28 
THE HARDENING WORLD, 
January 9, 1904. 
pot plant, but for front, rows or clumps in the herbaceous 
border it is admirable. _ 
There are numerous varieties of the common Primrose, P. 
vulgaris. Soma of . them make line pot plants. The double 
blue and double white are perhaps the best. Miss Massey is 
a. bright crimson variety, and is considered a shy bloomer. 
My opinion of it is that, it is not such a, sun lover a.s most of 
the Primroses, and that it, does best, under the shade of trees. 
Two years ago I planted a large, clump on a. moist slope shaded 
by trees on tire south side. I hope to hear lrow they have got 
on shortly, and if the Editor thinks it will be of interest to 
readers of The Gardening World, 1 will let him know the 
resu ]t,—[Please do.— Ed.]. This, was in Ireland, by the way, a 
moisten climate than in most localities in England. 
Many more, might be mentioned, but I think enough has 
been said to show that species of Primula can hold their own, 
in the house, conservatory, rockery, flower garden, and her¬ 
baceous border. H. Arnold. 
Remarks on Growing the Fuchsia for 
Exhibition. 
As regards striking the plant! from the cuttings we must be 
guided by the season of the exhibition. If in June, they are 
properly struck in September ;• but, if designed for a Septem¬ 
ber show the most suitable time would be about the beginning 
of March. The best cuttings, are made by young shoots taken 
from near the base of the stem, which should be placed in a 
gentle heat, and, until rooted, require the protection of shade 
from the direct, rays of the sun and to have the soil kept 
damp, but not over-moist. When, upon examination, it is 
found that they have made a few root-lets, pot them off in equal 
proportions of good thick fibrous loam, well chopped up, well 
decomposed old stable manure, a, little brown, peat mixed with 
silver sand. Pot, singly into small pots'. The loam and peat 
should be chopped into nice small pieces' at this early stage 
and never sifted, as it is rendered too close by that means. 
Fuchsias are like Radishes, the quicker they are grown, the 
better. In another month they will require a shift into- a 
larger size pot, a 5-in. or 6-in. Be careful not to disturb the 
young roots, using the same soil as before, only a little 
coarser. After potting, place them in a, pit where they will 
have a, gentle heat for three weeks or a month, afterwards 
removing them to a. warm greenhouse, placing them on a 
shelf or as near the 1 glass as possible. In January they may 
be shifted into a larger size and should have an, increase of 
temperature. We are taking for granted that they have been 
struck in. September, and everything going on well, due atten¬ 
tion having been paid to pinching, syringing and shading, 
They should receive their last, shift at least two months, before 
they are required to be in bloom for the exhibition table, and) 
the stopping or pinching discontinued at least from four to 
five weeks before the show. 
Now prepare the manure-tub. After their last shift they 
will be arrowing rapidly. Pinch and regulate all the shoots. 
If this has been, properly attended to no tying of the branches 
will be necessary, but the plants should be as near the shape 
of a Deodora as possible, with the one side as good as the 
other, with a good strong leader in the centre. 
Commence feeding about six weeks before show time by 
giving from the tub wherein, lias been placed beforehand about 
| cwt,. of sheep’s droppings, if it can. be got handy, for this 
stimulant, is far better and safer than any other I have tried 
for the' Fuchsia,. It, gives a, healthy colour to, the foliage 
also. Failing this, get, the same amount of fresh cow manure 
for the barrel. Do not give it too strong at first; once in. a, 
week, after the regular watering, to be increased twice a week 
later on. Be sure to keep, when a.t, all possible, a moist, 
atmosphere, as the red spider is a, had customer if he gets a, 
footing on, the Fuchsia;. As the time is nearing for the ex¬ 
hibition', pick off all the) forward blooms' about ten days 
before the show. This will enable, the others to appear moie 
regular all over the, specimen®, and when they are set down 
cm the show-table with the blooms hanging gracefully all 
round and the pots half ludden by the foliage and flower®!, 
they are sure to get honourable mention, if not the first prize. 
Of the varieties of Fuchsias of the present day their name is 
legion, but I question very much for exhibition purposes, 
for sturdy habits of growth, for profuseness of bloom, some 
of our good old varieties, such as Venus de Medici, Rose of 
Castile, Guiding Star, Arabella, Marginata, Profusa, Model, 
Little Bo-peep 1 , Duchess, of Lancaster, Beaconstield, and others 
which might be named far surpass for show specimens many 
of the fishing-rod varieties we have at the present day, however 
big their individual blooms may be. 
Alexander Johnstone. 
The Lady Gardener. 
During the past year much bais been written in these 
columns anent this subject, both for and against. The major 
part I have read, and, being a contributor to your instructive 
paper from its commencement, I am induced, Mr. Editor, to 
ask your indulgence for a little space to air my views regarding 
our fair sex. 
I should have done this when the discussion was fairly on 
had my time permitted; but of late I have noted many ex¬ 
pressions in this and other papers; regarding the lady in the 
garden given, by many able pensions. Those of us who had the 
pleasure of attending thei Gardeners’ Dinner heard opinions 
then given regarding this subject. 
Some time ago I noticed one; able correspondent expressed 
the -opinion that the lady element was only a fad, and would 
have a, short existence. " A. D.,” with his brilliant, pen, said 
some most favourable things- on their behalf, pointing out their 
willingness, to obtain knowledge from instruction given by 
lectures, etc., and their working powers at colleges, etc., com¬ 
pared to many men. 
Added to this there are those who wo-uld boycott them out 
of a, garden,, and have not the least sympathy with them. But 
these latter havei not made a case against them, and by their 
severe denouncing against- them will net. rid the garden of 
them. 
Personally, I believe they have come- to stay, and why not ? 
At the outset, f may say I do not believe they are fitted to do 
all the duties; connected with a garden in every place, nor 
will they ever be able: to discharge the duties of many gardens, 
however they may be trained. All the same, there are many 
places where they will be a success, and in some things they 
can equal the stronger sex—I am now thinking of h-o-me 
decoration, floral, etc.—and have a refined taste not known to 
many men in. many of the lighter departments, such as Grape 
thinning, etc. ; also it may he said. Would they do this ? Yes, 
they will. Some four years; ago I saw one of the students from 
Reading at tliis work, and she could equal any man 
There are many ladies who are devoted to their garden and 
would find a. companion in a lady gardener, and although she 
may not- be able to; do some of the rougher work, could guide 
labouring men and he the means of spreading the love for 
the art still wider. 
All able- men see nothing to fear in this new development ; 
they have- faith they will always be, able- to hold their own in 
the craft-, and welcome healthy competition, knowing this is 
what advances; most industries. 
Those who; wish to drive them out of the garden, I would 
ask, why not do- this also to men in drapers’ and other shops 
of a. kindred nature ? Surely there is room for us all; let 
the most- fitting come- to the top-, regardless of cost, or class. 
Horticulture is surely extending, and if ladies have an ability, 
give- them a free hand ; and those men who cannot- hold their 
own or have mistaken their calling, I say, should obtain 
another avocation. J. C. F. 
Chard. 
Death of Mr. James Tweedie.— The death has just occurred 
of Mr. James Tweedie, who for 26 years had been superintendent 
of Portobello Eastern Cemetery, Joppa. For some years Mr. 
Tweedie was a gardener in Inveresk, Musselburgh. 
