504 
FHH GARDENING WORLD 
April 7, 1900. 
Hints for Amateurs. 
A Note on Daffodils —It is now weeks ago since 
the first of the protected and forced Daffodils were 
to be obtained in the shops of the florists. From 
Christmas until June we can now have forms of this 
lionised flower to gaze at and admire. What flower 
in all the world is prettier than the Poet’s Narcissus ? 
And few flowers are more sweetly fragrant than the 
Joss Lily, the sacred Lily of the Chinese, N. Tazetta 
chinensis. 
In Scotland the Narcissi are very frequently re. 
ferred to as Lilies, so that the Chinese are not alone 
in their error. It is an error thus far, that, if we are 
to have a clearer understanding of the relationships 
of plants and their botanical classification, it is 
necessary to refrain from awarding a wrong appella¬ 
tion. Not that it either alters the flowers or the 
beauty of them, but simply to facilitate international 
correctitude and simplicity. Every Narciss is not a 
Daffodil, it may be said, but when Daffodils are 
mentioned, what that individualises is intuitively 
understood. The minutiae of the classification of 
the genus Narcissus is far too complex for 
us tu make any endeavour to summarise 
it at this time. But, as a means of revision upon 
some of the salient points in the arrangement of the 
multitudinous horde of varying forms of the genus, 
a few remarks in this connection may be entertained 
as being opportune. In dealing with so many varia¬ 
tions of form in flowers of the same genus, a primary 
step which the botanist must necessarily take is to 
pick out or studiously select a form which record 
shows has been long persistent, and has individuality. 
Just as a study of the faces of the prominent 
generals in active command in the South African 
war of the present is an index to the type of the 
race they belong to, so in like manner “ type char¬ 
acters ” are exhibited even in sweet little Daffodils. 
The Narcissus has wild species variously located 
over tracts of country in all parts of the northern 
temperate zone. This includes the greater part of 
Europe, and extends through Asia. The genus is 
divided in the first place according to the length of 
the trumpets in relation to the lengths of the 
perianth segments. There are three chief groups, 
the magni-medio- and parvi-coronati. Under these 
divisions there are a number of sub genera, as the 
Corbularia or Hoop-petticoat Narciss, the Ajax, or 
very large trumpet species, the Ganymedes, the 
Hermione, and so on. Within these limits the 
species and varieties then follow. 
Of the Corbularia group, N. Bulbocodium is one 
of the most distinct species. It has varieties such as 
monophyllus and nivalis, both of which are 
frequently seen. In the Ajax section we have a 
finely graded series of form and colour. N. nanus 
and minimus, from their trumpets being longer than 
their perianth lobes, belong to this section of the 
magni-coronati, and at the other extreme we have the 
large flowered N. maximus. N. rugilobus represents 
the connecting link between the type of the Ajax, 
that is, N. Pseudo-Narcissus, and the bicolor group 
of the same section. It will thus be seen that even 
in distinct sections there are intricate sub-divisions. 
Among the best Daffodils for naturalising, or for 
garden effect in beds, and which belong to the Ajax 
section, are Emperor and Empress, both of them 
very large, rich in colour, and strong; Horsefieldii, 
grandis, obvallaris, Golden Spur, maximus, J. B. M. 
Camm, rugilobus, and pallidus praecox. One of the 
finest of the Tazetta, or polyanthus Narcissus, is 
Grand Monarque. Of double Daffodils, the Tella- 
monius plenus from the Ajax section is undoubtedly 
most largely grown. The double poeticus, the 
Sulphur Phoenix, Orange Phoenix, cernuus, incom- 
parabilis, and the old mother species of our own 
island, the Pseudo-Narcissus, are likewise useful for 
the purpose. For pot-culture, besides almost any of 
those named, the following are worth their place:— 
Barrii conspicuus, Sir Watkin, C. J. Backhouse, 
poeticus ornatus, Gloria Mundi, Cynosure, and 
poeticus poetarum. But more need not be written 
at this time. The object will have been fulfilled if 
the foregoing notes on these handsomest of spring 
flowers awaken a deeper interest or desire to study 
more closely the species and the varieties as they 
open, and as they will shortly be displayed. 
Some Hardy Plants Grown in Pots.—One of 
the cheeriest little patches on the rockery is furnished 
by the sulphur-yellow Saxifraga sancta. This plant 
grows in dense tufted masses, having close green 
leaves, the yellow flower spikes springing out from 
the several plants. This species may be grown in 
pots or pans for the Alpine house. Another Saxi¬ 
fraga which makes a sweet subject worth the grow¬ 
ing in a cool house, is S. apifolia. The flowering 
spikes are rather longer than those of the species I 
have just described, and the colour is paler, nearer 
a primrose hue. This may be due to the finer treat¬ 
ment of the one compared against the other, but of 
the two I prefer S. apifolia. The opposite leaved 
Saxifragas, S. oppositifolia major, and S o. pyrenaica 
superba should not be absent from any garden where 
alpine plants are at all well regarded. In pans the 
blooms are perfectly clean, and are slightly larger. 
So much has been written within recent times in 
The Gardening World about this species in a 
wild state that its needs should be well known to 
readers. Iberis gibraltarica is well known. It is 
the prettiest of white flowers. Snow is bluish- 
white. Primula frondosa can also be nicely flowered 
in an alpine house. When grown closely together 
in pans I think this is an interesting little subject. 
The dwarf Drabas are likewise neat and interesting, 
coming as they do at this early period. Those who 
do not grow Drabas would do well to try some of the 
species, and if, for a trial, you would adopt pan¬ 
culture, the facility for examining them would be 
enhanced. They are all very small plants, the 
exactitude in the detail of their structure, the 
spreading out of their sharp, flat leaves, and their 
bedecking of bristly hairs, together with the golden- 
yellow flowers, combine to lend them an air of 
modest merit. D. altaica and D. rigida succeed in 
pans. In chinks of the rockery they also do well. 
Androsace Laggeri is the concluding plaDt of our 
present list. It is a pale pink flowered species, not 
nearly so showy as Saxifraga oppositifolia, but still 
very sweet. The Sysirinchiums are beginning to 
flower in the pots. 
Crocuses —That the poets have sung in all ages, 
and are now tuning their lyres in praise of the 
golden yellow Crocus, is sufficient recommendation 
and attestation to its beauty and worth. How it 
does gladden one, and how it kindles the fire of new 
energy, raises one from lethargy and dreaminess to 
a sense that the world is awake and working, when a 
blaze of the saffron Crocuses, all open to the sun¬ 
shine, opens out to a viewer’s gaze ! Mr. S. Arnott, 
the celebrated hardy plantsman of Carsethorn, in 
Dumfriesshire, recently gave a very interesting 
lecture on the Crocus before members of the 
Scottish Horticultural Association. Mr. Arnott dealt 
with the legends which surround the Crocus, and 
went fully into its history as well as the botany of 
the plant. We need not here follow out the divi¬ 
sions and strict classifying of Crocuses. Suffice it to 
say that Crocuses, like other plants, are put up into 
sections and divisions according to differences of 
structure and time of flowering, and collections of 
species are in places definitely arranged. For a 
further acquaintance with these ubiquitous and well 
esteemed little plants Maw’s "Monograph of the 
Crocus ” should be consulted.— Beacon. 
Correspondence. 
Questions ashed 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 wiite 
<• Amateurs' Page " on the top of their letters. 
Manuring a Yine- Border.— Thos. Swan : If the 
border is in good condition, a top-dressing of fresh 
maiden loam, two parts, with half part each of lime 
and wood ashes should alone be used. Slightly fork 
up the surface of the border and after having warmed 
the soil, place it over the surface, making it firm by 
treading, then watering it. That no check be given 
to the now active roots, be careful to have the soil 
and water somewhat warmed. Nitrate of soda and 
sulphate of potash as artificial manures at the rate of 
2 ozs. per sq. yd. given occasionally during early 
growth, is also beneficial. 
Cabbage, Little Pixie.— S. Good : The lecturer 
was correct. In the North this variety is grown 
extensively. It forms a moderately firm head, of 
conical shape and comes in for early summer use. 
Pringle's Imperial is also a good variety. 
Saving Cineraria, Primula and Cyclamen.— 
W.P.C. : We do not recommend you to save your 
own seed. Besides the trouble and care needed, 
there is the risk that the seeds would not be up to 
par. If everybody saved, or tried to save their own 
seed, the results would often be far from satisfactory. 
Seeds from an outside source generally produce the 
best and healthiest plants. 
Early Flowering Plants for a Stove.— Ambitious : 
At this season you could have in flower numerous 
Begonias, as Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, B. mani- 
cata and its variegated variety; the new white B. 
Caledonia, B. Triomphe de Nancy, B. carnea and B. 
corallina. Then there are numerous Aphelandras, 
the culture of which was lately given by " J.H D.” ; 
Ruellia rosea is a distinct and pretty pink flowering 
warmhouse plant, blooming about this time. Thyr- 
sacanthus rutilans is a gem for decorative work 
having pendent "tails” of ruby-crimson flowers; 
Gesnera cardinalis, with crimson-scarlet tubular 
flowers, and Barlerias, either with yellow, purple, or 
lavender blossoms, are all plants of superior merit, 
and some of them are not at all commonly grown. 
If you care for stove plants, which bloom at other 
periods, we shall be pleased to aid you. 
The Yanilla. — Quiz. : The Vanilla, as remarked 
at the place you refer to, is as we say, the only edible 
Orchid whose fruit is used in commerce. It pro¬ 
duces long podded fruits in the interior of which 
there grows " protuberances ” containing the secre¬ 
tion called "Vanilla” and which is employed in 
confectionery for flavouring. 
Chrysanthemums frost bitten.— J. Williams ; 
We do not expect the plants are more than crippled 
for the time being. In case of frost being imminent 
on a future occasion, take the common sense pre¬ 
caution of protecting the frame by means of a mat or 
some straw spread over it. If any such like soft 
wooded plants are frozen at any coming time, shade 
them from the sun until they thaw. Large plants in 
pots may be syringed with cold water to facilitate 
the thawing process. 
Horse Radish spindly.— A. McK.: The probable 
cause of the spindliness of the roots may arise from 
the beds being worn out, the roots having become 
matted together, or from naturally poor soil. A half 
open position in a deep, heavy, moisture holding 
loam (though not a wet loam), is what ought to be 
accorded to Horse Radish. The probability is that 
your spindly roots may never be fit for selection and 
replanting. It would therefore be wiser to remove 
the plantation altogether, and to obtain stout new 
roots for planting. Next time prepare and select a 
good site. 
Spiraeas.— Mrs. Waite : It will do the roots no 
harm to have the pots standing in saucers of water. 
Spiraea japonica compacta draws up a tremendous 
amount of water when used in dry dwelling-rooms. 
Protecting Seed Beds from Birds.— W. Leslie • 
The following are devices which have been tried 
with success;—Place a stout stake obliquely into 
the ground. Suspend, by means of a string, a Beet¬ 
root which has sprouted, and insert white feathers 
along either side in opposite fashion. The continual 
rotation of this monstrous "bird” frightens real 
birds for a time. Again, lengths of cords should be 
strung between stakes at distances apart, and about 
18 in. from the ground. Pieces of white paper 
should be tied on to the string, and here again the 
dancing movement acts in intimidating the thieving 
creatures. A " racket ” or crow scarer may be made 
use of now and then. So cheeky do sparrows and 
linnets become after a time that nothing less than 
constant frightening and chasing off by personal 
presence at all answers. Gooseberries should be 
dusted with soot and lime, or threaded between the 
tips of the shoots. 
Protecting Spring Blossom.— IF. L. : Herring 
nets and glass copings are more frequently used than 
anything else for protection. Light tiffany may 
also be employed. Take good care to keep the pro- 
tectives well off the flower shoots. 
Araucaria excelsa.— W. L. : This plant can 
either be raised from seeds or, in your case, from 
cuttings of the leading shoot. 
