630 
THE GAKDENING WO ELD 
•June 4, 1887. 
careful crosses are made so as to secure the highest 
qualit}’’, and new and distinct types. The Begonias will 
be a great sight during July and August. 
In the open ground there are great trials of Stocks, 
Asters, Phlox Drummondii, Pansies, Carnations and 
Picotees, &c., the two former sown in the open ground 
and coming up thickly. Hollyhocks look uncommonly 
well; fine flowering stems will carry noble spikes by- 
and-bye ; no mulching is placed about them until the 
spring, then the young growths round the base of the 
stalks are cast away, the plants are well watered, and 
a mulching of dung is placed round each; thus they 
get a good start early in the year. 
There is a remarkable trial of Tomatos, about which 
we hope to have something to say later on ; and there 
is to be a trial of Tobaccos also, the plants will soon be 
ready to plant out. But in these trial grounds there is 
very much to interest a visitor. Anyone can most 
profitably spend a few hours here; the visitor, as 
already stated, sees things well done, and anything 
grown on into flower is made to display its charms in 
the most satisfactory manner. — E. TV. 
-->X<-- 
ZONAL PELARGONIUMS. 
Were I questioned as to what class of greenhouse 
plants I considered the most popular, easiest to grow, 
cheap in price, effective for decoration, and least 
subject to disease or injury by insect pests, my answer 
would be the zonal Pelargonium. Por the reasons I 
have enumerated it has become an immense favourite 
with the masses as well as the classes ; it yields beauty 
in the home-spun greenhouse of the amateur as well 
as in the palatial conservatories of the wealthy, and 
flourishes alike in the murky atmosphere of smoky 
towns and the pure country air. Few plants of late 
years have been so much improved, and we are in¬ 
debted to enthusiastic hybridisers for sending out 
many beautiful varieties in colour, shape, and greater 
size of pip and truss ; indeed, there is no comparison 
between the modern sorts and those of ten years ago. 
I have been extremely fond of these plants since the 
late Dr. Denny sent out his first set through Mr. 
Cannell when at Woolwich, and which were then con¬ 
sidered masterpieces. By strict attention to nature’s 
laws—in affording needful rest, suitable compost, and 
the requisite temperature—a successional display can 
be assured the whole year round ; whilst one batch of 
plants is in flower another may be at rest, and a third 
coming forward in the propagating pit. As their 
culture has been fully demonstrated already for winter 
decoration (see p. 153), it is not my intention to repeat 
the details given, but to supplement them with a few 
observations which may be of service to some. 
Cuttings to supply plants for spring and early 
summer decoration we strike in June, and when tooted 
they are potted into 4-in. pots. As soon as the roots 
commence to double around the sides, they are again 
potted firmly into 7-in. pots, using as a compost old 
Cucumber-beds with a good sprinkling of sand. The 
pots are well drained and stood outside in an old frame, 
and we give them copious supplies of water. As they 
make progress in growth, pinching the shoots is resorted 
to to induce liberal and uniform growth. By the end 
of October they are housed and kept as cool as possible, 
With plenty of air through the winter and only sufficient 
water to keep them from flagging. About the end of 
January they are again shaken out and re-potted in 
the same size pots and in fresh soil of precisely the 
same texture, placed on stages near the glass, and kept 
close for a few days with a rise of temperature to 65° 
to stimulate growth and root-action. In the new soil, 
when this commences freely, the temperature is kept at 
60°, and as growth proceeds and the flower-trusses 
appear, the points of the shoots are pinched close to 
the base of the flower-stalk. It may be necessary to 
shade in brilliant sunshine, but we always admit plenty 
of air ; by this simple treatment we have had a credit¬ 
able display for the last three months. A slight 
dressing of Clay’s Fertiliser is given occasionally to 
keep up their vigour and to prolong their blooming 
season. By the introduction of another resting batch, 
a perfect display of flower can be easily kept. Ap¬ 
pended is a list of the choicest in their respective shades 
of colour. 
Single Varieties. 
Crimson and scarlet .—Ajax, Plutarch, Mrs. Morris, 
Mrs. Gordon, Metis, C. H. Swinstead, Tristram, Rose, 
De Lesseps, Lizzie Brooks, Alex. Albrecht Calbrian, 
Raphael, Nelly Thomas, Miranda, Mrs. Melior, Jas. 
Douglas, Dr. Orton, and Mrs. Lord. 
Magenta. —Octavia, Lord Chesterfield, Amy Kohn, 
Bacchus, Mrs. Johnson, Orestes, Jessie Moir, Viola, 
and Zelia. 
Pink. —Mrs. Robertson, Constance, Eurydice, Mrs. 
Strutt, Mrs. Turner, Lady Sheffield, and Lucy Bos- 
worth. 
Salmon. —Lady Chesterfield, Olivier, Lucy Mason, 
Mrs. Holford, Laura Strathan, Omphale, Edith Pearson, 
and Lotis. 
White and Blush. —Queen of the Belgians, Queen of 
"Whites, Aline, Eureka, Bianca, Norah, Mary Caswell, 
and Edith Little. 
Double Varieties. 
Crimson and scarlet.— F. V. Raspail, G. G. Faid- 
herbe, Gen. Campenon, Gen. Millet, Comte Rampion, 
H. Cannell, M. Pasteur, Lord Cecil, Mr. Gladstone, 
R. Brett, and Georgina. 
Purple - magenta. — Charles. Darwin, Gen. Billet, . 
Cassimer Perier, Agalia, Guillaume Mangeli, Souvenir 
de Capeaux, and Ernest South. 
Salmon. —Carillon, Minster, Constance, J. P. Stahl, 
Thea, Madame Monoreau, Corinna, and Attraction. 
Pink .—Lord Mayor, Ed. Andre, Jules Simon, Mrs. 
A. Latty, Madame Desbois, Jeffery, M. de St. Amand, 
Madame Thibaut, and Clara Pfitzer. 
White. —La Cs r gne, Madame Leon Dalloy, La Niagra, 
La Quintinie, and Alberta perfecta.— B. L. 
-- 
FIELD AND GARDEN HEDGES. 
Hedges play a most important part on the farm or 
in the garden, however small either may be. Their 
utility as barriers and shelter to cattle and crops, for 
boundary lines, dividing of fields and properties, is well 
known to all engaged in agricultural or horticultural 
pursuits. 
Hedge plants, like others, require time, care and 
attention, especially in a young condition. It is of 
primary importance that the soils and situation should 
be taken into consideration, and the sorts most suitable 
for any given purpose. In any case the soil should be 
trenched 18 ins. deep, that is if the sub-soil will 
allow of it, and 4 ft. in width. If the soil is good so 
much the better ; if not, mulch, when planted, on each 
side. In planting, draw a line up the centre of the 
prepared ground, and with the spade take out a trench 
about one foot deep. The roots being trimmed, place 
them the required distance apart, and cover with the 
finest soil. This done, tread firm with the foot, and 
bring the plants into position, and fill up the trench 
neatly with the remaining soil. 
For a boundary fence the common Thorn or Quick 
may rightly be placed first in the deciduous list. Its 
low-growing habit, and numerous laterals densely set 
with spines interlacing with each other, make a 
complete mass of network, which presents a most 
formidable barrier to cattle. Nor is it particular to 
soils or situations, thriving almost anywhere. Myro- 
bella, Blackthorn or Sloe is stronger and coarser in 
growth than the Quick, and where extra strong hedges 
for cattle are required it may be used with advantage, 
keeping it well cut back. For single rows plant six 
per running yard for the Thorn and four of the Black¬ 
thorn. Cut them down the second year to within 
4 ins. of the ground, when they will break strongly, 
and throw from six to twelve shoots, making a close 
hedge that will resist sheep. How often do we notice 
up-grown hedges spoiled for the want of timely pre¬ 
caution ! Last year we had to cut down a hedge strong 
enough for cattle, but gappy underneath, presenting 
no obstacle whatever to sheep, as well as being un¬ 
sightly and showing nearly 2 ft. of bare stems. 
Negligence of this kind arises from the idea that a 
fence will sooner be the result, but I have always found 
it otherwise. 
Beech and Hornbeam may be classed and treated as 
one ; but the former may have preference, on account 
of having broader leaves and giving a better shield for 
divisional lines and shelter-belts to nursery and garden 
quarters. They are extremely useful if clipped in 
August, as then they retain their foliage throughout 
the winter. Their worst fault is their liability to 
aphis or green-fly in summer. Plant five to the yard. 
The oval evergreen and common Privets soon make 
neat compact bushy hedges. The oval-leaved is the 
best, retains its leaves longer, and is likewise stilfer in 
growth than the common form. "Whichever sort is 
planted, it should not be allowed to get too tall, as 
both are liable to weight themselves down. To avoid 
this, laterals should be encouraged from the base, and 
the hedge cut so as to taper upwards. Some plant a 
Thorn after every third specimen of Privet, to give the 
latter stability. Plant six Privets to the yard. 
Willow and the common Elder are not recommended, 
as being coarse in growth ; but in low-lying situations, 
and where the moisture is stagnant, the Willow is 
suitable, because life to this is death to the others. 
Whilst the Elder is more subject to drowning, it can, 
nevertheless, grow in a moderately wet and stiff soil. 
Insert cuttings in spring 1 ft. apart, after the desired 
height. Keep it well cut back, or it will develop into 
large bushes or trees, shading the ground and robbing 
it of nourishment. 
Sweet Briar makes both a miniature and a good 
boundary fence to cottage gardens, on account of its 
spiny and interlacing nature ; whilst the fragrance of 
its leaves, its single flowers, and coral-red fruits in 
winter, tells us of its presence, and make for itself one 
of the gems of the garden. Plant four to the yard, 
and mulch occasionally in winter. 
Fuchsias are not especially adapted to our climate 
unless in dry and warm situations ; F. Ricartoni is the 
best. In the Isle of Man this forms most charming 
hedges. For garden or divisional purposes the Manx¬ 
man seldom uses anything else. He inserts the 
cuttings in prepared ground in spring, where he requires 
his hedge. These readily root, aud in the course of two 
or three years they have hedges, which, if clipped in 
spring, produce young growths or laterals, laden with 
their beautiful drooping blooms in July and August; 
and these being the months when visitors are numerous, 
they are both admired and envied. 
Evergreen Hedges. 
From evergreen or coniferous subjects there is as 
much choice as in the other. It will be seen that the 
evergreen Privet is included with them ; but in most 
northern districts it seldom stands over the winter, and 
is what I might call semi-deciduous. In selecting 
from evergreens, prudence and caution must be exer¬ 
cised. For a good hardy fence in a smoky district, the 
common Holly stands pre-eminent. It combines the 
qualities of immunity from cattle, ornamental appear¬ 
ance, and acts as shelter. It is extremely hardy and 
not partial to soils. Plant from 9 ins. to 2 ft. apart, 
according to size. 
The common Yew is a good old-fashioned plant, and 
for shelter, hedges, and divisional lines to nursery 
quarters, it is equal, if not superior, to the Holly. It 
will stand any amount of cutting. However, on 
account of its poisonous qualities, it should not be 
planted within the resell of cattle. I could never 
rightly understand why it should be considered so, for 
I have seen them eat it greedily in summer with no ill 
results, whilst in winter its effect has been deadly. I 
believe it is most dangerous when taken on an empty 
stomach, there being nothing to combat against its 
poisonous properties. Plant five to the yard. 
Amongst others well suited for the above purpose 
are the common Laurel, Berberis Darwinii and Laures- 
tinus, and for a neat low-growing fence, the tree Box.. 
The conifers may be represented by Cupressus Law- 
soniana, the Siberian and American Arbor Vi tie ; but 
soils for most of these should be dry, and the situations 
favourable, otherwise, they will not succeed. 
In all cases they should be well attended with 
regard to cutting and keeping them vigorous. Occa¬ 
sional top-dressings with good loamy soil, with an 
admixture of rotted manure. Cutting and keeping 
them in shape is a matter of no small importance, 
helping to thicken and promote a compact growth. 
The form and shape of a hedge is a matter of taste, 
and may be arched or round-topped, square, or tapered 
upwards to a point; the latter is the most favoured, 
and evenness or regularity of breadth should be main¬ 
tained as much as possible. — B. L. II. 
-—- 
GARDEN PLANTS ILLUSTRATED. 
Triciiocentruji orthoplectron. 
In outline the flowers of this handsome Orchid 
resemble those of a Miltonia. The plant is epiphytal, 
with oval or oblong leathery leaves, resembling those 
of a Phalienopsis, and is altogether devoid of pseudo¬ 
bulbs. The spreading sepals aud petals are nearly 
