184 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
March  1,  1900.  -w*®! 
trative  of  the  several  varieties  from^the  same  seedpod  ;  C.  Alice,  Argo- 
Morganim,  insigne  seedling,  Chamberlaiuo-insigne,  Eothsohildo- 
Buperbiens,  and  Lebaudyanum,  with  Calanthes  Ariadne  and  gigas, 
Cochlioda  vulcanicum  maximum,  Habenaria  bonatea,  several  Masde- 
vallias,  and  Phalmnopsis  Schilleriana  and  Stuartiana  (silver-gilt  Flora 
medal) , 
Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son,  Upper  Holloway,  were  represented 
by  a  small  group  of  Orchids,  which  had  as  a  centrepiece  a  grandly 
flowered  example  of  Ccelogyne  cristata.  Cymbidium  eburneum  was 
also  included,  as  were  Cypripediums  Pitcherianum  Williams’  variety, 
Boxalli  nigrum,  Euryandrum,  politum,  callosum,  Eothsctildianum, 
cenanthum  superbum,  Lebaudyanum,  villosum,  Harrisonianum 
superbum,  Winniauum,  and  discolor,  with  Playtyclinis  glumaceum 
valida.  Mr.  F.  W.  Thorougood,  gardener  to  H.  T.  Pitt,  Esq.,  Stamford 
Hill,  staged  a  varied  group  of  Orchids,  in  which  Dendrobiums,  Cypri¬ 
pediums,  and  Odontoglossums  were  well  represented  (silver-gilt  Flora 
medal). 
Messrs.  H.  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park,  had  about  a  dozen  Orchids, 
including  a  beautiful  variety  of  Dendrobium  Wardianum,  D.  Bry- 
merianum,  Cypripedium  Charles  Eichman,  a  splendid  plant  of  Cattleya 
Trianae  alba,  with  an  example  of  the  typical  C.  Trianse.  Messrs.  F. 
Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans,  showed  Epidendrum  Orphanum,  Epiphronitis 
Veitchi,  with  several  hybrid  Phaius.  Welbore  S.  Ellis,  Esq.,  Dorking, 
exhibited  some  beautiful  plants  of  Odontoglossums,  with  Ccelogyne 
cristata  alba,  Dendrobium  Lindleyanum,  Lycaste  Skinneri,  and  others 
(silver  Banksian  medal). 
Messrs.  J.  Cypher  &  Co.,  Cheltenham,  are  too  seldom  represented  at 
the  London  shows.  On  the  present  occasion  they  sent  Dendrobiums 
nobile  nobilius,  Ethel,  atro-violaceum,  Cassiope,  Cybele,  Ainsworthi 
Cypher’s  variety,  Endocharis,  splendidissimum,  and  nobile  Cooksoni- 
anum,  with  Sophronilis  grandiflora,  Miltonia  Ecezli,  and  others  (silver 
Banksian  medal).  Mr.  W.  Stevens,  gardener  to  W.  Thompson,  Esq., 
Stone,  Staffs,  sent  a  splendid  collection  of  Odontoglossums,  including 
sceptrum  grandiflorum,  excellens  nobilior,  e.  spectabile,  Adrianas 
Lady  E-oberts,  A.  rubiginosum,  A.  Lord  Eoberts,  crispum  (?)  Golden 
Gem,  Wilckeanum  concinnum,  Loochrystiense  Kimberley  (silver  Flora 
medal)* 
Of  smaller  exhibits  Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Heaton,  sent  Epi- 
Lmlia  heatonense;  A.  H.  Smee,  Esq.,  Carshalton,  three  varieties  of 
Cattleya  Trianm;  de  Barri  Crawshay,  Esq.,  Sevenoaks,  Lmlia  Jongheana 
and  L.  auceps  Dawsoni  rosefieldiensis  ;  S.  J.  Lutwyche,  Esq.,  Beck¬ 
enham,  a  seedling  Dendrobium  and  Cypripedium  beechense ;  T.  B. 
Haywood,  Esq.,  Eeigate,  a  magnificent  plant  of  Dendrobium  splen¬ 
didissimum  grandiflorum  and  D.  Virgil ;  Baron  Schroder,  The  Dell, 
Egham,  Leelia  Jongheana  ;  E.  I.  Measures,  Esq.,  Camberwell,  Cypri¬ 
pedium  villosum  aureane  superbum;  J.  Leeman,  Esq.,  Heaton,  Dendro- 
bium  nobile  virgale  and  Cattleya  Trianas  West  Bank  House  variety  ; 
Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  Selenipedium  Titanum  and  Lcelia  Jongheana  ; 
G.  S.  Ball,  Esq  ,  Wilmslow,  Zygopetalum  Balli ;  Col.  Shipway,  Chiswick, 
Cymbidium  Traceyanum  ;  and  Lord  Eothschild,  Tring,  Schomburgkia 
species. 
Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 
Agapetes  huxifoUa  (J.  Downes). — A  very  old  plaut  than  is  compara¬ 
tively  well  known  (award  of  merit).  (See  fig.  49  ) 
Apple  Golaloa  (A.  Pettigiew). — A  handsome  varieiy  with  indistinct 
angles.  Tbe  flesh  is  firm  and  very  sweet,  and  is  suitable  either  for 
dessert  or  culinary  purposes.  The  deeply  set  eye  is  half  open,  and 
with  reflexing  segments.  The  stalk  is  very  short,  and  deeply  inserted 
in  a  round  cavity.  The  skin  is  yellow,  profusely  spotted,  and  dull  on 
the  sun  side  (award  of  merit). 
Camellia  General  Hector  Macdonald  (F.  Sander  &  Co.).— A  large 
flowered  semi-double  variety  of  a  rosy  red  colour  (award  of  merit). 
Cattleya  Triancs  West  Bank  House  variety  (J.  Leeman).— A  hand¬ 
some  variety,  with  petals  and  sepals  of  soft  rose.  The  lip  is  crimson 
on  the  front  lobe  with  a  deep  yellow  throat  (award  of  meric). 
Iris  stenophijlla  (E.  Wallace  &  Co.),— A  dwarf-growing  singularly 
beautiful  species.  The  standards  are  slate  blue  and  the  falls  deep 
velvety  blue  (flrst-class  certificate). 
Lcelia  Edissa  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons).— This  is  from  a  cross  between 
L.  purpurata  and  L.  anceps.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  soft  rose  purple, 
and  the  lip  is  rich  crimson  with  a  paler  edge  and  a  handsome  throat 
(first-class  certificate). 
Odontoglossum  Adriana  Lord  Roberts  (W.  Stevens). — A  beautifully 
formed  flower.  The  prevailing  colour  is  yellow  tinged  with  green,  and 
there  are  numerous  bright  brown  blotches  and  spots.  The  lip  is  of  a 
paler  shade  (award  of  merit). 
Odontoglossum  Loochrystiense  Kimberley  (W.  Stevens).  —  A  very 
beautiful  variety,  with  a  general  ground  colour  of  soft  yellow  and  small 
and  large  brown  spots  (award  of  merit) . 
Primula  kewensis  (Eoyal  Gardens,  Kew). — This  is  a  cross  from 
floribunda  and  verticillata,  and  is  extremely  floriferous.  The  flowers 
are  bright  yellow  (first-class  certificate). 
Zygopetalum  Balli  (G.  S.  Ball).— This  is  a  new  species.  The  sepals 
are  rose  carmine  with  a  white  base  and  margins ;  the  petals  are  of  a 
siuiilar  shade,  but  the  colour  is  not  in  one  mass,  but  is  divided  into 
spots  towards  the  tips.  The  central  portion  of  the  lip  deep  crimson 
with  a  very  broad  pure  white  margin  (award  of  merit). 
FLOWERING  PLANTS  FROM  SEED. 
Pentstemons. 
The  Pentstenion  is  an  herbaceous  perennial  of  an  attractive 
character  when  in  bloom,  and  well  suited  for  growing  in  a  border  of 
choice  perennials.  Though  a  perennial  it  will  flower  the  first  season 
from  seed,  and  it  is  owing  to  this  fact  that  it  has  become  more  popular 
as  a  summer  bedding  plant.  To  obtain  strong  healthy  plants  which 
will  bloom  creditably  the  first  season,  it  is  essential  that  the  seeds  be 
sown  early.  Though  March  is  rather  late  to  raise  from  seeds  so  that 
flowering  plants  may  be  obtained  the  same  season,  with  a  little  extra 
attention  in  encouraging  growth  in  a  moist  heat,  and  plenty  of  light, 
so  that  they  may  be  transplanted  early  into  boxes,  good  stock  will  be 
forthcoming  by  the  end  of  May.  A  pan  or  pot  will  accommodate  ' 
sufficient  seedlings  to  fill  several  boxes  when  pricked  out. 
A  light  compost  of  loam,  leaf  soil,  and  sand  should  be  prepared. 
Make  the  surface  smooth  and  fine,  moisten,  and  sow  the  seeds  not  too 
thickly,  covering  with  a  thin  layer  of  fine  soil.  Shade  with  damp 
moss  or  paper  until  germination  ensues,  which  will  soon  take  place  in 
a  temperature  of  60°,  Accord  the  seedlings  a  light  position, 
maintaining  the  soil  moist,  and  growth  will  advance  rapidly.  The 
next  operation  must  be  to  transfer  the  seedlings  to  boxes.  Continue 
them  in  the  same  temperature  so  as  to  encourage  growth  becoming 
free,  then  gradually  inure  to  cooler  conditions.  Plant  finally  in  well 
dug  beds  in  an  open  position  at  the  end  of  May.  They  will  bloom 
well  in  early  autumn.  The  details  for  raising  Pentstemons  are 
also  applicable  to  Petunias,  Gaillardias,  Stocks,  Asters,  Phlox  Drum, 
mondi,  Salpiglossis,  Scabious  for  a  summer  display,  and  to  Pansies  and 
Violas  for  autumn  flowering. 
Sweet  Peas. 
In  order  to  obtain  an  early  display  of  bloom  a  number  of  4  or 
5-inch  pots  may  be  three-parts  filled  with  soil  of  a  rich  character  and 
five  or  six  seeds  sown  in  each.  When  the  seeds  have  germinated  afford 
a  light  position  on  a  shelf  for  the  pots,  a  cool  or  only  slightly  heated 
structure  with  a  free  circulation  of  air  being  the  best.  A  garden 
frame  is  an  admirable  place  for  them  when  growing,  and  if  not  heated 
cover  the  glass  on  cold  nights  to  avoid  a  check.  On  every  favourable 
occasion  expose  fully  so  that  the  plants  will  be  thoroughly  hardened 
for  planting  out  in  rows  late  in  April.  When  thus  planted  affix  the 
sticks  down  each  side,  which  will  render  both  support  and  protection, 
i'hese  early  rows  will  afford  the  first  flowers.  Successional  rows  may 
follow,  but  the  seeds  must  be  sown  directly  in  the  position.  Stake 
them  early  wljen  through  the  soil  with  Orauched  sticks.  All  the  choice 
named  varieties  had  better  have  the  pot  treatment,  as  it  is  certain  to 
insure  good  plants,  and  is  economical  in  seeds.  Sweet  Peas  should 
this  year  have  special  attention  given  them,  as  more  than  ordinary 
interest  will  be  attached  to  the  flower,  seeing  that  the  present  year 
marks  the  bi-centenary  of  its  introduction. 
Stocks. 
Stocks  are  capable  of  producing  a  long  succession  of  flowers,  and  are 
showy  and  fragrant.  The  season  may  be  commenced  by  sowing  the 
Ten- weeks  varieties,  which  will  come  into  flower  first,  the  succession 
being  maintained  by  the  Intermediate  and  Emperor  varieties.  Ten- 
weeks  Stocks  may  be  sown  now,  the  others  three  weeks  later. 
Drain  some  pans,  pots,  or  shallow  boxes.  Save  the  rougher  parts  of 
the  compost  to  place  over  the  crocks.  The  soil  should  consist  of 
loam,  leaf  soil,  and  sand,  and  it  is  a  good  plan  to  practically  roast 
the  compost  before  using  in  order  to  destroy  insect  or  fungoid  life. 
The  latter  often  causes  trouble  when  the  seedlings  are  young  by 
taking  possession  of  the  tender  stems  aud  causing  the  plants  to 
collapse.  The  soil,  if  dried  by  heating,  must  afterwards  be  brought 
to  a  moist  condition  by  sprinkling  with  water  and  well  mixing. 
Place  it  in  the  pans  or  pots  moderately  firm  and  give  a  gentle  water¬ 
ing.  When  drained  sow  the  seeds,  covering  lightly  with  fine  compost ; 
they  will  germinate  readily  in  a  temperature  of  55'"  to  60°. 
On  the  appearance  of  the  seedlings  place  the  pans  or  pots  in  a 
lighter  position,  taking  special  care  not  to  under  or  overwater  them 
until  the  stems  become  harder,  which  is  encouraged  by  air  and  light. 
This  condition  being  insured,  and  the  plants  large  enough,  prick  them 
out  2  inches  apart  in  boxes.  Keep  the  drainage  holes  open  by  crocks  laid 
upon  them,  and  a  few  between.  On  these  spread  a  layer  of  flaky  manure, 
filling  with  a  compost  consisting  of  loam,  leaf  soil,  manure,  and  sand. 
Shake  the  whole  firmly  down,  and  prick  out  the  seedlings.  Insert  the 
roots  straight  down  in  the  holes,  which  ought  to  be  made  sufficiently  deep 
for  this  purpose,  and  press  the  soil  well  round  them.  Water  sparingly 
at  first,  but  encourage  growth  in  a  warm,  moist  temperature,  trans¬ 
ferring  the  plants  when  established  to  cooler  quarters ;  slow,  steady 
growth  being  preferable  to  rapid  advances.  Before  the  plants  become 
too  large  remove  them  to  a  cold  frame  where  they  will  always  receive 
plenty  of  light  and  air  freely,  and  on  favourable  occasions  full  exposure 
during  the  day,  but  afford  protection  at  night  until  safety  from  frost  is 
past,  which  will  be  the  end  of  May.  At  this  time  transfer  to  the  flower¬ 
ing  positions  in  good  soil  of  fair  depth.  Cut  the  plants  out  of  the 
boxes  with  squares  of  roots  and  soil  attached,  sinking  them  to  the 
lowest  leaves. — E.  D.  S. 
[For  the  excellent  illustration  of  Stock  Princess  Alice  (fig.  50)  we 
are  indebted  to  the  courtesy  of  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea.J 
