78 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
October 3, 1896. 
A PLAGUE OF WATER HYACINTHS. 
Some of the members of the aquatic genus 
Pontederia have become a veritable nuisance 
in the various streams and waterways of 
Louisiana, and even in the two city navigation 
canals of New Orleans. Innumerable sheets of 
water and lagoons in the southern part of the state 
are being gradually filled up with floating masses of 
this beautiful aquatic. This recalls the case of 
Elodea canadensis or Water Thyme in this country ; 
only the Pontederia seems more far reaching in the 
mischief and impediment to the traffic which it 
brings about. Grand Lake is dotted with floating 
islands of this splendid but troublesome waterweed. 
ERIGERON MUCRONATUS. 
This is often described as the New Holland Daisy ; 
but when the flowers first expand, the disc is yellow 
and the rays white, afterwards changing to rose. 
It therefore differs in that respect from the " wee, 
modest, crimson-tipped flower ” which has the tips of 
the rays darkest when they first expand, and becoming 
paler with age. The great length of time during which 
this Erigeron keeps in bloom is a great point in its 
favour, independently of its real beauty. 
ARTEMISIA ARBORESCENS. 
To describe this as a hardy evergreen shrub seems 
playing upon words for it is not green at all but 
silvery-gray or almost white. The term evergreen is 
merely conventional, however, and indicates that 
the plant to which it is applied retains its leaves 
all the year round. It forms a bushy, branching 
shrub about io ft. high when allowed to attain such 
dimensions, and has its leaves three-times divided 
into linear segments, covered with a silky, silvery- 
gray tomentum. It, therefore, possesses considerable 
ornamental value, and may be used amongst 
shrubbery or in bedding arrangements during the 
summer months, its size being regulated by annual 
propagation from cuttings. Being a native of the 
Levant, from whence it was introduced in 1640, it is 
relatively hardy, but would no doubt stand best if 
planted in a dry, sheltered, well-drained position. A 
fine bush may be seen on the rockery at Kew. 
Questions sno snsraeRS 
*,* Will our friends who send us newspapers be so good 
as to mark the paragraphs or articles they wish us to see. 
We shall be greatly obliged by their so doing. 
A Huge Fungus.— J. R. : The specimen you sent us 
was the Giant Puff Ball (Lycoperdon giganteum). 
It was a magnificent one of its kind, but not the 
largest on record by 3 in. if we remember rightly. 
Your specimen measured 3 ft. 9 in. io its greatest 
circumference. The greater diameter was 15 in and 
the lesser one 12 in. In depth it was 10 in. Although 
the species comes up every year amongst the Currant 
bushes, it is not confined to such situations, but may 
come up in other places where it can find decaying 
vegetable matter to its liking. When young and 
solid it is edible, but was too old for that purpose 
when it reached us even if we had felt inclined to 
feed upon it for a week. It was in fact mature, and 
after lying upon our table for six days, became 
offensive, and had to be forcibly removed. Its 
numerous spores are used as a styptic, but fortu¬ 
nately we had no need for its services in that respect. 
It was the largest we have seen, and excited a con¬ 
siderable amount of curiosity amongst our visitors 
while it maintained its good behaviour. 
Yineries in wet Weather.— Omega : If the atmos¬ 
phere of the house is fairly dry, you may keep the 
vineries closed for a short period without danger ; 
but if otherwise it may be necessary to slightly warm 
the hotwater pipes now and again during the day in 
order to dispel the damp. Later in the season it will 
be almost imperative to keep the pipes slightly warm 
every day in order to insure the safety of the Grapes, 
particularly if the weather is mild and damp. In 
every case when you light a fire you must put on a 
little top air. If your berries show signs of damping 
now, you must use a little fire heat, with top venti¬ 
lation, even if only a little. 
Damaged Pears. —After having had a fill of the 
small fruits the birds are turning their attention to 
Apples and Pears. They single out the finest fruits 
and ruin them by pecking holes in them. R. William¬ 
son believes himself to be the most unfortunate 
individual in this respect, and the only comfort we 
can give him is to assure him that plenty of other 
people are as sorely plagued as he. Moral : net 
your fruit, if you want to be sure of it. The best 
thing that we can suggest is to make use of the 
damaged fruits by stewing them. Stewed Pears are 
delicious ! We have noticed in rare cases that where 
late Pears have received only trifling injuries that 
the wounds will actually heal up in the course of 
time ; but this is only wl e 1 the flesh is very hard 
and sound. None of the ordinary dessert varieties 
will behave thus. 
Lily of the Yalley. — Omega : The crowns are now 
at rest, and you may lift them at once, transplanting 
them into well prepared ground, made rich with 
manure and leaf mould. You may do this at any 
time between now and the time the crowns start 
into growth in spring ; but you should do it at once 
or as soon as the ground is sufficiently dry to be 
workable. They will have time to become settled in 
the ground before winter, and be ready to start away 
freely when the temperature rises in spring. 
Why are variegated Hollies dwarf? -J. L. P. : 
There are various reasons for this, and one can only 
get at the true solution of the case, by an acquain¬ 
tance with the conditions and circumstance under 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET 
September 30 th, 1896. 
Fruit.—Average Wholesale Pkicbs. 
>. d 1. d. 
Apples.per bushel 26 40 
Black Currants J sieve 
Red „ J sieve 
Cherries half sieve... 
Nova Scotia Apples 
per barrel 
Cob Nuts and Fil¬ 
berts, per 100 lbs 25 0 27 6 
s. d. s. d 
Grapes, per lb. 06 16 
Pme-apples. 
—St Michael's each 26 60 
Plums peri sieve . 5 0 
Strawberries, per lb. 
Tasmanian Apples, 
per case 
Vegetables.—Average Wholesale Prices 
which the trees are growing. Some trees never 
seem to thrive very vigorously, especially in poor 
soil or when too heavily overhung by other trees. 
There is the question of age. Hollies, as a rule, 
grow very slowly when young. Over and above all 
these facts you must remember that variegated 
Hollies, like all other kinds of variegated plants, are 
never so vigorous as their green counterparts. The 
reason for this is that the leaves are generally smaller 
than the green ones, and the amount of chlorophyll 
or leaf-green is likewise further reduced in proportion 
as the variegation is extensive. You can prove this 
by allowing the green branches of Euonymus, Privet, 
Dogwood or other plant to develop. They will grow 
more rapidly than the variegated portions, and soon 
make the plants appear more or less wholly green. 
Covering fruit in the fruitroom — W. H. K. : 
We have seen and heard of this being done, but con¬ 
sider it a very bad practice, particularly in the early 
part of the season, as it confines the moisture arising 
from the freshly gathered fruit, and causes it to rot. 
You cannot do better than lay the Apples and Pears 
upon the bare shel >es of the fruitroom. Later on, 
say in early spring, late keeping varieties could be 
kept in a plump condition for a longer period by 
wrapping up each fruit separately in tissue paper. 
Straw should not be placed under nor over them, as 
it soon gets musty and mouldy, tainting the flavour 
of the fruit. 
Root-pruning Apple Trees.— H. A.M.\ The pre¬ 
sent is a highly suitable time for performing the 
operation, provided you do not cut the roots so 
severely as to cause a loss of foliage, in the event of 
the weather becoming dry before the natural fall of 
the leaf. The present moist condition of the atmos¬ 
phere is highly suitable and favourable for the 
operation. The trees will get partly established 
again before winter sets in, if root pruned now. 
Names of Fruit.— D.A.D.: Apple Catshead.—- 
J. H. O. : 5, not known ; 6, Bedfordshire Foundling ; 
7, Flower of Kent; 9, Dutch Mignonne; 10, Scarlet 
Nonpareil; n, Forge; 15, not known ; 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 
12, 13, 14, 16, had all lost their numbers, which were 
rolling loose in the box, so that it would have been 
futile to attempt naming them, as no one could deter¬ 
mine which number belonged to which fruit. Apples 
and indeed fruit of any kind should be packed to 
prevent their rolling about, otherwise the papers 
bearing the numbers get wet and fall away. The 
Apples you sent were much scratched with the pins. 
A safer plan would be to roll each fruit in a piece of 
paper bearing the number. 
Names of Plants.—IK. H. : i, Ophiopogon 
Jaburan variegatus; 2, Selaginella Brauntii; 3, 
Dracaena terminalis, apparently, but one leaf is 
scarcely sufficient for determination; 4, Gymno- 
gramme calomelanos chrysophylla ; 5, withered up, 
send again in damp moss ; 5 , Asparagus plumosus 
nanus ; 7, Adiantum diaphanum ; 8, Chlorophytum 
elatum variegatum ; 9, Adiantum macrophyllum — 
W. K. : Leycesteria formosa, the first specimen was 
named and appeared some weeks ago in this column. 
— Stuart: 1, Aster Novi-Belgii densus ; 2, Sedum 
stoloniferum splendens; 3, Campanula i-ophylla 
alba ; 4, Aster Novi-Belgii Htrper Crewe ; 5, Matri¬ 
caria Parthenium flore pleno; 6, Xeranthemum 
annuum ; 7, Phlox Drummondi; 8, Petunia violacea 
var.; 9. Xeranthemum annuum album ; 10, Helian- 
thus rigidus ; n, Helianthus rigidus var. ; 12, Aster 
Novi-Belgii var.— W. T. : 1, Odontoglossum Rossii 
humeanum ; 2, Oncidium incurvum ; 3, Oncidium 
omithorhynchium.— R. L : 1, Asparagus plumosus 
nanus (a very slender-leaved variety) ; 2, Nephro- 
dium patens; 3, Adiantum Moorei; 4, Pteris 
cretica ; 5. Pteris umbrosa ; 6, Pteris cretica albo- 
lineata; 7, Selaginella emiliana; 8, Selaginella 
uncinata. 
Communications Received.—A E Stubbs.— 
Constant Reader. — Alexr. Macrae. — Benjamin 
Soddy — A Kirk.—A. P.—W. G.-H. C.—T. Hardy. 
— Grower.—G. R —J. S—W. Walker.—A J., C.— 
T. Wilkins—A. K — B. P.-A. E. S —J S — 
Brighton Society.—Akbar.—D. G. M.—Enquired.— 
F. Talbot.—Newry—Richmond.—L. Mantell. 
--j—-- 
TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. 
R. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens, Colchester.— 
Autumn Catalogue of Lilies, Calochorti, Brodiaea, 
Hardy Herbaceous Plants and Bulbs. 
Wm. Romsey, JoyniDg's Nurseries, Waltham 
Cross.—Catalogue of Roses, Fruit Trees, Ornamen¬ 
tal Trees, Shrubs, &c. 
W. and J. Birkenhead, S tie, Manchester — 
Choice Collection of Ferns and Selaginellas. Special 
Autumn List. 
1. d. 1. d. 
ArtlcbokesGlobedoz. 2 0 30 
Asparagus,per bundle 
Beaus, French, per 
ha f sieve 2629 
Beet. per dozen 20 30 
Brussel Sprouts, 
per half sieve 
Cabbages ... per doz. 1013 
Carrots ... per bunch 0 3 
Cauliflowers.doz. 20 30 
Celery.per bu-dle 1 0 
Cucumbers per doz. 16 30 
Endive, French, doz. 1 6 
1. d. s. d. 
Herbs .per bunch 02 00 
Horse Radish, bundle a 0 40 
Lettnces ...per dozen 1 3 
Mushrooms, p. basket 10 16 
Onions.per bnneb 04 06 
Parsley ... per bunch 0 3 
Radishes... per dozen 1 b 
Seakale...per basket 
Smallsaladlng,punnet o 4 
Spinach per bushel 20 23 
Tomatos. per lb. 03 04 
Turnips.per bnn. 3 0 
Arnm Lilies, ia blms. 4 0 
Asparagus Fern, bun. 1 6 
Asters, doz. bches 3 o 
Bouvardtas, per bun. 0 6 
Carnations doz.blms. 0 6 
Carnations, doz. bchs.4 0 
Enouarls ...per doz 3 o 
Gardenias ...per doz. 1 6 
Geranium, scarlet, 
doz. bunches 4 o 
Glidiolii, doz. spikes 1 0 
Lilium lancifolium, 
doz. blooms 1 0 
Llllum longlflorum 
per doz. 3 0 
Lilac, White (French) 
per bnch. 4050 
Mrrguerltes, 12 bun. 10 20 
MaiienhairFern,i2bs.4 060 
Orchids, doz. blooms 1 6 12 0 
Pelargoniums,12 bun. 40 60 
s. d. s. d. 
Pyrethrum doz. bun. 20 40 
Roses (indoor), doz. 06 16 
„ Tea,white, doz. 1 o 2 3 
,, Niels . 20 40 
,, Safrano . 10 2 0 
„ (English), 
Red Roses, doz.o 610 
Red Roses, doz. bchs 40 60 
Pink Roses, doz. 10 16 
Smilax, per bunch ...16 30 
Stephanotis, doz. 
sprays .26 40 
Tuberoses, doz. 
blooms .03 04 
Primula, double, doz. 
sprays 06 06 
Violets (French) per 
doz. bnches. 1 6 
Violets (English) per 
doz. bnches. 1620 
Cut Flowers.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
1. d. 1. d 
6 o 
2 0 
6 o 
0 9 
2 o 
e o 
5 ° 
3 ° 
6 o 
1 6 
2 0 
6 0 
Plants in Pots —Average WholesxL* Prices 
1. d. 1. d. 
Aibor Vitae (golden) 
per doz. 6 0 12 0 
Aspidistra, doz. 18 0 36 0 
„ specimen 30 50 
Asters, doz. pots ... 30 60 
Chrysanthemums, per 
doz. 40 90 
,, per pot 1020 
Coleus, per doz. 30 40 
Diacaena, various, 
per doz. 12 0 30 0 
Dracaena vlridis.doz. 90180 
Euonymus, var. doz. 6 o 18 0 
Evergreens.Invar.doz 6 0 24 0 
Erica, per dez. 9 o 15 o 
t, d. 1. d 
Ferns, invar.,per doz. 4 0 12 0 
Ferns, small, per 100 40 f 0 
Ficus elastica, each 1050 
Foliage Plants, var., 
each 1 o 50 
Heliotrope, per doz. 40 60 
Lycopodiums, doz. 30 40 
Marguerite Daisy doz 6 090 
Myrtles, doz . 60 90 
Mignonette . 40 60 
Palms in varlety.each 1 0 15 0 
Palms, Specimen ...21 0 63 o 
Pelargoniums, scarlet,2 040 
Solanums, per doz. 12 0 15 0 
grmtifural 
Scniimrast 
An Illustrated Monthly Magazine of 52 pages and oover; 
ponent of scientific and high-farming ; advocate of co-opera- 
icn In agriculture, in the supply of tarm requisites and the sale 
of produce ; organ of the Agricultural and Horticultural Associ¬ 
ation, the pioneer society tor mutual supply of pure oilcakes, 
complete manures, reliable seeds and Implements on wholesale 
terms. Specimen copy free. Subscription per annum, 5s. 
Inclusive of postage. Single Copies 6 d. each, through all 
Newsagents.—3, Agar Street, Strand, London. W.C. 
INDEX TO ADVERTISEMENTS. 
Auction Sales. 
Protberoe & Morris. 66 
]. C. Stevens. 66 
Bulbs. 
Barr & Sons. 65 
W. B. Hartland . 65 
T. Jannoch. 65 
A. Roozen & Sons . 65 
Sellens. 65 
B. Soddy. 65 
Sutton & Sons. 65 
R. Sydenham . 65 
C. G. Van Tubergen. 65 
J. Veilch & Sons. 67 
Webb & Sons . 67 
Catalogues 
Barr & Sons . 65 
Buuyard & Co. 65 
Sutton & Sons . 65 
J. Veilch & Sons. 67 
Webb & Sons. 67 
Chrysanthemums. 
H. f. Jones. 67 
Coal. 
W. H. Essery . 80 
Florists’ Flowers 
A Lister. 65 
C. Walker . 65 
Young & Dobinson. 66 
Flower Pots. 
Sankey & Sons, Ltd. 79 
Garden Sundries. &c. 
Hirst, Brooke & Hirst, ... 65 
A. Porter. 80 
A. Wasilieff . 65 
Hardy Plants. 
M. Chapman. 65 
Kelway & Son . 65 
Heating Apparatus. 
W. Cooper, Llmi.ed . 80 
Messmger & Co. 80 
C. W. Smallbone & Co.... 66 
Thames Bank Iron Co ... 65 
Horticultural Builders. 
I. Boyd & Sons. 65 
W. Cooper, Ltd. So 
Crowther. 80 
J. Gray. 65 
VV. Richardson & Co. So 
J. Weeks & Co. 65 
Insecticides. 
Gishurst Compound. 65 
Manures 
W. Brown, Sons & Co. ... 65 
Clay & Son... 80 
W. Colchester. *5 
Normalene. 65 
W. Thomson & Sons ... So 
Miscellaneous 
Darlington’s Books. 66 
Gishurstine . 65 
Orr’s Fruit Trays. !. 66 
Outram's Flower Holders 66 
Petroleum. 65 
D. L Risley . 66 
Smallbone & Son.. .. 66 
Smyth’s Baskets. 65 
Mushroom Spawn. 
W. Cutbush & Sons. 66 
Orchids 
H. Brochner. 65 
J. Cypher . 66 
W. L. Lewis & Co. 63 
P. McArthur. 69 
F. Sander & Co. 65 
Roses. 
I. Cowan & Co. 67 
Seilens. 65 
Strawberries. 
J. Chivers . 67 
Head. 65 
Laxton Bros . 65 
R Smith & Co. 63 
A. Wright . 65 
Yines. 
J. Cowan. 67 
