470 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
March 24, 1894. 
NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. 
The Aubretias are among the finest of trailing 
border or rock plants, and being of dwarf habit and 
evergreen they are grand subjects for bedding 
purposes. They scarcely exceed 3 in. in height, and 
their numerous flowers of various shades of colour 
are produced in great profusion during the spring 
months, while their hardiness is beyond dispute, and 
their culture being easy they deserve to be more 
largely grown than hitherto. Several additions have 
been made during the past few years to this family, 
but the finest and most important of the new comers 
is Aubretia Leichtlinii. It is a veritable red in 
colour, and for its introduction to our gardens we 
are indebted to Herr Max Leichtlin, of Baden- 
Baden, who introduced it about 1887. This is un¬ 
questionably the finest member of the family. The 
flowers are borne in the greatest profusion and are 
bright rose in colour, and it is also very compact in 
habit. When planted in a mass it makes a grand 
show during March and April. 
Aubretia deltoidea with purple flowers is an old 
inhabitant of our gardens, having been introduced 
from Naples in 1710, and there are also several 
garden forms of this species, which are a great 
improvement on the type, notably A. deltoidea 
Campbelli (syn. A. Hendersoni), a useful variety with 
large purplish-violet flowers, more robust than the 
type and much finer. It forms a fine companion to 
A. Leichtlinii. A. deltoidea Eyrei is also a useful 
variety, with a somewhat branching habit and rich 
violet-purple flowers. 
A. deltoidea graeca is a native of Greece, with 
light purple flowers forming dwarf and compact 
cushions, and is very distinct both in habit and 
flower. Introduced in 1872. A. deltoidea purpurea 
is also a useful variety with purple flowers, intro¬ 
duced from Greece in 1820, and a variegated form of 
this is largely used for edging purposes. There are 
several others, but those mentioned comprise a 
selection of the best and most useful for ordinary 
purposes. A good loamy soil suits them best, 
although they will thrive well in most soils and in 
almost any position. They are easily propagated by 
seeds, cuttings, or divisions, which should be done 
after their flowering period.— E. Scaplehorn, Fleet, 
Hants. 
-> 4 -- 
BEES AS FLOWER FERTILISERS. 
Those who have followed the correspondence on 
this subject will readily admit that nothing as yet 
has been advanced against the utility of the bee as a 
flower fertiliser. It would indeed be strange if, with 
the enormous amount of observation recorded in its 
favour, it should now be dethroned. It is, however, 
necessary to remark, en passant, \h3.t no one claims 
for the bee, as far as I am aware, universal fertilising 
powers. That it does visit and fertilise a host of 
well-marked and specialised forms of floral matter, 
we are assured; but that it frequents all classes and 
species of plants, without distinction, no one avers. 
So that if we limit the visitations of the bee to those 
flowers that it is known to prefer, we shall be 
better able to judge of its merits, or demerits, in 
the direction sought. 
Speaking generally, I may say that I am in entire 
accord with the sentiments of " F.” on this subject, 
who has, moreover, furnished us with some details, 
which may with advantage be carefully weighed; 
but, as one cannot argue with one’s friends, it is 
sometimes pleasant to turn towards those who differ 
from you only in degree. Therefore I must record 
my thanks to " D.” for giving me the opportunity 
of reply, and to “F.'' for rendering that reply only 
partially necessary. 
In the first place, I must notice the charge “ D.” 
brings against me on p. 420, of mis-quoting Sir John 
Lubbock, and the deduction he draws therefrom. 
The phrase in question runs :—“ The Snapdragon is 
especially adapted for fertilizaticn by bees,” which 
should have been "by humble bees;” from which 
omission "D.” concludes that I " exempt the very 
insects,” that is the hive bees, which I seem to 
favour. This, however, is but another proof of how 
dangerous it is to generalise from unknown facts. 
If 1 have any preference as between Apis and 
Bombus, it lies rather with the latter than the 
former, and I think the context goes to show this. 
But as I have erred I will be " humble,” and rsfer 
now to the charge of selfishness against bees 
generally, which, although satisfactorily answered 
by " F.,” I should like to supplement. Selfishness, 
then, is not a characteristic peculiar to the bee. The 
bee is only eclectic ; he picks and chooses ; he goes 
where he likes; he follows, in fact, the example 
which man sets him. Wherein, therefore, is the 
bee less sincere than his great examplar ? That 
quaint and curious naturalist, Richard Jefferies, 
writes that “ there is nothing human in all nature ; ” 
but I question whether this particular besetting sin 
vvas ever presented to his mind as we have it; other¬ 
wise he would have had to modify this dictum, as 
it is a common failing throughout the animal and 
vegetable worlds. It is true that the most beautiful 
colours and contours in nature do not exist for us 
but as traps or allurements to insects, that their 
beauty may continue, and their progress increase. 
Thus those plants that possess the largest flowers, 
or secrete the most honey, are the most progressive ; 
for just as gardeners, by continual selection, have 
increased the size and beauty (?) of our garden 
flowers, so insects have quite unconsciously added 
to the sweetness and glory of our forest and field 
plants. What is it that stimulates all trade? 
Selfishness, or the desire to excel. Why does the 
florist carefully exclude insects from his flowers, 
but that they may not frustrate his designs ? 
But to the Snapdragon, which " D.” refers to 
again in your last issue. This flower seems designed 
to exclude insects, but a little consideration will 
show that this is more apparent than real ; and that 
a less insect, in point of size, than the humble bee, 
would not be able to effect its fertilisation. And 
although this flower like many others, is capable of 
" self-fertilisation,” yet I have no doubt that were 
the bees excluded altogether, the result would be 
degeneration. Moreover, I disagree with ” D.” 
when he says that " Snapdragons in a state of nature 
are small and comparatively unattractive.” On the 
other hand, I think that they are comparatively 
showy and attractive; not with their improved garden 
forms, of course, but with other wildings which, for 
instance, bees do not visit. 
Cross-fertilised flowers are, I believe, in every 
way superior to self-fertilised ones, not only in 
the number and quality of their seeds, but in respect 
to vigour, habit and constitution. There are many 
plants more or less dependent upon bees, or other 
insects, for fertilisation, such as Viola canina, Lotus 
corniculatus. Trifolium repens, etc., and some 
species of Passiflora. In the case of Trifolium 
pratense, Darwin found that 100 heads which were 
protected did not produce a single seed ; while 100 
heads left to nature and the bees produced about 2,720 
seeds. This subject, however, is so full of interest that, 
I fear, Mr. Editor, I have transgressed the limits of 
your space ; but please permit me—if you have not 
already had enough—to inquire what my friends the 
fruit-grov/ers have to say for or against the animal 
with " a stealing proboscis, and a stinging tail.”— 
C.B.G., Acton, W. 
The correspondence on this subject is certainly 
a curious one, because neither “ C.B.G.” nor “ F.” 
know what blame or charge is laid against the bees. 
I also plead ignorance, but would be pleased to learn 
the cause of the bees " buzzing ” so loudly at this 
season of the year if they are not fertilizing the 
flowers. I am pleased to see " D.” come to the 
rescue—not of the bees, for I think he charges them 
with neglecting their duty. If that is so, would he 
kindly favour those of your readers who are 
interested in the subject of fertilization of flowers, 
what particular duty he thinks the bees have 
neglected. Or if he believes that any aids to 
fertilisation are necessary. From what he has said 
on this subject I am still in doubt of his meaning, 
but am inclined to think he believes no aids are 
necessary. If he would kindly enlighten your 
readers on those two points we would then be in a 
position to " read and learn.” At present we are in 
much the same position as the bees—we are working 
hard and doing no good.— A. IF. 
-- 
A FEW GOOD WINDOW PLANTS. 
■ Aspidistr.^s. —These undoubtedly stand pre¬ 
eminent as window and room plants, their glossy 
green and variegated leaves rendering them very 
attractive, while the constitution of the plant is all 
that can be desired. The price asked for them by 
nurserymen varies from 6d. to gd. per leaf, the 
variegated form commanding the higher figure. 
For any position in hotels or private houses where 
few other plants will do well the Aspidistras can be 
strongly recommended, and by following these 
simple directions they can be kept in perfect health. 
Never let them get dry at the roots, especially in 
hot weather ; sponge them regularly, say once a 
week, or at least once_, a fortnight, using 
soapy water first and ' then, rinsing them with clean 
cold water. The variegated form is liable 
to revert to the green form, but this can be 
obviated by keeping them \Vell pot bound, and feed¬ 
ing them with a little artificial manure. When 
potting them, also use^ rather a poor or a sandy 
compost. 
Araucaria excelsa.— This plant when perfectly 
symmetrical in shape is a lovely subject 
for any place. It is wonderfully hardy, 
much more so than most people imagine, and has a 
handsome plumose appearance. It is particularly 
free from the attacks of any kind of insects, and 
with ordinary care will last a long time. Nice 
plants may be bought for about 5s. 
Fatsia japonica, commonly called by the 
erroneous name of Aralia Sieboldii, is quite 
distinct from any of the Stove Aralias. The handsome, 
glassy, palmate, bright green leaves are very 
attrrctive, and the plant is very hardy. Good 
drainage to the pots, plenty of water, and frequent 
sponging of the leaves, will keep it in perfect health. 
It has much deteriorated in value lately, a perfect 
plant being now obtainable for is. 6d. 
The India-rubber Plant, Ficus elastica is too 
well-known to need any description. Plenty of pot 
room, with good food, careful watering, and frequent 
washing is all that is necessary to keep them in good 
health and a fine lustrous bronzy green colour. I 
knew a lady who had one which nearly reached the 
ceiling of her sitting room, a model result of careful 
attention. 
Then besides the above may be named such palms 
as Kentin Belmoreana andK. Fosteriana, the former 
a most beautiful plant, Areca Bauerii, A. lutescens, 
Seaforthia elegans, Phoenix dactylifera, the Date 
Palm, P. rupicola, Corypha Australis, and 
Dracaenas australasica, congesta, and indivisa 
which have all robust constitutions.— J. G. Pettinger, 
Strawherry Dale Nursery, Harrogati. 
THE ANEMONE. 
The showy forms of Anemone coronaria are now 
opening their blossoms in gardens in which they 
can be seen—in very few it is feared. Why this 
once popular florists’ flower should have so fallen 
into neglect it is difficult to say, perhaps mauJy 
because so many new aspirants to favour crowd 
upon us. I have a bed of seedlings which are now 
flowering freely, and very showy they are ; they 
range in colour from delicate lilac to brilliant 
crimson, and they come in with the Daffodil and the 
Primrose—floricultural company of the highest 
order. There is no difiiculty in getting roots, for 
large quantities of Anemones are grown in Holland 
by the Dutch florists and annually imported to 
England in a dry state. They are both good and 
cheap. One would think to look at the dry brittle 
flat roots that there is no health in them, but when 
planted and in contact with the moisture of the soil 
they swell largely, and the thic’xened root stalks 
become very strong, and so plants are formed which 
flower superbly. The best time to purchase dry roots 
is in October, and they should be planted in deeply 
dug and well-manured soil as soon as possible. 
Either in clumps or in beds, and whether double or 
single, they will exhibit a very pleasing diversified 
beauty. It may be added that as the Anemone 
keeps well in a dry state, spring planting may be 
resorted to where it is not convenient to plant in 
autumn. Care should be taken that the position of 
the bed be in a well drained spot, the soil deep and 
good and not too light. In planting a bed the roots 
should be placed 4 to 6 in. apart, and be buried from 
I to 2 in. deep. 
I am quite certain English gardeners are largely 
unaware how much the Dutch florists are doing for the 
improvement of the Anemone, and so in purchasing 
dry roots they can rely upon getting something very 
good. They term their finest strains Poppy 
Anemones, and of named single varieties the follow¬ 
ing are very fine The Bride, pure white ; Cremer, 
bright lilac and white; Garfield, vermillion, very 
fine in colour ; Jan Steen, white and violet; Rem¬ 
brandt, blue; Teegler, dark purple; and Van 
