except in a very young state. 
The leaves are characterised by being strongly and 
erosely toothed at the margin, and often having red 
petioles. The umbels of flowers are loose or dense, ac¬ 
cording to the strength of the plant, and of a deeper 
purple than P. denticulata. The various forms of P. 
capitata are confined to the Eastern Himalayas, and 
are distinguished by their mealiness, and the tall mealy 
scape bearing a dense umbel or head of deep purple-blue 
flowers. The underside of the leaves are often snowy 
white with meal.— Botanical Magazine , t. 6917. 
Nympirea flay a. 
The leaves of this species are often spotted or blotched 
on the upper surface, and of a bronzy red beneath. 
The flowers are about 4 ins. in diameter, pale yellow, 
opening about noon, and remaining in that condition 
till sunset. The rhizomes of this species are elongated, 
and the plant has the peculiar habit of sending out 
long stoloniferous shoots, by which it may be readily 
propagated or increased. It is a native of Florida, and 
flowered at Kew for the first time in July, 1882. Mr. 
"Watson, of Kew, says it has been planted out in lakes 
in Kent, where it seems naturalised, and has produced 
flowers for several years in succession.— Botanical 
Magazine, t. 6917. 
Hose, Comte de Paris. 
The variety here mentioned was put into commerce 
by Messrs. Leveque & Sons, Rose growers at Ivry-sur- 
Seine, near Paris. If the illustration is to be trusted, 
the Rose possesses a line form when fully expanded, 
but possesses great attractiveness in the bud or half- 
opened state. The petals are of an intense crimson 
and well arranged.— Bulletino della R. Societa Toscana 
di Orticultura, 1886, t. 13. 
§ARDENING ffoTES FROM 
{Scotland. 
The Weather in Scotland.— It is certainly 
beyond a doubt that the variableness of temperatures in 
Scotland have been very wide, as indicated by the 
periodical reports. Both frost and snow has been 
comparatively nominal in some parts. I have had 
letters from the south of Scotland and also from the 
far north, reporting the severity of the weather, also 
the inconvenience and difficulties experienced by stock 
farmers from the snow-covered and frost-bound pastures. 
To have correct data of the readings of thermometers, 
as Mr. T. W. Glover suggests, from the various districts, 
would be very interesting as well as instructive. We have 
only once or twice had over 10° of frost, and only once as 
high as 15°, but it has been continuous, and the roads 
have been so encrusted with ice, that traffic has been 
rendered very difficult. Of snow we have had next to 
none ; large portions of the surrounding fields have re¬ 
mained uncovered all the season. Nothing has been 
experienced here of the terrible winds which are reported 
to have wrought such devastation in some of the most 
beautiful woodlands and pleasure grounds which are 
known to us—at Heckfield, Hants, for example. Here we 
are much open to the west and south-west, but have 
had no wind to break branches or twigs. As an example 
of the extreme variability of the weather, I may state 
that I once went to Edinburgh, and was astonished to 
find men with horses and carts clearing the streets of 
the snow ; business traffic was almost suspended, trains 
were detained hours beyond their appointed time of 
arrival, especially those from England, while the 
country all around here was free from frost or snow— 
and yet we are only twenty-five miles from the city 
of Edinburgh. Our locality is by the bank of the 
dark-winding Carron (referred to by Burns), and about 
two miles south-west of the river Forth. We have 
three (proved) thermometers in different positions, and 
they are examined early in the day, and sometimes 
as late as midnight.— M. Temple, Carron House, 
Larbert. 
Stirling Horticultural Association.— The 
annual business meeting of this association was held 
on the 27th ult., when a goodly number of the members 
met at Dowdy’s Temperance Hotel, Stirling, and par¬ 
took of a substantial tea provided by the host. The 
chairman, Mr. Ritchie, of Polmaise Gardens, opened 
the meeting with a few brief but opportune remarks ; 
after which the secretary, Mr. Clarke, at Messrs. 
Drummond’s, gave his annual report, which was of a 
most satisfactory character, both financially and as 
regards the practical usefulness of the society. The 
papers which had been read during the past year at the 
monthly meetings were of an instructive and useful 
character, and many enjoyable and profitable evenings 
were spent. Mr. Clarke next read to the audience a 
paper on general topics calculated to disseminate know¬ 
ledge and infuse high moral principles, special care 
being taken to render the address applicable to young 
men, several journeymen and apprentice gardeners 
being present. The advantages of knowledge, the dis¬ 
advantages of its absence, and personal application were 
made strong points. Mr. Clarke, whose interest in the 
welfare of his neighbours—gardeners especially—is very 
great, was heartily thanked for his very felicitous and 
instructive paper.— Caledonian. 
Aberdeen: The Queen’s Jubilee. —One of 
the proposals likely to be inaugurated in the Jubilee 
year of the Queen, is the formation of a Gardeners’ 
Benevolent Society. Mr. George Bruce, seedsman, 
Aberdeen, is the mover in this object, and he is at 
present gathering information about the working of 
such societies. On the completion of his investigations 
a meeting will be advertised, so that office-bearers may 
be elected to further the movement. In other quarters 
horticulturists are bestirring themselves. The Royal 
Horticultural Society of Aberdeen have instituted a 
prize to be competed for at their forthcoming show, and 
which is to be called “ The Jubilee Prize.” It is to be 
of so valuable a nature as will, in all probability, induce 
horticulturists from all parts of the country to come 
and compete. The members of the North of Scotland 
Horticultural Association intend commemorating the 
year in a suitable manner, but the form it will take has 
not as yet been decided upon. 
The Amateurs’ Garden. 
Hardy Fruit Department. —Pruning that has not 
already been completed should be prosecuted with great 
vigour. Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots will now 
advance rapidly, and where unfinished should be seen 
to immediately. If left longer, the operation of prun¬ 
ing and tying will entail increased danger of destroying 
the bloom-buds, owing to their size and prominence. 
Indoors they will be in a still more advanced condition, 
but the work has, in all probability, been completed there. 
Apples and Pears, whether in the open ground in the 
shape of bushes or standards, or on espaliers and walls, 
should be pruned without delay, and, in the latter 
cases, carefully tied or nailed, as the case may be. In 
pruning these, care must be taken to cut above the 
bud most favourably situated to grow in the desired 
direction. This, of course, depends upon the habit of 
the tree, and the mode of training to which it is sub¬ 
jected. The operator’s duty is to make an acquaint¬ 
ance with the habit of every tree coming under his 
care, so that the operation of pruning may be conducted 
in an intelligent and methodical manner. Whenever 
the pruning and nailing of trees on any piece of ground 
has been completed, the labourer or garden-boy should 
forthwith rake up the prunings, and convey them to a 
vacant space of ground, where they may be burnt, and 
the ashes utilised for manuring purposes. The ground 
may then be dug immediately. If manure had been 
wheeled where such is necessary during the recent frosty 
weather, no delay will now be experienced in spreading 
it on the ground before digging is commenced. 
Planting. —Where the transplanting of Peaehes and 
Nectarines is intended, it should now be commenced with¬ 
out delay. The ground is again in workable condition, 
and advantage of this should be taken before leaf growth 
becomes active. The longer such work is delayed, the 
less prepared will the roots be to supply the expanding 
foliage and the swelling fruit with the necessary food 
ingredients and moisture when the operation has been 
completed. This means weakening the whole tree, or 
so crippling it, that an early completion of growth and 
ripening of wood is impossible, to say nothing of 
the maturing of a crop of fruit. The intelligent and 
conscientious cultivator will, therefore, conduct the 
transplanting of such early-flowering subjects at the 
earliest convenience, so that the roots may have time 
to re-establish themselves to some extent before the 
flower-buds and foliage expand. Gooseberries and 
Black Currants that also come into growth early may 
next receive attention when planting or transplanting 
has to be done. Apples and Pears may be planted 
with safety for some weeks yet ; but at the same time 
it is well to bear in mind that transplanting is injurious 
and weakening if conducted after active growth has 
commenced. 
Flower Garden. —As the beauty of a flower-garden 
at this season depends greatly upon its neat and tidy 
appearance, this matter should be rigorously attended 
to from time to time as occasion offers. In the im¬ 
mediate vicinity of the mansion this overhauling of 
lawns and walks should be done at least once a week. 
All branches or leaves still blowing about (and these 
are abundant after such a storm as we experienced), 
should be carefully swept or raked up, so that the whole 
may bear an aspect of tidiness and quiet. All dead 
and decaying branches, trees or shrubs, detract from 
the general appearance, and should forthwith be re¬ 
moved. Lawns and walks will be much more enjoyable 
if rendered firm by rolling after being thoroughly cleaned. 
Returfing, or the making up of sunken places or the 
remodelling of the whole lawn with its beds, may be 
accomplished at this season, when the weather is open 
and little growth taking place. Prune Roses on walls, 
pillars and open borders, except in the case of hybrid 
perpetuals and tender ones, where the operation will be 
better deferred until all danger of frost is over. Where 
there are beds or borders of herbaceous plants, these may 
be lifted and rearranged where necessary. Where borders 
exist, and it is undesirable to disturb the whole, they 
may be gone over to rectify those which the previous 
season showed to be too near the front, on account of 
their size, or too far from it. This will be an easier 
matter if a stick or label was attached to those requiring 
it the previous summer.— F. 
Keeping Flowers in Water. —Florists have one 
knack in prolonging the freshness of flowers with which 
few amateurs seem to be familiar. It is to cut off a bit 
of the stem with a sharp knife after the flowers have 
been in the water for a day or more. This has the 
effect of bringing fresh cells in direct contact with the 
water, and the flowers, as a result, put on a new bright¬ 
ness .—Popular Gardening. 
