276 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
January 2, 1897, 
is the longest, running to 134 pages. The 
book runs to 196 pages altogether, including 
the index, and nine short chapters on 
various subjects. Notwithstanding the 
alphabetical arrangement of the chapter 
containing the descriptions of the various 
species and varieties of Conifers noted, we 
consider that the index would have been 
greatly improved by being paged for refer- 
erence to such headings as Conifers and 
soils, enemies of Conifers, diseases of Coni¬ 
fers, hares, voles, black game, wire-worms, 
&c., injurious to Conifers. The headings 
of the chapters are of less importance than 
the side-headings, which take longer time to 
find. We would prefer the arrangement 
of the “ contents ” at the beginning of the 
book ; but even there the respective pages 
are not indicated. This deficiency is less 
noticeable, however, when one becomes 
acquainted with the general arrangement. 
Mr. Webster’s method of dealing with a 
species of Conifer is to give the names as 
accepted by modern botanists, together 
with the authority for the specific name. 
This is followed by the English name, 
where any such exists; then follow the 
synonyms in italics, though we note some 
omissions, even of names still to be met with 
in gardens. The general aspect of the tree, 
descriptions of its various parts, and its uses 
are next dealt with. In the case of well- 
known kinds, hints are given concerning 
the soil and situations in which the tree 
usually gives the greatest amount of satis¬ 
faction to the planter and owner. 
In some cases the descriptions appended 
to the species might have been consider¬ 
ably shortenedby relegating the information 
about the quality and uses of the timber to 
Chapter VII, which deals with the “Quality 
of British-grown Coniferous Trees.” The 
classification of the Genera Plantanm is 
not adopted in all cases ; but that is a 
matter which excites but little surprise in 
us, seeing how often both the names and 
classification of Conifers have been changed 
every now and again, for many years past. 
Indeed we should now be surprised to find 
unanimity amongst any considerable section 
of botanists or authors of books. The 
botanical names in some cases become 
almost unintelligible to ordinary readers, 
while the English ones become the main¬ 
stay by which to recognise the trees under 
notice. 
In connection with Araucaria imbricata, 
the author made an interesting observation 
at Cudham Hall, in Kent, the property of 
the Earl of Derby, where he noted large 
numbers of both male and female cones 
produced upon the same tree. The species 
is peculiar amongst Conifers, inasmuch as 
the flowers are usually, though not always, 
dioecious. 
Conifers are propagated by seeds, cuttings, 
grafting and layering, the importance of 
these operations being indicated by the 
order of the arrangement of these four 
methods. Layering has few or no advan¬ 
tages to offer, and could easily be left out 
of consideration. The author describes the 
method of grafting, but says that unless 
carried out on sound principles he would 
not recommend it. Generally speaking we 
consider this quite true, although we believe 
some of it is occasionally effected yet. Less 
recently however, many blunders were 
made and much mischief caused later on by 
injudicious grafting. We shall only refer 
to a fine avenue of the Deodar Cedar at 
Kew. The trees had been grafted on the 
common or European Larch as a stock; 
but after thriving fairly well till they 
reached a height of 20 ft. to 30 ft., they 
began to lose vigour, to dwindle and decay 
prematurely, so that instead of proving 
ornamental and imposing as they should 
havedoneatthat age,theyhadtobecut down. 
The evergreen nature of the Cedar proved 
too much for the roots of the Larch, which 
is deciduous and goes naturally to rest in 
autumn. When grafted Conifers are kept 
in a fairly close frame till a union is eftected, 
we consider grafting clay and wax are 
entirely unnecessary to the success of the 
operation, as the graft cannot get unduly 
dry, when properly tied up with cotton or 
raffia, owing to the preservation of moisture 
by the frame itself. The third chapter is 
devoted to Conifers and soils, in which we 
note that the author says the Larch grows 
better nowhere, nor is freer from diseases 
than when planted in peaty soil. If this is 
true, then ought the tree to be extensively 
planted in the peaty soils of Ireland. Pro¬ 
bably, however, he would draw the line at 
the kind of peat, known as bog peat. 
Nevertheless, he goes on to say that the 
Douglas Fir, the Pitch Pine, Red Wood of 
California and a few other trees, are at 
home on deep peat bog. 
In speaking of Conifers for various 
positions, the author says that Araucaria 
imbricata and Sequoia gigantea have sadly 
belied the hopes of the planter. Those 
trees are somewhat fastidious as to position, 
and uncertain in their behaviour, but in 
noting avenues of them, he has evidently 
overlooked the imposing avenue of Araucaria 
imbricata at Bicton, Devon. In some soils 
and situations, however, the above trees 
make magnificent specimens. In the for¬ 
mation of avenues of any one particular 
tree we should avoid Conifers generally ; 
for those that would be reliable for the pur¬ 
pose when grown up, must necessarily be 
of some common or uninteresting type, 
perfectly hardy and not liable to be broken 
down by snowstorms, such as are of occas¬ 
ional or even frequent occurrence in Britain. 
Surely Pinus insignis should have been 
included in the list of species suitable for 
the seaside. By far the best specimens 
we have seen were growing in maritime 
localities. On the other hand Ginkgo 
biloba has deservedly been mentioned 
amongst those for smoky districts. It is a 
beautiful tree, does well in London and 
the suburbs, but is far too rare anywhere 
in Britain. In speaking of Conifers for 
economic planting due attention has been 
given to all those kinds which have been 
brought into prominence recently at the 
Conifer Conference, held at Chiswick, and 
elsewhere, the discussions concerning which 
have been largely fostered by the failure of 
the Larch. We are somewhat surprised, 
however, by the writer’s remarks anent the 
value of the wood of the Scotch Pine, both 
in Britian and Ireland, where it is so 
inferior in quality “as hardly to fetch the 
price of second-rate firewood.” In the 
midst of a purely agricultural district we 
have noted even the upper portion and the 
stronger branches of the tree being highly 
appreciated for the purpose of fencing, 
while the trunk was sent to a distance for 
more important purposes. Our native 
trees will be more valued when foreign 
wood becomes scarcer. The author has 
made numerous experiments with the view 
of testing the value of various exotic trees 
grown in this country, from a commercial 
or timber point of view. The value of Pinus 
Laricio is now pretty well recognised, but 
we were unprepared for his statements 
concerning the value and durability of the 
wood of Cedrus Libani. Some boards cut 
from a tree about 100 years old were made 
into a sheep-washing trough about 18 years 
ago, and even though sunk in the ground 
and alternately subjected to damp and 
drought for that period of time, the boarding, 
when removed, was perfectly sound though 
dark in colour. Evidently we have much 
to learn yet concerning timber which may 
be grown in this country. 
Sweet Peas still multiply, about 25 new sorts, at 
least, being put on the seed market this year. 
Novelties for 1897 are greatly reduced in price. 
Seeds of Musa Ensete do not keep good for a great 
length of time. If put into a stove or pit with a 
good bottom heat, they should germinate in the 
course of three weeks. 
Wild Flowers for December.—The following isalistof 
wild flowers open for the week ending December 12th, 
1896, at Ambleside:—Primrose, Wild Strawberry, 
barren Strawberry, red Dead-Nettle, Angelica, Rag¬ 
wort, Pansy, Shepherd's Purse, Chickweed, Mouse- 
ear Chickweed, Broad-leaved Mouse-ear Chickweed, 
Field Speedwell, Common Speedwell, Bitter Cress, 
Pepperwort, Mercury, Pink Campion, Holly, Ivy, 
Annual Meadowgrass, Ivy-leaved Toad-flax, Daisy, 
Lesser Cat's Ear, Groundsel, Currant, and American 
Currant—26 in all. 
Messrs. James Veitoh & Sons.—We learn that, for 
family reasons, Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, of the 
Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, have decided on 
converting their business into a private limited com¬ 
pany under the name of James Veitch & Sons, 
Limited. None of the capital of the company will 
be issued to the public, and the conversion will not 
affect the general conduct of the business which will 
be carried on as heretofore under the direct superin¬ 
tendence and management of Mr. Harry J. Veitch, 
and his two nephews, Mr. James H. Veitch and Mr. 
John G. Veitch, who will act as directors of the 
company. 
Presentation to Mr. Wallace Mackay.—The 
employees of Messrs. R. Veitch and Son, Exeter 
were entertained at a supper at the Castle Hotel, 
Exeter, by Mr. Wallace Mackay on December 19th. 
The feast was to celebrate their host’s completion of 
25 years’ service with Messrs. Veitch. The oppor¬ 
tunity was taken to present Mr. Mackay with an 
illuminated address, executed by Mr. F. Tozer, on 
the part of his fellow employees. A handsome silver 
cigar case and vesta-box accompanied the address. 
The presentation was made on behalf of his colleagues 
by Mr. Webber. Mr. Veitch sent a handsome silver 
salver and a cheque for £25, by way of recognition 
of the valuable services rendered by Mr. Mackay to 
his firm. A letter accompanied these practical mani¬ 
festations, of good will, couched in sympathetic terms 
and expressing a hope that the cordial relationships 
that had existed between them would continue. 
Amongst the company were Mr. A. Hope, Mr. Meyer, 
and Mr. H. Baker. Songs and speeches occupied 
the remainder of a very pleasant evening. 
International Exhibition at Ghent.—The Royal 
Agricultural and Botanical Society of Ghent intends 
to open its fourteenth quinquennial and international 
exhibition in the Casino, Ghent, in the month of 
April, 1898. Amateurs and nurserymen throughout 
the whole world are invited to take part in that 
exhibition. Only the collections or exhibits belong¬ 
ing to several exhibitors, as well as the collective 
lots of horticultural societies are excluded from the 
exhibition. The society wishing to reply to a desire 
manifested by a large number of exhibitors, gives 
most importance to cultivated plants, specimen 
plants, and has reserved mumerous prizes for well- 
flowered examples belonging to the following genera: 
—Allamanda, Abutilon, Azalea indica, Andromeda, 
Boronia, Camellia, Choisya, Chorizema, Citrus 
sinensis (in fruit) Clerodendron, Clivia, Cochliostema, 
Correa, Cytisus, Daphne, Diosma, Epacris, Erica, 
Eriostemon, Euphorbia, Darwinia, Grevillea f 
Hebeclinium, Lapageria, Lasiandra, Libonia, 
Medinilla magnifica, Metrosideros, Mimosa, Mitraria, 
Pimelia, Polygala, Rhododendron, Roses, Spar- 
mannia africana, Stephanotis, Strelitzia, Wistaria, 
&c. Special prizes will be offered for each of the 
above. The prizes will consist of works of art, 
gold medals, framed silver gilt medals, silver gilt 
medals, large and small silver medals, &c. The 
awards will be adjudged by an international jury 
chosen from amongst horticulturists of repute. The 
distribution of the prizes for the respective exhibits 
will be indicated in a detailed programme, which 
will appear before May 1st, 1897. The classes in 
which prizes will be offered in 1898 are extremely 
numerous and divided into twenty-eight sections. 
Intending exhibitors must apply before March 20th, 
1898, to M. Fierens, secretary of the Royal Agri¬ 
cultural and Botanical Society, Casino, Ghent. 
