February 14, 1903. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
149 
WITHOUT PREJUDICE. 
Quizzings by “ Cal.’ ’ 
One or two readers, seeing that Yams were exhibited at a 
recent E.H.S. committee meeting, have asked me to describe 
them. > 
* * * 
The Yam (I)ioscorea) is a native of China, and, although 
hardy, is little grown outside of tropical countries. 
It is chiefly in the West Indies that it is grown as an article 
of food, and among the natives it forms a staple diet. 
* * * 
In growth it closely resembles the Black Bryony, growing some 
10ft. In height if given support. 
* * * 
The stems are twining, and ornamented by shining, heart- 
shaped foliage. 
* * * 
The roots are tuberous, and when cooked afford a most whole¬ 
some vegetable. 
* * * 
Although only one species is said to be cultivated, the varieties 
are numerous, many of which have merely local names. In size 
the roots vary, ranging from 6m. in length to 3ft. or 4ft., with 
a corresponding weight of 1 to lOOlbs. Cuttings of stems afford 
a means of propagation, but the West Indians plant, the top 
portion of the root, called a “ Yam head,” from which fleshy 
shoots and new Yams are slowly produced. 
* * * 
In Barbadoes the plants ramble at will, but in Jamaica and 
Trinidad support is provided. The period for ripening of the 
roots varies from five to twelve months. 
* * * 
An American writer once said that nothing marked the pro¬ 
gress of the nation more than flowers did. The same sentiment 
might well be applied to England. 
* * * 
Flowers can claim to have done much toward the expansion 
of the nation. Plants brought from the Colonies have in a 
sense placed us in touch, fostering an ever-increasing love. 
•* * •* 
From a trade point of view many millions have changed hands, 
providing employment for thousands, whether growers or sales¬ 
men. The revenue has also benefited to an enormous extent, 
for it is impossible to estimate the vast quantities of plants and 
seeds that pass through the post office, all of which tends to the 
betterment of the nation. 
* * * 
I was recently reading of an individual who at an Australian 
theatre got up in the middle of the third act of a first-night play 
and exclaimed : “ This play is bad, and the acting is worse! ’’ 
The leading actor advanced to the footlights and retorted : “ If 
you don’t like it, get outside! ” 
* * * 
“ Excuse me,” rejoined the malcontent, “ I have a right to 
criticise, and I say the play is bad, and I want my money back.” 
* * * 
After a little scene the interrupter received his money, and 
then he triumphantly exclaimed, “ You can proceed, for I have 
my money.” 
* * * 
I wonder if there are any readers of the “ G.W.” who can con¬ 
scientiously say, “ This paper is bad, and the writing is worse. 
I want my money back ! ” 
* * * 
I should imagine that the newness of the brush prevented the 
pollen adhering, “ W. W.” 
* * * 
If you had attempted water-colour painting you would have 
discovered a slight oiliness in new brushes. 
* * * 
There is one little point I must ask enlightenment on. 
■x- * ■* 
“ W. W.” says he wiped off the flowers, and put them to others 
that way. My quizzing propensity is at fault. 
* * * 
A while ago the question of floral conviviality appeared in the 
“ G.W.,” and it brought forth some philosophic remarks from 
a former writer. I feel surprised at the Editor’s temerity in 
quoting the par. on page 100. 
Mr. Peebles brings forth a capital notion on page 102. The 
opportunity afforded Mr. Carnegie or any other millionaire is 
too good to be lost. 
* * * 
A rather novel dream was related to me by a young horticul¬ 
turist, and at some future time I may favour or disfavour 
readers with it. 
* * * 
I recently heard two theatrical comedians pattering, and one 
asked the other a conundrum. 
* * * 
Said he: “The Americans grow 1,000,000 bushels of Apples 
annually. They export 300,000 bushels and keep 700,000 
bushels.” 
* * * 
“ What do they do with ’em all? Give it up? Why, they eat 
what they can, and can what they can’t.” 
■*■*■•* 
I have heard the story before, but it may be new to some 
readers. 
* * * 
I confess to a little surprise at “ A. P.” not growing the newly- 
selected Earliest of All Sweet Pea. For earliness it gives points 
to any existing variety. 
* * * 
The par re club-root on page 109 calls to mind another trouble 
—root gall weevil. For the past two seasons I have had under 
observation a garden in which the owner cannot grow Cabbage 
nor Brussels Sprouts, yet Kales grow exceptionally well. 
* * * 
The soil is very light and shallow, and was bastard trenched 
last autumn. On my own heavy soil, similarly treated, many 
of my late Cabbages made but little growth after planting out. 
As in the previous instance, Kales, Cauliflower, Brocoli, and 
also Brussels Sprouts have been wonderfully vigorous. Such 
cases are curious, to say the least; 
* * * 
Like A. Hemslev, I am not great at botany ; few gardeners 
are, unfortunately. To such ignorance a dissected flower 
affords little enlightenment. 
* * * 
However, we will let that pass. To the present-day enthusiast 
the bloom of a Sweet Pea consists of a standard, wings and keel, 
and of all the thousands of flowers I have handled, never have 
I observed that the keel was composed of two segments. [See 
“Questions and Answers.”— Ed.] Possibly the earliest flowers 
were built so, although I have not seen such a notice. 
■* * * 
Respecting the term “pocket,” it was merely an expression of 
my own. We should all aim at originality ; hence the question¬ 
able item. However, the keel to an ord narv observer is pouch- 
shaped, possessing only one opening at the top. From the latter 
point only is access obtainable to the stigma. 
* * * 
If our highly-esteemed Editor, or anyone else, settles the 
point, this child is more than ready to abide by it. 
* * * 
Oh, no, Mr. Beckett! We are all aware that the shelter of 
a nom da plume is out of your line. Your successes—I was 
almost saying “ sins ”—would surely give you away. However, 
it is neither false modesty nor fear that makes it desirable in 
my own case. 
* * * 
Personally, I am am advocate for trenching—in fact, “ on the 
brain ” ; but, as before stated, I would prefer bastard trenching 
on new ground for one season at least. 
* * * 
I so treated my Potato plots in the autumn of 1901, and I 
feel certain that 1 scored thereby, in comparison with the 
shallow diggers on adjoining plots. Furthermore, root crops 
were good, whilst greens, with the exception of Cabbage, clearly 
indicated that the roots were below the top spit. 
* * * 
The possi bilities of etherisation of plants are still being dealt 
with. 
* * * 
Mr. Jannoch, of Norfolk, speaks favourably of the new method ; 
therefore if it is to prove profitable it behoves our home growers 
to take advantage of it. 
* * * 
An airtight tank or room is all that is necessary, and six days 
after lifting the plants are ready to awake from their enforced 
sleep. 
