October 25 , 1890. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
123 
left but a few grassy growths made within the past few 
weeks. If some plant persists in retaining a small 
portion of green growth for a lengthened period, that 
does not prove that it is not an herbaceous plant, no 
more than it proves that the Beech, because it persists 
in retaining some of its leaves until almost pushed ofi 
by fresh ones, is not a deciduous tree. Herbaceous 
Phloxes will in many a garden be pushing up young 
shoots at the present time, but if the flower stems have 
been cut away, there will be no traces of the growth 
made last year. Your correspondent asks further on, 
“Are not Alpine plants also herbaceous?” I am not 
acquainted with all the Alpine plants, but if your 
correspondent has any of these plants in his possession, 
with top growth on more than one year old, he may 
take my word for it that they are not true herbaceous 
plants. "When I wrote the few lines for October 11th, 
(p. 93), I had not got the late numbers of “ The 
Gardening World ” by me to refer to, which will 
account for my not crediting “A Perplexed Judge” 
with a certain suggestion, and quoting the whole of the 
sentence with which he concludes his letter (see p. 102). 
— W. P. R. 
The Shaddock on an Open Wall. 
Occasionally we are privileged to see The Shaddock 
(Citrus deeumana) in a tub, or planted out in a 
conservatory, but no cultivator probably would dream 
of planting it in the open air in this country. The 
climate of the Channel Islands must, however, be more 
favourable to its welfare than in Britain. We noted in 
the first week in this month, a fine tree on a wall at 
Saumarez Hall, Catel, Guernsey, the seat of the Hon. 
James Saumarez. It reached the height of the wall, 
which was about 15 ft. high, and spread right and left 
to a distance of 14 ft. The branches bore a heavy crop 
of fruit in various sizes, from small and green specimens 
to large and yellow nearly ripe ones. The tree was an 
ornament such as many an owner would desire to 
possess, and many a gardener like to tend. The larger 
fruits were about the size of those seen in the market 
under the name of Pomeloes, and therefore were much 
larger than those generally seen on plants grown in tubs. 
The height of the tree when in its native country is 
only 18 ft. 
Habrothamnus elegans. 
The botanically recognised name of this is Oestrum 
elegans, a well - known inhabitant of greenhouses 
throughout the country, and an ornamental subject it 
is when allowed full scope to develop freely. To see 
the same in the open air is a more unusual sight, which 
we were privileged to see at Saumarez Hall, the seat 
of the Hon. James Saumarez, Catel, Guernsey. A 
large specimen is trained upon an open wall near the 
mansion, along with various other climbers which we 
are accustomed to see in the greenhouse or conservatory. 
The flowers -were produced in equally fine clusters as 
they would have been under glass, but were much 
darker in colour. The plant is a native of Mexico, 
from whence it was introduced to this country in 1844. 
The climatic conditions of Guernsey are evidently quite 
sufficient, not only to enable it to grow freely, but to 
flower well. 
Aster diffusus horizontalis. 
The variety here named is very widely diffused in 
gardens from the northern counties of Scotland to the 
Channel Islands, and no doubt our neighbours across 
the “silver streak ” grow it as well. It is, of course, 
a North American plant, and was introduced 
as early as 1777. In the northern part of this 
island it is the last species to flower, as most of the 
others grown have faded before it expands. In the 
London vicinity, however, it is accompanied by a large 
number, while a few are only yet in bud. The stems, 
as a rule, do not much exceed 18 ins. in height, and 
the short, horizontal branches bear the small flower 
heads, densely arranged on the upper surface. The 
rays are white, but the large disc is purple, and the 
contrast is very pretty as seen in the mass. We noted 
it the other day in the gardens of the Royal Horticul¬ 
tural Society, where it is grown with a collection of 
many other species. 
Chrysanthemum Society for Battersea. 
Can you give me any information as to whether there 
is a Chrysanthemum Society in Battersea. [No.] If 
not, 1 should be glad to hear from lovers of this splendid 
flower, who would be willing to assist in the formation 
of a society for this district.— J. 0. Langrish, 41, 
Morrison Street, Shaftesbury Parle, S. IV. 
GARDEN PONDS. 
As an evidence of the practical value of Fish culture in 
the garden, perhaps I may be allowed to state the 
following facts, being the result of recent experience. 
For many years there has existed in my grounds a pond, 
which, as far as I have ascertained, had never been 
inhabited by fishes of any species whatever. Instead 
of being an ornamental adjunct to the natural 
picturesque beauty of the spot where it is situated, it 
rather detracted from it by reason of its unkempt 
appearance, for it was choked with weeds and over-run 
with reptiles and aquatic organisms. 
Although fed at certain times of the year by a 
neighbouring brook, the water always seemed in a state 
of stagnation, while a malevolent odour sometimes arose 
from it, causing it to become unpleasant to the nasal 
as well as to the visual organs. It was, I think, owing 
to the latter defect that - 1 bestirred myself to seek a 
remedy against it ; and whilst engaged in studying the 
best means of making the pond wholesome, as well as 
ornamental, I happened to read a letter on Fish culture, 
in which the writer, Mr. Johu Burgess, of the Midland 
Counties Fish Culture. Establishment at Malvern 
Wells, pointed out the desirability of stocking disused 
ponds with fish ; and it occurred to me that 1 might 
adopt this plan with a view to rendering the pond 
attractive, ornamental and wholesome. 
I wrote, therefore, to]Mr. Burgess, asking his advice 
on the subject, and after furnishing, at his request, 
full particulars as to the condition of the water, &c., 
he recommended me to plant some lake trout, and he 
was good enough to present me with a consignment 
of this variety of Salmonidie. They were transmitted 
in tin carriers a distance of 200 miles, and on arrival 
every fish- was found to be alive, much to my satis¬ 
faction. Long before the train which conveyed them 
arrived, it was noised abroad that a consignment of 
live trout was expected, and when I went on to the 
platform, I found a large proportion of the village 
inhabitants present to view the fish. 
As I removed the covers of the carriers, when placed 
upon the platform, a crowd of spectators surrounded 
the consignment, and great was their wonder when 
they heard how long the fish had been journeying. 
Travelling trout were regarded by them as phenomenal, 
especially when it was observed that all were vivacious 
and apparently none the worse for their journey. The 
fish were speedily placed upon a cart and conveyed to 
the pond, which, I may say, had previously been 
prepared for them in accordance with instructions 
received from Mr. Burgess. 
That gentleman recommended me not to clear the 
pond of water, because in so doing, he said, I should 
destroy the natural food therein. He advised me to 
rake off part of the weeds, and let in as much water as 
possible to cleanse and aerate the existing store. Upon 
arrival at the water’s edge the carriers were gently 
tilted, causing the fish to dart out in a body into the 
pond with evident satisfaction. They consisted of 
yearling lake trout, and some measured 10 ins. in 
length, which, I take it, is an unusual growth for fish 
of that age. 
For some time after the planting I failed to see 
them, and dreading least evil had befallen the fish, 
I wrote to Mr. Burgess, telling him of the circum¬ 
stance ; but he informed me that their absence from 
view was partly through the large quantity of food 
present in the water, and that it would not be long 
ere I beheld them. Neither was it, for one evening 
after the lapse of a month I encountered them rising in 
all directions, and I was greatly delighted with the 
spectacle ; but my pleasure was soon superseded by 
astonishment, for I found they had grown very con¬ 
siderably since they were planted, and had it not 
been for the ocular proof afforded me I could not 
have believed it possible for them to achieve in 
so short a time the rate of growth accomplished by 
them, which was nearly 1 in. Without doubt it 
was due to the abnormal quantity of food in the 
water. 
I may say that by following the directions given by 
Mr. Burgess I have been enabled to transform my 
barren, disused water into an attractive, interesting 
and recreative source of pleasure, for it now not only 
serves the purpose of angling, but that of ornamentation 
also. The fish have prospered remarkably well, and 
since the day they were planted I have not lost any. 
They have grown very domesticated, but strange to say, 
they do not take the artificial fly with such tame 
avidity as might be expected, considering the cir¬ 
cumstances of their lives, and this naturally greatly 
enhances their piscatorial value.— Marquis. 
DOUBLE VIOLETS. 
It is pleasant to see how finely double Violets may be 
grown in soil not far from here, where it is fairly hold¬ 
ing,«yet comparatively porous, and therefore does not 
get baked as is the case with my soil. A grower of 
these plants for the trade produces, perhaps, 10,000 
to 15,000 of them annually, and just now the bulk of 
them are from 6 ins. to 8 ins. across, really fine clumps, 
all obtained from runners or cuttings, put in early in 
the spring and grown on rapidly. Grown in this way 
the plants are offered very cheaply, and still are of the 
best kinds. 
He grows the fine old King of Violets, Fragrantissima, 
White Queen, Duke of Parma, Marie Louise (these two 
latter very much alike), Neapolitan, Belle de Chatenay, 
and Count Brazza’s White. After all there is little 
distinction between varieties put into commerce, so far 
as the double Violet is concerned. The best, perhaps, 
are the King of Violets, dark blue ; Fragrantissima, 
white ; Neapolitan, mauve ; and Marie Louise, pale 
blue. All the others seem to be reproductions of these, 
or are so closely allied that it is difficult to distinguish 
one from the other. Still, they are in the trade and 
must be grown separately. 
The difficulty with double Violets begins with the 
coming in of fogs and hoar frosts. Away out of the fog 
area the plants are safe enough ; but that area, on the 
west, at least, seems to extend for some twenty miles 
round London, and possibly it does much farther. It 
seems impossible to combat this pest to Violets, for 
even the hardy singles suffer terribly also from loss of 
leafage. It is no unusual thing to see acres of plants 
literally denuded of leaves, and, of course, the crowns 
suffer severely also ; afterwards, even in frames the 
plants are hardly safe. Probably the best course in the 
infected area is to put the plants into pots, and place 
them in cool airy houses w'here they can have some 
occasional warmth to keep down damp, and the plants 
slightly excited.— A. D. 
-■—-- 
SELECTING FRUIT TREES. 
The planting season is now with us, and where fresh 
plantations, or making good any deficiencies in old ones 
are contemplated, it will be well at once to select 
varieties most suitable to the soil and situation. To 
proceed on sound lines there is no better method than 
to first consider the number of trees required ; j then 
make a systematic classification by enumerating the 
number of each class desired, and finally the number of 
varieties in each class. This done, the next thing to 
consider is the varieties most suitable to the soil and 
locality, or perhaps some favourite variety of those by 
whom you are employed, bearing in mind the probable 
demands of the house at different seasons, and always 
leaving a wide margin for a thin crop, which will, and 
does occur. This all thought out, a very careful 
balancing of the different classes will simplify matters 
very considerably, and enable the planter to select 
those most serviceable or suitable. 
In making out the order list it is well not to confine 
one’s-self to any special variety trained in any particular 
form, as it frequently happens that in selecting a plant, 
the number of plants wanted thus trained, may not be 
obtainable in the nurseries over which you mean to 
have a thorough search and select for yourself. As in 
the case of numbers wanted, leave a margin, or rather, 
make a substitution of a variety or varieties equally 
good for the purposes intended. Nurserymen, in 
offering substitutes, do so in good faith—indeed, are 
frequently rather reluctant to suggest a substitute, and 
thus it devolves on the gardener or purchaser to suggest, 
or leave it to the nurseryman to find what is wanted. 
In the probable event of the substituting contingency 
arising, it will be well to be armed with a reliable 
descriptive catalogue ; thus, when a substitute is put 
forth, if your experience does not guide you as to its 
merits or demerits, the catalogue may be consulted, 
and choose or refuse accordingly. Speaking of being 
armed as above, reminds me of another important 
matter, and that is the marking of the trees selected. 
Have, then, as many small squares of pasteboard with a 
string run through, as in a carriage label (or the latter 
itself for that matter), on which your own name 
should be written before leaving home, and deciding on 
the tree you wish, have this tied to a conspicuous part 
of it, so that others coming after you may see at a 
glance that the tree is already sold. This at once saves 
confusion to the nursery fruit-tree manager, and to 
other customers. 
A common practice prevails in the majority of 
nurseries of tying strands of matting to the trees 
selected, but where many purchasers succeed each 
