502 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
April 9, 1887. 
according to the character of the loam. The ■whole 
mass chopped down with the spade, not too fine, and 
well mixed together, will form a compost which any 
Rhododendron will fully appreciate, and grow in with 
the greatest luxuriance. Charred garden refuse—such 
as prunings, weeds and old tan-bark—forms a valuable 
supplement to such a compost, and may be used 
liberally, when it can be had, with great benefit to the 
plants. In no other form should these substances be 
introduced, as unless they are so thoroughly decom¬ 
posed as to be scarcely distinguishable from fine soil, 
they are not only worthless but highly pernicious. 
This applies specially to old tan, which has sometimes 
been recommended. We have never seen the young roots 
working freely amongst it in any state ; but very often, 
when the decomposition was but partial, the ball was 
found to be covered with white fungus, and the plant 
in a sickly condition. 
Rhododendrons undoubtedly do best in the open. 
Shade and drip from trees should be avoided ; for 
while the plants will grow vigorously provided they 
have sufficient moisture, they require a full exposure to 
the sun, to enable them to ripen their wood sufficiently 
to withstand the winter’s frost, and to form flower- 
buds. It is cold and drying winds that do them most 
injury ; so that if a situation can be given the plants 
which is sheltered on those sides from which these 
cold winds blow, they will be greatly benefited thereby. 
GARDEN PLANTS ILLUSTRATED. 
L.ELIA PURPURATA RUSSELLI&A. 
The variety here noticed has precisely the same 
habit as the type, and is consequently indistinguishable 
from the latter when out of flower. The flowers are 
about 6 ius. across, with linear lanceolate sepals suffused 
with pale lilac. The petals are elliptic in outline, 
somewhat undulated at the margin, of a darker lilac 
than the sepals, and characterised by a dark mid-rib. 
The convoluted labellum has rosy lilac side and middle 
lobes, becoming fainter towards the margins, and 
striated with deeper coloured veins, thus differing 
from the intense purple of the type. The throat is 
yellow with rosy veins. It was named after Provost 
Russell, of Falkirk, N.B., with whom it flowered 
many years ago .—Orchid Album, t. 269. 
Aerides Lawrencia;. 
The habit of this plant is similar to that of A. 
quinquevulnerum, and the flowers are like giant forms 
of that species, although some authors affirm that they 
resemble those of A. odoratum purpurascens. They 
are large, fragrant and greenish when young, but after 
expansion become a creamy white with a large purple 
blotch to each segment. The blunt, stout, incurved 
spur, however, remains of a greenish yellow. It is a 
magnificent species when well grown. A specimen was 
purchased by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Bur- 
ford Lodge, Dorking, for 235 guineas.— Orchid Album, 
t. 270. 
Hemipilia calophylla. 
In this terrestrial Orchid we have an interesting 
little gem, consisting of a solitary elliptic-oblong leaf 
heavily marbled with deep brown, and throwing up a 
racemose scape of six to eight flowers. The sepals are 
green and white, while the petals are similar but 
smaller. The labellum is J in. broad, of a deep vinous 
purple, finely pubescent, and constitutes the most con¬ 
spicuous feature of the flower. Parish, who recently 
re-discovered it at Moulmein, in Tenasserim, says “the 
flowers are sometimes wholly purple.” It grows there 
on limestone rocks. Specimens flowered at Kew 
last summer. The genus was founded by Lindley on 
the other known species, H. cordifolia.— Botanical 
Magazine, t. 6920. 
Tecoma Ricasoliana. 
Judging from the illustration, this new species, 
named in honour of General Yincenzo Ricasoli, who 
received seeds of it from Goya, near Parana, possesses 
considerable merit for the decoration of the stove. The 
leaves are compound and imparipinnate with numerous 
leaflets. In this respect it resembles several of the 
Cape species. The flowers are produced in branching 
or panicled cymes, and the corolla has a reddish tube, 
gradually expanding upwards from a narrow base. The 
oblique lamina is five-lobed, and of a flesh colour, 
striated longitudinally with rose or delicate red veins. 
Bulletino della R. Societa Toscana di Orticultura, 1887, 
it, 1, 2. 
Cattleya Mendelii var. Duke of Marlborough. 
The Mendelii variety of C. labiata may generally be 
recognised by the broad wavy and crisped petals, the 
much crisped labellum with large white blotches in the 
throat. The sub-variety named after, and now in the 
possession of the Duke of Marlborough, at Blenheim, 
is characterised by rosy purple sepals, broader and paler 
petals. The labellum is also broader at the base with 
a very large rich purple lamina, somewhat washed with 
blue, especially towards the margin, and striated with 
yellow lines in the throat. Western Hew Grenada.— 
Reichenbachia, t. 15. 
Odontoglossuji pardinum. 
Although this is described as a dwarf-growing species, 
the panicled flower-spikes vary under good cultivation 
from 18 ins., 36 ins., to 48 ins. long. The flowers are 
2 ins. or 3 ins. in diameter, with lanceolate acuminate 
sepals and petals somewhat wavy at the margin, and 
revolute at the tip. The labellum is shorter and 
broader. The flowers are golden yellow richly spotted 
with brown, and are deliciously fragrant. It is a native 
of Ecuador and Peru, and was first introduced to this 
country about twenty years ago.— Orchid Album, t. 274. 
-- 
THE HANDSWORTH NURSERIES. 
There are at all times of the year objects of much 
interest to be seen in these extensive nurseries ; but 
just now several of the glasshouses are specially gay 
with floral treasures. The first we entered was the 
Camellia house, 60 ft. by 48 ft., in the centre of which 
there are some noble trees of the old Alba plena and 
others, which are still gay with fine large blooms. The 
side stages are occupied with plants in 6-in. and 8-in. 
pots, some of them having as many as a dozen expanded 
flowers, which are well displayed amongst their dark 
healthy foliage. 
The Orchid houses are also bright with bloom, 
striking amongst which are several vigorous specimens 
of the beautiful Yanda suavis and V. tricolor, the 
former having extraordinary strong spikes of bloom. 
Amongst the fine lot of Plialaenopsis, P. Schilleriana 
and P. amabilis were in bloom ; also the rare and 
beautiful Maxillaria Sanderiana. Lycaste Skinnerii is 
represented by a large number of plants, the flowers of 
which vary with endless shades of colour. Odonto- 
glossum crispum, 0. cirrhosum, O. cordatum, 0. 
Cervantesii, 0. gloriosum, 0. maculatum, 0. Rossii, 
0. triumphans, 0. Pescatorei, 0. luteo-purpurea, 
and several fine varieties of Oncidium Marshallianum 
are all well-flowered. Amongst the Dendrobiums in 
flower are some nice pieces of Ainsworthii and the variety 
roseum, which are quite as free in blooming as their 
parents, viz., D. nobile and D. heterocarpum, amongst 
which they associate. Of D. Wardianum there were 
some finely-flowered growths drooping from baskets. 
Amongst other Orchids in flower are Cymbidium 
eburneum and C. Lowianum, very fine. There were 
also some Laelia harpopbylla, Cattleya Trianse, C. citrina, 
some well-bloomed plants of Cmlogyne cristata, and 
many forms of Masdevallias, and others which time 
would not allow us to notice, as we wished to see the 
greenhouse Rhododendrons in the adjoining houses. 
Amongst them there are at the present time many 
specimens which are objects of great beauty, arranged 
down the centre of a span-roofed house. The varieties 
now in flower are Taylorii and the darker form named 
rubra, Princess Royal, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess 
of Alexandra, jasminiflorum, Prince Leopold, Lady 
Alice Fitzwilliam, Yeitchianum, and others. The in¬ 
termediate shades of colour represented amongst this 
valuable class of plants when mingled together with 
Azaleas, presents a picture which will not be soon 
forgotten. A fine batch of Imantophyllum miniatum 
superbum were in flower. I counted one head of bloom 
which had thirty expanded flowers of a bright orange 
colour. There were many more objects of interest, but 
time would not allow us to tarry longer.— Visitor. 
-- 
THE GLADIOLUS. 
"With the ever-increasing onward march of improve¬ 
ment at work amongst Flora’s subjects, this noble 
genus keeps time ; and, moreover, we might say, 
without much risk of question, that the Gladiolus 
merits the foremost place in the ranks of those flowers 
distinguished for elegance, massive brilliancy, and 
imposing stateliness. It is within the memory of many 
of us when we could have almost counted on our fingers 
the number of varieties whose qualifications entitled 
them to rank as first-class exhibition flowers ; while at 
the present day we have our choice of an array of dis¬ 
tinguished qualities far exceeding in excellence their 
predecessors. 
Considered as a genus, the Gladiolus is rather 
numerically large in species. Loudon, in his Encyclo¬ 
pedia, enumerates thirty species, chiefly indigenous to 
the Cape of Good Hope ; but that number has been 
considerably augmented, as shown by the Dictionary of 
Gardening, in which we are told that about ninety 
species exist, which have a geographical distribution 
embracing Central Europe, the Mediterranean region, 
"West Asia and Africa, the head-quarters of the genus 
being South Africa. 
Much might be said in favour of the many beautiful 
original species, if considered as border and bedding 
plants, and also when cultivated in pots for conser¬ 
vatory embellishment. But to enter into that part of 
the subject is passing beyond our province, our aim at 
present being to treat on the cultural requirements of 
their brilliant and more accomplished relations—the 
offspring of G. Gandavensis and Brenchleyensis, hybrids 
secured by the persevering energy and successful efforts 
of hybridists, first belonging to France, and subsequently 
this country. But we must still give honour to France, 
for it is from that country that we are supplied with 
nine-tenths of the best flowers that furnish our exhi¬ 
bition tables. 
Culture. 
Soil and Situation. —Speaking of the first, it 
ought to be free and open, holding in its composition a 
copious amount of well-decomposed cow or stable 
manure, with a well-drained sub-soil, and the body of 
the upper soil not less than IS ins. deep. The situation 
should have a southern aspect, sheltered from severe 
winds, but open to all sunshine. Preparation of the 
ground ought to be commenced in the month of 
November, proceeding with the work in this manner. 
First lay on the surface sufficient old stable or cow 
manure to cover it not less than 6 ins. deep ; then 
proceed by taking out a trench down to the sub-soil. 
When this has been accomplished, next lay a good 
amount of the manure over the bottom of the trench, 
and proceed with the trenching. Laying up the soil in 
ridges in perfect uniformity, each ridge being separated 
from the other by 24 ins., and having the furrows 
between the ridges straight as a line, and equal in 
depth. This is all that is required to be done until the 
following spring. 
Planting the Bulbs. —Should the weather have 
proved favourable and dry for some time previous, the 
first week in April is most suitable for planting ; but 
it is highly important that the ground be moderately 
dry before this is attempted. Supposing the conditions 
suggested are favourable, first spread equally over the 
furrows river sand, to a depth of 2 ins. or 3 ins., as a 
receptacle for the bulbs, then plant the bulbs 15 ins. 
apart, in lines over the bottom of the furrows in the 
sand, with 24 ins. between the lines. Complete the 
work by drawing the ridges carefully over the bulbs 
•with a rake and leave the surface level; and all this 
should be completed without putting a foot on the soil 
if possible. 
General Cultural Hints. — We have left the. 
bulbs, after being planted, to take care of themselves, 
and nothing more requires to be done until the young 
Flag-leaves have pushed above the ground a few inches, 
except keeping clear of weeds by careful hoeing. Never 
trample the ground for any reason whatever ; nothing 
is more hurtful to this plant than binding the soil 
about its roots. Should a course of dry weather set in 
during the early stages of their development, let them 
have a good watering of pure water once or twice a 
week in the evenings. Such supplies may be admin¬ 
istered at regular intervals till the flower-sheaths begin 
to appear ; this is the signal to commence supplying 
weak liquid manure in place of pure water. 
Stake each stem with a clean and stout support to 
prevent the action of the wind breaking them, and 
carefully tie with matting, leaving ample space for free 
growth, as it takes place in the flower stems. 
Protecting the Flower Spikes. —This is one of 
the most important items in the culture of the Gladio¬ 
lus ; in short, it is quite impossible in our climate, 
especially when cold wet weather prevails, to finish a 
spike of flowers fit for exhibition without protecting the 
flowers. The best modes of protection with which I am 
acquainted is, first, the one in use in the nurseries at 
Kelso, it is a box about 30 ins. long, V shaped, or 
