April 9, 1887, 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
509 
The Gardeners’ Calendar, 
THE PLANT HOUSES. 
The Greenhouse. —We have shaken out the whole 
stock of Fuchsias and re-potted them, staging them in 
one of the succession vineries. As soon as they start 
again, cuttings will be taken off and inserted, which 
prove extremely useful for decorative purposes during, 
the autumn. The zonal Pelargoniums we have now 
given a stage of the greenhouse to themselves. The 
effect is much better when thus staged than if mixed 
with other flowering plants, added to which they are 
not really required, there being quite a plethora of 
plants in bloom just now. 
Bulbs will not now need to be placed in heat, but 
will succeed better if removed to a frame with a south 
aspect ; the flowers also last much longer than if for¬ 
warded in heat. Lachenalias are now coming into full 
beauty, many of the pots being full of the pretty spikes 
of bloom, which are much admired. It is quite a 
wonder these plants are not more generally cultivated, 
seeing how readily they respond to a little attention, 
and how distinct they are from other spring-flowering 
subjects. Moreover, they are not like the majority of 
bulbs, requiring annual replenishing, which is a con¬ 
sideration with many. Work in this department is 
abundant, but the potting off of all seedlings is a 
matter that must not be neglected. 
Tuberous Begonias have come remarkably well from 
seed, and have been potted off and placed on a shelf in 
the stove near to the glass until they establish them¬ 
selves, when they will he transferred to cooler quarters. 
Cyclamen and Gloxinias have been similarly treated, 
and we are glad enough to have such work out of hand. 
In the Stove. —Dendrobium Jenningsii is fully in 
bloom, and suspended on blocks is much admired. 
Vanda suavis is throwing out some rare spikes of 
bloom, five are now showing from a vigorous young 
plant; and what with Maxillaria and other Orchids, 
coupled with an abundance of the bright scarlet spathes 
of Anthurium Scherzerianum, the structure is quite 
interesting. The pans of Dracsena eyes which were 
put in are now quite ready for potting off singly, and 
must receive attention. Stock struck in this way 
annually always allows of the throwing away of leggy 
plants, which are useless for decorative purposes, and 
young plants generously treated give by far the finer 
foliage, thus revealing the true character of the plants. 
So far none can surpass for general work the graceful 
D. Cooperii; D. Goldieana we do not care for ; D. 
Chelsoni is a good free upright grower and distinct; D. 
Baptisti and D. Regina are too apt to lose their foliage 
to be relied upon, but when good specimens are secured 
they are extremely pretty. Several others might be 
named, but we will close the list with the addition of 
the somewhat ancient D. terminalis, still one of the 
most useful. - 
THE FRUIT HOUSES. 
Vineries. —Continue until completed the stopping 
and looping down of the Muscat and succession vine¬ 
ries, so as to prevent the damaging of the young foliage 
by being in contact with the glass ; for it must be 
remembered that if damaged, the Vine is robbed of 
much of its. vigour, and the crop must of necessity 
suffer accordingly. The succession house should now 
be in flower, so follow the treatment advised as for 
the early house, only that the houses may be more 
freely ventilated, which will greatly assist in fertilising 
the clusters. A night temperature of 65° should be 
maintained, and 80° by day, and little fear need be 
entertained even with the worst setter. Of course, 
keep the rods tapped with the hand on every occasion 
of attending to the house, and carefully avoid all 
damping between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. With the stop¬ 
ping of the Muscats it will be advisable to leave more 
foliage, say three leaves beyond the cluster, and with 
the laterals two leaves instead of one ; the more foliage 
the greater the development. As the colouring period 
arrives, surplus foliage can readily be pruned out, as is 
generally done. 
Not being quite ready to devote the house to the 
second sowing of Melons, we have shifted them into 
32’s, which will last them for another fortnight, by 
which time the house will have been prepared for their 
reception as before stated. We grow all our Melons in 
pots, using 14-ins. for the earliest, with a size larger 
for the summer-fruiting batches. Manure should at 
once be prepared for making up the outdoor Mush¬ 
room beds. Any sheltered open shed will answer the 
purpose provided the beds are protected from drying 
winds. We prefer making up the beds in a cellar, the 
temperature remaining more equable. In the house 
proper care must be taken that too high a temperature 
is not kept, or the crop will surely fail. The drying 
spring winds have a very prejudicial effect upon the 
crop. Our house being lofty, and, consequently, very 
airy, we have hung mats along the front of the beds, 
which are kept syringed during the day and night, 
thus doing away with frequent waterings of the beds.— 
Walter Child, Croome Court. 
-->X<~- 
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 
Potatos and Soot. — Omicron: You can sprinkle soot in the 
drills if you like, it will certainly do no harm. Plant in drills 
2 ft. apart, and the sets 12 ins. asunder. 
Hardy Pern. —The limits of the word hardy are not very 
defined, seeing that if planted out the British Fern Adiantum 
Capillus-Veneris is almost invariably killed by the severity of our 
winters. Lastrea Goldieana and Adiantum pedatum are exotic 
forms, yet they are hardier with me than the British species 
mentioned. Should I be justified in exhibiting the exotics as 
hardy Ferns?— Enquirer. [You would certainly be justified in 
exhibiting them simply as hardy Ferns, but you would do well 
to note whether British plants were meant or liardy Ferns of 
any sort.—E d.] 
Birmingham Gardeners’ Society. — South Saxon: We will 
endeavour to bear your request in mind. It is not always pos¬ 
sible to give the price, owing to the difficulty of ascertaining 
what it is. 
Shropshire Horticultural .—March 31 st .— 
The spring show of this society was held as usual in 
the Music Hall, and although during the greater part 
of the day it was very wet, the Hall was inconveniently 
filled by the public at times, and we think the com¬ 
mittee would do well another year to make use of the 
room adjoining for staging some of the exhibits. The 
plants would look much better if not so crowded to¬ 
gether. It was one of the most successful spring shows 
yet held by this society, the amateurs showing in 
strong and increasing numbers as well as the gardeners. 
The following is a list of the awards Open classes— 
Collection of twelve plants in flower : First, the Misses 
Bannerman (gardener, Mr. Shepherd) ; second, Messrs. 
Pritchard & Sons, nurserymen ; third, Mrs. Juson, 
(gardener, Mr. Farrant). Eighteen Hyacinths, Messrs. 
Pritchard & Sons, first and second ; twelve Hyacinths, 
Col. Wingfield (gardener, Mr. J. Lambert), first and 
second. Four Azaleas, large untrained plants in flower: 
First, Col. Wingfield ; second and third, Messrs. 
Pritchard & Sons. Four Azaleas, trained: First 
Mrs. Juson ; second, Messrs. Pritchard & Sons ; third, 
Mrs. Juson. Three Orchids ; First, the Misses Ban¬ 
nerman ; second, Col. Wingfield ; third, Mrs. Juson. 
Four Dielytras : First, the Misses Bannerman ; second, 
Rev. J. D. Corbet (gardener, Mr. R. Milner) ; Six 
Cyclamen : Messrs. Pritchard & Sons, first and second. 
Six Cinerarias : First, Rev. J. D. Corbet ; second, the 
Misses Bannerman. Six Chinese Primroses: First, 
Mr. J. Barker ; second, T. S. Eyton, Esq. (gardener, 
Mr. Rudge). Six Spiraeas : First, Rev. J. D. Corbet ; 
second, T. S. Eyton, Esq. Six Roses in pots : First, 
the Misses Bannerman ; second, Rev. J. D. Corbet. 
Four Callas : First, T. S. Eyton, Esq. ; second, the 
Misses Bannerman. Twelve pots Tulips : First and 
second, Messrs. Pritchard & Sons. Six pots Lily of 
the Valley: First, Col. Wingfield ; second, Messrs. 
Pritchard & Sons. Collection of bulbs and collection 
of flowering shrubs : First and second, Messrs. Pritchard 
& Sons. Collection of spring hardy herbaceous plants 
in flower : First, Messrs. J. Dickson & Sons ; second, 
Messrs. Pritchard & Sons. Ball bouquet: First, Messrs. 
Perkins &Sons ; second, Messrs. Jones &Sons. Bridal 
bouquet: First, Messrs. Perkins & Sons ; second, 
Messrs. Jones & Sons. Twelve cut Roses : First, Mr. 
Murrell ; second, the Misses Bannerman. 
Mr. Murrell, Messrs. Jones & Sons, Messrs. Pritchard 
& Sons, and Mr. Flyers, nurserymen, contributed 
pretty collections each of flowering plants and shrubs. 
Col. Wingfield exhibited a box of cut flowers, and the 
Misses Bannerman six pots of good Strawberries, not 
for competition.— Salopian. 
-- 
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS. 
PiNGUictrLA Bakeriana. — T. M. C. : When the leaves of this 
plant die down to a small, conical, bulb-like crown in autumn, 
there are annually a number of smaller ones arranged round the 
base of the principal or old one. The plant is readily propagated 
by this means ; but if you are fortunate enough to obtain seeds, 
sow them immediately on a peaty and sandy soil, and never 
allow them to become dry. They may lie a long time before 
germinating; but if they are good, by keeping the soil con¬ 
tinually moist, they will probably come up after the lapse of 
some months, according to the season. Be careful not to wash 
the light seeds away if much watering is necessary. The correct 
botanical name of the plant is Pinguicula caudata. 
Poppy.— Omicron: Papaver somniferuin is the species of which 
the chemists sell the capsules for fomentation. It is a common 
garden annual, and seeds can be obtained from any respectable 
seedsmen. 
Planting Conifers.— Conifer: In reply to the question 
asked at p. 461, I may state that the season is more propitious 
now than ever for the planting or transplanting of conifers, so 
that the work of planting may now be commenced. Cupressus 
Lawsonianus and Thuja gigantea grow rapidly, and would soon 
form excellent shelter. The former, as well as Cupressus 
nutkaensis, retain their fine intense green colour throughout 
the winter. To these add Thuja orientalis, T. occidentals, 
Juniperus virginiana, J. excelsa, J. chineusis, and J. communis 
erecta. Retinospora obtusa and R. pisifera also grow moderately 
fast, and and might occupy a line in front of the others. The 
Thujas are very hardy, but they change to a brownish or 
yellowish green during winter, while a bluish tint will be 
imparted by the Junipers. Different tints of colour are also 
imparted to a collection by many varieties of several of the 
above-mentioned.— Taxus. 
Names of Plants. —Af. P. .—Narcissus cernuus (of gardens). 
Primula verticillata, Eupatorium petiolare. Mrs. Leadbetter: 
Begonia Evausiana (with large red-veined leaves), Begonia 
imperials (with brown blotched leaves), Dendrobium crepida- 
turn, Cymbidium aloefolium. 
Communications Received. —A. F. B.—J. May.—J. R.—W. G. 
—W.T.—R. D.-C. D.-W. N.—G. D, 
--0-&C-- 
LONDON SEED TRADE. 
April 6th. 
Messrs. Hurst & Son, 152, Iloundsditch, and 39, 
Seed Market, Mark Lane, London, report a brisk 
sowing demand for Clovers and Grasses. Prices of 
English grown seeds are unchanged. Useful German 
Red Clover is offering at remarkably low prices. Alsyke, 
White and Trefoil unchanged. 
-~>X<-- 
OOVENT GARDEN MARKET. 
April 6tli. 
Fruit.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. 
Apples, i sieve. 2 0 5 0 1 Pine-apples, St. 
Grapes.per lb. 3 0 8 0 1 Michaels, each_ 16 6 0 
Kent Cobbs. .100 lbs. 60 0 I Pine-apples, Eng., lb. 10 16 
| Strawberries, per lb.. 4 0 6 0 
Vegetables.—Average Retail Prices. 
s.d. s.d. 
Artichokes, Globe,doz. 2 0 3 0 
Beans, French, per lb. 2 0 2 (i 
Beet, per dozen. 2 0 3 0 
Brussel Sprouts, per lb. 0 3 
Cabbages_per doz. 2 0 2 6 
Carrots, per bunch ..06 
Cauliflowers, English, 
per dozen . 30 50 
Celery, per bundle .. 2 0 2 6 
Cucumbers, each_0 6 10 
Endive, French, doz. 2 6 3 6 
Herbs, per bunch_ 0 2 0 4 
s.d. s.d. 
Horse Radish, bundle 3 0 5 0 
Lettuces .. per dozen 1 6 
Mushrooms, p. basket 10 2 0 
Onions, per bushel ..4 0 5 0 
Parsley, per bunch ..06 
Radishes, per dozen.. 1 6 
Sea Kale .. per basket 1 6 2 6 
Small salading,punnet 0 4 
Spinach, per strike ..20 
Tomatos, per lb. 2 0 3 6 
Turnips_ per bun. 0 6 
Potatos.- Kent Regents, 80s. to 100s. per ton ; Kent Kidneys, 
80s. to 100s. per ton ; Champions, 70s. per ton. 
Cut Flowers.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. 
s.d. 
s.d. 
s.d. 
Arum Lilies, 12 blms. 
3 
0 
5 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bun... 
3 0 
6 0 
Azalea, 12 sprays_ 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Mignonette, 12 bun... 
4 0 
6 0 
Bouvardias, per bun. 
0 
6 
i 
0 
Parme Violets(French), 
Camellias. .12 blooms 
2 
0 
4 0 
per bunch . 
2 0 
3 6 
Carnations, 12 blooms 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet 
Cut Tulips, 12 blooms 0 9 
1 
3 
12 sprays.. 
0 6 
11 
Czar Violets (French), 
Primula, double, bun. 
0 9 
1 6 
per bunch 
i 
6 
2 
0 
— single _12 bun. 
4 0 
6 0 
Daffodils ..12 blooms 0 
6 
1 
6 
Roses (coloured) .... 
3 0 
6 0 
— single.. 12 bunches 
3 
0 
6 0 
Roses, Tea per dozen 1 6 
4 0 
Epiphyllum, 12 blms. 
0 6 
1 
0 
Roses, red (French), 
Eucharis, per dozen.. 
3 0 
6 0 
per doz. 
1 6 
2 0 
Gardenias, 12 blooms. 
3 
0 
5 0 
— Saffrano (French), 
Heliotropes, 12 sprays 0 6 
1 0 
per doz. 
1 0 
2 0 
Lapageria,red,12blms. 
Tropaeolums . 
1 0 
2 0 
Lapageria, white, 
Tuberoses, per dozen. 
2 0 
4 0 
12 blooms 
Violets ..12 bunches 0 6 
1 0 
Lilies of the Valley 
White Jasmine, bun. 
0 6 
0 9 
12 sprays 0 
6 
1 
0 
Xmas. Roses,12 blooms 
These prices may be higher during the Easter time. 
Plants in Pots.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. s.d. 
Aralia Sieboldi, doz.. 6 0 18 0 
Arum Lilies, per doz. IS 0 24 0 
Azalea ... .per dozen24 0 42 0 
Cineraria .. per dozen 6 0 9 0 
Cyclamen, .per dozenl2 0 24 0 
Cyperus, per dozen .. 4 0 12 0 
Daffodils ....12 pots S 0 10 0 
Draciena term., doz. .30 0 60 0 
— viridis, per dozen 1 0 24 0 
Epiphyllums, perdoz.18 0 30 0 
Erica hyemalis ...doz. 12 0 24 0 
— various ..perdoz.18 0 42 0 
Evergreens, in var., 
per dozen . 6 0 24 0 
Fairy Roses, .per doz 10 0 12 0 
Ferns, in var., do .. 4 0 18 0 
Ficus elastica, each ..16 76 
s.d. s.d. 
Foliage Plants, vari- 
! ous, each. 2 0 10 6 
Fuchsia ....per dozen 9 0 12 0 
Genesta... .per dozen 8 0 12 0 
Hyacinths,perdoz.pts. 6 0 9 0 
Lily of the Valley, 
12 pots 12 0 24 0 
Marguerites, per doz. 6 0 9 0 
Mignonette, .per doz. 6 0 9 0 
Palms in variety, each 2 6 21 0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet, 
per dozen . 60 90 
Primulasinensis.p.dz. 4 0 6 0 
Solanums_per doz. 9 0 12 0 
Spireas ... .per dozenl2 0 18 0 
Tulips ...per doz. pots 6 0 8 0 
POTATO MARKET. 
King's Cross.— The ruling prices in the station yard for the 
week ending April 2nd were as follows :— 
Beds. | ?l“ k Linclns. Kents Yorks 
65/, 70/ 75/,SO/ 87/,90/ 75/,90/100/130/ 
70/- S0/',90/ 75/,80/ 70/,75/ 90/,100/ 
100/,110/ .. .. I .. i .. 
60/- ,65/,70/ .. |55/,60/j 65/,70/ 
Mags.gd.spls 
Regents ,, 
By. Hebron,, 
Champions ,, 
Land. 
70/, 75/ 55/, 60/ 
There is a scarce supply of Scotch and York Magnums, con¬ 
sequently there is a much stronger demand. For Regents there 
is not much demand. Enquiry for Seed quiet. Good Savoys 
scarce and wanted. Should there be a spell of warm weather, 
there will possibly be a fluctuation- in the above quotations, 
which may have a downward tendency.— F. W. Foord. 
