472 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
March 23, 1889. 
Oncidium bicallosum. 
In habit and general appearance this resembles 0. 
Cavendishianum, a more commonly grown and better 
known species. The rigid, thick and channelled leaves 
are lighter green than those of the latter, and are 
produced singly from the rootstock, which can hardly 
be described as a pseudo-bulb. The flowers are 
produced on a comparatively short stalk, and have rich 
brown sepals and petals margined with yellow. The 
bright yellow lip is of large size, and furnished with 
two calli near its base. They are spotted with brown 
and purple, and the specific name takes its rise from 
them. On the whole it is very distinct from the usual 
run of Oncidiums seen in Orchid houses, and being 
dwarf requires but little room for its accommodation. It 
is a native of Guatemala, and therefore prefers a warm 
house. A flowering specimen may he seen in the 
nursery of Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton. 
Cypripedium barbatum Crossii. 
The above is the accepted name of a splendid variety 
of C. barbatum, which has several synonyms. C. b. 
Crossii was a garden name given previous to 1865. C. 
barbatum Warnerianum was given to it in 1870. (See 
Warner’s Select Orchids, iii., t. 11.) Professor 
Reichenbach has more recently given it the name of 
C. orbum. But notwithstanding the names with 
which it is hampered, it may be reckoned one of the 
best and most distinct forms of the species. The 
habit is dwarf, and the flowers of good size and 
substance. One of their most striking characters is 
the strongly declinate petals, which are of a bright 
purple, with the exception of a green band near the 
base. The upper sepal is also strongly marked with 
a ^-shaped band of deep purple, occupying the central 
portion, while the upper part is pure white. "We 
noted this fine variety the other day in the 
nursery of Messrs. Shuttle worth, Carder & Co., Park 
Road, Clapham. 
Cattleya Trian/e, Backhouse’s var. 
Amongst the numerous forms of this variable Cattleya 
now in flower, Backhouse’s variety stands out very 
prominently. The sepals and petals are rosy purple, 
but on the upper part of the latter is a large, oblong, 
amethyst-purple blotch. The labellum is even finer, 
the anterior portion being of a deep magenta-purple. 
The yellow blotch in the throat is present, but is 
considerably reduced in dimensions, while on either 
side at the upper end is a large white blotch, the two 
adding considerably to the handsome character of the 
flower as a whole. Something similar is seen in the 
best forms of C. gigas. Backhouse’s variety is now 
flowering in the nursery of Messrs. Hugh Low k Co., 
Clapton. 
Oncidium splendidum. 
This species is described in the Botanical Magazine, t. 
5878, as a variety of an older and better-known species, 
namely, Oncidium tigrinum. It was originally intro¬ 
duced from Guatemala in 1862, but fresh importations 
continue to he made, and will no doubt give rise to 
some slight variation in the colour of the flowers at 
least. The ground colour of the sepals and petals of 
the typical form is strongly tinted with green ; but this 
we may expect to give place, in some individuals at 
least, to a more decided yellow ; and these organs are 
also more or less heavily transversed with bars of brown, 
while the labellum is large and of a deep golden yellow, 
■justly entitling the plant to its specific name. As the 
recent importations get disseminated, we may expect 
the species to become more frequent in collections ; 
and if it prove readily amenable to cultural treatment, 
its increase and popularity in this country will be 
rendered certain. A specimen in the warm house at 
Kew has a flower stem between 3 ft. and 4 ft. high, 
bearing several branches, and the leaves are borne 
singly from the apex of the pseudo-bulb, are erect, 
rigid, deep green above, purple beneath, and about 1 ft. 
in length. 
-- 
The Gardeners’ Calendar. 
THE STOVE, 
Cuttings of "Winter-flowering Plants. — The 
present is a very suitable time for inserting cuttings 
of such things as Justitia calycotricha, Euphorbia 
fulgens (jacquiniseflora), Ruellia macrantha, Eran- 
themum nervosum, Asystasia (Mackaya) bella, and the 
old-fashioned Thyrsacanthus rutilans. Many kinds 
can be propagated at the present season, as advantage 
may be taken of the various hot-beds that have been 
put up for different purposes, and of the pits now at 
work, to strike the cuttings. If not already done, 
cuttings should be taken of Serieographis Ghiesbreghtii, 
Centropogon Lucyanus and Bouvardias. The latter, 
however, should be well rooted by this time where 
the cuttings were taken early, if proper attention has 
been paid to them. If so, have them potted off singly 
into 60-sized pots, and as soon as they begin to move 
again pinch out the tops to make them bushy. 
Allamandas, Dipladenias, &c. —Those who grow 
these subjects for exhibition in pots will find it very 
advantageous where the roots cannot otherwise be 
properly exposed to light, to tie them to trellis-work or 
to wires, trained close under the glass till they approach 
the flowering period, when they can be trained into 
whatever form it is desirable they should take—either 
globular, balloon-shaped or otherwise, according to the 
taste or fancy of the grower. It is desirable to do this 
some time before they are intended for exhibition, so 
that the foliage may have time to right itself after the 
tying of the shoots. Clerodendrons and Bougainvilleas 
may be treated to some extent in the same way. 
Trachelospermum jasminoides need not be unfastened 
from its wire framework, as it can be taken to a house 
where little or no shading is given. 
THE GREENHOUSE. 
Forced Shrubs. —Azaleas that have done flowering 
should be prepared for re-starting, in order that the 
buds may become well advanced before autumn. If 
this has been done, they will be more easily started 
into flower, with gentle forcing, in autumn or winter, 
according to the time they will be required. Prune 
back any straggling shoots, so as to render the plants 
compact and bushy. Cut away all seed-pods, in order 
to direct the energy of the plants to the production of 
good wood. Stand the plants in a warm pit or vinery 
not long started, to induce fresh growth. Should any 
require re-potting, this may be done when the buds are 
just starting. Lilacs, Deutzias, Forsythias, Staphyleas, 
and other subjects now out of flower should not be 
turned out in the open air unprotected till the weather 
becomes much warmer, if they are required for forcing 
again, otherwise their foliage and young shoots will get 
destroyed or much injured. 
Cinerarias. —These are now very gay, and if care¬ 
fully looked after with regard to ventilation and 
cleanliness, will last a long time in good condition. 
With cold, drying east winds, green-fly and red-spider 
are liable to obtain a foothold, either on the under¬ 
side of the leaves, or on the young flower-heads. On 
the least appearance of the enemy, a gentle fumigation 
should be given on successive nights if necessary. 
Avoid, if possible, cold draughts from playing upon 
them. After the flower-heads become well expanded, 
no more liquid manure need be given, but clear rain¬ 
water, if possible. 
THE FORCING HOUSES. 
Vineries. — The fruit in the earliest house should now 
have commenced to colour. Just now the Vines must 
not be neglected in the matter of stimulants, as there 
is at this period a great demand on their energies, 
owing to the material necessary to swell off and finish 
the fruits. This applies more especially to Vines in 
pots than to those planted out. Attend to the stopping 
and tying down of the shoot3 in later houses, as if 
allowed to push against the glass they are liable to 
inj ury on frosty nights. 
Melons. —The sun is now gaining strength, if, 
indeed, it puts in an appearance at all, and on the 
mornings of bright days it will be necessary to put on a 
little air when the temperature reaches 75°, and if 
necessary increase it as the day advances. Close early, 
damping down heavily and syringing at that time. 
Syringe also on the mornings of fine days. 
Strawberries. —The earliest batch will now have 
berries of some size, and both they as well as those that 
have just commenced to swell, will stand a much 
higher degree of temperature than when coming into 
flower. Supply them with stimulants while the fruits 
are swelling. - 
THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 
Protecting Fruit Trees. —Where it is the custom to 
leave Peach and Nectarine trees untied till this late 
period of the year, the work must not now be neglected 
but finished at once, so that the necessary protection 
may be given to the trees against late frosts. Roller 
blinds are very convenient, and may be rolled up 
during the day. A double fold of herring netting is 
sometimes used, and this may be left on all day. 
Evergreen branches of various kinds are also used with 
good effect when judiciously inserted amongst the 
branches of the trees, so as to protect the flower buds 
against frost from above. 
-- 
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 
Royal Botanic. —March 20th. 
The first spring show of this society, held on Wednes¬ 
day last, proved equal to those of former occasions, or 
even better than that held at the same time last year. 
Azaleas in the amateurs’ class were much better 
flowered than in March last year, and the first prize 
was awarded to Mr. H. Eason, gardener to B. Noakes, 
Esq., Hope Cottage, Highgate, who had fair size semi- 
globular specimens ; 2nd, Mr. J. Clement, gardener to 
L. H. Hicks, Esq., Springfield House, Muswell Hill. A 
second prize only was awarded in the nurserymen’s 
class to Mr. H. James, Castle Nursery, Norwood. 
Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanky, Kent, took the 
best Chinese Primulas. The Deutzias were large 
plants, and the first prize was taken by Mr. H. Eason. 
Messrs. Paul k Son, Cbeshunt, had the best Roses, 
which were fairly well flowered. Mr. D. Phillips, 
Langley Broom, Slough, took the first prize for 
Cyclamens in both the open and amateurs’ classes. Mr. 
J. Douglas took the first prize for Hyacinths in the 
amateurs’ class; and Messrs. H. Williams & Sons, 
Fortis Green, Finchley, were first in the nurserymen’s 
competition. The spikes, however, were lacking 
in quality compared with those of former seasons. 
The Tulips also lacked greatly in substance, although 
up to the usual size. Mr. H. Eason had the best in 
the amateurs’ class, and Messrs. H. Williams & Sons 
were first in the corresponding class for nurserymen. 
They also had the best twelve pots of Narcissus, and 
the best Lily of the Valley. Mr. J. Douglas took the 
first prize for Amaryllis. He was also first for hardy 
Primulas, consisting of European kinds, with the 
exception of P. rosea and P. Cashmeriana. Messrs. 
Paul & Son, Cheshunt, took the first prize for bulbous 
plants not otherwise specified. They consisted of 
Leucojum vernum, Iris reticulata, and others of that 
class. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, was second. Mr. 
J. Douglas had the best Crocuses in pots, and Mr. R. 
Scott, gardener to Miss Foster, Regent’s Park, followed. 
Mr. T. S. Ware had the best collection of hardy herb¬ 
aceous plants. In the miscellaneous class, a Silver 
Medal was awarded to Messrs. F. Sander k Co., St. 
Albans, for a group of Orchids, consisting of Cattleyas, 
Dendrobiums, Odontoglossums, &c. A small, but 
beautiful group of Amaryllis, Nepenthes Dicksoniana, 
Amorphophallus Rivieri, in bloom, &c., was also 
shown by Messrs. J. Veitch k Sons, Chelsea. Messrs. 
Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, showed twelve 
boxes of Camellia blooms, exhibiting great variety. 
Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent Garden, had a beautiful 
collection of Daffodils, species of Crocus, and other 
hardy bulbous plants. Mr. T. S. Ware also had a 
nicely-arranged group of Daffodils, cut and set up in 
stands. A large bank of Hyacinths and Tulips on a 
groundwork of moss was shown by Messrs. Cutbush k 
Son, Highgate, for which a small Silver Medal was 
awarded. A large Bronze Medal was awarded to Mr. 
J. James, Woodside, Slough, for a group of Cinerarias. 
Mr. J. Odell, Hillingdon, and the St. George’s Nursery 
Company, Hanwell, had Bronze Medals each for 
Cyclamens ; Messrs. Paul & Son had a large one for 
Roses ; and Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, 
secured another for Chinese Primulas. A large Silver 
Medal was awarded to Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper 
Holloway, for Clivias, Chinese Primulas, and Cycla¬ 
mens. A small Silver Medal was awarded to Messrs. 
H. Williams and Sons, for a large collection of 
Hyacinths, Tulips, and Narcissi. Mr. T. Jannoch, 
Dersingham, Norfolk, showed Lily of the Valley grown 
in pyramidal masses, and was awarded a large Bronze 
Medal. A Bronze one was also awarded to Mr. R. 
Scott for Clivias and Azaleas. 
Botanical Certificates were awarded to Messrs. J. 
Veitch k Sons, Chelsea, for Dendrobium Schneiderianum 
and Calanthe vestita oeulata gigantea ; to Messrs. 
F. Sander & Co. St. Albans, for Cattleya Triame am- 
pliata ; to Mr. J. Douglas, Great Gearies, Ilford, for 
Angrieeum Sanderianum ; and to Mr. T. Jannoch, 
Lily Nurserjq King’s Lynn, for Adiantum Capillus- 
Veneris grande. 
Florieultural Certificates were accorded to Mr. J. 
James, Woodside, Farnham Royal, for Cinerarias 
Advance, Wonder, and Sybil—and Cyclamen Faust; 
to Messrs. J. Veitch k Sons for Amaryllis Lustrous, 
Mirabella and Optimus, Rhododendron Princess Beatrice 
and Nepenthes Dicksoniana ; to Mr. J. Douglas for 
Auricula Marcus Aurelius, a velvety maroon self ; to 
Messrs. Barr k Son, Covent Garden, for Iris Rosen- 
bachiana and Crocus vernus var. leucorhynchus ; to 
Mr. T. S. Ware for Iris Rosenbachiana ; to Messrs. 
Paul k Son, Cheshunt, for Amaryllis Dark Beauty ; 
and to Mr. J. Odell, Gould’s Green, Hillingdon, for 
Cyclamen striatum. 
-- 
We regret to hear, as we go to press, of the death, on 
Sunday night last, of Mr. Murray, for many years the 
much respected and very successful Pine grower at the 
Royal Gardens, Frogmore. 
