332 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
January 24, 1891 
in an open class for a group of plants, and the judges 
awarded it to a group, which it was subsequently 
discovered contained some “plants’’ which were 
simply tops, cut off and stuck into pots of soil. The 
trick was discovered by some of the other exhibitors, 
who laid a complaint against the exhibitor in question, 
but the committee declined to interfere. Now was it 
right that such a trick should have been allowed to 
pass without either censure or disqualification ?— J. L. 
[No, certainly not. It was a fraudulent act, and should 
have been punished with disqualification immediately 
it was discovered.—E d.J 
Whinham’s Industry Gooseberry. 
Intending planters of Gooseberries whose experience 
may be insufficient to guide them in selecting good 
sorts, should note this new variety. The fruit is of a 
dark red colour, of handsome appearance and good 
flavour, and coming in rather late in the season it will 
be found useful for autumn exhibitions. Like other 
varieties, it is seen to most advantage when grown on 
rather a heavy soil, judging from the extra large crop 
of fine fruits I had the pleasure of witnessing when 
on a visit to Sundrum Gardens, by Ayr, in 1889. 
Those who have light soil to deal with, should manure 
heavily when digging or trenching the quarters on 
which Gooseberry plantations are to be made ; and 
where seaweed is available, it may with advantage be 
used with the manure, but when in a fresh state it is 
safer not to place it close to the roots of the plants. A 
good spadeful of leaf-soil placed with the roots as the 
bushes are planted will give them a good start.— M.M. 
Costus igneus. 
There are something like twenty-five species of this 
genus, but few of them are in cultivation. C. Malor- 
tieanus is perhaps the best as far as the foliage is 
concerned, the leaves being of a velvety dark green and 
very beautiful when at their best. The plant under 
notice is equally dwarf, and even less bulky than C. 
Malortieanus, and is chiefly notable for its large orange- 
scarlet flowers, with a pale yellow eye. They are not 
very durable, but continue to be developed in succession 
from the axils of the head of bracts. The leaves are 
elliptic and deep green. The plant is easily increased 
by the division of the tuberous rootstock, and may be 
grown successfully in a compost of light sandy loam, 
with a small quantity of peat. Abundance of water is 
necessary during the growing season, but less of it in 
winter. 
Tillandsia Lindeni. 
In all of its forms this makes a beautiful stove plant, 
flowering at various times of the year, but chiefly from 
now onwards till spring. Theleaves are comparatively 
narrow, striated or veined with purple, and densely 
arranged in a compact tuft, from the centre of which 
the flower scape springs. The inflorescence consists of 
a flattened two-sided spike, with the bracts densely 
arranged in two ranks. In some of the larger-growing 
forms these bracts are green, and the flowers proceeding 
from them appear only one or two at a time. They 
are comparatively of short duration, but are produced 
in succession for a long period of time. The sepals are 
mostly green, and of no ornamental value, but the 
petals are large, and of a deep bright blue with a white 
eye, and are very effective in a stove amo'ngst a 
collection of plants. The habit of the species is always 
neat and compact, and it does not occupy much space. 
Tillandsia psittacina. 
The parrot-like Tillandsia is perhaps more frequently 
grown under the name of Vriesia psittacina. Its neat 
habit, short compact tuft of leaves and the two-ranked 
spike of flowers render this species both interesting and 
pretty. The leaves are of a light greenish yellow', and 
form a vasiform tuft, from the centre of which the 
flower spikes rise to a height of 9 ins. to 12 ins. The 
inflorescence is flattened, with a deep red axis, on which 
the highly-coloured, curiously-shaped bracts are arranged 
in two rows. The base of the bracts is deep red, 
giving place to a clear yellow upwards. The flowers 
themselves are yellow, with green tips, and are seated 
in the axils of the bracts, which give rise to the specific 
name from their shape, as well as rich colours, resem¬ 
bling those of a parrot. A few only of the Bromeliads 
find their way into private gardens, including the 
subject under notice, and which is cultivated on a 
small scale for cut flowers for market. It is a native of 
the forests near Rio Janeiro, and usually blooms with 
us in July ; but flowers may even now, at this inclement 
season, be seen in the market. 
Apple, Tyler’s Kernel. 
"When well grown a basketful of this Apple presents a 
fine appearance, owing to their size, shape and rich 
colour. The fruit is conical, strongly angular, about 
3 ins. broad at the base, and as deep. The skin is of a 
bright red or crimson marked with darker blotches and 
splashes, while the flesh is pale yellow, tender and 
juicy, with an agreeable acid flavour. Like all others 
of thi3 character it is most used for cooking purposes ; 
but could we purchase it in the market; it would be 
much more appreciated than many of the American 
kinds which are now getting rather spongy and 
tasteless. It comes into use during October, and 
keeps till January or February under suitable conditions. 
It was awarded a First Class Certificate as recently 
as 188-3. 
Apple, Dumelow’s Seedling. 
Several names have been given to this Apple from 
time to time, and at present it is best known in the 
markets as Wellington. Dumelow itself is a corruption 
for Dumeller, as the latter was how the raiser spelt his 
name. The tree is of strong, vigorous constitution, 
bears well, and is now found in most gardens all over 
the country. The fruit is of medium or large size, 
according to the conditions and the latitude in which 
it is grown, more or less flattened or angled. The 
skin also varies considerably in colour, in proportion to 
the amount of sunshine it receives ; in the more 
southern counties, as might be expected, it becomes 
heavily flushed with red on the exposed side, while all 
the rest is greenish yellow, and marked with russety 
spots. The flesh is yellowish white, crisp and juicy. 
The fruit comes into use during November, and 
continues in perfect condition till March, and is chiefly 
used for culinary purposes. 
Apple, Clierry Pearmain. 
One is struck with the high colour and beauty of 
cider Apples ; and the same may be said of a great 
number cf dessert kinds, as compared with kitchen 
Apples. Cider Apples are, as a rule, however, 
mostly very small in proportion probably as the trees 
are productive, for very large Apples and great 
numbers cannot be expected. That under notice is, 
however, an exception to the general rule, for the fruits 
measure about 2| ins. wide, and the same in height. 
The fruits are round, but occasionally inclined to be 
conical, and smooth, or only slightly angular. The 
skin is mostly covered with bright crimson, with 
darker streaks or blotches. The flesh is yellow, with a 
red streak extending from the eye round the core, and 
is tender and agreeably flavoured. 
Statice puberula. 
This species has somewhat of the aspect of S. arbores- 
cens, but is always very dwarf, and the crown of leaves 
never becomes elevated on a stem like that species. The 
leaves are ovate-rhomboid on longisli petioles, and 
pubescent all over, as the name indicates. The flower 
scapes vary from 6 ins. to 12 ins. in length, and bear 
violet flowers as large as those of S. arborescens. The 
Usual flowering season is summer, but it continues to 
throw up flower scapes through the winter, and which 
only require a sufficiently high temperature (say from 
45° to 50°) to make the flowers open. The latter are 
very durable, particularly the calyx, which is dry and 
membraneous, and may be compared to those plants 
known as Everlastings, or the Immortelles of the French. 
--- 
WINTER. 
At this season of the year all vegetable life seems to be 
at a standstill. Chill winter holds everything in the 
plant world in its cold embrace, and completely covers 
all under its frozen mantle of snow, from whose icy 
grasp there is no release until the welcome return of 
gentle winds and warm sunshine. The fields that in 
the summer were beautiful and fresh with their emerald 
garniture, and so profusely dotted over with the blooms 
of sweet and tiny wild flowers, are at this season bare 
and cheerless, like the aspect of youth and beauty 
changed to one of age and decay. 
When we contemplate our garden fruit trees, what 
a contrast between their appearance at this season and 
that in the month of May or September when richly 
laden with fruit ! In May they are enveloped in one 
mass of bloom, whose sweet aroma so deliciously scents 
the summer breeze that the most indifferent lover of 
nature cannot help admiring. During the dull period 
of winter few flowers are allowed to bloom ; but pre¬ 
suming a stray Primrose or Christmas Rose may peep 
out its head, does it not appear as if treading on 
forbidden ground, and almost invariably the blooms 
are speedily destroyed by the merciless sway of winter. 
All the little singing birds that charm us so much 
in the spring and summer months with their joyous 
choruses of song are at this season silent and listless. 
The busy bee, so full of life and activity in the warm 
season of the year, and, as the poet says, “gathering 
honey from every opening flower,” is at this season 
passing his days in seclusion, and even devoid of his 
wonted and satisfied hum so familiar to our ears. 
Winter, although it is the dead and cold season, is 
nevertheless not without its varied and numerous 
pleasures and attractions for man. This is the time 
the ambitious youth, whoever he be, whether employed 
in horticulture, agriculture, or any other outdoor 
pursuit, has an opportunity presented him of pursuing 
his studies with renewed vigour. Whatever subject in 
science he makes his hobby (and what youth is there 
who has not some hobby ?), if pursued with care and 
attention, it soon becomes interesting, and ultimately 
of the greatest advantage to the person who gives his 
spare moments to its study. During the long winter 
nights much spare time can be devoted to reading and 
study that in the busy season could not be thought of. 
Let a young man, for instance, take lor his study 
botany, history, arithmetic, composition, chemistry, 
geology, or whatever subject suits his fancy ; if he gives 
it his entire attention he will be surprised at the end 
of the season what an advance he has made. The 
youths of to-day have many advantages their pre¬ 
decessors had not in the numerous libraries that are 
now being established both in town and country. In 
country places, with a little exertion on the part of the 
promoters, a useful library might soon be instituted, 
even by the united efforts of a few workmen. I have 
seen such an institution of that sort established very 
successfully. Seven or eight years ago, in a country 
place, about twenty workmen met one evening for the 
purpose of starting a library. Twenty-five shillings 
were collected that evening, a committee of work¬ 
men formed, with secretaiy, treasurer and librarian, 
a constitution and rules drawn up, members enrolled 
and contributions solicited. The fund soon amounted 
to £5, and £10 worth of books were purchased, the 
committee being very careful and judicious in their 
selection. The librarian kindly consented to keep the 
books in his own house, which he did without fee or 
remuneration for some years. After the institution 
became wealthy some slight recognition was shown him 
for the invaluable service he had done. This institu¬ 
tion is now on a permanent footing, with an excellent 
reading room connected with it, well furnished, the 
walls being tastefully hung with pictures, and a fine 
organ for the musical recreation of the members. The 
library contains close upon 400 volumes, treating on 
almost every subject. I do not say that it is the 
labouring man’s money that has done all this ; but 
they were the originators, and the nobility, seeing the 
deep interest taken in it by the labouring class, readily 
came forward with their means and presence, crowning 
it with success. An attempt of this kind should be 
made in every district. Horticultural associations on 
a small scale might easily be got up in this manner, 
and would be invaluable in creating a taste for horti¬ 
culture in country districts.— A. Macintosh, Erchless, 
Inverness-shire. 
-- 
A CHRYSANTHEMUM & ORCHID 
SHOW IN NEW YORK. 
In some respects Messrs. Pitcher & Manda’s great show, 
which was held in Madison Square Garden, New York, 
during Thanksgiving week, was the most important 
exhibition ever made in America; it proved that 
the metropolis will support a show upon its merits, and 
that there are private collections of plants in the country 
large and complete enough to afiord a symmetrical 
exhibition. The obstacles to be met in the holding of 
such a show are sufficient to have overwhelmed any but 
the most enterprising firms. The Florists’ Club of New 
York had planned to give an autumn exhibition, but 
because of various discouragements the venture was 
abandoned. Disliking to see the metropolis go without 
a show, Messrs. Pitcher & Manda, whose nurseries are 
within eighteen miles of the city, with most com¬ 
mendable enterprise, decided to make one themselves. 
The great Madison Square Garden, which is not yet 
fully completed, was secured, although the rent was 
§1,500 per day T . The interior space covers an area of 
30,000 square feet, and the building is so high that 
even the best Palms appear like pigmies ; and this 
fact was against the effectiveness of the display. §2,000 
were required to move the plants, some 40,000 in 
number, and the expenses of advertising, music, 
