December 10, 1887. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
In the intermediate house was a very fine show of 
bloom, principally Cypripediums, amongst which were 
some very fine specimens of C. Boxalli, C. Harrisianum, 
C. Haynaldianum, C. insigne alba marginata, C. 
i. punctatum violaceum, C. i. Manlei, C. Lawrence- 
anum, C. Sedeni, and C. Spicerianum, Ladia pumila 
spectabilis, Masdevallia culex, M. macrura, M. Schlimii, 
Mesospinidium vulcanicum, Oncidium cheirophorum, 
and a very fine large-flowering variety of- Lycaste 
Skinneri alba. 
Although a very bad season of the year to inspect 
the cool house, there are at present some very fine 
varieties of the large broad-petalled type of Odonto- 
glossum crispurn in bloom ; a few fine plants of 0. 
cordatum, one with nine spikes, averaging eight flowers 
on each ; also several fine spikes of 0. Pescatorei, all 
good varieties. I noticed in one of the papers lately 
that someone remarked he “could not grow Odonto- 
glossum blandum like grass.” I may say that here it 
is growing like grass, as there are two fine specimens, 
one of which has twenty spikes. All the Odontoglossums 
are showing well for a rich harvest of bloom, and the 
plants are in splendid health. There are also some 
very fine specimens of Masdevallias, principally of the 
0. Harryana and 0. ignea varieties ; and some very 
fine pans of M. Tovarensis, in bloom, all in the very 
best of health. Whilst writing about this collection I 
may mention that it is singular to find Angrrecum 
sesquipedale, Cattleya amethystoglossa, Odontoglossum 
vexillarium, and Vanda coerulea, said by some to 
require different temperatures, all growing admirably 
side by side. All credit is due to the able gardener, 
Mr. Sharp, who is a great enthusiast in the matter of 
Orchids and their culture.— JFm. Craig. 
-- 
f ARDENING IfoTES FROM 
(bin 
§COTLAND. 
-- 
Scottish Horticultural Association.— On 
Tuesday night the monthly meeting of this association 
was held in 5, St. Andrew Square, Mr. David P. Laird, 
president, in the chair. There was a large attendance of 
members. It was intimated that the expenses connected 
with the recent Chrysanthemum show, so far as could be 
ascertained, amounted to £127, and that the receipts, 
including subscriptions received up to date, amounted to 
£118. A number of contributions still remained to be 
paid, which it was expected would meet the liabilities 
incurred by the council. A paper by Mr. John 
Thomson, Clovenfords, on “ Facts and Fallacies of Vine 
Culture,” was read by Mr. Riddell, Grange Cemetery, 
in the absence of Mr. Thomson through illness. Mr. 
Thomson, in the course of his paper, said that Grape¬ 
growing for both market and home consumption had 
assumed enormous proportions within the last thirty 
years. Many of the Grapes grown at the present day 
were, however, far from being first-rate samples, and it 
seemed likely that there would always be an enormous 
quantity of Grapes grown which could only be called 
second or third rate quality. It appeared to him that 
many Grapes were spoilt by a penny wise and pound 
foolish method of dealing with them. In dwelling on 
the treatment of Vines, Mr. Thomson stated that 
where there was any danger of bug on plants, he would 
never place them in vineries. He was also inclined 
to think that many Grapes required more heat 
than they often got; he meant heat accompanied with 
plenty of air on suitable occasions, and not a stifling, 
stewing heat. A peculiar fact in connection with Grape 
culture was that part of a Vine might be grown in an 
early house and be in leaf, while the other part, in a 
later house, might be quite dormant. It was urged by 
the over-cropping, rough-and-ready cultivators that it 
paid better to take a certain number of heavy crops off' 
their Vines and then replant again than to keep the 
same Vines twice as long and crop more moderately. 
He could neither state that this was a fact nor a fallacy, 
and each must cherish their own opinion on the matter. 
For a good many years he had been convinced that too 
much farmyard manure was used in Grape culture, and 
he only used a very slight dressing in some of their 
houses, just to keep the borders moist. It was wonder¬ 
ful, however, how long-suffering Vines were ; they 
often bore what seemed very hard usage for a long 
period without showing much resentment. Some 
people were afraid to meddle with the roots, but if they 
suspected that the roots were too far dowm, and that 
the border was getting exhausted, they should not fear 
to lift the roots up to the very stem, clear away the old 
soil entirely, and give them a fresh start. After some 
discussion on the subject, the secretary was instructed 
to convey the best thanks of the association to Mr. 
Thomson for his paper. Mr. Alexander Laing, Salis¬ 
bury Green, contributed a paper on “The Culture of 
Cattleyas and Leelias,” and was also a accorded vote of 
thanks. 
Royal Horticultural Society of Aber¬ 
deen. —The acting directors of this society met in the 
office of the secretary, Mr. A. M. Byres, C.A., Union 
Street, Aberdeen, on the 30th ult. Town Councillor 
Lyon was unanimously re-elected chairman, and Mr. 
James Cocker, sen., vice-chairman. It was agreed to 
have a floral fete next year, about the third or fourth 
week in August, to extend over three days. The 
annual supper in connection with the society took 
place in the Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen, on Friday 
evening, the 2nd inst., Councillor Lyon, chairman of 
the society, presiding. In proposing the toast of the 
evening. “ Success to the Royal Horticultural Society,” 
he said that was an institution which had existed in 
Aberdeen for a very long time, and he thought it would 
be a very unfortunate day for that city when it ceased 
to exist. The society had endeavoured, during the 
past few years, to cultivate a taste for horticulture 
amongst the inhabitants of Aberdeen, and he was not 
at all afraid to say that their efforts had been successful 
to a very large extent. Their exhibitions had been the 
means of showing the public what could be done in 
flowers, fruits, and vegetables ; and he knew of no 
more pleasing amusement than for the citizens of 
Aberdeen to go home and to cultivate their plants, 
fruits, and vegetables in their own gardens. There 
were some who did not care for flowers, and the society 
wanted to bring such people under the influence of 
horticulture ; and although they could not be successful 
on all occasions, he was sure that their efforts were 
being more and more appreciated every year. Last 
season was a very successful one, and they were, the 
first time for more than ten years, clear of debt. From 
the manner in which the public of Aberdeen supported 
them last season, he was convinced that the floral 
fete, which they had arranged to take place in the 
Duthie Park, if the Town Council would grant them 
the use of it again—and he was certain they would 
not refuse—would exceed, by a very long way, 
anything ever seen in Aberdeen or the north of 
Scotland. The directors of the society had resolved 
that the fete should be something Aberdeen might be 
proud of, and the public would see such an exhibition 
of plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables as had not been 
witnessed in that city or the north of Scotland before. 
The public might view these exhibits, and then go 
home better men and women for what they had seen, 
and with more pleasure to cultivate plants and trees in 
their own gardens. Other toasts followed, and a very 
agreeable evening was spent. 
Retinosporas. —For decoration of gardens in the 
open, or for many purposes under glass, w T e have found 
Retinosporas of every kind very valuable. R. obtusa 
aurea, lifted from the shrubbery, carefully potted and 
cared for, does capital service for room, platform and 
other decoration, and when mixed with Chrysanthe¬ 
mums, hardy Palms, Cordylines and such-like the 
appearance is very striking. The foliage is much 
admired for mixing with cut flowers, as well as being 
of economical value. A careful hand can cut out 
suitable shoots, which are not missed from the plant, 
but answer the purpose of pruning. Several kinds are 
liable to become thickly matted with young growth, 
especially when growing in light sandy soil. We 
notice that many plants attain the intense colouring so 
desirable when growing in sandy loam on elevated 
positions. This is, however, more common in the 
north than in the south.— Caledonian. 
Beautiful Leaves. —The autumn tints of foliage 
in our northern locality were never more beautiful than 
they have been during the past season, and at no period 
or part of the Kingdom did Ampelopsis Veitcliii ever 
appear to us to greater advantage—from yellow and 
pale pink to deep crimson shades. This beautiful 
climber has ornamented some old and new buildings. 
At the end of November, the last of the season’s 
work was done—and well done too ! For garnishing fruits 
in dishes and for general ornamentation of tables, this 
Ampelopsis is most useful ; its hardiness has, beyond a 
doubt, been established in all parts of the country, 
and we observe at planting time the wants of this 
climber should be well considered. Rich soil in which 
manure has been mixed is decidedly against fine 
colouring and hardiness ; sandy loam, in which stones 
and brick-rubbish have been freely mixed, is most 
suitable. Among Vine leaves we have seen nothing to 
equal the colouring of the foliage of Barbarossa (Gros 
Guillaume). A gentleman lately told us a friend of 
his had been paying at the rate of Is. for each leaf. If 
such is general, we may know that greater remuner¬ 
ation might be expected for leaves than for the Grapes. 
— Caledonian. 
The Amateurs’ Garden. 
Planting a Shrubbery. —Very different views are 
taken by different planters as to what a properly 
arranged shrubbery should actually be. Even in the 
case of professionals, who have the operation thrust 
upon them as it were, rather than of choice or ability, 
the planting and arranging of trees and shrubs is often 
carried out in a haphazard sort of w T ay, making the 
assemblage as pleasing as possible with the material in 
hand, to suit their respective tastes with regard to 
effect. This they do, however, without any calculation 
about the future or ultimate results ; the consequence 
is that after a number of years has elapsed it is found 
necessary to remove or destroy firmly established and 
healthy thriving specimens, that would have been 
an ornament to any garden if they had been put in the 
right places at the commencement. The loss in time, 
money and appearance brought about in this manner 
is incalculable and irretrievable, while the case is 
aggravated by the fact that it might have been pre¬ 
vented by a little knovdedge on the part of the planter, 
which of course can only be gained by experience and 
observation. Where, however, the planting of such 
things is under the immediate superintendence of the 
employer, the practical man cannot be held responsible 
for any failure that may occur. 
The amateur who has a love for trees should also 
possess a little knowledge of the habits of such subjects 
as he is about to plant, if it be his intention to 
superintend their planting, which is most likely to be 
the case. An acquaintance with the most useful and 
easily obtained trees and shrubs can be soon acquired 
by observation in other gardens, or where the plants 
themselves can be obtained. It is surprising what 
amateurs can do in this way when bent on any 
particular object or hobby. A pleasing effect may 
be produced by the judicious use of a few plants selected 
for the positions they are to occupy. Great stress 
should be laid upon variety, for it is only by such 
means that the best effects are qiroduced, and most is 
made of the limited space at command. There are 
instances, and it is to be regretted, where the would-be 
planter is under the impression that simply because 
the beds or borders have to be occupied, anything 
will do, and accordingly rest satisfied with the com¬ 
monest of material, such as the Common Cherry, Laurel, 
Privet and Lilac. These things are good enough when 
properly used ; but the general effect is that of tameness, 
and create an impression of a lack of material, whereas 
there is no end of beautiful and varied shrubs and trees 
suitable either for country or suburban residences. 
Even in the heart of smoky towns and great cities, such 
as London, a variety is obtainable that will render the 
place, if not gay, at least cheerful at all seasons. 
Conifers in almost endless variety can now be 
purchased at low r and reasonable prices; they are 
especially valuable on account of their being evergreen, 
and productive of the same pleasing effects at any 
season, a fact that is specially noticeable when deciduous 
subjects are leafless, and, except in particular cases, to 
all intents and purposes lifeless and cheerless. Where 
space can be afforded, Silver Firs, Cedars, and some of 
the more graceful Spruces may be planted. Araucarias 
and the Mammoth Tree of California (Sequoia gigantea) 
should be planted singly or in isolated groups on the 
lawn, where the latter is of sufficient size. Cypresses, 
Retinosporas, Thujas, Junipers, and Yews will be more 
amenable for the amateur’s purpose, and great care 
should be exercised in planting those that attain a large 
size at the back of wide borders, or where they can be 
allowed to develop their natural shape and size without 
interfering with something else. In the most populated 
parts of large towns Conifers should not be very ex¬ 
tensively planted, as they stand smoke badly. 
Deciduous subjects are much more accommodating, 
as well as various evergreen shrubs belonging to other 
families. Amongst the latter may be mentioned 
Hollies, both green and variegated, tree forms of the 
Ivy, Laurestinus, Rhododendrons, Cherry Laurel, 
Euonymus, Box, Aucubas, and Barberries. Deciduous 
shrubs, such as Weigelia japonica, Lilac, Mock Orange, 
Deutzias, Rhustyphina, R. glabra laciniata, R. Cotinus, 
Spireea Lindleyana, S. callosa, S. c. alba, S. arieefolia, 
several species of Privet, and a host of other things are 
suitable for any garden large enough to accommodate 
them. Numerous varieties of the common and other 
species of Thorn, as well as Euonymus europieus and 
Mountain Ash, are valuable from the ornamental 
character of their fruits, while the Mop-headed and 
other garden varieties of Acacia are suitable for small 
gardens. — F. 
