358 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
February 3, 1900. 
Tl e Oak, in suitable soil, is said to develop a ton of 
timber in seventy-five years, and eight tons in 150 
years. 
An Eiffel Tower in Flowers—For the masonic 
fruit and flower festival recently held in Lcs Angeles, 
Cal., U.S.A , says the American Florist, the Redondo 
Floral Company built of Bamboo a tower 42 ft. high 
and 12 ft. square at the base. The Bamboo canes 
were notched and the hollow canes partly filled with 
water to keep the cut flowers fresh. Nearly 20,000 
Carnation blooms we? e used in decorating the tower, 
as well as large quantities of Smilax and Asparagus. 
Around the base was a fine lot of Palms and other 
decorative plants. 
Origin of the Basidiomycetes—At a meeting of the 
Linnean Society of London, on January 18th, Mr. 
George Massee, F.L.S., read a paper on the origin of 
the Basidiomycetes. He remarked that Juel, a 
Danish mycologist, bad recently demonstrated that 
Stilbum vulgare, hitherto regarded as a typical 
Hyphomycete, is a true Protobasidiomycete. Follow¬ 
ing up this hint, the majority of the species of Stilbum, 
some of which are the known conidial phase of species 
of Spbaerostilbe, and others existing without any 
known higher form, were examined, with the result 
that the conidial condition of Sphaerostilbe 
microspora and S. gracilipes proved to be identical 
in structure with Stilbum vulgare, in other words, 
true Protobasidiomycetes. This discovery reveals 
the fact that the conidial condition of an ascigerous 
fuqgus may be a true Protobasidiomycete. Similar 
discoveries had been made with forms of Tubercularia 
and Isaria known to be the conidial stage of 
ascigerous fungi. An exhibition of Lantern-sliaes in 
illustration of Mr. Massee’s remarks was deferred. 
Rational Method cf Treating Fungoid and other 
Diseases —In dealing with this subject Messrs. 
Wm. Wood & Son, Ltd., Wood Green, London, N., 
say " The study of plant pathology is pursued more 
closely than in former years, and consequently our 
knowledge of bacteria or parasitic fungi is more ex¬ 
tensive, and our diagnosces more reliable. Hence 
modern preventive or therapeutic treatment of fun¬ 
goid and other diseases is far more likely to be suc¬ 
cessful. Perhaps the greatest difficulty with which 
the plant doctor has to Contend, and which, no 
doubt, has discouraged maoy an aspirant, and 
ended in his retirement from the unequal conflict, is 
that his attention is not called to the disease until it 
has run through its earlier stages, and obtained such a 
hold that to free the plant of it may be impossible 
without serious and irreparable injury to its consti¬ 
tution. Again, he is not unfrequrntly expected to 
diegntse and prescribe merely upon view of a frag 
ment of diseased plant, or the presence of mycelium.” 
The rational method of treating fungoid diseases, 
which they advocate, seeing that the patient or 
plant is unable to draw attention to any symptom of 
disease, is to apply "preventive treatment.” This 
they propose to do by applying to the ground or to 
the leaves of the plant, or to both, a tungicide which 
they have named ” Veltha,” which is their discovery, 
and considered to be the most destructive fungicide 
known. We have on former occasions advocated the 
need for plant-doctors, and our pages have frequently 
reiterated the fact that prevention is better than cure. 
The latter can only be effected to the advantage 
either of the grower or the plant by applying the 
remedy in good time, that is, before the constitution 
of the plant has been entirely broken down. 
Growers of Chrysanthemums, Carnations. Roses, or 
other kinds of plants liable to be infested with their 
rt sptctive fuogi ^ould do well when making experi¬ 
ments with “ Veltna ” to begin at the root of the 
matter by applying the fungicide even before there is 
visible evidence of the fungus. The point to be de¬ 
termined is whether the Chry santhemums, Carna¬ 
tions, &c., were more or less badly attacked by 
fungi the previous season. It so, unless by some 
fortuitous means the pests were exterminated the 
previous season, there will almost certainly be a 
renewal of the attack during the coming season. 
The remedy proposed should be applied 
early, and at intervals during the season. 
Half a dozen or more plants belonging to different 
varieties might be labelled for observation by way of 
a check, and left unsprayed, to determine whether 
they fare worse or better than their neighbours. 
Some experiments of this nature, faithfully carried 
out, and as carefully recorded, might prove of 
immense service to gardeners and growers generally. 
Pure Seeds. —In a lecture given by Prof. T. John¬ 
son, D.Sc., in the Herbarium attached to the 
Science and Art Museum, Kildare Street, Dublin, on 
January 15th, he informed his audience that Contin¬ 
ental Countries were a long way ahead of the 
United Kingdom in having State-supported seed 
testing stations. The establishing of these stations 
was largely the work of Nobbe, who, early in the 
seventies, made some startling discoveries as to the 
nature and extent of seed adulteration. In one case 
it was found that a German firm had carried this 
fradulent business to such an extent that they were 
using specially prepared stones to adulterate Clover 
seeds. Near home the common white Clover was 
coloured to resemble the higher priced Alsike. 
Liverpool Hcrticultural Association.—The twenty- 
fisrt annual meeting of this society was held on 
Saturday last, in the Free Library, William Brown 
Street, Liverpool, Mr. Thomas Foster in the chair. 
The report read by the secretary stated that the past 
year might be considered satisfactory although the 
accounts showed a small loss. The summer show 
which was held in connection with the Royal Lan¬ 
cashire Agricultural Society proved a distinct gain 
to the subscribers by haviDg free admission to the 
excellent show that was held in the play ground, 
Wavertree. The subscriptions showed an increase 
on the previous year. The expenditure of the sum¬ 
mer show amounted to £214 10s. 6d. of which 
£187 17s. od. was paid in prize money. The receipts 
of the autumn show amounted to £154 2s. iod. 
against an expenditure of £285 12s. id. The revenue 
account showed an income for the year of 
£505 ns. 9d. including the balance from last year of 
£120 2s. nd. The subscriptions for the past year 
amounted to £372 os. 9d. The payments for the 
year were £413 9s. 8d. leaving a balance in favour of 
the society of £g2 2s. id. Mr. Harold Sadler and 
Mr. George Blackmore were re-elected“secretary and 
treasurer respectively. Mr. R. G. Waterman and 
Messrs Harmood, Banner & Son were re-appointed 
auditors. A vote of £3 3s. od. to the Gardeners’ 
Royal Benevolent Institution, and £2 2s od. to the 
Royal Gardeners’ Orphan Fund, was carried unani¬ 
mously. 
ORCHID NOTES & GLEANINGS. 
By the Editor. 
Odontoglossum aspersum bosschereanum.— 
The chief distinction between this variety and the 
type is that the sepals are almost entirely brown, 
intensified almost to a plum colour, with a narrow 
and irregular pale yellow margin, slightly tinted with 
green. In the type the colour on the sepals is more 
or less broken up into blotches. The petals of the 
variety are of a deeper shade of yellow than usual, 
and bear the usual concentric group of large brown- 
purple spots at the base. The lip is pure white and 
entirely without spots. A full page coloured plate of 
the variety is given in the Lindenia PI. 679. O. 
aspersum is supposed to be a natural hybrid between 
O. Rossii and O. maculatum, deriving the yellow 
colour of the sepals and petals from the latter species. 
-»8«- 
GREVILLEA ROBUSTA. 
This is a greenhouse evergreen shrub of some merit, 
and should be grown by all who have any decorating 
to do. Seeds should be sown forthwith, if suitable 
plants for indoor decoration are required in early 
autumn. Prepare 5 in. pots with loam, leaf soil, and 
sand, passing the two former through a J-in sieve, 
well mixing together and filling the pots within J in. 
of the top, and dibbling in the flat seeds in an up¬ 
right position, as they are so liable to decay when 
sown on the flat. Place the pots in a Cucumber or 
Melon house at work, with a piece of glass or slate 
over it, and keep the soil, if anything, on the dry 
side. Remove the cover as soon as the leading 
growths push through the soil. Keep near the glass 
and pot off into 2\ in. pots when the second leaf has 
been made, using a little peat this time as well as at 
the next shift, which should be into 5-in. pots Grow 
them in a warm pit or vinery where a night tempera¬ 
ture of 6o Q can be maintained, keeping them near the 
glass and plying the syringe well amongst them. 
Opinions vary as to whether they ought to be 
pinched or not, and to find out for myself I took the 
point out of half a dozen, hoping I should get nice 
plants with three shoots ; but the break nearest the 
top persisted in leading, so no stopping should be 
practised.— J. Mayne, Bicton. 
-—- 
HARDY NYMPHAEAS. 
Among the hardy aquatics cultivated in the water 
garden few can out-rival the above, from the com¬ 
mon Nymphaea alba to the beautiful deeply coloured 
N. marliacea ignea ; and considering how easily they 
are cultivated, they are comparatively little known. 
Many of the most beautiful varieties can be procured 
at a small cost, though these will be found to be 
small on arrival. It is surprising with what rapidity 
they extend themselves when properly treated. They 
start best when placed in ordinary punnets, 6 in. in 
diameter. Old fibrous loam should be placed firmly 
about the roots, and the punnets put in shallow 
water, covering them to the depth of 4 in. After 
they have nicely started and the leaves have reached 
the surface of the water, they may be transferred to 
larger baskets which will hold about a bushel of soil. 
They may then be placed in their permanent 
quarters. The water should be about 3 ft. in depth, 
and when they have firmly established themselves, 
they will give little trouble. All that is required is 
to keep away pond weeds which will soon predomin¬ 
ate and kill the Nymphaeas if allowed to remain. 
Swans and rats should also be kept from molesting 
them. Among the best varieties are Marliacea albida, 
m. carnea, m. chromatella, odorataexquisita, o. rosea, 
o. sulphurea grandiflora, phygmaea, p. helveola, 
Robinsonii, Seignouretii, and tuberosa. Suitable 
pockets formed on a concrete bottom will grow these 
to perfection, without fear of beiDg molested by 
weeds.— A. Thatcher, Aldenham, Herts. 
YOUNG APPLE TREES. 
The first thing that should be done, if you are in¬ 
tending to plant young trees, is to find out what 
varieties suit the soil and climate, as it is well known 
that different varieties succeed better in some locali¬ 
ties than others. After you have ordered your plants, 
and before they arrive, it is advisable to have a com¬ 
post made up to put roots into when planting. A 
good compost is loam, lime rubble, decomposed 
manure, wood ashes, and a good sprinkling of bone 
meal. This should be mixed but not made too fine. 
After the trees arrive and are carefully examined, 
select a dry day, with the soil in good condition, for 
planting. Take out a good-sized pit, not deep (for it 
is a bad principle to plant youDg trees deep, rather 
mound up round roots), dig bottom of pit, and tramp 
firmly ; put a few spadefuls of compost in pit, and 
tramp lightly; then put in tree, after examining roots 
and cutting off with a sharp knife any damaged parts. 
The tree being in position, the roots should bespread 
out; if a wall tree care should be taken to keep roots 
from wall. f Sprinkle in compost, and pack well 
round base of tree. Keep roots well up to surface 
and straight as compost is added. Firm with the 
foot after roots are covered ; add the soil and firm 
well. Staking is advisable for standards till es¬ 
tablished, and a few slack ties for wall trees.— 
R.G.M., Ayrshire. 
— -►**-—— 
DECORATIVE ACACIAS. 
The species of Acacia are very numerous, and 
widely diffused in the warmer regions of the globe, 
but chiefly natives of Africa and Australia. Many 
are very beautiful, and should be more generally 
grown. The fragrant yellow flowers make a charm¬ 
ing addition to the conservatory, when other 
flowers are none too plentiful. The plants grow 
freely in a compost of good peaty loam, with a little 
leaf mould, and sand, potted firmly. Cuttings strike 
freely in sandy soil, under a bell glass, or better 
still in propagating pits, in spring. The plants 
should be stood in a sunny position in the open 
air towards the end of June to ripen their growth. 
The pots soon become full of roots, and necessarily 
require an abundance of water throughout the 
summer, giving them manure water once or twice a 
week. After the plants have done flowering give 
them a severe pruning. Specimens of the beautiful 
Australian Acacia, A. armata, are nearly as showy as 
a fine Genista (Cy tisus racemosus) and quite as sweet, 
while they last considerably longer. 
Acacia verticillata has long branches, covered with 
whorls of spiny, false leaves, and carrying an 
