Feoruary  22,  If  00. 
JOURJ^AL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
169 
Raising  Tomato  Plants  for  Houses  and  Outdoors  {Beginner). — The 
plants  may  be  raised  readily  in  frames  over  hotbeds,  the  seeds  being 
sown  in  pots,  pans,  or  boxes,  commonly  called  propagating  trays,  being 
15  inches  long,  9  inches  wide,  and  2  inches  deep.  The  proposed  roughly 
constructed  pit  will  answer  for  the  plants  after  potting  just  as  well  as 
the  most  costly  structure,  and  it  need  only  be  so  high  at  the  sides  as 
to  allow  of  a  flap  a  board  wide,  for  ventilation,  about  18  inches  from 
the  grorrnd,  so  that  the  sides  need  not  be  more  than  2  feet  6  inches 
high,  or  even  less.  The  roof  should  be  span,  so  that  the  plants  muy 
have  light  from  all  sides,  it  not  being  possible  to  have  them  too  sturdy, 
and  they  get  more  light  in  a  span,  and  are  nearer  the  glass  than  in  a 
lean-to.  Besides,  the  back  of  a  lean-to  will  require  to  be  a  considerable 
height  to  allow  for  head  room.  A  structure  about  12  feet  wide,  2  to 
2  feet  6  inches  high  at  the  sides,  and  with  7  feet  6  inch  roof-lights,  and 
ventilators  along  the  ridge,  would  be  suitable.  It  should  have  a  flow 
and  return  4-iuch  hot-water  pipe  on  each  side,  and  include  provision  for 
plenty  of  air,  as  there  is  little  chance  of  good  results  without  securing 
sturdy  plants.  The  house  so  constructed  would  alwaj  s  be  useful, 
and  cost  very  little  more  than  the  makeshift ;  indeed,  the  proposed 
one  is  inadequate  to  the  requirements.  No  unheated  structure  would 
answer  for  Tomatoes  by  the  Ist  of  April,  and  paraffin  stoves  are  out  of 
the  question,  as  the  structure  must  be  such  as  to  bring  the  plants  on, 
even  for  planting  outdoors,  otherwise  good  results  cannot  be  looked  for. 
The  raising  of  the  plants  is  a  very  important  matter,  they  being  thinly 
grown  from  the  start.  The  cheapest  effective  covering  is  scrim 
canvas,  but  even  this  is  of  no  use  without  hot-water  pipes,  for  frosts 
are  sometimes  very  severe  in  Apiil.  The  end  of  March  is  a  good  time 
for  sowing  to  raise  plants  for  outdoor  planting,  but  it  is  necessary  that 
they  be  grown  well,  hard,  strong,  and  showing  the  trusses  of  bloom 
when  planted  out  in  May,  or  as  soon  as  safe. 
Names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  cultivated 
plants,  not  wild  flowers,  or  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seeds  and 
termed  florists’  flowers.  Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering 
plants,  and  Fern  fronds  should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive 
in  a  fresh  state  in  securely  tied  firm  boxes.  Thin  paper  boxes  arrive  in 
a  flattened  state.  Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass,  or  leaves  form 
the  best  packing,  dry  wool  or  paper  the  worst.  Those  arrive  in  the 
best  condition  that  are  so  closely  or  firmly  packed  in  soft  green  fresh 
grass,  as  to  remain  unmoved  by  shaking.  No  specimens  should  be  sent 
to  rest  in  the  post  office  over  Sunday,  on  which  day  there  is  no  delivery 
of  postal  matter  in  London.  Specimens  in  partially  filled  boxes  are 
invariably  injured  or  spoiled  by  being  dashed  to  and  fro  in  transit.  Not 
more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  the  numbers 'should 
be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures,  it  being  often  difficult  to 
separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp.  (F.  C.). — 1,  Lindleyanum 
mirandum  (Odontoglossum  mirandum  of  Beiohenbach)  ;  2,  Dendrobium 
luteolum.  {A.  L.). —  1,  Dendrobium  primulinum  ;  2,  Vanda  gigantea  ; 
3,  V.  Amesiana ;  4,  a  pretty  white  form  of  Lajlia  anceps ;  it  is  of  no 
value  in  its  present  state,  but  might  develop  into  an  excellent  variety 
under  the  best  cultivation.  (H.  J.  T.). — 1,  Adiantum  pubescens; 
2,  Phoenix  dactylifera ;  3,  Selaginella  caesia ;  4,  Iris  tuberosa,  the 
Snake’s-head  Iris.  (C.  i?.). — I,  Cypripedium  Spicerianum;  2,  C.  in- 
signe  ;  3,  Dendrobium  Wardianum  ;  4,  Adiantum  formosum  ;  5, 
A.  Pacotti ;  6,  Scolopendrium  vulgare  cristatum.  (D.  S.), — I,  A  poor 
form  of  Odontoglossum  crispum  ;  2,  Cypripedium  insigne. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— February  21st. 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— FRUIT. 
Supply  of  Grapes  much  shorter. 
8.  d.  B.  d. 
Apples,  English,  per  sieve  5  OtolO  0 
„  Californian  .  7  6  10  0 
„  Canadian,  barrel  ...  10  0  15  0 
„  Nova  Scotian,  barrel  10  0  17  0 
Cobnuts  per  100  lb .  60  0  70  0 
Grapes,  black  .  2  6  5  0 
„  Muscat .  4  0  8  0 
Lemons,  case  .  4  0  15  0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— VEGETABLES. 
Vegetable  supply  very  short. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
Artichokes,  green,  doz.  ... 
2 
6  to  3 
0 
Mushrooms,  lb . 
1 
0  to  1  3 
Asparagus,  green,  bundle 
5 
0 
5 
9 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
0 
2 
0  0 
„  giant,  bundle 
15 
0 
20 
0 
Onions,  bag,  about  1  cwt. 
4 
0 
8  0 
Beans,  Jersey,  per  lb . 
2 
0 
2 
6 
Parsley,  doz.  bunches  ... 
2 
0 
4  0 
„  Madeira,  basket  ... 
2 
0 
2 
6 
Potatoes,  cwt . 
3 
6 
6  0 
Beet,  Red,  doz . 
0 
6 
0 
0 
„  Teneriffe,  cwt.... 
■18 
0 
28  0 
Brussels  Sprouts,  A  sieve... 
3 
0 
3 
6 
Radishes,  French,  round 
Cabbages,  per  tally . 
9 
0 
12 
0 
per  doz . 
1 
6 
0  0 
Carrots,  per  doz . 
6 
0 
7 
0 
„  Jersey,  long 
Cauliflowers,  doz . 
2 
0 
3 
0 
per  doz . 
0 
8 
0  10 
Celery,  per  bundle . 
1 
0 
1 
9 
Seakale,  doz.  baskets 
12 
0 
15  0 
Cucumbers,  doz . 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Shallots,  lb . 
0 
3 
0  0 
Endive,  doz . 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Spinach,  per  bushel . 
3 
0 
5  0 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Sprue,  French,  per  doz. ... 
7 
0 
9  0 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Tomatoes,  per  doz.  lbs.  ... 
6 
0 
8  0 
Xjcttnce,  doz.  ...  ...  ... 
1 
6 
1 
8 
Turnips,  bunch . 
4 
0 
6  C 
AVERAGE  WtlOLESALE  PRICES. --CUT  FLOWERS. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
6.  d. 
s.  d. 
Anemones,  doz.  bunches... 
2  0  to  3  0 
Maidenhair  Fern, doz. bnch 
8  OtolO  0 
Arums  . 
(!  0 
8  0 
Marguerites,  doz.  bnchs. 
3  0 
4  0 
Asparagus,  Fern,  bunch... 
2  0 
2  6 
,,  Yellow,  doz.  bnchs. 
4  0 
6  0 
Bouvardia,  bunch  . 
0  6 
0  9 
Mimosa,  per  bunch . 
1  6 
2  0 
Carnations,  12  blooms  ... 
2  6 
3  6 
Mignonette,  doz.  bunches 
6  0 
8  0 
Cattleyas,  per  doz . 
1-2  0 
24  0 
Narcissus,  white,  doz.  bun. 
2  0 
3  0 
Christmas  Roses,  doz.  ... 
1  0 
2  0 
„  Yellow,  doz.  bunches 
3  0 
5  0 
Chrysanthemums,  white 
„  double,  doz.  bunches 
2  0 
4  0 
doz.  blooms 
6  0 
9  0 
Odontoglossums  . 
5  0 
7  6 
„  yellow  doz.  blooms 
5  0 
8  0 
Pelargoniums,  doz.  bnchs 
8  0 
12  0 
,,  bunches,  var.,  each 
1  6 
3  0 
Poinsettias,  doz . 
12  0 
18  0 
Daffodils,  double,  doz.  bnch 
8  0 
10  0 
Roses  (indoor),  doz . 
6  0 
8  0 
„  single,  doz.  bnch. 
6  0 
12  0 
,,  Red,  doz . 
6  0 
8  0 
Eueharis,  doz . 
8  0 
10  0 
,,  Safrano,  packet 
3  6 
4  0 
Gardenias,  doz . 
6  0 
8  0 
„  Tea,  while,  doz. 
3  6 
6  0 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
,,  Yellow,  doz.  (Perlea) 
5  0 
7  6 
bnchs . 
6  0 
9  0 
„  Marechal  Niel,  doz. 
6  0 
12  0 
Hyacinth,  Roman,  doz.  ... 
6  0 
8  0 
Smilax,  bunch . 
6  0 
7  6 
Lilium  Harrisi,  12  blooms 
6  0 
8  0 
Tulips,  scarlet,  bunch . 
0  6 
0  & 
„  lancifolium  album  ... 
3  6 
4  6 
,,  yellow,  bunch . 
1  0 
1  6 
,,  ,,  rubrum... 
3  6 
4  6 
,,  bronze,  bunch . 
1  0 
1  6 
„  longifforum,  12  blooms 
8  0 
10  0 
Violets,  Parma,  bunch  ... 
4  0 
6  0 
Lilac,  white,  bundle 
4  0 
6  0 
,,  dark,  French,  doz. 
2  0 
3  0 
„  mauve,  bundle 
4  0 
8  0 
„  „  English,  doz. 
2  0 
3  0 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  12  bun. 
9  0 
18  0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
B.  d. 
8.  d. 
Arbor  Vitae,  var.,  doz.  ... 
6  0to36  0 
Ferns,  small,  100  . 
4  0  to  8  0 
Arums,  per  doz . 
18  0 
24  0 
Ficus  elastica,  each . 
1  6 
7  6 
Aspidistra,  doz . 
18  0 
36  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.,  each 
1  0 
5  0 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
15  0 
20  0 
Lily  of  Valley,  per  pot  ... 
1  0 
2  0 
Chrysanthemums,  each  ... 
1  0 
4  0 
Hyacinths,  Dutch,  doz. ... 
10  0 
18  0 
Crotons,  doz . 
18  0 
30  0 
Hyacinths,  Roman, perpot 
0  8 
1  0 
Cyclamen,  doz . 
8  0 
12  0 
Lycopodiums,  doz . 
3  0 
6  0 
Daffodils,  pot  . 
1  0 
1  6 
Marguerite  Daisy,  doz.  ... 
12  0 
15  0 
Dracaena,  var.,  doz . 
12  0 
30  0 
Mignonette,  doz . 
8  0 
12  0 
Dracaena  viridis,  doz. 
9  0 
18  0 
Myrtles,  doz . 
6  0 
9  0 
Erica  various,  doz . 
30  0 
60  0 
Palms,  in  var..  each 
1  0 
15  0 
Buonymus,  van,  doz. 
6  0 
18  0 
,,  specimens  . 
21  0 
63  0 
Evergreens,  van,  doz.  ... 
4  0 
18  0 
Poinsettias,  per  doz. 
15  0 
20  0 
Ferns,  var.,  doz . 
4  0 
18  0 
Solanums  per  doz . 
9  0i 
18  0 
SPRING  CLEANING  FOR  THE  YOUNG. 
We  are  in  terrible  fear — not  of  our  Editor,  ob,  no,  nor  of  our 
general  readers — they  would  smile  and  say  nothing.  But  what  of  the 
ladies  of  the  family  ?  Do  they  ever  read  “  Home  Farm  ?  ”  Not 
unless  there  is  something  that  appeals  to  them.  We  hope  they  will 
not  see  this  number,  at  least  those  of  them  who  have  reached  maturity. 
They  might  scoff,  at  any  rate  they  would  sneer,  “  What  has  a  mere 
man  to  say  about  cleaning  that  we  do  not  know  far  better  than  he  ?” 
Oh,  yes,  we  quite  agree,  humbly  assuring  them  that  we  would, 
never  enter  into  argument  with  them,  but  we  are  thinking  now 
of  the  young  folk,  those  who  will  occupy  our  places  in  a  few  years  and 
do  things  better  than  we  have  done  them.  But  the  young  are 
forgetful ;  their  minds,  perhaps,  are  not  altogether  “  on  pleasure  bent,’*' 
but  they  are  apt  to  slip  little  minutiae,  thinking  that  such  trivial 
matters  are  of  no  moment. 
We  are  not  speaking  of  house  cleaning,  that  is  not  our  province, 
but  of  the  dairy  and  the  utensils  appertaining  thereto  we  would  write- 
Just  now  in  the  generality  of  farm  houses  dairy  work  is  slack  and  has- 
been  during  the  winter  months,  but  every  day  now  cows  will  be¬ 
falling  due  to  calve,  and  will  greatly  be  on  the  increase.  Some  dairies' 
are  light  and  airy  and  not  too  big,  still  during  the  short  and  cold 
days  it  is  quite  possible  that  the  daily  cleaning  may  have  been  a  bit 
slipped.  It  is  not  pleasant  to  be  rubbing  and  scrubbing  stone  shelves 
and  cemented  floors  in  a  low  temperature  and  by  the  aid  of  candle  or 
lamp — in  fact  it  is  impossible  with  artificial  light,  or  even  the  best 
light  afforded  by  a  December  day,  to  rout  out  all  the  corners  or 
crannies.  For  one  thing  the  water,  how^ever  hot,  cools  so  quickly,  and 
for  dairy  work  hot  water  is  an  essential.  Happy  is  that  dairymaid 
who  has  a  nice  cemented  floor  and  slate  or  stone  shelves;  her  difiB- 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
Melons  . each 
0  6  to  1  6 
Oranges,  per  case  . 
5  0 
15  0 
„  Tangierine,  box... 
0  6 
1  9 
„  Californian,  seed¬ 
less . 
16  0 
24  0 
Pears,  Californian,  ease... 
6  0 
9  0 
Pines,  St.  Michael’s,  each 
1  0 
6  0 
