May 2, 1908. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
295 
A PERS IAN CANDYTUFT ( grandX” a m .) 
C E5 3P 
The species of Aethionema are not 
exactly Candytufts, as the name more 
rightly belongs to Iberis; nevertheless, 
some of them have the name Candytuft 
applied to them and they are, indeed, 
closely allied, while some of them closely 
resemble some of the perennial species of 
Candytuft. The above is the strongest 
or tallest growing species we have seen in 
cultivation, the stems being 12 in. to 
18 in. in length. They are very slender, 
however, and when the plant comes into 
bloom during the month of June it is very 
liable to be subjected to heavy showers 
of rain and that bends all the stems down, 
after which the tips begin to turn up 
again. For this reason it might often be 
grown where it could hang down over the 
ledges of a rather steep portion of the rock 
work, because under those conditions the 
flower stems will hang down freely with¬ 
out allowing the flowers to come in con¬ 
tact with the soil. 
The blooms are of a bright rose colour 
at first, fading to pink, and are large, as 
the name implies, besides being produced 
in great abundance. The plant is fairly 
hardy, although it comes from Persia, but 
it should be planted where the roots will 
be fairly dry in winter. The perennial 
species of Candytuft also thrive under 
similar conditions. The plant is usually 
propagated by cuttings taken during July 
or August and inserted in pots of lignt, 
sandy soil, and placed in a cold frame or 
under a hand-light until rooted. 
United Horticultural Benefit and Provident 
Society. 
The quarterly meeting of this society 
was held at the Horticultural Hall, West¬ 
minster, on the 13th ult., Mr. Charles H. 
Curtis in the chair. Five new members 
were elected, making a total of 30 for 
the quarter. Sickness has been heavy, 
but rather less than during the first three 
months of 1907. Several cheques were 
passed, being payments to members over 
70 years of age, and others, including a 
payment of 2s. to a member who lapsed 
30 years ago. Members over 60 years of 
age are now allowed to withdraw the in¬ 
terest on their deposit account, and seve¬ 
ral avail themselves of the privilege, as 
it enables them to pay their subscriptions 
more easily. The committee hope that 
many young gardeners will join the so¬ 
ciety during the year. Rules may be had 
from the secretary, W. Coll,ins, 9, Martin- 
dale Road, Balham, S.W. 
Aethionema grandiflorum. 
Maclar'en and Sons. 
amyw T RNE Parsley. 
In every garden, large _or small, this 
herb is in almost daily demand. Unfor¬ 
tunately, on some soils, there is consider¬ 
able difficulty in having it thrive properly, 
as wireworms and other grubs prey on 
the roots, and very often kill off a whole 
plantation within a few days. 
A very little trouble will obviate this 
unsatisfactory state of matters. Before 
digging the ground for Parsley a fair 
amount of well-rotted manure should be 
spread on the surface, and buried at least 
six inches deep. Just before planting, or 
sowing, spread four'inches of leaf mould 
over the entire bed, and lightly point it 
in. It will then be found that even in 
gardens that have hitherto failed to pro¬ 
duce fine Parsley it will grow luxu¬ 
riously. It will be found that the finest 
Parsley is grown by sowing in heat in 
spring," and planting out 12 inches apart 
early in May. This planting will pro¬ 
duce large quantities of fine leaves for 
months on end. To prolong the supply 
well into autumn, sow in the open towards 
the end of March or early iq April. Thin 
to 9 inches apart. For winter and spring 
use the protection of a cold frame is essen¬ 
tial. Sow the seed thinly during July, 
and grow it as hardy as possible, only 
covering it with the sashes during severe 
weather. 
C. Blair. 
Preston House, 
Linlithgow. 
-- 
Wearing Flowers in the Nose. 
The Hindu nose-ring seems likely to 
disappear with many native customs. 
Some of the most prominent Hindus in 
Bombay have decided that henceforward 
the women of their caste shall wear a 
flower in the nose instead of a ring. If 
the ladies refuse to obey they will be 
liable to a fine. Tradition declares that 
wearing the nose-ring is a memento of an 
injunction from Vishnu himself. 
