March 31, 1888. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
487 
(Schroder’s) and the yellow form of D. Farmeri also 
add to the general brilliancy, the sweetness being now 
supplied by many things, such as Lycaste aromatica ; 
L. cruenta and L. Skinneri less so. Many other 
flowering plants are interspersed here and there to 
enliven the effect that I must not ask further space to 
now refer to. — W. T. Murphy, Clonmel. 
-»>:£<—- 
SUMMERVILLE, LIMERICK. 
This, the residence of J. F. Bannatyne, Esq., will be 
familiar to many readers of The Gardening World, 
by reason of the excellent notes frequently appearing 
in its pages from the able pen of Mr. E. Dumper, who 
for several years has had charge of the gardens there. 
I think I may state, without fear of contradiction, that 
the largest and best collection of Orchids to be found in 
any private establishment on this side of the Channel, 
is at Summerville ; while the luxuriant appearance of 
the plants bear ample testimony to the fact that they 
are in the hands of a grower who thoroughly under¬ 
stands their many and varied requirements. While on 
a hurried visit through the gardens on March 19th, the 
following brief notes were taken. The first house 
entered was a greenhouse, generally used for retarding 
plants; at the time of our visit, however, the great stage 
was occupied by 500 Chrysanthemums in 5-in. pots, 
which will probably be heard of again at a later period, 
comprising, as they do, a selection of 150 varieties. 
The centre stage was occupied by Azaleas, Trachelos- 
permums, Carnations, &c., the roof being covered with 
Plumbago capensis, Tacsonia Von Volxemii, and 
Jasminum gracile. No. 2 house is 
A Fernery, 
Which contains a fine collection of Adiantums. in¬ 
cluding a fine specimen of A. palmatum, also Cyathea 
princeps, Kentia Fosteriana, Areca Verschaffeltii, Brahea 
filamentosa, Davallia Tyermannii, Gleichenia flabellata, 
Selaginella Emiliana, Athyrium Goringianum pictum, 
and a fine example of Lagerstrcemia indica rosea, in a 
14-in. pot, standing 8 ft. high and 4 ft. through. This 
plant is not cultivated so extensively as it deserves. 
In addition to the plants mentioned, this house contains 
many smaller Ferns and Palms that are required for 
furnishing the mansion. No. 3 is 
The Mexican House. 
Here are some grand specimens of Coelogyne cristata, 
the flowers of which were decidedly on the wane, but 
sufficient traces remained to enable us to see what a 
show there had been. C. cristata Lemoniana was 
represented by several good clumps, and Laelia harpo- 
phylla was in fine form. Cymbidium eburneum had 
the largest flowers we have yet seen of this variety. 
Dendrobium Jamesianum was worth a long journey to 
see, while D. Hillii and speciosum have been ex¬ 
ceptionally good this season. Lycaste Skinneri was in 
the pink of health, and two large plants of Oncidium 
Marshallianum were carrying forty-five spikes. On¬ 
cidium leucoehilum was also good. Odontoglossum 
pulchellum majus, Cattleya citrina and Dipteracanthus 
affinis complete the list demanding special notice now. 
I may say, in passing, that this house is used during 
the winter for resting Dendrobiums. No. 4 is 
The Cattleya House. 
When we find Cattleya Percivaliana going out of 
flower we have evidently missed a treat here, but are 
compensated by seeing some magnificent flowers of the 
beautiful C. Triame. Here we observed Oncidium 
Cavendishianum, unusually good, while the Dendro¬ 
biums consist of a good form of the indispensable nobile, 
D. Ainsworthii, D. bigibbum, D. crassinode and its 
variety Barberiana literally smothered with flowers, 
D. thyrsiflorum showing fine spikes, D. infundibulum, 
D. Wardianum, D. Devonianum, and D. superbum 
giganteum. At one end of this house was a splendid 
plant of Aerides crispum 6 ft. high, on which we 
counted ten spikes, while opposite was a fine piece of 
Sobralia maerantha, looking as if it would give a good 
return later on. Vanda suavis was looking happy 
enough, and the same may be said of Aerides crispum 
Warnerianum. Chysis bractescens, as grown here, 
gives one a desire to break the Tenth Commandment. 
I was forgetting good examples of Cattleya Lawrenciana 
and Cypripedium Hookeri, and this house must not be 
left without mentioning numerous grand plants of 
Brassia verrucosa major. No. 5 is 
The East Indian House, 
Which contains on the side stages Laelia elegan3, in 
fine form ; several plants of Oncidium ampliatum ; 
Saccolabium giganteum has been in flower ever since 
Christmas ; S. curvifolium is very good ; Dendrobiums 
are in large numbers here, comprising D. luteolum, 
D. Pierardi, D. superbum and its variety giganteum, 
D. formosum, D. Dearei, andD. chrysotoxum ; Odonto- 
glossums are here represented by 0. Roezlii and its 
variety album ; Vandas by V. Parisliii and V. 
Marriottiana. Suspended from the roof among others 
we noticed the beautiful Angnecum Leoni and A. 
citratum ; a curious fact relating to a plant of the 
former variety is worth knowing, viz., that last year it 
formed new growth on the flower spike, which has now 
attained to goodly dimensions. The central stage is 
occupied with Crotons, in variety ; Eucharis, a healthy 
batch ; Pandanus, Alocasia metallica, a magnificent 
plant of Davallia Mooreana, 14 ft. through ; and a 
good specimen of D. Fijiensis, 7 ft. through. No. 6 is 
The Odontoglossum House, 
Containing fine examples of Odontoglossum Alexandra. 
Two fine pieces of 0. baphicanthum catch our eye on 
entering the door, each plant carrying two large spikes 
with from twenty to twenty-three flowers on a spike ; 
0. Pescatorei is extensively grown ; 0. gloriosum, in 
variety ; 0. Edwardii, with flower spikes 5 ft. long at 
the time of our visit, the flowers, however, not being 
expanded, but they will shortly be a fine sight. 
Among a host of other varieties particularly noticeable 
were 0. Ruckerianum, 0. Hallii, 0. polyxanthum, 0. 
triumphans, Sophronitis grandiflora and S. violacea ; 
Oncidium serratum was carrying a noble spike ; Mas- 
devallias in flower comprise M. ignea, M. Harryana, 
andM. Veitchiana, and with them is Epidendrum vitel- 
linum majus. Opposite the door is a magnificent speci¬ 
men of Gleichenia rupestris glaucescens ; under each 
stage is a case containing good examples of Trichomanes 
radicans and Todea superba ; while the roof is covered 
with Lapageria rosea and alba, intermixed. No. 7 is 
a greenhouse. The centre stage is filled with Callas, 
Roses in pots, and large quantities of Agathea ccelestis, 
grown presumably for cutting ; also Chrysanthemum 
Etoile d’Or. On the side stages were some well-grown 
Primulas, including Chelsea Blue ; Mignonette, Cycla¬ 
men, and Pelargoniums. 
Vineries, &c. 
No. 8 is the early vinery, one side of which was, last 
season, planted with young Vines of Black Hamburgh 
and Muscat of Alexandria ; as soon as they come into 
bearing the other side of the house will be treated like¬ 
wise, the old Vines being unsatisfactory. Here we 
noticed a fine lot of Spineas, Gladioli and Lilium longi- 
florum fioribundum. No. 9 is the late vinery. The 
varieties in this house are Black Hamburgh, Muscat of 
Alexandra and Mrs. Pince. The same system of plant¬ 
ing is here being proceeded with as in the case of the 
early house. Both, I may add, are span-roofed. This 
house has a large Fig tree trained over one end, carrying 
a fine crop of fruit. All vacant space here is at present 
occupied with Pelargoniums. Nos. 10 and 11 are Melon 
and Cucumber houses respectively, in addition to which 
they are used for propagating purposes. A fine batch 
of Caladiums are commencing growth in the Melon 
house. The pits and frames are filled with Beans, 
Strawberries and Violets, all in the pink of health. 
There is a small conservatory attached to the mansion 
which contained Palms, Tree Ferns and a miscellaneous 
collection of flowering plants. Large numbers of plants 
are grown for home decoration. 
The Kitchen Garden. 
This is well stocked with Cabbages, Broccoli, and 
Kales, while Peas were fairly advanced in growth, 
and the walls show a fine collection of fruit trees of all 
kinds. In the pleasure grounds we found extensive 
alterations and enlargements going on, in the way of 
levelling, laying of turf, trenching and planting of 
choice trees and shrubs, while a new drive is also in 
course of formation. It is interesting, at a time when 
reducing and closing of establishments is the order of 
the day on this side of the water, to find Mr. Banna¬ 
tyne intent on improving his gardens, and giving 
employment to an additional twenty men. Let us 
hope it is an example that will shortly become universal 
among all owners of gardens throughout the length and 
breadth of the land. The Orchid treasures at Summer¬ 
ville are not nearly exhausted, and were I to mention 
all of them our esteemed editor would become so tired 
of correcting my notes that he would consign them to 
the waste-paper basket before he was half-way through 
them ; I have, therefore, refrained from mentioning 
any save those in flower or on the verge of doing so, and 
will close by thanking Mr. E. Dumper for his courtesy 
and hospitality to us “mountaineers,” and also compli¬ 
ment him on the well-kept gardens over which he has 
for several years presided with such marked skill and 
ability. — JR. Weller, The Gardens, Qlenstal Castle. 
I^otes from Scotland. 
-—L 
Spring Show at Falkirk.— March 23rd. — It 
is most creditable to the Horticultural Society at 
Falkirk to get such a fine display of horticultural pro¬ 
duce in their public hall, and the aid from nurserymen 
and others to enhance the merits of the exhibition is 
most commendable. The beautiful table from the 
Messrs. Laird, of Edinburgh, was most attractive, and 
consisted of a very choice collection of flowering and 
fine-foliaged plants, which was an exhibition in itself. 
An amateur (Mr. Draper, vice-president of the society) 
set up a well-arranged table of finely flowered plants 
for exhibition, but in reality it might have competed 
successfully with other exhibits of that class. Well- 
grown Azaleas were a strong feature on this table. 
Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Lily of the Valley, 
Cyclamens, and Deutzias were very prominent features 
in the show. The most successful exhibitor was Colonel 
Nimos (gardener, Mr. McMerrick), who competed very 
successfully in most of the classes. Vegetables, which 
are so often seen in fine form at the Falkirk shows, were 
few and not worthy of notice. Bouquets were well 
represented, and up to the old standard of perfection, 
which showed how indefatigable amateurs, as well as 
gardeners, are in soliciting their friends and neighbours 
for sprigs of their choicest blooms. The number of 
Orchids, which are prominent objects in these bouquets, 
indicate extensive cultivation of them in the district. — 
Caledonian. 
A Hardy Peach. —Among the many kinds of 
good Peaches there are now under cultivation, I know 
of none which is more manageable or productive than 
the old Violette Hative. It is handsome in form, 
attains a high colour under good cultivation, and is the 
hardiest kind I have seen grown ; I have observed it on 
exposed positions, along with others which have had 
their fruits perish by late frost season after season, while 
the Violette Hative annually had fine crops of large 
fruit. It comes into bearing freely when very young. 
We notice on a tree which was planted last year as a 
maiden, a very fine set of fruit ; a hundred fruits might 
be taken from it, but probably half that number 
will suffice. While there are many complaints of buds 
dropping, we have seen none from Violette Hative. 
All wood buds not wanted are rubbed off as soon as 
they are perceptible, thus relieving the tree of a burden 
which is better dispensed with before the fruit buds 
open than later. The fruit buds are thinned to about 
an inch apart when those well placed are discernable. 
—Caledonian. 
Potatos. —Of all the kinds we have tried up to 
this period—middle of March—none are equal in 
quality to Creole (Cobbler), which gave so much satis* 
faction as a cropper and handsome tuber last season in 
many districts. An old friend—who is no mean judge 
of Potatos, and speaks with a sigh when discoursing 
upon the merits of many kinds prior to the Potato 
disease—thinks the Cobbler one of the best which has 
appeared since the old favourites (long departed) were 
valued alike by rich and poor. The Dean, as a red 
kind, is a good companion to the above. Many of the 
sorts so well known in our locality, and much valued, 
are very inferior [this season. The probable cause is 
that after the unprecedentedly dry season, a second 
growth was induced by the late warm rains which fell 
during the autumn. Several kinds which we had 
lifted before the rains fell have kept in good condition ; 
but others are out of all character owing to their 
monstrous size. There are two kinds strongly recom¬ 
mended to us for planting this year, but their characters 
are'’unknown to us, viz., Beauty of Hebron and Vicar 
of Laleham. We should be obliged for information 
respecting their merits.— Caledonian. 
Beetroot. —This valuable vegetable is not often 
raised to the highest point of excellence, either being 
coarse, tough and stringy, or too large for the desired 
purpose for which it is grown. The preparation of the 
soil is of great moment, for extra rich land gives- un¬ 
desirable size and inferior flavour, while poor sandy 
soil raises tough and dry produce that is unfit for use. 
Land of medium quality seems best adapted for all 
kinds of Beet, and should be well broken and freed 
from all lumps and hard portions. Some kinds ought 
to be sown at least a fortnight later than others, as 
growth is more rapid, and maturity is speedily reached 
by some as compared with others. We enoticed last 
season that Dell’s variety was later than a number of 
others, and though sown at the same time as Veitch’s 
Selected, Drummond’s and Pragnell’s, it was much 
longer coming to maturity. Among the best kinds for 
northern parts, and which when properly cultivated do 
well for exhibition and culinary purposes alike, are those 
known as Dewar’s and Sang’s or Nutting’s as it is 
often named. Amateur growers fall more often into 
the error of sowing too early than too late. — Caledonian 
