308 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
January 12, 1895. 
These experiments were conducted at 
several widely distant localities, where 
differences in climatic and other conditions 
prevailed, so as to give weight and validity 
to the general results. Surprisingly enough, 
the latter were remarkably uniform at all 
the places. 
It has been determined that many of the 
old and best known varieties are practically 
barren when limited to their own pollen by 
this process of covering the flowers with 
bags. They must be crossed with the 
pollen of some other variety. The question 
then arises how this is effected in a state of 
nature. The structure of the flowers, but 
particularly the shortness of the stamens 
precludes the idea of cross-pollination being 
effected by the wind. The only other 
hypothesis is that insects are the active 
agents by which this is accomplished. 
Many years ago Knight, Downing and 
Thomas, in carrying out experiments of a 
similar character, cross-pollinated the 
flowers of several varieties and found that 
there was no material difference in size and 
quality between those fruits produced in 
this way, and the natural productions ; but 
they overlooked the agency of insects so 
that the natural product was really the 
result of crosses between different varieties, 
and for the matter of that the insects may 
have obtained their pollen from the same 
varieties as the human operators themselves. 
Some might advance the theory that the 
artificial coverings were, in themselves 
injurious to the blossom ; but much of the 
best fruit was obtained as a product of 
flowers that were not merely protected 
but must have been injured to some extent 
by the removal of stamens from unopened 
buds, afterwards hand-pollinated. 
Amongst the varieties that are self-sterile 
and must be cross-pollinated are Beurre 
Clairgeau, Clapp’s Favourite, Easter 
Beurre, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Pound 
Pear, Souvenir du Congress and other well 
known kinds. There is a smaller number 
of those operated upon, that will give a 
fair percentage of fruit, even when covered 
up and limited to their own pollen. 
Amongst these are Duchess d’Angouleme, 
Beurre Bose, Beurre Diel, Seckel, White 
Doyenne and others. Where cross¬ 
pollination is essential, it cannot be 
accomplished by using pollen from 
another part of the same tree, nor even 
from another tree of the same variety ; so 
that a plantation of Louise Bonne de Jersey 
made at such a distance from any other 
variety as to exclude the possibility of 
insect agency, would be relatively, if not 
completely barren, Some latitude may be 
allowed for differences, if any, that may 
exist between trees grown in this country, 
and those in America ; but such differences 
cannot be of material importance to the 
question as far as can readily be perceived 
without experiment. The inference is that 
orchards of Pears to ensure a maximum of 
fertility should be of a mixed character. 
Self-sterile varieties at least, should not be 
planted in blocks of more than three or four 
rows, though the same may be repeated in 
other parts of the orchards. Where this sort 
of thing already prevails, and the trees are 
bearing badly, the matter may be remedied 
by heading down some of the worst trees 
and grafting other kinds upon them to 
supply foreign pollen. 
Besides the importance of securing a 
crop from the self-sterile varieties by cross¬ 
pollination, other important advantages 
accrue. The fruits resulting from crosses 
are always larger and nearly always contain 
a fuller compliment of perfect seeds than 
in the case of self-pollinated kinds, provided 
the other conditions are equal; and they 
are fuller towards the blossom end. The 
vigour of the tree, its general health, and 
environment, as well as the vigour of the 
individual branch from which the fruit is 
obtained, must be taken in consideration 
when comparing the differences between 
those which require foreign pollen and those 
which do not. Bad weather at the time of 
flowering, is also an important factor in the 
chances of a crop, and cannot be over¬ 
looked. Late frosts destroy the delicate 
organs of fully expanded flowers; but 
rain and windy weather also act detri¬ 
mentally in keeping away insects of various 
kinds. 
Fine weather, on the contrary, favours 
cross-pollination, and consequently the 
chances of a good fruit harvest. A strong 
characteristic of the fruits produced by the 
self-fertile kinds whose blossoms were pro¬ 
tected, was their uniform shape and 
generally small size. Even these trees 
when left to their own resources in a mixed 
orchard, and when favoured by fine weather 
when in bloom, produce large fruits. This 
is due to crossing effected by insect agency; 
and shows, that although a variety may be 
self-fertile, it derives great advantage from 
foreign pollen. Then it follows that a 
maximum of advantage is derivable by the 
formation of mixed plantations in all cases, 
in situations where they will naturally be 
sheltered from the effects of storms, or by 
planting windbreaks, so as to favour insect 
visits, particularly those of bees. 
- «»► 
Mr. H. Hall, lately foreman at Rooksnest.Godstone, 
has been engaged as gardener to General Marshall, 
Broadwater House, Godaiming. 
Mr. E. J. Beale, of Messrs. James Carter & Co., who 
is suffering from a carbuncle, has been compelled 
to cancel his public engagements, and intends, when 
convalescent, to take a lengthened sea voyage. 
The Liverpool Horticultural Association.—The 
annual dinner of this association is arranged to take 
place this (Saturday) evening at the Adelphi Hotel, 
Liverpool. 
The Primulas and Cyclamens in the London Seed 
Grounds of Messrs. Sutton & Sons are now in full 
bloom, and well worthy of a visit from any horti- 
culturalist, who may be visiting Reading, or the 
neighbourhood. Visitors are always made welcome, 
and the floral display is, of its kind, one of the most 
beautiful to be seen. 
Crown Lands in Wales.—Her Majesty’s Com¬ 
missioners of Woods and Forests have commissioned 
Messrs. Clibran & Son, of Altrincham, and of the 
Principality Nurseries, Llandudno Junction, to carry 
out the planting of Crown lands in Wales. The 
work is now in progress under the supervision of 
Mr. T. Lewis, Jr. 
Devon and Exeter Gardeners' Improvement Associa¬ 
tion.—Spring programme of session 1895. January 
23rd, Mr. Edwards, gardener at Honeylands, Whip- 
ton ; subject : " Melons and Cucumbers and their 
Culture.” February 6th, short essays by the younger 
members of the Association. February 20, Mr. E. 
Sparks, Pynes Gardens; subject, "The Cultivation 
of Early Vegetables.” March 6th, Mr. G. Camp, 
Culver Gardens ; subject, “ Foliage Plants and their 
Culture.” March 20th, Hyacinth and Spring Flower 
Show at the Royal Public Rooms. April 3rd; sub¬ 
ject, “ The Papers of Last Session.” 
The Yorkshire Gala. — The thirty-seventh annual 
meeting of the Guarantors and Life Members of the 
Yorkshire Gala was held recently at Harker’s Hotel, 
the Chairman, Alderman Sir Joseph Terry, presiding. 
On the motion of the Chairman, the Lord Mayor, 
(Mr. Alderman W. McKay), was unanimously elected 
President for the present year, and the following 
officers were re-elected: Sir Joseph Terry, Chairman; 
Mr. E. Rooke, Vice-President; Mr. Jos. Wilkinson, 
Treasurer; and Mr. Charles W. Simmons, Secretary. 
The last named gentleman being highly compli¬ 
mented on the admirable manner in which he had 
discharged the duties of his office. The floral, 
financial and entertainment committees were elected, 
and the following grants were made: For prizes to 
the floral exhibition, /600 ; for music, £120; for 
fireworks, £100 ; for balloon, /60 ; and other amuse¬ 
ments, £175. The amounts are similar to those of 
last year, with the exception of the last, which is 
increased. A vote of thanks to the Chairman con¬ 
cluded the business of the meeting. 
Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution.—The 
annual general meeting of the subscribers to this 
Institution will take place at "Simpson’s,” 101, 
Strand, on Thursday next, at 3 p.m. After the 
annual meeting, and at the same place, at 6 p.m., 
the usual friendly supper will be held, presided over 
by George A. Dickson, Esq., of Chester. The com¬ 
mittee will heartily welcome to this gathering any 
friends and supporters of the Institution who may 
desire to be present, tickets for which may be 
obtained on application to the Secretary, Mr. George 
J. Ingram, 50, Parliament Street, London, S.W. 
Forestry Honours.—The "honours diploma” for 
the science and practice of forestry has been granted 
by the Grand Ducal Forestry College at Eisenach, 
in the Duchy of Saxe-Weimar, to Mr. James 
William Watt, the eldest son of Mr. James Watt, 
Knowefield Nurseries, Carlisle. Prior to taking his 
course of study at Eisenach, Mr. James William 
Watt had worked for one season at a large seed 
establishment at Erfurt, in Germany. Having now’ 
taken his degree in forestry he will henceforth be 
associated with his father, the seed and nursery firm 
of Messrs. Little & Ballantyne, Carlisle. 
The Word “Scientist.”—In the December number 
of Science Gossip a protest was entered against the 
use of the word "scientist,” and opinions on the 
point have now been received from some well-known 
men. The Duke of Argyll, Sir John Lubbock, 
Lord Rayleigh, Professor Huxley, and Dr. Albert 
Gunther unreservedly condemn the word. Lord 
Rayleigh approves Lord Kelvin’s proposal to revert 
to the wider meaning of "naturalist,” while Dr. 
Gunther sarcastically suggests that “ scientist" 
might advantageously be reserved to denote the 
modern dabblers in great scientific questions. 
Professor Huxley thinks "scientist" must be 
"about as pleasing as ‘electrocution’” to anyone 
who respects the English language. 
Novel Decorations at a New Year’s Ball.—For the 
New Year's Ball at Bystock, near Exmouth, the seat 
of Mr. J. P. Bryce, the decorations were of a unique 
character, and were designed by Mr. F. W. Meyer, 
landscape gardener to Messrs. Veitch & Son, Exeter, 
who some years ago laid out the extensive caves and 
grottoes in the pleasure grounds. The leading 
features were a floral kiosk a “ New Year's card," 
and a snow cave. The kiosk was erected in the 
entrance hall over a magnificent Oriental statue, and 
consisted of large Poinsettias, on a background of 
dark ivy leaves, and rising from a bed of white arum 
lilies, the corners of the roof being illuminated with 
ruby-coloured lights. The ball-room has five large 
bay windows, and the central one was transformed 
into a New Year's card. The device “ A Happy New 
Year” being formed of large gilded fir cones, so 
skilfully suspended that they appeared to be growing 
from the fir trees which formed the background. At 
the base were some tasteful floral decorations, which 
had been added by the gardener, Mr. W. Swan. 
The most interesting apd novel part of the decorations, 
however, was a large snow cave, adjoining the 
supper room, the cave being an exact representation 
of a snowdrift, with many irregular projections and 
deep recesses filled with clusters of "icicles” of all 
sizes, and of most weird and picturesque appearance. 
Here and there the icicles were transparent, and 
reflecting a crimson glow, reminding one of the 
Northern lights. The cave provided additional 
accommodation for six supper tables, and caused 
many expressions of surprise and admiration. Not¬ 
withstanding that the place was thoroughly heated, 
the scene was so strikingly realistic that many of the 
guests shivered as they entered ! 
Furcraea Sellca.—Visitors to the Palm House at 
Kew can scarcely fail to notice a fine specimen of 
the above noble Mexican plant, which is now 
flowering in the eastern transept. The huge 
panicled inflorescence reaches nearly to the top 
of the curved glass roof. The flowers are white 
upon the edges of the petals, but tinged a rich 
green towards the centre. The leaves are some 
3 or 4 ft. in length, and are produced in a dense 
rosette, their margins being armed with stout 
upcurved spines of a brownish colour at intervals of 
about an inch. Wedoubt not that the flowering of this 
noble subject will before long give rise to a renewal 
of the "Century Plant” nonsense that crops up 
every now and then with surprising vitality. 
