258 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
March  25,  1897 
but  I  think  the  cuttings  grown  right  on  without  a  check  make  the 
healthiest  and  most  symmetrical  plants. 
Some  of  the  best  varieties  for  our  purpose  are  Lord  Wolseley, 
elegantissima,  norwoodiensis,  Princess  May,  Duchess  of  Portland,  ensi- 
folia,  and  gracilis. 
Dracaenas  are  subject  to  the  attacks  of  red  spider,  thrips,  green  fly, 
and  mealy  bug.  The  three  former,  however,  may  be  kept  down  by  the 
constant  use  of  the  syringe  during  the  growing  season.  Sponging  seems 
to  be  the  best  method  for  destroying  mealy  bug,  using  an  approved 
insecticide  solution.  After  the  plants  have  attained  a  large  size  they 
should  be  kept  clean  by  sponging.  If  syringed  too  much  water  lodges 
in  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  thereby  causing  them  to  drop  off.  The  floors 
and  stages  may  be  kept  moist  with  a  fine-rosed  can.  I  keep  a  diary,  and 
enter  all  work  carried  out  every  day.  I  find  it  very  useful  to  refer  to 
for  information,— -Learner  and  Worker. 
“SWEET  VIOLETS.” 
The  wild  wood  Violet  has  formed  the  subject  for  many  a  stanza,  and 
carries  with  it  an  air  of  sweet  modesty  unseen  in  any  other  member  of 
the  great  family  of  wild  flowers.  The  other  day  when  walking  in  the 
woodland  I  was  attracted  by  a  delicious  odour,  powerful  in  the  fresh 
morning  air.  It  must  be  of  Violets,  though  the  season  was  unusually 
early,  and  after  brushing  away  the  covering  of  dry  Oak  leaves  I  found 
them — a  large  clump  of  tiny  white  flowers,  modest  and  shrinking,  as  it 
*'  born  to  blush  unseen,”  yet  how  pure,  how  sweet,  carrying  in  their 
simple  forms  a  charm  which  one  might  look  for  in  vain  in  the  most 
gorgeous  of  the  Orchid  tribe,  A  little  further  on  was  a  similar  clump  of 
the  wild  blue  variety,  perhaps  even  more  common.  The  situation  might 
have  been  chosen  by  the  most  skilful  gardener,  as  protection  was 
ingeniously  secured,  and  the  covering  of  dead  leaves  had  made  it  even 
more  complete.  Tiny  leaves  were  just  unfolding,  and  the  earliest  flowers 
were  mounted  on  short  footstalks.  They  seemed  to  have  been  in  a 
hurry  to  open,  in  order  to  be  the  first  to  bring  a  message  of  gladness. 
Let  us  turn  to  another  section  of  the  family — “  Sweet  Vi’lets  ;  penny 
a  bunch.”  Turn  down  whichever  street  you  will  in  the  metropolis  at 
the  present  time  and  this  cry  breaks  on  your  ears,  and  bunches  of 
Violets  are  poked  in  your  face.  Thousands  of  city  clerks  appear  at  the 
office  every  morning  with  a  fresh  bunch  in  their  buttonholes.  Watch 
them  dotted  round  the  theatres,  the  concert  rooms,  and  every  other 
place  of  amusement,  and  see  the  well-dressed  city  man  stop  to  have  a 
bunch  pinned  into  his  coat  by  the  flower  girl  at  the  street  corner.  In 
the  early  morning  Covent  Garden  Market  seems  pervaded  with  Violets. 
Wholesale  dealers  are  busy  selling,  and  retail  vendors^re  equally  anxious 
to  buy.  Box  after  box  are  opened ,  and  no  sooner  opened  than  they  are 
emptied  and  hurried  off  in  this  direction  and  in  that  to  keep  the  cry 
and  supply  the  demand  for  “  Sweet  Vi’lets.” 
The  Czar  is  the  principal  variety,  and  though  the  colour  is  deep 
and  flowers  of  good  size,  there  is  a  lack  of  the  delicious  odour  which 
characterises  the  native  of  the  woodland,  or  even  the  Czars  which  are 
now  blooming  so  profusely  in  the  garden.  This  is  a  pity,  for  when  the 
Londoner  buys  his  bunch  of  Violets  one  would  like  him  to  have  with  it 
its  fulness  of  scent.  Not  being  produced  under  their  natural  conditions, 
and  in  an  atmosphere  more  genial  than  ours,  we  get  the  flowers  in  abund¬ 
ance,  but  little  of  their  most  pleasing  attribute— the  scent.  Then  there 
is  the  close  packing,  the  long  journey,  and  continual  knocking  about, 
which  do  not  tend  to  improve  the  faint  odour  they  have  to  begin  with, 
and  consequently  the  Londoner  gets  his  Violets  almost  devoid  of  scent. 
The  wily  flower  vendor  knows  this,  and  to  supply  the  discrepancy  he 
sometimes  “  fakes  ”  them  by  dipping  the  flowers  into  a  liquid  scent  of 
Violet  odour,  and  then  displays  them  •“  all  sweet  ”  to  his  customers. 
So  much  for  the  imported  Czar.  But  in  our  gardens  we  have  no  such 
fault  to  find,  as  the  borders  and  beds  where  they  grow  are  now  delicious 
with  them.  Thanks  to  the  mild  winter  we  have  been  picking  them  for 
some  weeks  past.  The  Czar  does  well  under  the  protection  of  a  wall, 
and  grown  in  such  a  position  a  few  blooms  can  generally  be  picked 
through  a  mild  winter.  Even  in  a  northern  aspect  so  protected  the 
plant  does  well,  and  produces  abundance  of  flowers.  Like  its  relative  of 
the  woodland,  it  revels  in  a  rather  moist  position,  a  soil  rather  strong  in 
character  being  the  most  suitable.  The  plant,  however,  is  wonderfully 
accommodating,  and  there  are  numerous  spots  in  many  gardens  that 
might  be  utilised,  aye,  and  beautified  by  the  introduction  of  this  time- 
honoured  member  of  the  Violet  family. 
Those  who  aim  still  higher,  and  are  content  with  nothing  less  than 
frame-grown  Marie  Louise,  Neapolitan,  and  the  white  Comte  de  Brazza, 
have  their  wants  supplied  abundantly,  for  the  recent  warm  sunshine  and 
genial  spring-like  weather  have  caused  the  plants  to  flower  profusely. 
These  varieties,  too,  find  their  way  into  the  market  in  increasing 
numbers,  though  the  sale  of  them  is  principally  confined  to  the  floriscs’ 
shops.  Simple  though  the  routine  is,  many  people  stumble  over  the 
cultivation  of  double  Violets,  generally  through  coddling  the  plants,  a 
process  to  which  they  hold  strong  objections.  It  is  during  the  growing 
period  of  the  plants  during  the  summer  that  the  principal  care  is 
required,  and  various  methods  of  propagation  are  adopted.  Some 
growers  split  up  the  old  plants  in  the  early  summer,  and  p’ace  the 
portions  at  once  in  their  growing  quarters.  A  better  plan,  however,  is 
to  make  cuttings  of  the  young  side  growths  (not  runners)  in  April,  and 
root  these  in  a  frame  over  a  slight  hotbed.  When  thoroughly  rooted 
they  should  be  planted  in  rows  on  a  warm  border,  previously  forking  in 
a  dressing  of  thoroughly  decayed  Mushroom  bed  refuse.  The  after 
cultivation  consists  of  keeping  the  hoe  continually  worked  between  the 
rows,  and  pinching  off  all  the  runners  as  they  appear.  If  the  latter  are 
allowed  to  remain  they  draw  the  nutriment  from  the  parent,  which  is 
detrimental,  as  the  aim  should  be  to  get  plants  as  strong  as  possible 
for  transferring  to  the  frames  in  October.  During  periods  of  drought 
applications  of  water  or  liquid  manure  are  highly  beneficial. 
Whether  hotbeds  are  beneficial  for  Violets  is  a  point  that  has  been 
much  discussed,  and  one  on  which  opinion  is  divided.  There  are  certain 
risks  of  the  bed  being  too  hot  at  planting  time,  and  I  have  frequently 
seen  plants  produce  abundance  of  bloom  for  a  few  weeks  after  trans¬ 
ferring  to  the  frames,  owing  to  the  forcing  effect  of  the  manure,  and 
then  the  leaves  have  damped  and  withered,  and  the  plants  ceased 
entirely  to  throw  up  flowers.  Such  is  not  a  desirable  state  of  affairs, 
and  perhaps  there  is  no  better  method  of  growing  Violets  than  close  to 
the  glass  in  an  ordinary  brick  frame,  round  which  runs  one  row  of  2  or 
3-inch  pipes.  These  need  not  be  heated,  except  in  severe  weather,  and 
then  only  to  keep  out  the  frost. 
Air  is  one  of  the  great  essentials  to  successful  Violet  culture  under 
glass,  and  on  all  favourable  occasions  a  free  circulation  should  be  afforded. 
Damping  is  often  prevalent  during  severe  weather,  when  the  frames 
remain  closed  for  any  length  of  time.  The  earliest  opportunity  should 
always  be  taken  of  picking  over  the  plants,  and  removing  all  leaves 
affected.  If  this  is  neglected  the  evil  spreads,  and  wholesale  loss  is  the 
result.  At  this  time  of  the  year  and  later  care  should  be  taken  that  the 
plants  do  not  suffer  through  drought,  and  an  occasional  application  of 
lukewarm  liquid  manure  from  the  farmyard  will  increase  and  prolong 
the  production  of  flowers.  If  the  frames  are  required  in  a  few  weeks 
time  for  the  raising  of  vegetables  and  so  forth,  and  it  becomes  necessary 
to  remove  the  Violets,  those  plants  not  required  for  propagation  may 
be  packed  close  together  under  the  shade  of  ’a  wall,  and  if  supplied 
with  water  will  continue  the  bloom  for  several  weeks  longer. 
The  once  popular  Neapolitan  variety  appears  to  be  almost  superseded 
by  the  deeper  hued  Marie  Louise,  which  is  also  very  sweet,  and  the 
white  section  is  monopolised  by  the  multi-flowering  Comte  Brazza. 
Several  others  there  are,  but  the  palm  of  popularity  must  be  given  to 
the*  above.  Whether  wild  or  cultivated,  the  early  spring  is  the  true 
season  of  the  Violet.  Year  by  year  its  popularity  increases,  and,  unlike 
some  flowers,  its  presence  never  seems  to  tire  us.  Take  the  Snowdrop, 
the  Crocus,  the  Daffodil,  or  the  Primrose  ;  we  welcome  the  first  blooms 
with  ardent  admiration,  but  as  the  weeks  roll  on  and  the  flowers  are 
common  we  seem  to  take  little  notice  of  them.  Not  so  the  Violet  ;  its 
charms  are  irresistible. — G.  H.  H. 
SPRING  SHOW  AT  EDGBASTON. 
The  Birmingham  Spring  Exhibition,  usually  held  in  the  Town  Hall 
having  been  abandoned,  it  was  a  happy  inspiration  of  Mr.  Robert 
Sydenham  to  have  a  show  on  his  own  account  by  offering  substantial 
prizes  in  classes  of  pot  plants  and  cut  flowers.  A  brilliant  display 
resulted  on  the  18th  and  19th  ult.  It  may  be  remarked  that  the  Show 
was  appreciated  all  the  more  from  the  fact  that  no  Daffodil  and 
Narcissus  show  is  to  be  held  here  this  year  owing  to  financial  reasons. 
In  addition  to  the  exhibits  of  the  competitors  Mr.  Sydenham  contributed 
a  splendid  collection  of  such  as  Tulips,  Hyacinths,  Daffodils,  and 
Narcissi  in  pots.  , 
A  group  exhibited  by  the  Rev.  J.  Jacobs,  Whitchurch,  Salop,  in  the 
class  for  a  collection  of  Daffodils,  not  more  than  five  of  any  one  variety, 
was  very  beautiful.  The  best  were  Sir  Watkin,  Countess  of  Annesley, 
Obvallaris,  Dean  Herbert,  Golden  Spur,  maximus,  Emperor,  Empress, 
P.  R.  Barr,  Horsfieldi,  Johnstoni,  Queen  of  Spain,  cyclamineus,  W.  P. 
Milner,  Nelsoni  major,  Burbidgei,  Barxi  conspicuus,  Nelsoni  major, 
poeticus  poetarum,  Grand  Monarque,  Cynosure,  Jaune  Supreme,  Robin 
Hood,  bulbocodium,  and  the  sweet-scented  single  Jonquil.  Mr.  I,  Cooke, 
Shrewsbury,  was  awarded  the  second  prize  for  a  good  collection. 
For  twelve  single  Hyacinths,  distinct,  Mr.  A.  Cryer,  gardener  to 
J.  A.  Kenrick,  Esq.,  Edgbaston,  was  awarded  the  first  prize.  Mr.  Priest, 
gardener  to  A.  W.  Hulse,  Eiq  ,  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Price,  gardener 
to  Sir  John  Jaffray,  third.  For  six  pots  Hyacinths  the  first  prize  was 
worthily  awarded  to  Mr.  W.  A.  Sarsons,  Moseley,  an  amateur,  for  excel¬ 
lent  examples  not  equalled  by  any  other  in  the  show ;  second  to  Mr. 
E.  C.  Fowke,  and  third  to  Mr.  Snead,  gardener  to  E.  M.  Sharp,  Esq. 
For  twelve  pots  of  Tulips  Mr.  Priest  ranked  first,  Mr:  Isaac  Cooke 
second,  and  Mr.  A.  Cryer  third.  For  six  pots  ditto  Mr.  Snead  was  to  the  fore, 
Mr.  C.  Knight,  Harborne,  second,  and  Mr.  B.  Horton  the  third  position. 
For  twelve  pots  of  single  Narcissi  Mr.  Priest  took  the  lead,  Mr. 
A.  Cryer  the  second,  and  Mr.  Isaac  Cooke  the  third  position.  For  six 
pets  of  Narcissi  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Snead,  the  second  to 
Mr.  E.  C.  Fowke,  and  the  third  prize  fell  to  Mrs.  H.  Mitchell.  For  six 
pots  of  Polyanthus  Narcissus,  not  less  than  four  varieties,  Messrs. 
I.  Cooke,  A.  Cryer,  and  Snead  were  the  prizewinners. 
For  six  pots  of  Lilies  of  the  Valley  Mr.  A.  Cryer,  Mr.  I.  Cooke  and 
Mrs.  H.  Mitchell  stood  in  their  order  named.  For  six  pots  of  Hoteia 
japonica  Messrs.  Priest  and  A.  Cryer  were  awarded  the  first  apd  second 
prizes.  For  six  pots  of  Cinerarias  Mr.  A.  Cryer  was  the  only  exhibitor, 
with  very  good  specimens,  and  which  secured  the  first  prize. 
For  a  group  of  spring  flowers  in  pots  arranged  for  effect  in  a  space 
not  exceeding  30  square  feet  there  were  three  cbmpetitors.  Mr. 
Isaac  Cooke  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for  a  tasteful  arrangement,  Mr. 
Priest  the  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Cryer  the  third  prizes.  A  special  extra 
prize  to  the  most  successful  exhibitor  in  classes  1,  3,  5,  7,  S,  9,  10  was 
accorded  to  Mr.  A.  Cryer.  A  special  extra  prize  to  the  most  successful 
exhibitor  in  classes  2,  4,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  fell  to  Mr.  Snead. 
