452 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
March 16, 1901. 
growing upon small stemmes, out of the 
knops or cuppes of the sayde floures.” 
Three hundred years do not seem to have 
given us anything strikingly fresh in the 
way of colour, but size has been greatly 
improved. The Foxe Glove (F'oxglove)grew 
wild, but was also sometimes planted in 
gardens as it is to-day. The Calfes snowte 
or Snap Dragon (both the species of 
Antirrhinum recorded in British floras) 
were known, A. rnajus being sown in 
gardens, and the lesser one occurring wild 
in certain situations. The Columbine 
(Aquilegia) must have been an old garden 
flower, for the colours were already very 
varied over three hundred years ago, and 
both single and double varieties were grown 
in gardens. 
It must not be supposed that Marguerite 
is a recent French innovation in the way of 
names, for the wild Daisy in those days was 
known as Herba margarita and as Margue¬ 
rites by the French, the name being given 
on account of the resemblance of the Daisy 
to a pearl. Pances or Flartes ease (Pansy 
or Heart’s-ease) had many pet names show¬ 
ing how popular it was with the people of 
this country between three and four hundred 
years ago. The name then was Viola 
tricolor, and the plants grew wild in the 
cornfields as well as being cultivated in 
gardens. During these many years of 
cultivation, crossing and selection the 
flowers have been immensely increased in 
size ; they have, in fact, been improved 
almost beyond recognition alongside of 
the wild original. Poppies were plentiful, 
including the Opium Poppy (Papaver 
somniferum), then yclept the Garden White 
Poppie, and the Red Poppies or Corneroses, 
one of which was P. Rhoeas the parent of 
the Shirley Poppies, and the other would 
appear to be P. Argemone. The Sun¬ 
flower (Helianthus annuus) had reached 
Spain and Germany, but not our shores 
apparently. It was called the Indian Sunne 
or Golden Floure of Perrowe (Peru), and 
the translator said “this plant groweth in 
the Weste India, the which is called 
America, and in the countrey of Perrowe; 
and being sowen in Spayne, it groweth the 
length of foure and twentie foote.” The 
woodcut shows it to be Helianthus annuus 
clearly enough. At least two species of 
Forget-me-not were known and figured and 
known as male and female Bastard Scorpi- 
oides. The former is evidently the true 
Forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris) and the 
other is evidently M. arvensis. The 
Hollyhock, the smaller and larger of the 
wild Mallows, the Marsh Mallow, and 
Malva Alcea as well as a yellow flowered 
Abulilon were grown, but the Tree Mallow, 
apparently, was unknown. The Hollyhock 
was also known as the garden Mallow, and 
like the rest of the exotics was cultivated 
or “ founde amongst certaine diligent her- 
boristes.” 
Most of the other flowers mentioned in 
our pages belong more practicularly to our 
own times, having been introduced during 
the nineteenth century or a few of them 
earlier ; but their improvement for garden 
purposes has been effected by the florists 
and cultivators generally, during compara¬ 
tively recent times. They are the “ her- 
boristes ” of our day, but a much more 
numerous body than in the ancient times of 
which we speak. The flowers of 300 years 
ago are mostly cultivated at the present 
day, and those that have responded to the 
art of the gardening craft, have not only 
survived, but are more popular than ever 
with the people at large. The sentiment of 
old time association clings to them, in 
addition to their beauty and utility ; hence 
their popularity. Even when the eye gets 
satiated with them for a time, they soon 
fade, and come up as fresh again next year. 
Wood yields one-fourth the heat of coal ; char¬ 
coal about the same as coal. 
Fumigation of Fruit Trees.—It is said that 
1,500.000 trees were fumigated in California last 
year, more than double the number fumigated the 
previous season. The cost of fumigation is said to 
be about 40 cents per tree. 
The Westonbirt Hippeastrums.—We learn that 
Captain Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucester, 
is going to exhibit his splendid collection of Hip¬ 
peastrums at the next Drill Hall meeting of the 
Royal Horticultural Society, namely on Tuesday, 
March 26th. As far as we are aware no other 
private collection of this fine plant, popularly known 
as Amaryllis, can rival it, so that all those interested 
should make a point of seeing the group. 
Leicester Flower Show and Gala—This show 
ought to act as a stimulus to horticulture in this 
district, as the schedule of prizes shows that every 
facility is offered for the man with a small garden. 
Cut flowers seem to be a special feature. The class 
for wild flowers open to children deserves every 
encouragement, as nothing tends more to sharpen 
the observing faculties of a child than the study of 
Nature. The date has been fixed for August 6th 
and 7th. 
The “Hurst & Son” Musical Society —The 
Ladies Evening Concert in connection with the above 
society will take place at the Holborn Restaurant 
(entrance Newton Street, High Holborn), in the 
Council Chamber, on March 21st. An excellent 
programme has been provided, the vocalists being 
Madame Barter, soprano; Madame Marie Royce, 
contralto; Mr. T. P. Frame, tenor; and Mr. C. 
Harmer, bass. Conductor, Edward Sherwood. 
Doors open 7.45 p.m.; reserved seats, is.; unre¬ 
served, 6d. 
The National Auricula and Primula Society 
(Southern Section).—Tbe twenty-fourth annual 
report of this society shows that it is still in a 
flourishing position, having a very substantial 
balance in hand. In recognition of the generous 
treatment so long received from the Council of the 
Royal Horticultural Society, the committee have 
deemed it expedient to become affiliated to that 
society. There is no doubt that by this action they 
are serving the best interest of the National 
Auricula and Primula Sooiety. The Auricula is not 
so extensively cultivated now as it was some years 
ago, when it was a very fashionable flower, but it 
still has many enthusiastic admirers, whose perse¬ 
verance in crossing and selection has resulted in the 
magnificent collection of varieties which adorn the 
show boards at the society’s shows. The date fixed 
for this year's exhibition is Tuesday, April 23rd, at the 
Drill Hall, Westminster. It is to be held in con¬ 
junction with the Royal Horticultural Society's 
show. 
Glasgow International Exhibition, 1901 .— 
Gardeners visit ng the coming exhibition will find 
plenty to interest them in the horticultural section, 
as the grand autumn flower, fruit, and vegetable 
show is to be held by special arrangement in 
association with the Glasgow and West of Scotland 
Horticultural Society within the exhibition. The 
plant and cut flower show is to be held on Wednes¬ 
day and Thursday, August 28th and 29th, and the 
fruit and vegetable show the following week, Wednes¬ 
day and Thursday, September 4th and 5th. There 
is a schedule of prizes and trophies to the extent of 
^r,ooo, which will ensure keen competition in all 
classes of exhibits. Every effort is being made to 
make the shows interesting and attractive. The 
executive of the exhibition have invited foreign 
nations, states, and dependencies of Great Britain, 
and all whom it may concern to furnish fruit pro¬ 
ducts at the fruit and vegetable show. The import¬ 
ance of such a show cannot be overestimated, as in 
addition to interesting the general public, the fiuit 
will be brought directly under the notice of very 
large buyers, with every prospect of finding a profit¬ 
able place in a permanent market. Suitable trophies 
and certificates will be awarded to all exhibitors of 
meritorious displays. Arrangements have been 
made with the Scottish Cold Storage and Ice Com¬ 
pany Ltd , for the reception of exhibits that may 
require storage of this kind. 
“ Fun ” has been poking fun at the lady gardeners 
at Kew, and refers to the matter as London's 
Kewriosity. 
American Fruits.—According to the American 
Agriculturist the United States Apple crop approxi¬ 
mates 48,000,000 barrels, against 37,500,000 barrels 
in 1899 and 69,000,000 in the bumper year of 1896. 
Presentations at Nunhead and Dulwich.—After 
12 years and 14 days' service as superintendent of 
the Nunhead Cemetery, Mr. J. H. Witty has gone 
back to Highgate Cemetery, where he had previously 
served as gardener and deputy superintendent for 
ii£ years. Judging by the testimonials he has 
received, he has left Nunhead and Dulwich with the 
good will of everybody. At a special meeting of the 
Dulwich Chrysanthemum Society (of which Mr.Witty 
was chairman), called for the purpose on the night 
before he left the neighbourhood, that body presented 
him with a beautifully illuminated address and a 
gold watch. On the same occasion Mr. Witty was 
presented with a very beautiful silver cruet, with 
suitable engraving for his wife and himself from the 
staff. From the undertakeis with whom he had 
come in contact in the course of his duties within the 
cemetery, he received a substantial purse of money. 
We learn, also, that he is to be the recipient of 
another present from another body with which he 
was connected while at Nunhead. From all this we 
have ample evidence of faithful attention to duty, 
and the goodwill of his fellow men. 
National Sweet Pea Society.—A meeting was 
held at Winchester House, Old Broad Street, 
London, on Tuesday, March 12th, at 5.30 p.m., to 
discuss the desirability of forming a Sweet Pea 
Society. The chair was taken by Mr. C. E. 
Wilkins. After numerous letters had been read 
promising support, Mr. Scrutton proposed that a 
society should be formed ; this was seconded by Mr. 
Sankey. Mr. Wright moved the following amend¬ 
ment: “That the meeting be adjourned until 
March 26th, and that the promoters of the society 
should meet the committee of the Bicentenary 
Celebration, and endeavour to come to a working 
agreement.” He pointed out that the general 
committee of the Bicentenary Celebration had not 
determined whether the committee should continue 
in some permanent form, or whether it should dis¬ 
solve. Until this is settled it is premature to 
promote another society ; for if two are formed they 
will clash and one must go to the wall. This was 
seconded by Mr. Robert Sydenham, of Birmingham, 
put to the meeting and carried. Mr. Wilkins said 
he was sorry the proposal had been misunderstood. 
They had no idea of a fight, and what they proposed 
to do was entirely to promote the interests of the 
Sweet Pea. If the Bicentenary Committee decides 
to form a permanent society, they will withdraw 
their proposals and support it. 
The National Carnation and Picotee Society 
(Southern Section).—The 24th annual report, sub¬ 
mitted by the committee of this society, cannot fail 
to give satisfaction to the members. The society is 
indebted in a very great treasure to its presideLt, 
Martin B. Smith, Esq., for the success attained. 
He has shown an untiring interest, devotion, 
and liberality to the society, and has exerted every 
power within his means to induce others to cultivate 
a flower of such beauty aDd infinite variety. The 
society is not only supported by members from the 
United Kingdom, but from thtContinent, Australia, 
South Africa, and Egypt. The exhibition last year, 
at the Crystal Palace, was held under very un¬ 
favourable circumstances, as the heat was so intense 
that many of the flowers “ wilted," and the excep¬ 
tionally hot weather experienced for some days prie r 
to the exhibition had a very de trimental effect, as 
many who had entered for competition were unable 
to stage their blooms. Nevertheless, the entry itself 
was a record one, and considering the drawbacks of 
the season the exhibition was a decided success. 
There were no less than sixty-three successful 
exhibi ors. The Silver Cup, given lor the highest 
number of aggregate points made in the first divit ion, 
was won by Mr. C. Blick, the president's gardener, 
whose blooms were the feature of the show. The 
exhibition is to be held this year at the Crystal 
Palace, on Friday, July 19th, when /300 and four 
Silver Cups will be given in prizes. 
