December 22, 1900. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
261 
Ratafia is a spirituous liquor flavoured with the 
kernels of Cherries, Peaches, Apricots, and similar 
stone fruits. 
National Dahlia Society.—At a meeting of the 
committee of the above society, held on the i8th inst. 
it was decided to hold the annual general meeting on 
January 8th, 1901. Members of the society should, 
therefore, keep that date free so that they may attend 
the meeting. 
Women in Agriculture.—It seems to be very 
expensive to run a Women’s Agricultural College and 
training school. Lady Warwick’s Hostel at Read¬ 
ing requires the aid of a benevolent millionaire. It 
has been found that the scale of operations at 
present is too limited to do the fullest amount of 
good, yet it is too large to be successfully managed 
by one person. There seems to be a lack of 
appointments for the women improvers. Still, 
joking apart, there are openings for women in some 
of the branches of agri- and horti-culture. 
Returns show that last year this country imported 
butter to the extent of £17,000,000; cheese, 
£5 250,000; margarine, £2,250,000 ; eggs, £5,000,000; 
and poultry to the value of £800,000, giving a total 
of £30,800,00. What the figures are relative to 
horticultural produce, is not given ; but they must 
also be enormous. 
Freesias.—Naturally, my eye caught the short note 
from " D.” on the above in your last issue. Well, 
I must admit mine are only now just showing their 
spikes (mine are home grown bulbs), and have stood 
in a light position in the greenhouse for the past 
eight weeks. The temperature has not fallen below 
45 0 as yet, and rises io° most days.' No doubt I 
could have got half a dozen of these plants in flower 
by now had I given them more heat; but I am 
afraid the foliage would ha/e reached double its 
normal length and the individual flowers of little 
texture. It would be interesting to learn of fresh 
imported bulbs or home grown, and what number of 
flowers are on each lateral, if I may so term it, as 
each spike generally has a leader and two side spikes 
as well, usually carrying from five to eight flowers. 
We have seen nine on some of ours. Do those now 
in bloom come up to this standard ? If so I must 
freely confess I am behind the times with these 
lovely Cape bulbs, in the matter of early flowering, 
and must endeavour to compete with the authorities 
quoted by your correspondent " D." another autumn. 
— J. Mayne, Bicton, Devon. 
Bristol and District Gardeners’ Mutual Improve¬ 
ment Association.—The fortnightly meeting of the 
society was held at St. John’s Parish Room, Redland, 
on Thursday, the 13th inst. Mr. G. Brook presided 
over a good attendance. “ The Hardy Fruit 
Garden ” was the subject for the evening, dealt with 
in a very able paper by Mr. Thomas Coomber, of 
•• The Hendre,” Monmouth. He claimed for the 
subject, that it was in every respect worthy of the 
keenest study, and contended that the best results 
always followed the most thoughtful efforts. Deal¬ 
ing with details, he advised as an ideal site for fruit 
culture a position facing south, and sheltered from 
the north, east and west winds, either naturally or 
by plantations, and at an elevation well above the 
fog line if possible. The soil, he said, should be at 
least 2 ft. deep, and well drained. In the selection 
of varieties, ha advocated due regard being paid to 
times of ripening, without a great multiplication of 
sorts. The best time for planting he gave as early 
in November. Mr. Coomber also dealt very fully 
with such branches of the subject as pruning, root 
pruning, manuring, protection from birds and insect 
pests, giving from his own experience much useful 
information on all these matters, concluding with 
the assertion that in this as in all branches of the 
gardener’s work, thoroughness should be his watch¬ 
word, for much of his success as a cultivator 
depended on it. Mr. Coomber was heartily thanked 
for his paper on the motion of Mr. W. A. Garaway. 
Prizes for six dessert Apples were awarded Messrs. 
Attwell, McCulloch, and Bannister, and for six 
culinary Apples to Messrs. Bannister and Atwell. 
Certificates of Merit went to Mr. Gardner (three 
pots Mignonette); Mr. E. Poole (tray of Apples); 
Mr. Orchard (basket of Mushrooms); Mr. Ware 
(Zygopetalum Mackayii); and a Certificate of 
Special Merit was recommended to Mr. A. M. Ross 
lor two bunches ol Grapes. 
Tobacco cultures occupy 1,500,000 acres of the 
earth’s surface. 
Vegetable Culture —This was the title of a most 
interesting paper read by Mr.J.Gibson,The Gardens, 
Danesfield, Marlow, before an exceedingly large 
attendance of members of the Reading and District 
Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement Association on 
Monday evening last. The subject was dealt with 
both from the " kitchen ” and exhibitor’s point of 
view. The varieties touched upon were Potatos, 
Peas, Beans, Brassicas, Onions, Celery, Leeks, 
Parsnips, Beets, Carrots, and Tomatos. The paper 
was not only of the most practical character, but 
the magnificent vegetables staged by Mr. Gibson de¬ 
monstrated that his culture was of the highest 
order. The collection consisted of Sutton’s Selected 
Ailsa Craig Onion, Snowball Turnip, Tender and 
True Parsnip, Pine Apple Beet, Tender and 
True Climbing Bean, New Red Intermediate Carrot, 
Arctic Green Kale, Dwarf Gem Sprouts, Perfection 
Savoy, the Lyon Leek, Lockie’s Perfection Cucum¬ 
ber, and Polegate Tomato. A discussion followed, 
which at times became very animated, those taking 
part being Messrs. Stanton, Chamberlain, Wilson, 
Barnes, Exler, Neve, Davidson, Fry, W. Smith, 
Cretchley, Powell, and D. Dore. Mr. F. Lever, The 
Gardens, Hillside, gained the Association’s Certifi¬ 
cate of Cultural Merit for a grand batch of Primulas 
of the stellata andobconica types, whilst Mr. George 
Smith, of Cintra Lodge Gardens, showed some 
splendid spikes of Calanthes, and Mr. R. Chamber- 
lain, Cressingham Gardens, a few typical specimens 
of New Red Intermediate Carrot. A hearty vote of 
.thanks was accorded to Mr. Gibson for his paper, in 
proposing which the president (Mr. C. B. Stevens) 
referred to the necessity of young gardeners making 
themselves not only acquainted with the work under 
glass, but to give every attention to the learning of 
the general routine of a kitchen garden. Two new 
members were elected. 
Ealing Gardeners’ Society.—An excellent meet¬ 
ing of this society took place on the nth inst., when 
Mr. Jas. Gibson, of Danesfield Gardens, Marlow, 
gave a well prepared paper on " Vegetable Culture,” 
Mr. C. B. Green presiding. In introducing Mr. 
Gibson to the meeting, the chairman referred to his 
(Mr. Gibson's) first-prize achievements for the 
current year, and also to his success at Edinburgh on 
three distinct occasions. When Mr. Gibson rose to 
deliver his paper he was greeted with a cordial 
welcome. He suggested at the outset the importance 
of a thorough knowledge of vegetable culture, for 
these succulent necessities of modern life were 
always in great demand in large establishments, and, 
therefore, often taxed the gardener’s skill to its 
utmost capacity. Whether for exhibition or for 
supply to the house the quality should be the first 
consideration, and the quality depended a good deal 
on the preparation of the soil. Young gardeners 
were apt to despise this, and to look upon the kitchen 
garden as of only secondary importance. He, the 
lecturer, considered that no greater test of the skill 
of the gardener could be imposed than this one of 
vegetable culture. Mr. Gibson then dealt in detail 
with the leading types of vegetables, giving practical 
information on the best sorts and how to grow them. 
His remarks were listened to with evident attention, 
while many notes were made for future application. 
Mr. Gibson spoke of the Potato as the king of 
vegetables, and said that it was often grown in fields 
better than in gardens, because the latter were often 
too rich in nitrogenous matters. If the best results 
were expected trenching must be resorted to,and over¬ 
crowding avoided. Much other matter was discussed, 
including French Beans, Peas, Carrots, Parsnips, 
Celery, Tomatos, &c., and many useful suggestions 
given concerning the culture and value of each. In 
resuming his seat Mr. Gibson received another ova¬ 
tion, and was also cordially thanked for his exposi¬ 
tion of the art of growing vegetables. An excellent 
exhibition of twelve table plants was provided by 
the generosity of R. Callard, Esq., the result being 
seven entries and a keen competition. The first 
place was occupied by Mr. Rouse, gardener to C. T. 
Sutton, Esq., of Esst Acton, who had a fine show of 
Dracaenas, Crotons, Palms, Asparagus, Grevillea, 
&c., and the popular Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. 
Mr. Holloway, gardener to E. Hyde, Esq., Hill- 
crest, Ealing, closely followed with Dracaenas, 
Primulas, Eulalias, Ferns, &c. Three other prizes 
were awarded, the whole forming a very pretty 
effect a d a charming feature 
Sugar now costs £15 per ton ; but in 1810 it cost 
£95 per ton. 
Sandwich and District Market Growers’ Asso¬ 
ciation.—The market growers who reside around 
Sandwich and neighbouring places in Kent have 
united to form an association for mutual benefit in 
the various lines of their business. A strong com¬ 
mittee has been formed, including representatives 
from Ash, Wingham, Eastry, Sandwich, Worth, 
Woodnesborough, Stourmouth, Preston, and Staple. 
The districts from which members may join has 
been extended to include Deal, Ramsgate, Margate, 
Minster, Adisham, &c., and these districts, it is 
hoped, will be represented on the committee. The 
society has for its objects the enlightenment of its 
members by reading papers on subjects of interest; 
and members may submit samples of fertilisers and 
artificial manures for expert examination, and obtain 
full reports on the same at nominal charges. 
Diseased plants and fruits, which any of the mem¬ 
bers may submit, will also be reported upon by 
scientific experts. The subscription is only 2s. 6d., 
and may be paid to the treasurer at the London and 
County Bank, Sandwich ; or to the hon. sec., Mr. 
Fred. F. Coleman, of Sandwich. 
-- 
ROCKERIES. 
No garden is complete without an outdoor rockery. 
If possible it ought to be constructed in the most 
romantic corner. It may be on a large scale, or if a 
small one is wanted more taste must be used. A 
spot pretty well shaded should be selected, where 
Sedums, Saxifragas, Ferns, and Vincas, &c., may be 
used. One side of the rockery should be exposed to 
the sun if Heaths and Mysotis are planted. The 
first thing to do is to make up mounds of unequal 
size with a good turfy soil, putting the highest mound 
in the centre. Make little serpentine walks about 
18 in. wide to lead in through these mounds. If 
procurable get pieces of burnt glass and any rough 
looking stones, placing them in a zigzag form over 
the mounds, keeping the largest for the centre, and 
leaving spaces between the stones for your plants. 
The little walks can be laid with broken granite or 
white gravel. The beauty of a rockery can be 
greatly improved if water is at band to form a 
cascade with basin, or a fountain. An arched trellis 
covered with Clematis or Honeysuckle is also a 
pretty adornment, under which could be placed a 
nice home-made rustic seat.— T. S. Dick, Castle Milk 
Gardens, Lockerbie, N.B. 
A BEAUTIFUL CLIMBER. 
Although we have many beautiful climbing plants 
in cultivation at the present time, but few produce 
their blossoms during the dull months of the year; 
therefore a plant possessing this desirable quality is 
rendered doubly valuable. The plant under notice, 
Ipomoea Horsfalliae, has been a conspicuous feature 
in the stove for the past three or four weeks, its 
beautiful crimson flowers showing up very effectively 
against the dark green digitate foliage. With regard 
to soil, the plant is not at all fastidious, any good 
open material suiting, provided the border is well 
drained. The plant is a very strong grower, there¬ 
fore plenty of space should be allowed ; the best 
effect is obtained by training the main stems to 
wires under the glass and allowing the lateral 
branches to depend. Constant attention should be 
paid to training and thinning the growth. After 
flowering, all lateral growth may be cut bard back. 
Propagation may be effected from cuttings of half 
ripened wood, inserted in sandy soil and placed in a 
propagating case. Another point in the plant’s 
favour is its remarkable freedom from insect pests, 
a free use of the syringe during the summer usually 
sufficing to keep the plants clean.— E. C. 
SINGLE CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
Since so many splendid recent additions to the single 
Chrysanthemums have come to be known, this section 
is now advancing to popular favour. In the collection 
grown by Messrs. Wells & Co., Ltd., Earlswood 
Nursery, Redhill, Shrtey, the creamy coloured 
single variety called Disraeli still holds good as one 
of the best. Treasure is deep yellow, and lasts in 
flower up till Christmas; Golden Star furnishes 
another golden-yellow sort, and is a grand thing ; Eda 
Birch with its attractive orange disc around which 
