May 5, 1900. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
578 
ous (N. spurius) blood, as a rule, eDjoy a nice turfy 
loam 
Good Daffodils are a better investment than 
Potatos, and one can buy vegetables fully cheaper 
than a supply of Narcissi blooms, so that no one 
should grudge to yield to the Narcissus a portion of 
ground in the best part of the kitchen garden. Mr. 
Bourne recommended beds of 4 ft. or 5 ft in breadth 
to be prepared. 
Position and Planting —Some vigorous varieties 
will succeed and do well in any position, but most 
Narcissi like a free and open position. White Nar¬ 
cissi prefer the gentle shade of trees, and seem to 
thrive best when planted close by a hedge. Those 
of the poeticus section, said Mr. Bourne, seem to do 
best when striving for their living in competition with 
the roots of a hedge—to fight for their living, as it 
were. The digging of the land should be done long 
before planting time. Narcissi like plenty of mois¬ 
ture, but they like it to pass freely, not to be stag¬ 
nant. Make the soil deep, for those bulbs in deeply 
worked beds do best in all seasons. Thorough 
trenching is absolutely necessary to permanent suc¬ 
cess. There is a rooted conviction in the minds of 
many gardeners that Narcissi ought not to be 
planted till Guy Fawkes’ Day (November 5th). But 
this is months too late. Look at the bulbs in 
August and you will see around their base a certain 
predilection to swelling. This is Nature’s method of 
asserting her needs and wants. Mr. Bourne first 
plants his poeticus varieties; secondly, his varieties 
of Burbidgei; and then "Star" Narcissi, which in¬ 
clude the Leedsii and incomparabilis sections. Along 
with these frailer types, Mr. Bourne recommended to 
plant N. spurius, N. Golden Spur, and N. Horse- 
fieldii. All the poeticus section should be in the 
ground by the end of July, and the whole lot of all 
kinds of Narcissi by the end of August. 
Now this is the rule of culture given by one who 
is eminently successful in the growth of Narcissi. A 
change of soil is likewise beneficial to the continued 
vigour of this bulbous plant. Planting in rows at a 
distance of 6 in. from bulb to bulb, and the rows 1 ft. 
apart, these running north and south, was further 
mentioned as factors if the greatest success is 
aimed at. These distances allow of plenty of air 
and sunshine having freedom about the plants. White 
Daffodils, however, do best when planted thickly 
together. In planting, the depth of soil above the 
crown should be ij times the depth of the bulb 
itself. In the case of N. maximus and others like it, 
deep planting answers best, 5 in. in depth being none 
too much. Plant when the soil is nicely damp. 
Should you find bulbs of a certain variety failing to 
thrive upon a certain piece of ground or in a certain 
position, lift them and replant somewhere else. 
By employing judgment and care a suitable spot 
can usually be struck in the long run. When plant¬ 
ing choice kinds place some coarse silver sand below 
their base. Wherever possible leave the bulbs for 
two or three years in the same position without 
shifting them. After three seasons it benefits them 
to be lifted and re-arranged. 
Nourishment. —It is generally admitted that 
Narcissi dislike the incorporation of stable manure 
in the soil. There is an exception to the rule in the 
strong growing Daffodils. Ground from which 
Potatos have come, and which contains a quantity of 
decomposed manure, is very suitable soil for Nar¬ 
cissi. Dark yellow soil and soils impregnated with 
iron are also found good. Wood ashes in a soil is a 
first-rate constituent. Bone meal or basic slag, J lb. 
per sq. yd., is beneficial. 
Lifting. —In this matter it is better to be too 
early than too late. Especially is this the case with 
the poeticus types. The maximus kinds and the 
odorus varieties should all be lifted early. Lift when 
the fading of the leaves sets in. If they are left new 
growth soon starts. The small part which connects 
the offsets with the parent bulb should be cut 
through with a sharp knife. If the sun is shining 
when lifting, take the bulbs at once into a shady 
position. After being lifted place the bulbs in a cool, 
dry shed or store room. 
Enemies or Diseases. —Mice and birds do not 
trouble Narcissi, owing to their poisonous qualities 
Basal rot, so destructive a disease in some collections, 
may be kept down by careful treatment as regards 
soil, drainage, and selection. The Narcissus fly 
never troubles Mr. Bourne’s plants. 
Forming a Collection. —Have first in view a 
collection which will give a long season of bloom. 
Secondly, a collection should be representative of all 
the divisions, sections, and types. Thirdly, the most 
inferior varieties of sections should be omitted ; and, 
fourthly, the whites, the sulphurs, the Leedsii type, 
&c., all of which have varieties, the most charming 
of any in the genus, should be largely selected for 
planting. Guided by good catalogues and lists one 
can select the more moderate priced varieties, aDd 
when experience has been gained, the dearer bulbs 
may be more liberally bought. The best are the 
cheapest. That means, pay for good bulbs; do not 
buy rubbish Half the initial outlay should be 
spent in cheap and good varieties ; the other half of 
the money may bs expended on the more deli¬ 
cate aDd uncertain Linds. Mr. Bourne then re¬ 
ferred to lists which he had compiled, but which he 
did not read. They will appear in the society's 
journal. A passing reference was given the Tenby 
Daffodil, N. princeps, N. Johnstoni Queen of Spain, 
N. Bairii conspicuus, N. poeticus ornatus, N. Jon- 
quilla, N. juncifolius minor, and others, which are 
well adapted for cultivation in pots and cold frames. 
Narcissi for lawns were strongly advocated. Plant 
them in those places where the grass can be left un¬ 
mown until June. The lecture was very interesting, 
and though some of the points are only for a 
specialist to follow, they serve to show how care¬ 
fully enthusiasts cultivate this loveliest of all spring 
flowers. 
--— 
ARDENING 
ISCELLANY, 
PEACHES IN THE OPEN IN ROXBURGH¬ 
SHIRE. 
On the north side of the river Tweed at Melrose, 
N.B., and situated west of " pomological ” Gatton- 
side, is Friarshall, the cosy residence of Captain 
Erskine. He is the proud possessor of a very fine 
wall of Peach trees which Mr. William Stewart, his 
gardener, tends with great care and success. On a 
visit there a few days ago the trees were beginning 
to open bud. By this time they will be fully ex¬ 
panded, and during the crucial period let us hope 
there will be no frosts to come like a thief in the 
night, and spoil a season’s labour. Peach walls are 
not common in any part of Scotland, or indeed north 
of the Trent. It is only in such favoured places 
which catch every ray of sunshine, that their culture 
is successful out of doors. At Friarshall the protec¬ 
tion of a top ridge is afforded, and herring nets ward 
off the cutting winds or frost. The varieties grown 
are chiefly Royal George, Early Alfred, and Crimson 
Galande. Curiously enough, Apricots do not thrive 
or fruit so freely. It is well known that in different 
parts of the land, with climatic conditions almost 
identical, they flourish in one case and in others 
they are cantankerous. From this we gather that on 
the quality of the soil largely depends the weal of the 
Apricots. Thorough drainage is necessary, lime must 
be present, and experiments may prove the need for 
superphosphates and potash .—D 
A VISIT TO BARR’S. 
Having an opportunity on Saturday, the 21st ult. 
(owing to the rule of one o’clock being observed), I 
paid a visit to the celebrated nursery of Messrs. 
Bair & Sons, and had an interesting drive through 
splendid scenery, through Esher on to Long Ditton, 
back through Hook and Clay gate to Esher again, 
and then home. It made one feel it was a pleasure 
indeed to enjoy the country at the spring-time of the 
year But our business was to see the nursery and 
transact some other business. On arriving we were 
conducted by one of the staff to the Daffodils and 
Narcissus beds. One could not help being struck by 
the magnificent sight of yellow heads gently waving 
in the breeze on a summer-like afternoon. Just 
entering the gate on a bank was a splendid lot of the 
blue Grape Hyacinth, which evidently was at home, 
and could not but be attractive by its rich colour. 
On into the field of Daffodils we were speedily 
introduced to some choice varieties, which it is diffi¬ 
cult to describe. The richness of colouring and size 
of flower of a bed of seedlings were simply splendid. 
There were fine batches of Empress, Emperor, 
Barrii conspicuus, and many others too numerous to 
mention. It made one feel that it was a treat every¬ 
one ought to enjoy. The rich colouring of the 
Tulips and the contrast of everything bursting into 
life were very enjoyable. The turtling of the birds 
seemed to fill the air with joyful music, and made 
one feel that indeed the works of the Creator were 
very good. After a few minutes with Mr. Barr aDd 
a chat, home again was the order. I and my party 
felt we had spent a most profitable afternoon —A. J. 
Brown, School of Handicrafts, Chertsey. 
PRIM - LA OBCONICA 
The class lor six plants of Primula obconica 
always insures a big entry at the Edinburgh spring 
show. This year was no exception, for dozens of 
capital plants were exhibited. Seeirgso many from 
different parts cf the land, representing as they did 
a number of different seedsmen’s strains, in one 
glance could be observed a host of variations Mr. 
Wm. Wright, of Taymouth Castle, was thj pioud 
winner of the first prize, and besides being a well- 
grown and well-flowered half dozen, his lot represen¬ 
ted practically a new and distinct break. Instead 
of the usual tall plants his were bushy, dwarf, with 
well spread leafage of a spathulate form and very 
pretty altogether. The individual blooms of the 
trusses were large, well expanded, and of good form. 
The trusses were bread and cheerily coloured, being 
pinky-mauve, not the pale lavender or white so often 
seen. If this strain, which received an Award of 
Merit, is permanent, then an advance has been 
gained. Mr. Wright also displayed a tableful of cut 
Primula obconica blooms showing great varia¬ 
tion. Some were very fine. 
RONDELETIA AMOENA. 
The Rondeletias embrace a wide representation of 
stove or greenhouse shrubby plants, many species or 
varieties having been introduced at one time or 
other. They are all beautiful subjects, and not the 
least meritorious is R. amoena, whose specific name 
signifies "pleasing." The flowers of this species 
have a resemblance to those of the very widely 
known Hoya carnosa, they are certainly more 
slender, and differ in other respects. Their colour 
is soft pink, and borne, as they are, in trusses, they 
give the plant a sprightly effect. The leaves are 
ovate acuminate, and closely borne up to the flowers. 
The propagation is by cuttings, and ordinary stove 
routine produces serviceable plants. 
A NOBLE CYMBIDIUM SPECIMEN. 
Mr. Wood, of Oswald, House, Edinburgh, won 
the first prize for a specimen Orchid 
at the Royal Caledonian Society's Show, 
on the 4th ult. The plant awarded the 
prize was a noble Cymbidium lowianum, which 
carried twenty-one long and strong flower spikes. 
In every respect the plant was a specimen, with fine 
foliage, proportions, display of bloom, and of good 
size and colour, too. Mr. Wood has other fine 
plants of this same species in the conservatories at 
Oswald House. 
WINTER'S BARK. 
At the Edinburgh Botanic Garden they have a 
vigorous specimen of this plant 6 ft. or 7 ft. high, 
and in full flower in an intermediate house. Drimys 
Winterii is the most commonly met with species. 
The name is derived from the acrid sharpness of the 
bark. As an indoor flowering plant this species does 
admirably. The flowers are terminal, borne in 
trusses and of a faint primrose colour, being also 
star-like in form. The habit of the plant is close 
growing, the foliage beiDg dark green and leathery. 
CHRYSANTHEMUM FOR WALLS. 
The following list of Chrysanthemums are suitable 
for planting against walls Source d’Or, Pompons 
of the President type, singles like Purity and Mary 
Anderson. Elsie and George Glenny are likewise 
suitable. The position should be sheltered and as 
warm as possible. 
POISON IN LILY OF THE VALLEY. 
An ardent German chemist (every discovery comes 
from Germany, America, or Austria now-a-days I) 
claims to have investigated the fact that the above 
popular little plant contains a poison—prussic acid, 
to wit. Not only is the flower full of poison but the 
stalks, too ! His attention was directed to the Lily 
of the Valley because his gardener showed all the 
symptoms of one suffering from prussic acid poison¬ 
ing after carrying in his mouth a bunch of flowers 
when he had chapped lips. We would assure lovers 
and growers oi the Lilies that in the above there is 
more faddism than fact. 
