88 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
October 6, 1888. 
Forsterianum, the fronds of which are two or three 
times pinnatifid, with broad segments and winged 
petioles. They may readily be distinguished when 
growing by the pinnae of the former being much less 
undulated than those of the latter, and by their being 
twisted round in a horizontal position, while those of 
the other are vertically disposed. H. dilatatum, a New 
Zealand species, is much in the way of both, hut has 
broader and fewer segments, and all have fronds 
ranging from 6 ins. to 10 ins. in length. Strikingly 
different from the above are H. obtusatum and H. 
seruginosum, which are of a rusty green, or as indicated 
by the specific name of the latter, of a verdigris colour. 
They are Tropical American plants, with very short, 
three-times divided, hairy leaves. The fronds of 
H. dichotomum are four times divided, smooth, and of 
a deep olive-green colour, while H. pectinatum superbum 
is also deep green, but strikingly distinct, with oblong, 
slightly-cut, one-sided pinnae, becoming curved back¬ 
wards sickle fashion as they mature. On the whole, it 
resembles one of the smaller Aspleniums. Very 
singular also is H. cruentum, a Chilian species, with 
oblong leaves, the blade of which seems suspended from 
the top of the petiole ; otherwise it resembles a small 
Scolopendrium. Of older species there are fine masses 
of H. ciliatum, H. demissum, with very finely-divided 
light green leaves; H. d. flabellatum, with long 
narrow leaves ; H. javanicum, H. polyanthos, and 
H. tunbridgense. 
Trichomanes. 
The most noteworthy specimen of a Trichomanes is T. 
reniforme, of which there is a piece about a yard in 
diameter. Having recently completed its growth the 
young set of fronds are now very fine. It is one from 
the Cooper Foster collection. Of T. radicans there are 
several splendid pieces, including several varieties, 
such as T. r. dilatatum, T. r. concinnum, T. r. 
Boschianum, and others. It is, perhaps, the most 
easily grown of all the species, and like a number of 
others, it is admirably adapted for cultivation in a 
window if kept in a case. A much smaller and pretty 
species is T. tenerum, with two or three times divided 
leaves of a beautiful green, and ranging from 4 ins. to 
8 ins. in length. Similar in the divisions of its leaves 
to the last is T. exsectum, which frequently has a few 
of its upper pinna much longer than the rest, and very 
gracefully elongated. Many of the filmy Ferns lack 
the pleasing colour of these, on account of which, and 
by reason of their dwarf habit, they should be more 
extensively grown, especially by those having ac¬ 
commodation for a Wardian case or a large bell-glass 
in the window, where they can always be under the eye, 
and their beauty appreciated. 
The most finely divided of all is no doubt T. 
trichoideum, the much-divided pinnae of which are 
almost as fine as hairs. It is also very hardy, although 
a native of the West Indies, and will thrive under a 
bell-glass in the window of a dwelling-house. A most 
interesting pigmy is T. parvulum, with orbicular 
leaves cut in a fan-shaped manner, resembling in no 
small way a tuft of Parsley carpeting the ground. It 
also mimics Davallia parvula in the same way as 
T. reniforme simulates Adiantum reniforme. Curiously 
enough, both these species of Trichomanes rarely pro¬ 
duce fruit, although the Davallia and Adiantum 
mentioned both fruit abundantly. T. Petersii is 
another very dwarf species, with linear or spathulate 
light green fronds, and forms a very beautiful moss-like 
covering to the stone on which it is grown. The above 
are but a few of the many fine species, to which might 
be added T. auriculatum, T. concinnum, T. cuspidatum, 
T. javanicum, T. maximum, T. pyxidiferum, and 
others, all grown in the temperate Fernery. In the 
tropical house are a few pieces that require more heat, 
including T. pinnatum, T. fceniculaceum, T. spicatum, 
T. Priewrii, all of which are very beautiful in their 
way, and quite distinct even to the casual observer 
from any of those in the temperate Fernery. 
-->X<-- 
FORECOURT GARDENS. 
By these I mean the little square or oblong gardens 
in front of villas, and the best of the residences of 
artisans, and to which there is often a basement floor. 
Now I frequently notice that these little gardens look 
very naked and unattractive when they might be made 
pleasant and cheerful ; and there is an entire absence 
of anything in the way of plant embellishment, and 
yet a good deal can be done at a comparatively small 
cost. In the first place, if the boundary wall which 
divides garden from garden is naked, it is an easy and 
inexpensive matter to cover it. If an objection is raised 
to nailing against a wall, it is an easy matter to 
put a light wooden trellis against it, 'painted green, 
or a piece of galvanised iron wire netting of a large 
mesh. 
If the wall should be under the shade of trees, then 
plant Ivy against it; but if it be open, and the desire 
is simply to cover it with something green, then plant 
Ampelopsis tricuspidata. But it is a great deal better 
to have something that blooms, and therefore I would 
suggest such things as Berberis stenophylla, Olearia 
Haastii, Pyrus japonica, Clematises of the Patens and 
Jackmanni type, and such-like subjects of restricted 
growth. The red Pyracantha is a capital thing to 
plant against a wall, but it requires space in which to 
develop—a larger space in fact than is afforded by a 
low wall. Veronica Traversii is another good subject, 
but practically the choice is unlimited, as there are so 
many subjects of a suitable character. 
Such gardens being generally of limited dimensions, 
little space is available for making beds or borders : but 
plants in pots can be used, causing the otherwise 
naked space to look furnished and bright. I often pass 
forecourt gardens, with their stone pathways, steps, 
and side walls looking naked and bare, and hot and 
oppressive in the full glow of the summer sunshine ; 
but it is pleasant to observe others furnished with some 
plants in pots, the contrast being very great. There 
are many things of a hardy character that can be grown 
in pots by those who possess no greenhouse, but have a 
place like a shed, however humble and homely, in 
which to shelter the plants during severe weather. Let 
me name a few things that can be grown in this way :— 
The variegated Aucuba japonica, the silver and golden 
forms of Retinospora plumosa, Yucca recurva, Aralia 
Sieboldii, Agapanthus umbellatus, the large-leaved 
Saxifrages (especially S. ligulata), Christmas Roses, the 
common Hydrangea, and others of similar character. 
All these do well in pots if in the right kind of soil, 
and kept well watered in dry weather. During the hot 
dry days of summer it is a good plan to keep the pots 
standing in large earthenware saucers of water, which 
saves a great deal of labour in the shape of watering. 
If there be no frame or shed in which the plants can 
he placed to protect them from the severity of the 
winter, they could be stood in a sheltered part of the 
garden, with straw or hay placed about the pots, which 
will ward off a great deal in the way of frosts. An old 
garden mat placed round the whole serves as an 
additional screen, and keeps the straw from being 
blown about by the wind. 
Any resident having a greenhouse can use such 
flowering plants as Fuchsias, zonal Pelargoniums, 
Balsams, Petunias, such-like gay-flowering things, 
because they need to, and can be brought on into 
bloom under glass, and likewise protected during the 
winter. If there is no furnace and flue, nor hot-water 
pipes, an ordinary petroleum lamp will keep out a good 
deal of frost, and it is remarkable how many tender 
things can be brought safely through the winter in this 
manner.— E. IF. 
-—>X-<-- 
THE BRITISH FRUIT GROWERS’ 
ASSOCIATION. 
Ox September 8th last, at the conclusion of the con¬ 
ference of fruit growers at the Crystal Palace, Mr. J. 
Cheal proposed a resolution to the following effect— 
namely, “ That it is desirable an association of fruit 
growers should be formed for the promotion of profitable 
fruit cultivation, and to improve the methods of dis¬ 
tribution. The executive committee of the conference 
being requested to prepare a report on the subject, to 
be submitted to the next meeting at the Crystal Palace, 
on October 11th this year.” In pursuance of this 
resolution the executive committee met at 5 p.m. on 
Thursday, September 27th, at Anderton’s Hotel, Fleet 
Street, Mr. T. Francis Rivers in the chair, twelve 
members being present. The chairman referred to the 
favourable notices accorded by the daily and horti¬ 
cultural press to the conference at the Crystal Palace, 
and it was mentioned that over sixty reports and 
articles referring to it had been published. A draft of 
the proposed constitution for the association was then 
read, considered at some length, and finally adopted. 
The adjourned conference will be resumed at 2 p.m. on 
Thursday, October 11th, at the Crystal Palace. 
The following is the draft adopted at the above 
meeting, and all desirous of joining the association 
should communicate with the hon. secretaries, Mr. 
Lewis Castle, Hotham House, Merton, Surrey, or Mr. 
"William Earley, Ilford, Essex. 
Title. — The title will be, “The British Fruit 
Growers’ Association.” 
Objects. —To promote the profitable culture and the 
improvement of fruit in the United Kingdom, and to 
facilitate the distribution to consumers. 
Methods. —It is proposed to effect these objects by 
the means of meetings and conferences in the metro¬ 
polis and the provinces ; the collection from all districts 
of reliable information hearing on the subject, its dissem¬ 
ination through the daily and horticultural press; by the 
publication of annual reports with such others of a 
special character as the funds of the Association may 
permit; and by securing the adherence of local societies 
to the objects of the association. 
Membership .—A subscription of not less that 5s. 
annually shall entitle any person duly elected to mem¬ 
bership of the association, including admission to all 
conferences and general meetings, one copy of each 
publication issued by the association, and such farther 
privileges as may be subsequently determined. First 
subscriptions to be paid at the date of joining, and 
subsequently annually on January 1st. 
Officers .—The officers of the association shall comprise 
a president, vice-presidents, a treasurer, and twy» 
honorary secretaries. 
Committees .—The business of the association shall be 
conducted by the officers, a general committee of forty 
members, an executive committee of fifteen members, 
five to form a quorum, and special sub-committees to 
he elected by the latter, the officers being ex-officio 
members of all committees. 
Election of Members, Officers, and Committees .— 
Proposed members of the association to be nominated 
by two members and elected at any meeting. The 
officers to be elected annually. Ten members of the 
general committee to retire annually, but to be eligible 
for re-election ; the retiring members in the first two 
years to be decided by ballot, and subsequently in the 
order of election. Nominees for the committee to be 
proposed and seconded by two members of the 
association at the annual general meeting. All 
elections to be effected by open voting. The executive 
committee to be elected by the general committee from 
amongst themselves after the general business at the 
annual meeting. 
Meetings .—The annual general meeting shall be held 
in December of each year to receive the report of the 
general committee, for the election of officers, com¬ 
mittees, and the transaction of any other important 
business. The general committee shall hold at least 
two meetings, and the executive committee shall meet 
as often as necessary, in each year. The executive 
committee to decide the dates and places for all 
meetings and conferences. 
-o-K-- 
Gardening Miscellany. 
Harpalium rigidum semi-plenum. 
Harpalium rigidum, or as it should now perhaps be 
called, Helianthus rigidus, is one of the grandest of all 
the autumn yellow-flowering Composites, and it is with 
pleasure that we record the fact of Mr. T. S. Ware 
having a semi-double form of it, which by reason of its 
great artistic merits as a flower, must certainly become 
a favourite. Its flowers are large, of a bright clear 
yellow colour, and most valuable for cutting. It was 
shown at the last meeting of the Floral Committee, 
and was unanimously awarded a First Class Certificate. 
Drying off Lobelia cardinalis. 
I infer from your remarks at p. 64, that this grand 
old autumn flower will not be benefited by being kept 
too dry in winter. Here we leave it in the open all 
the year round. It dies down in the autumn and 
comes up again in the spring with great regularity, and 
I think it has an objection to drought at all times, as 
some hundred plants or so of it which were growing in 
very light soil last year were so much injured that they 
failed to attain their usual height and beauty in due 
season, and by the end of the summer they were quite 
dead.— J. Muir, Mar gam, S. JFales. 
The Eucharis Mite. 
What do your readers think of the proposition that 
there is no such thing as the Eucharis mite ? Yet such 
was the statement made to me a short time since when 
going through a 120-ft. house wholly devoted to growing 
this handsome and useful tropical Lily at Messrs. 
Dicksons, of Newtownards, for the cut-flower trade at 
their establishment, Royal Avenue, Belfast. I asked 
for an explanation, and Mr. Alexander Dickson told 
