26 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
September 8, 1888. 
The Gardeners’ Calendar. 
THE STOVE. 
Winter-flowering Plants. —Increasing attention 
will now have to he given to subjects for late autumn 
and winter-flowering purposes. With the low tem¬ 
perature, heavy rains, and often deficient sunshine, 
such things as Poinsettias, Begonias, Libonias, Centro- 
pogon, and Euphorbia fulgens (E. jacquiniieflora), will 
have to be removed from the pits where they have 
been housed for the summer, and placed in warmer 
quarters to bring them forward, as well as to prevent 
the loss of foliage. This is particularly so in the case 
of Poinsettias and Libonias, especially L. floribunda, 
which will entirely lose its foliage if checked by a 
low temperature. Weak liquid manure given about 
twice a week will do much towards retaining the 
lower leaves of Poinsettias, and later on they will take 
it stronger, and will require a higher temperature to 
develope the bracts fully. Amongst winter-flowering 
Begonias, B. Socotrana, B. John Heal, B.. Abel 
Carriere, B. insignis, and many others might be 
mentioned. Strong well-grown plants of Centropogon 
Lucyanus, if well cared for, will supply a great 
quantity of flowers for a long period of time. After 
the terminal cymes have been cut, side ones develop, 
and prolong the flowering season indefinitely. 
THE GREENHOUSE. 
Bouvardias. —Those grown in pots and kept in the 
open air for some months back will by this time have 
been housed. Some growers prefer planting out last 
year’s plants in a frame after pruning them hard back. 
Large plants are obtained in this way, and a pro¬ 
portionately greater amount of flowers if they have been 
liberally treated when making their growth ; the 
trusses may not, however, be so large. The sooner the 
plants are lifted and potted now the better. Place 
them at once in a close, moist, and warm atmosphere 
till the roots take hold of the fresh soil, otherwise they 
are apt to become defoliated, and never recover their 
original vigour all through the winter. By maintaining 
a moderately high temperature the syringe can be 
freely used, which will also greatly assist in keeping 
them clean. When the terminal trusses expand they 
may be cut if wanted, and a long-continued succession 
will be furnished by side branches. 
THE FRUIT HOUSES. 
Melons. —The season has been very bad for Melons 
in unheated pits, making them, in some cases, a failure. 
Where the pits are supplied with appliances for heating 
them by artificial means, the absence of sun-heat can 
be surmounted, although the deficiency of sunlight 
prevents the fruits from acquiring their accustomed 
flavour. Artificial heat will, however, supply the 
means of urging on growth, of ripening the fruits, and 
also of keeping the atmosphere of the house dry while 
the latter process is being accomplished. 
Cucumbers. —For winter cultivation plants should 
now be ready to transfer to their permanent quarters, 
either in pots, boxes, or on mounds of soil specially 
prepared for the purpose. A suitable compost for 
Cucumbers will consist of three parts of loam, not too 
heavy, one part of peat and a quantity of charcoal to 
render it porous and open. For summer culture 
manure in some quantity may be added ; but it is 
better to avoid feeding material of a rank nature in 
winter culture. Feeding with liquid manure or some 
of the good artificial ones can be resorted to in due 
season. Press the soil firmly about the roots, which 
should be disturbed as little as possible, and tie the 
stems of the plants to stakes until they reach the 
trellis-work. Keep the house close and shaded during 
very bright sunshine, and do not water very heavily 
until the roots have taken hold of the fresh soil and 
are growing freely. 
THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 
Fruit-gathering and Preserving.— Peaches and 
Nectarines on open walls will require more than 
ordinary vigilance to secure them in good condition, 
as they are liable to split, and soon become decayed 
by the superabundant moisture. As soon as ripe, 
therefore, have them removed to a dry place to 
complete the ripening process, and maintain them in 
a sound condition. Early Apples and Pears will have 
to be collected from time to time according to their 
state of maturity. When they reach that period of 
ripeness which endangers their being blown down by 
squally weather, have the most forward of them 
gathered. Apples, such as the red and white 
Astrachan, if allowed to hang a day or two after being 
properly ripened, become mealy, tasteless, and useless. 
Net Gooseberries and Currants on walls, as well as 
late Raspberries, if this has not already been done. 
-- 
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 
Royal Caledonian. — September oth and. 6th. 
The annual autumn show of this society was held on 
Wednesday and Thursday, in the Waverley Market, 
and proved inferior to that of last year, both in point 
of numbers and quality, the late season and unfavour¬ 
able weather having told its tale in this as in other 
localities. The display of hardy fruits, usually so 
good, showed a great falling off. The post of honour 
in the fruit classes must be given to the Grapes from 
Mr. McHattie, of New Battle Abbey, who secured the 
leading award in the competition initiated by Messrs. 
W. Thomson & Sons, of Clovenfords, in which there 
were five other- competitors, whose productions col¬ 
lectively were the finest that have been seen in 
Edinburgh for some time. 
Mr. Hunter, of Lambton Castle, was the only ex¬ 
hibitor of twelve dishes of fruit, and to him the highest 
award was made, his collection consisting of some fine 
Grapes, some wonderful samples of Marie Louise 
d’Uccle Pear, and very fine Worcester Pearmain Apples, 
&c. There were three competitors with eight dishes, 
but the samples shown in all cases were below the 
usual standard. Mr. Hunter again secured the first 
prize; Mr. McKelvie, Broxmouth Park, being a good 
second ; and Mr. McIntyre, The Glen, Innerleithen, 
third. In the class for twelve dishes of hardy fruits, 
the falling off in quality was most marked, but Mr. 
Fairgrieve, of Dunkeld, who was first, showed some 
fine Apricots, Hale’s Early Peach, and fine dishes of 
Cherries, &c. Mr. Low, Viewforth, Stirling, was 
second, with a nice collection ; and Mr. Brunton, of 
Drem, third. In a similar competition for fruits grown 
in orchard houses, Mr. Hunter again came to the 
front, with some really wonderful samples of Pitmaston 
Duchess Pears, weighing over 30 oz. each, Queen 
Apples, Beurre Diel Pears, about 2 lbs. weight each, 
splendid Peaches and Nectarines, &c. This was a 
most meritorious collection. 
For the Messrs. Thomson’s Grape prizes, as before 
observed, Mr. McHattie came in first with a magnificent 
lot, consisting of two splendid bunches of Hamburghs, 
about 4 lbs. weight ; Madresfield Court and Muscats, 
abour 5 lbs. each ; Duke of Buceleuch about 4 lbs. ; 
and all perfectly finished as regards shape, size, and 
colour. The second award went to Mr. McKinnon, of 
Melville Castle, who had Gros Maroc and Alicante, 
very fine both in bunch and berry, but whose Muscats 
were not equal to Mr. McHattie’s ; third, Mr. Boyd, of 
Callendar, who had good Alicante and Alnwick Seed¬ 
ling ; fourth, Mr. McKelvie, who had good Muscats 
and Duke of Buccleuch. For four varieties of Grapes, 
Mr. McHattie again held his own with magnificent 
examples of Muscat of Alexandria, and really grand 
Gros Colmar, Hamburgh, and Madresfield Court. ° Mr. 
McKinnon was a good, second ; and Mr. Boyd again 
third. In the single dish classes for Muscats and 
Hamburghs, Mr. McHattie was also to the fore ; and 
for a single bunch of Muscat of Alexandria the highest 
award went to Mr. Green, of Yester; and in the 
corresponding class for Hamburghs, Mr. Copeland, 
Orwell Lodge, Edinburgh, was well first. Mr. 
McKinnon had the best Alicantes ; Mr. Boyd the 
finest Alnwick Seedlings ; and Mr. Murray, Park Hill, 
the finest Gros Colmar. Duchess of Buccleuch again 
gained the first prize for flavour, being well shown by 
Mr. McHattie. In other competitions the first prizes 
went as follows :—Melons, Mr. Fairgrieve and Mr. 
Laing ; Peaches, Mr. McLeod, Brentham Park; Nec¬ 
tarines, Mr. Harkness, Berwick ; Apricots, Mr. Fair¬ 
grieve ; and Pines, Mr. McIntyre. 
In the plant classes Mr. Grossart was a good first for 
a table, showing as usual a very neat and chastely ar¬ 
ranged lot. Orchids for the season were very good, 
and the highest award for a group went to Mr. Curror, 
of Esk Bank, the best single specimen coming 
from Mr. Brotherston, of Tyninghame. Mr? 
Laing, of Salisbury Green, had a very fine Yanda 
Lowii. The nurserymen as usual rendered the society 
valuable, assistance by contributing large groups of 
plants, in a competition with which Messrs. R. B. 
Laird & Sons were first, and Messrs. Ireland & 
Thomson second, both showing in their best style. 
Mr. Grossart took the first prize for foliage plants, also 
for Crotons and Dracaenas, and Mr. Patterson as of 
old showed the best Heaths. Messrs. T. Methven 
& Sons contributed a very fine table of flowering 
plants ; and Messrs. Stuart & Mein, Kelso, a table of 
mixed herbaceous cut flowers. Messrs. Laing & Mather, 
Kelso, were awarded a First Class Certificate for a new 
Carnation, R. H. Elliott. A fine lot of Dahlias came 
from Mr. Campbell, of Blantyre, as also from Messrs. 
R. B. Laird & Sons. Messrs. Cocker & Son, Aberdeen, 
were first with a grand lot of Roses ; Messrs. D. & W. 
Croll, of Dundee, being well second. Single Dahlias: 
a very attractive assortment came from the Messrs. 
Laird & Sons. Mr. John Downie contributed a large 
table of seedling tuberous Begonias, somewhat of a 
novelty here, and a very nice lot. Messrs. Dickson 
& Co., "Waterloo Place, had a fine table of mixed cut 
flowers, including fine stands of their new Carnation, 
Maggie Laurie, a very pretty rose-pink variety. 
Vegetables, on the whole, were well shown, and the 
first prize for a collection went to Mr. Low, of Yiew- 
forth, Stirling. Salads were also nicely exhibited 
by Mr. McKinlay, of Lesmahagow. Onions and 
Tomatos were shown well, also Potatos. 
One of the features of the show in the plant way was 
a grand group of Conifers, Clematis, Ivies, &c., 
exhibited by Messrs. Ireland & Thomson, for which a 
special prize was awarded. Messrs. Munro & Ferguson 
had a table of cut herbaceous flowers, and were awarded 
a First Class Certificate for their Matricaria inodora 
fiore pleno Snowflake. Messrs. Dicksons, Limited, 
Chester, were also awarded a First Class Certificate for 
their new border Carnation, Mrs. Reynolds Hole. They 
also exhibited cut herbaceous flowers. 
-- 
On Saturday the 1st inst., at Gunnersbury Park 
' Gardens, Acton, "W"., the wife of Mr. John Roberts. 
-- 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 
Sulphur and Vines. — Mealy Bug : We have seen so much 
damage done to Vines when in leaf that we should be sorry to 
advise you to use it in the way you mention, even after the rods 
have dropped their leaves. You should paint the stems in 
winter with a mixture of gas-tar and clay in the proportions of 
one of the former to three of the latter. Knead them together 
until thoroughly incorporated, then add warm water until the 
mixture becomes of the consistency of cream, when it is fit for 
use. Before painting scrub the rods throughout their entire 
length with a hard brush, using soapy water, which should be 
afterwards washed off before dressing with the mixture, which 
should be put on with a painter's soft brush. Wash the glass 
and woodwork of the house with soft soap and paraffin. 
Blue Rose. — J. If. O.: The Blue Rose described in the 
catalogue you send us, has not been exhibited in London or 
elsewhere so far as we know. It may be genuine, but —we shall 
believe in it when we see it, and not till then. 
Gooseberry.— Omega: The collections of Gooseberries are all 
gathered in our neighbourhood, so that we are sorry to say we 
cannot name the variety sent. In private gardens a few may 
be found specially protected for late use, but we cannot say 
where such are to be found ; besides, the collections there are 
most frequently unnamed, and the growers often in the same 
plight as yourself. 
Grapes Shanked. — Constant Beader : The specimens of 
Madresfield Court you send us exhibit a clear case of shanking. 
You might inarch either Alicante or Gros Colmar on the roots 
of your Vine, but it would not assist you out of the difficulty, 
as the evil lies at the root, not the top of the Vine. We would 
advise you to lift the Vine after the crop has been gathered and 
examine the roots. It is possible that your border is over well 
drained for Madresfield Court, as it is a vigorous grower, and 
the berries are more liable to split than to shank. The opera¬ 
tion should be performed before the leaves fall, and the injury 
will be repaired during the remaining portion of autumn and 
winter. Both the roots and the border should be subjected to 
a thorough examination to see that the roots are within reach 
of and are able to get a proper food supply. Water may have 
been deficient, seeing that the roots are inside. 
Climbers for North Wall. — L. _4. .* There are many 
climbers that would do fairly well on a north-aspect wall, and 
flower in proportion to the amount of light they receive; but if 
shaded by trees, walls, or houses in the vicinity, besides being 
hampered by their already unfavourable position, you cannot 
expect a large amount of bloom even if they grow satisfactorily 
and cover the wall. There are a number of the stronger-growing 
climbing Roses, which grow with tolerable freedom on such .an 
aspect—other conditions being equal. Cotoneaster Simonsi may 
also be planted, and Cratsegus pyracantha, the berries of which 
are more ornamental than the flowers. Others we would re¬ 
commend are Camellia japonica, Kerria japonica (single and 
double), Forsythia suspensa, Clematis flammula, C. montana, 
Jasmiuum nudiflorum, J. officinale, Honeysuckle, Sweet Briar, 
and Tropajolum speciosum. The latter would he at home, 
especially in the southern counties, and flower brilliantly, 
You do not, however, state In what latitude you are situated, 
nor anything about the locality and its surroundings. Why not 
plant a collection of select green and variegated Ivies, of which 
there are a great many beautiful forms—Euonymus japonica 
and its forms, and E. radicans variegata, all of which would look 
beautiful and interesting ? 
Orchid to Name. — B. Tiviss ; Certainly not Thunia Bensonia?, 
but near to T. alba. The yellow ou the lip of yours, however, 
differs from the type of T. alba. We will ascertain if possible if 
it has been distinguished. 
Names of Fruits.— IF. Martin: 1, Not recognised; 2, Red 
Astrachan; 3, Mank’s Codlin ; 4, Kerry Pippin ; 5, King of the 
Pippins ; 6, Pear decayed. 
Names of Plants. — Thomas Beason : The common or European 
Spiudletree, Euonymus europams. P. WHlton : Podophyllum 
peltatum. II illiamCraik: 1, Lychnis corouaria ; 2, Aristolochia 
clematitis ; 3, Polygonum affine. 1. Gibson : 1, Berberis 
Darwini; 2, Colutea arborescens ; 3, Chrysanthemum lacustre; 
4, Saponaria ocymoides ; 5, Calceolaria violacea. B. M. Shirley : 
I, Juniperus communis ; 2, Retinospora plumosa aurea ; 3, R. p < 
argentea ; 4, Liboeedrus decurreus ; 5, Abies nobilis; 6, Papaver 
Rliceas fiore pleno. J. McP. : 1, Artemisia argentea; 2, Hclian- 
tliemum vulgare tomentosum ; 3, Sedum stoloniferum. 
Communications Received.— E. D.—J. C.—A. D.—W. J. M. 
—W. S.—W. G.—T. N. (many thanks)—D. C.—B. L.—S. B.— 
J. T. 
