April 7,*1900. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
501 
Vegetable Fibres.—Vegetable fibres may be dis¬ 
tinguished from animal fibres by treatment with 
iodine and dilute sulphuric acid. The former take 
a characteristic" colour, either yellow or blue, while 
the latter do not. 
Weather in Scotland. —From an excursionist’s 
point of view the weather throughout Scotland is 
everything that could be desired. Unfortunately, 
the same sentiment cannot be expressed for 
gardeners who have seeds, trees, and shrubs to get 
into the land. Ground operations are, however, 
t eing pushed on. Until a few days ago, Beans and 
Peas were almost the only crops which were in the 
ground. Nine and ten degrees of frost every morning 
leave the ground too firm for early morning work, 
and then when the sun thaws the surface, a nasty 
condition of the soil follows. At Floors Castle, 
Kelso, 12° of frost were registered on the 2nd inst. 
Demand for Odontoglossums —Odontoglossum 
crispum, amongst all the species and hybrids, 
whether of natural or artificial origiD, continues to 
be the most popular. A relatively small lot of im¬ 
ported pieces was put up for sale at the rooms of 
Messrs. Protheroe & Morris, Cheapside, on the 30th 
ult., and found a rapid sale from eager buyers at 
prices ranging from 9s. to 12s. each. Some of the 
same plants in bloom might not fetch a third of the 
price, while well grown samples of good varieties 
that may turn up amongst them would fetch a 
higher figure in pounds, than the imported pieces 
did in shillings. There is this element of speculation 
in them that something good may turn up. 
Ealing Gardeners’ Society.—The gardeners of 
■this district brought their session to a close on the 
27th ult, in the Lecture Hall of the Municipal 
Buildings, the occasion being a paper by Mr. W. J. 
Simpson, of Falkland Park Gardens, South Norwood 
Hill, S.E. Mr. C. B, Green, who occupied the 
chair, remarked that the subject of the evening, 
"The Value of Mutual Improvement Societies, 1 ’ 
could not be gainsaid—the numbers present, and the 
■excellent array of plants on the tables, testified to 
this, while Mr. Simpson was considered peculiarly 
qualified to deal with the subject, he having had a 
large experience of such societies. Mr. Simpson 
then entered very fully into the principles which 
should guide the members, as well as the executive, 
in conducting their proceedings. Discussion, he 
maintained, should be carried on with a view to 
elicit information, and not to air one’s knowledge- 
Young men should be encouraged to express their 
views in modest fashion, while he felt sure, that in 
return they would concede to their elders that atten¬ 
tion which a life experience entitled them to. He 
commended the offering of prizes for essays, which 
often induced the younger members to try their hands 
at composition—an education in itself—and also for 
exhibits, which necessarily brought out their best 
cultural abilities. Mr. Simpson referred to the ex¬ 
cellence of the exhiDits—of which he was one of the 
judges—that evening, as practically illustrating his 
views on the value of such institutions. Many other 
useful hints and ideas were contributed. Mr. 
Simpson, in conclusion, expressed his approval—in 
no measured terms—of the manner in which the 
Ealing Society was conducted. After a very good 
discussion, in which Messrs. Burgess, Cooper, 
■Holloway, Long, and Edwards took part, Mr. 
Simpson received, on the motion of Mr. Waite, a 
cordial vote of thanks. The exhibits referred'to 
above consisted of twelve spring flowering plams, for 
which there were five entries. The competition was 
■vigorous and keen, Mr. A. Holloway, gardener to 
E. Hyde, Esq., Hill Crest, Castlebar, securing the 
coveted place. The first prize also carried with it a 
bronze medal by Mr. R. Pinches, of Camberwell. 
Mr. Holloway’s plants were excellent specimens, and 
consisted principally of large and well flowered 
Azaleas (Ghent and Indian), Cytisus racemosa, and 
made-up pots of Narcissus Sir Watkin, and N. 
bicolor grandis. Mr. C. Long, gardener to E. P. 
Oakshot, Esq., Montpelier Road, staged a fine lot 
of similar plants, with an especially fine Primula 
sinensis (Sutton’s strain), some of the rosy pips of 
which were found to be 2J inches in diameter. Mr. 
H. Stiles, gardener to G. Carver, Esq , Grey Stoke; 
and Mr. R. Green, gardener to W. Owen, Esq., The 
Elms, Castlebar, were third and fourth respectively. 
There was only one point between the first and 
second competitors. 
The Traders in Poisons or Poisonous Compounds 
for Technical or Trade Purposes Protection 
Society.—The above society has been formed to 
secure the amendment of the Pharmacy Act of 1868, 
whereby it may be made legal for traders other than 
pharmacists to sell poisons and poisonous com¬ 
pounds for technical or trade purposes. The initial 
meeting was held on December 6th, 1899, at Euston 
Hotel, London, where a number of influential firms 
were represented, and it was resolved that the exist¬ 
ing unsatisfactory conditions of the Pharmacy Act of 
1868, whereby poisonous compounds can only be 
sold legally by chemists, should be ventilated in the 
agricultural and horticultural and seed trade papers 
A second meeting was held on the 6th inst., at 
Euston Hotel, when it was resolved to extend the 
sphere of this society to all those trades who are in 
any way affected by the existing Pharmacy Act, and 
who would be benefited by an amendment of the 
said Act to enable them to retail poisons or poisonous 
compounds for any technical or trade purpose, in 
original sealed packages, as received from the whole¬ 
sale dealer or manufacturer. A committee has been 
nominated, with power to add to their number, who 
have appointed Mr. G. H. Richards as treasurer; 
and Messrs. Dobbs and Hill, of Worcester, as legal 
advisers. Offices and a permanent secretary will be 
appointed, and to meet expenses it will be necessary 
to obtain subscriptions from those interested. 
Among the gentlemen present at the last meeting 
there were guarantees given amounting to £ 150, and 
as expenses will be considerable, it is earnestly 
hoped that a sum will be subscribed sufficient to 
carry on the work to a successful issue. Since it is 
desirable to make the movement popular, the mini¬ 
mum subscription for membership has been made 
5s. per annum, or a donation of 10s. 6d. Interested 
persons are earnestly invited to become members 
and persuade their friends also to join. Cheques 
aod Post Office Orders should be made payable to 
the order of G. H. Richards, hon. sec., fro. tern., and 
crossed " London and County Bank, Lambeth 
Branch, and forwarded to him at the—Temporary 
Offices: 128, Southwark Street, London, S.E. 
A FLAT SPADE. 
I have always considered a flat blade spade best 
suited for garden work ; and many years ago had 
one made, which had the following advantages over 
the ordinary shape :—Passed under the earth more 
easy, did not collect so much, made more even work, 
and also could be used for cutting edges. I have 
from time to time asked for such, but I was told the 
shape was impracticable. I see, however, this 
season the well-known Birmingham tool makers, 
Parkes, are making such a spade, and I think the 
users will endorse my opinion on flat blades.— C. 
Mullins, March 27th, 1900. 
--J—- 
THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 
Permit me to correct a misapprehension in which 
you have fallen with respect to the authorship of the 
vegetable cultural matter found in this sumptuous 
work. Certainly I supplied a very large portion of 
it, and I believe Mr. G. Wythes did a good deal also. 
Whilst in no respect craving for popularity, yet it is 
but right that even the arch fiend should have his 
due, and I am a very small one. No one cares to 
work that someone else may have the credit, except 
perhaps, barristers who are not too nice. I have not 
yet seen the book in question, but I believe that 
Beckett's contribution related to Chrysanthemums. 
—A Dean. 
[We may have been labouring under a misapprehen¬ 
sion, "but how were we to know’’? There are 
more than one chapter on vegetables, but Mr. Edwin 
Beckett's name was under the first one, entitled 
“The Culture of Vegetables," p. 451. The some¬ 
what lengthy introduction is followed by paragraphs 
of greater or less length dealing more directly with 
the cultural directions, &c., of each kind of vege¬ 
table. These are followed by a separate chapter or 
article on " Asparagus and its culture,’’ and another 
on "Forcing Vegetables," but we fail to find the 
name of any other author, either at the beginning or 
the end of the said chapters. There are also several 
chapters and articles on Chrysanthemums of various 
sorts, and Mr. Edwin Beckett gets the credit for that 
entitled " Culture of Chrysanthemums for Exhibi¬ 
tion.’’—Ed.] 
--*•- 
PARSLEY IN WINTER. 
Some illustrations of that admirable way in which 
Parsley will thrive in pots, has occasionally been 
seen at the Drill Hall, Messrs. Dobbie & Co., 
amongst others, having shown remarkably fine 
specimens. I have often wondered that gardeners 
who have to supply this herb in quantity during the 
winter do not make a point of getting a few scores of 
strong plants of some fine compact curled strain 
into 24-sized pots during the autumn, and then have 
such to fall back upon from which to gather during 
severe weather. Parsley needs little forcing. Its 
hardy nature induces it to keep growing outdoors all 
the winter in open weather ; and the plants, stood in 
a cool house out of reach of frost in hard weather, 
would grow freely also. Where there are vineries, 
Peach, or other houses, Parsley plants in pots could 
be kept easily, and occupy little of other wise valuable 
space. To get good strong ones a sowing should be 
made in a shallow box thinly towards the end of May. 
Later the plants could be pricked out singly into 
6o's, and then shifted into the larger pots, giving 
little trouble throughout.— A. D. 
VIOLETS. 
I think ODe will not be far wrong in saying Violets 
are the favourites of all classes. April is the month 
to commence operations, choosing a cool and shady 
day, taking the young rootlets away from the old 
plants, planting them in a partially shaded border, 
For flowering in the open a more sunny position 
may be given them. A rich soil is Dot necessary. 
A fresh position annually is desirable. Plant rootlets 
nine inches apart, keeping clear of runners and 
weeds during summer months When in full growth, 
an occasional watering of weak manure water is very 
beneficial Damp over plants of an evening during 
hot weather. Lift, and replant to frames, for winter 
blooming in September, in a compost of equal parts 
good soil and leaf-mould, keeping plants close to 
glass. Water well down, and no more will be 
necessary for some length of time, as damping must 
be guarded against. On fine, sunny days give plants 
all the air possible. Be weil prepared for frost by 
having plenty of litter and mats for protection. If 
a frame with flow and return hot-water pipe can be 
given up for them a great saving of covering can be 
effected. A few of the best varieties I know of are : 
Marie Louise, double blue; Comte de Brazza, double 
white ; De Parme, Lady Hume Campbell, an im- 
roved Marie Louise. Singles : Princess of Wales, 
universal favourite, large blooms; Victoria, fine 
autumn blooming variety : La France, Italia, Cali¬ 
fornia, hardy, for borders.— S. Jordan, The Cottage, 
Cheapside. 
-- 
SWEET CYCLAMEN. 
Your correspondent " J.C., F.” opens up a wide field 
for discussion re the above, as well as to size of 
blooms. I cannot go back with experience the two- 
score years, or just on it, he refers to, but will say it 
is twenty-five years since I grew Cyclamen first. In 
those days it was C. persicum pure and simple, and 
as he says, the blooms were comparatively small 
compared with the giganteum race we have to-day. 
Now as to their scent I must confess that my nose 
has deceived me all those years ; as to the merits of 
their sweetness, or the contrary, I have always 
thought what an obnoxious smell agood percentage of 
them give out. I agree with your correspondent 
that we have suffered in no small degree, if there 
were, as he says, such sweet smelling varieties or 
variety grown in those days. I often think, in fact, 
say what a pity it is, all flowers do not possess such 
sweetness as Violets, Freezias, Genistas, Roses, and 
a host of other things that could be named There 
is no doubt we have lost quantity since quality was 
introduced into the Cyclamen ; but at the same time 
when we can get a plant of Sutton's White Butter¬ 
fly, which, though not classed as giganteum, is much 
finer than the type, in a six inch pot, carrying from 
fifty to sixty large blooms, I think such a plant can 
favourably compare with the old strain of years ago. 
I have just counted over fifty blooms and buds on 
one of the giganteum strain, samples of which I 
forward with these notes. I may say these are from 
