May 29, 1897. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
615 
Canna America has dark bronzy-red or apricot-red 
flowers, faintly spotted with salmon, and having a pale 
yellow centre. The variety belongs to the same race 
as Austria and Italia, but though the new comer is 
very distinct in colour, the substance of the flower 
has not much improved. 
Shirley Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Association. 
—The monthly meeting of the above society was 
held at the Parish Room, Shirley, Southampton, on 
Monday the 17th inst., the president, W. F. G. 
Spranger, Esq., presiding over a good attendance of 
the members. The subject for the evening was a 
" Microscopical Demonstration," by Mr. A. C. 
Rogers, of Red Lodge Nursery, assisted by Mr. T. 
Brierley, Borough Analyst, Dr. A. Angell, County 
Analyst, Mr. H. Ashby and Mr. Edgar Eady ; and 
about twenty microscopes were under their care. 
Mr. Rogers gave a brief address, and amongst other 
things he said, " their object was to introduce their 
audience to the fairyland of science, and no paper 
read could be so good as ocular demonstration as 
afforded by the microscope. He and his friends 
intended to give them examples of every department 
of vegetable life and some insects, showing as 
regards the first-named, the cellular structure, 
cuticles, stomata, spiral vessels, raphidian crystals, 
and epidermal appendages, such as hairs and scales ; 
also the various parts connected with the repro¬ 
duction of the species, such as pistils, anthers, 
ovaries, pollen, and seed. This would show the in¬ 
finite diversity and adaptation of nature. Evolution 
of plant life is an absorbing topic to the botanist. 
Imagine the gigantic forest of Ferns and Club 
Mosses of the carboniferous period, and compare 
them with the beautiful forms of plant life of to-day, 
and you will get an idea of the vast changes that 
have taken place. The patient investigator will find 
an inexhaustable source of the highest intellectual 
pleasure in trying to unravel some of the secrets of 
Nature, which are yielded only to those who dili¬ 
gently seek to learn the lessons which are written in 
every leaf and flower ; and he trusted some of his 
audience would now be induced to take up this field 
of research.” The members now went the rounds 
of the microscopes for the next hour. A hearty vote 
of thanks was accorded to the operators, to the 
exhibitors and to the president, and some light 
refreshments being provided a pleasant and social 
evening was spent. The exhibits included Rhodo¬ 
dendrons and Azaleas from Mr. W. H. Rogers, Red 
Lodge Nursery ; six varieties of hardy shrubs (Certi¬ 
ficate), from Col. W. S. Sinkins ; Cucumbers (Certi¬ 
ficate), Tomatos in pots (Certificate), six hardy 
shrubs, cut blooms, and two pieces of Laburnum 
showing three different coloured bunches of blooms 
from the president ; Mushrooms (Certificate) and 
Orchids, from C. G. Smart Menteth, Esq. ; group, 
vases and decorative plants from Mr. B. Ladham's 
nurseries, and a number of other exhibits, making 
altogether an effective display. 
-•+•-- 
PLANTS RECENTLY CERTIFICATED. 
The following plants received Certificates of Merit at 
the summer show of the Royal Botanic Society at 
Regent’s Park on May 19. 
Anemia rotundifolia. —For description of this 
see the list of plants certificated by the R.H.S. on 
May nth. Botanical Certificate. Mr. Wm. Bull, 
F.L.S., 536, King’s Road, Chelsea. 
Ficus radicans variegata. —This is a very pretty 
trailing Ficus. The leaves are about 1J in. in length, 
lanceolate and acuminate. They exhibit a light 
green hue with a broad margin of white. Botanical 
Certificate. Mr. W. Bull. 
Tulip Flambeau. —A fine form of the Darwin 
Tulips with the characteristic slaty-blue base. The 
flower is large, of good form and bright scarlet in 
colour. Grown in masses it is most effective. 
Floricultural Certificate, Messrs. Barr & Sons, 
King Street, Covent Garden. 
Tulip Orange Queen is another Darwin Tulip 
of great merit. In colour it is rich apricot, shaded 
towards the centre of the segments with ruddy- 
chestnut. The flower is deep and of excellent form, 
Floricultural Certificate. Messrs. Barr & Sons. 
Papaver Prince of Orange. —This is a superb 
form of P. orientale The flowers are very large and 
bright orange-scarlet. The deep black-maroon 
blotch at the base of each petal internally is about 
J in. in diameter. The plant runs to about 2 ft. 
in height in an ordinary season, and is a most suit¬ 
able subject for the herbaceous border. Floricultural 
Certificate. Messrs. Barr & Sons. 
Rose Mrs. Rumsey. —This is a fixed sport from 
the H. P. Mrs. George Dickson, which it closely 
resembles in habit of growth, freedom of flowering, 
and mildew-resisting qualities. The flowers are of 
fine shape, and rich rosy-pink in colour. Floricult¬ 
ural Certificate. Mr. Wm. Rumsey, Joyning’s 
Nurseriesi Waltham Cross, N. 
- * 1 -- 
<®leanings from tint HDurlb 
of Smncq. 
The undermentioned subjects were brought up at 
the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Royal 
Horticultural Society on the nth May. 
Weevils on Fruit Trees.—Mr. Robt. Smith, of 
Shrewsbury, forwarded some living specimens 
received by him from Mr. J. Jones, Chelmick Pools, 
Church Stretton. They were described as attacking 
Plum and Apple grafts, Roses and Raspberry buds. 
They proved to be Otiorrhynchus picipes. The 
trees and bushes might be sprayed, though a better 
plan is to shake the boughs over a large sheet of 
paper, in which they can be caught and then 
destroyed. 
Birch Branch with Phytoptus —Dr. Masters 
showed specimens illustrating the early stage of the 
attack on boughs by this insect. It is not often the 
commencement of the so-called " Witch Brooms " 
can be detected as in this instance. 
Abies bracteata.—He also exhibited sprays of 
this handsome tree, remarkable for the silvery under¬ 
surface of the leaves, which are about 3 in. in length. 
It bears large male catkins, and elongated pointed 
buds. It is a native of S. California. It is remark¬ 
able that it fails to flower on the Atlantic side of N. 
America. 
Picea Menziesii.—He also showed a bough of 
this splendid timber tree from Vancouver. 
Petalless Apples.—Flowering shoots of the 
Ecklinville (Seedling) Apple were received, remark¬ 
able for having no petals. They were sent from the 
Glewstone Gardens, Ross. There were 600 bushes 
of twelve years’ growth, all being similarly affected, 
No particular cause could be suggested. 
Double Narcissus.—Dr. Masters showed a single 
and double flower of a N. incomparabilis, of a some¬ 
what novel character. The perianth consisted of 
twelve pieces regularly arranged in " threes.” The 
short cup-shaped corona as well as the stamens 
were totally absent ; but the styles above the tube 
were free and petaloid, suggesting the normal condi¬ 
tion in an Iris. 
Sclerotia (?).—Mr. M. Taylor, of The Gardens, 
Pembedw Hall, Nannerch, sent some remarkable 
specimens of a fungus consisting of large branching 
lumps, which appeared in a Mushroom bed. They 
were forwarded to Kew for investigation. 
Improved Method of Grafting.—Mr. Robt. 
Smith, of Bradwell Villas, Bishop Street, Shrews¬ 
bury, sent a number of specimens of grafts, 
illustrating a new method. This being, that in 
preparing the scion, while one " tongue” is inserted 
as usual, the opposite half of the scion is carried 
over the flat top or "crown,” and inserted on the 
opposite side, or two grafts may be thus inserted on 
opposite sides of the stem, the result being, as shown 
in the specimens sent, that the summit is completely 
covered in with new growth. This was seen in small 
specimens of whip-grafting, but none were sent to 
show how far large crowns would become covered 
over. Another advantage arose from the new method 
of preventing loss of grafts by wind breakage, for it 
thus gave a better and stronger union. It was 
thought by Mr. Douglas that it was a decided 
improvement upon the old method, as long as the 
scion and stock were of the same size ; but further 
information was desirable as to the success when the 
surface of the stock much exceeded that of the scion. 
Double White Auricula.—Mr. R. Dean sent a 
plant, which was the result of fifteen years' selection 
from a single white variety ; the petals were not of a 
pure white, but slightly yellowish-green tint. 
Hints for Amateurs. 
Correspondence. 
Questions asked by amateurs on any subject pertaining 
to gardens or gardening will be answered on this page. 
Anyone may give additional or more explanatory answers 
to questions that have already appeared. Those who desire 
their communications to appear on this page should write 
“ Amateurs' Page ” on the top of their letters. 
Planting Tomatos.— W Knight: The wall facing 
south will suit the Tomatos capitally. You should 
lose no time in getting the plants out as they will be 
safe enough from frost now. At least we are all 
hoping that the frosts are over for the season. 
Crimson Rambler. — D. Tuiiss writes to ask 
if there is a yellow Rose ot the same habit as Crim¬ 
son Rambler, and if so, where it can be obtained, 
Claire Jacquier is the counterpart of Crimson 
Rambler as far as habit goes, although it is scarcely 
so vigorous a grower. The flowers are light yellow. 
It can be had from any of the nurserymen who make 
a speciality of Roses. 
Asparagus.— Will you tell me why my Asparagus 
has come so poorly this year ? I only get a very few 
sticks from them. The beds were planted five years 
ago with good strong roots. Surely they are not 
worn out yet, as they have not been cut very hardj 
Geo. Taylor. 
We think that it is carelessness in cutting the 
heads more than anything else that is to blame ; 
certainly the beds ought to be all right yet. A pro¬ 
perly made and well husbanded Asparagus bed will 
last for twenty years. If you use a knife when cut¬ 
ting, and push this down for some depth below the 
soil you are almost sure to injure the young buds 
which are in the neighbourhood. Give your beds a 
dressing of salt, as much as will whiten the ground 
well, and be careful with the knife, 
Climbers for Greenhouse. —Will you give me a list 
of some of the most suitable climbers for a green¬ 
house ? I can keep the temperature of the house up 
to 45° during the winter months except in very sharp 
weather. Exmouth. 
Hoya carnosa, Plumbago capensis, Lapagerias, 
Hibbertia dentata, Kennedya prostrata Maryattae, 
Tacsonia Van Volxemii, Cobaea scandens variegata, 
Passiflora racemosa, P. caerulea, P. c. Constance 
Elliott and Roses will all do, and will give you a good 
deal of variety from which to pick and choose. 
Melons.— G. R. R. : If you have material suffi¬ 
cient to build a good hotbed upon which you can 
place the frame you should be able to succeed with 
Melons. The hotbed must not be less than four 
feet in height, otherwise it will not hold the heat 
long enough. Plant as soon as you can, for you will 
thereby secure the best part of the summer. As the 
lights of your frame are large, two plants to each of 
them will be needed. In planting, " lay ” the plants 
down so that their stems rest on the soil, the one 
pointing to the front, the other to the back of the 
frame. Pinch the tops out after they have made 
three rough leaves. This will cause side shoots to 
be thrown out, one of which may be trained to each 
corner of the frame. Stop these again before they 
get to the sides, and fruiting lateral growths will 
then be thrown out. Each plant should carry half 
a dozen medium-sized fruits. 
Lifting Tulips —How can I tell when Tulips are 
ready for lifting ?— J ., Exmouth. 
When the stems will .bend without breaking, the 
bulbs may be lifted. 
Stopping Vines.— M. L. S. Stop the growths of 
the Vines two or three joints beyond the bunch 
according to the roof room there is. The growths 
from two Vines growing side by side may overlap 
each other if too much crowding is not thereby pro¬ 
duced. 
Yines —It will be quite safe to have a little air on 
the vinery all night, Enquirer. The top ventilators 
may be opened for about 2 in. This gives substance 
and vigour to the foliage. 
