May  20,  189?. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDE  NCR. 
44? 
The  Journal  (R.  R.  P.). — We  are  obliged  by  your  appreciative 
remark  that  “  the  Journal  continues  to  be  as  instructive  and  interesting 
as  ever.”  This  is  published  as  applying  to  our  various  contributors,  and 
we  think  they  are  fairly  entitled  to  this  recognition.  The  Journal  varies 
as  gardens  vary.  These  are  brighter  at  one  time  than  another,  but  the 
changes  rather  add  to  than  detract  from  their  general  usefulness,  and 
the  enjoyment  derivable  in  and  from  them.  Since  we  know  that  our 
literary  coadjutors  are  able,  practical,  and  zealous,  we  see  no  reason  why 
the  present  standard  which  satisfies  so  many  should  not  be  maintained. 
Our  hope  is  that  it  will  be  improved.  The  particular  subject  in  wbrch 
you,  as  well  as  others,  are  interested  will  be  treated  upon  in  an  early 
issue. 
Weevil  Eating  Vine  and  Peach  leaves  (One  Perplexed'). — 
This  pest,  commonly  and  properly  called  the  black-grooved  weevil  (Otio- 
rhynchus  sulcatus),  is  very  widely  distributed  in  Eogland,  and  appears  to 
be  greatly  on  the  increase.  Whence  it  came  in  your  case  we  are  unable 
to  say  ;  but  as  you  saw  two  last  year  there  were  probably  many  more 
about,  and  they  increase  rapidly  from  eggs,  which  give  rise  to  grubs  or  larvae 
that  feed  on  the  roots  of  a  great  variety  of  plants,  the  parents  preferring 
cultivated  to  wild  plants.  This  may  account  for  your  receiving  a  visit 
from  the  weevils.  The  means  you  employ  is  one  of  the  best  for  destroy¬ 
ing  them,  and  if  persisted  in  will  have  satisfactory  results,  as  by  killing 
the  weevils  their  continuing  to  do  damage  is  prevented,  as  well  as  corre¬ 
spondingly  hindering  recurrence  by  making  increase  impossible.  You 
ask,  “  Do  they  fly  ?  ”  If  you  will  look  at  one  with  a  pocket  lens  the 
wing  cases  will  be  seen  joined,  hence  flying  is  out  of  the  question. 
Crawling,  therefore,  is  their  only  means  of  getting  about,  and  they  are 
active  enough  when  in  search  of  food,  travelling  a  considerable  distance 
sometimes  nightly,  as  on  Vines  and  Peach  trees.  We  have  traced  attacks 
from  a  distance  of  several  hundred  yards  from  one  spot  in  one  year,  the 
female  traversing  the  space  from  wild  plants  to  deposit  eggs  in  the  soil 
at  the  base  of  Cyclamen  corms.  The  practice  you  pursue  will,  if  con¬ 
tinued  long  enough,  effect  a  clearance. 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  Vine  leaves  Discoloured  («/,  II.  S') 
— The  leaves  have  every  appearance  of  being  infested  by  Plasmoporia 
viticola  fungus  or  downy  mildew,  but  there  was  neither  the  mould  out¬ 
side  nor  the  mycelial  byphse  of  the  fungus  in  the  tissues.  Indeed,  we 
did  not  find  any  vegetable  or  animal  micro-organiem  in  connection  with 
the  diseased  spots  on  the  leaves.  The  yellow  stains  are  purely  of  a  chemi¬ 
cal  nature,  such  as  usually  arise  in  this  variety  of  Grape  Vine  from  an 
excess  of  chlorine,  which  is  commonly  administered  in  cheap  forms  of 
fertilisers  and  altogether  unsuitable  for  Vines.  This  may  be  corrected 
by  a  free  use  of  water  as  regards  the  soil,  and  the  plant  by  supplying 
nitrogenous  or  ammoniacal  manures,  such  as  nitrate  of  potash  or  scda, 
and  sulphate  of  ammonia.  But  a  good  all-round  manure  is  best,  say 
dissolved  jawbones,  five  parts  or  lbs  ;  nitrate  of  potash,  three  parts  or  lbs. ; 
sulphate  of  magnesia,  one  part  or  lb.;  and  air-slaked  chalk  lime  and 
soot  in  equal  parts  by  measure,  two  parts  or  lbs.  mixed,  using  4  ozs.  per 
square  yard,  and  washing  in  moderately.  This  will  pive  colour  and  sub¬ 
stantial  benefit,  but  it  will  not  restore  the  scorched  and  dead  tissues  to 
life.  There  has  been  some  of  this  certainly  caused  by  allowing  the 
heated  air  to  collect  at  the  upper  part  of  the  house,  and  then  air  has 
been  admitted,  causing  a  chill  or  excessive  evaporation,  which  amounts 
to  the  same  thing.  It  is  a  great  pity,  as  the  foliage  is  not  bad  for  Muscat 
of  Alexandria  at  this  time  of  year,  and  the  more  regretable  as  it  might 
have  been  prevented  by  timely  attention  to  the  ventilation.  Muscat 
of  Alexandria  likes  a  generous  dietary  of  humus,  such  as  that  had  from 
native  uuano,  blood  and  bone  manure,  so  as  to  afford  a  steady  Bupply  of 
nitrogenous  nourishment. 
Points  of  Grape  Vines  Blackened  (Vines). — The  blackened  or 
browned  condition  of  the  tips  ot  ihe  shoots  and  leaves  is  caused  by  the 
grey  mould  fungus  of  the  Vine,  a  well  known  pest — SclerotiniaFuekeliaDa. 
This,  however,  is  the  final  stage  of  the  fungus,  which  springs  from 
sclerotia,  or  small  black  elongated  tubercles,  formed  on  or  in  the 
diseased  tissues,  and  there  rest  during  the  winter.  The  form  now  on  the 
Vine  shoots  is  the  conidial  or  summer  condition  of  the  fungus,  and 
known  as  Botrytis  cinerea,  commonly  called  the  Vine  mould.  The 
fungus  is  partly  external  but  vours  is  deeper  seated  than  generally 
occurs.  The  disease  usually  appears  on  vigorous  Vines,  and  especially 
those  with  downy  leaves,  such  as  Black  Alicante  and  Gros  Colman,  its 
increasb  being  accelerated  by  a  moist  and  close  atmosphere.  The  best 
safeguard,  therefore,  is  a  freely  ventilated  atmosphere,  and  not  too  much 
nutrition,  such  as  commonly  results  from  borders  of  rich  materials. 
We,  therefore,  advise  more  air,  and  only  sufficient  water  at  the  roots  to 
keep  the  Vines  healthy.  The  parts  affected  should  be  cut  away  and 
barned,  otherwise  sclerotia  or  black  tubercles  (externally  black  lumps 
of  spawn)  are  formed  on  or  in  the  tissues,  and  resting  during  the  winter 
give  rise  to  the  disease  in  the  spring.  To  arrest  the  disease  you  may 
spray  the  Vines  with  a  solution  of  Condy’s  red  fluid,  using  a  tabic- 
spoonful  to  a  quart  of  water,  or  a  wineglassful  (2  fluid  ozs.)  to  1  gallon. 
The  water  must  be  soft  and  clear..  It  suffices  to  merely  cover  the 
growths  with  the  finest  possible  film  of  the  solution  after  the  sun  has 
left  the  house,  repeating  at  intervals  of  about  ten  days.  In  the  winter 
dress  the  rods  with  a  solution  of  sulphate  of  iron,  1  lb.  to  gallon 
of  water,  applying  with  a  brush.  This  will  destroy  the  spores  of  the 
fungus  in  the  crevices  of  the  bark,  and  not  injure  the  Vines  when  they 
are  quite  dormant.  If  the  disease  appears  another  season  when  the 
buds  are  expanding,  at  once  spray  with  the  Condy’s  fluid  solution. 
At  the  strength  named  it  is  usually  safe  on  developed  foliage,  but  it  may 
have  a  slightly  prejudicial  effect  on  very  tender  and  woolly  growths, 
though  we  have  not  noticed  any,  yet  it  is  as  well  to  be  careful,  and  try 
half  strength  first,  or  even  a  wineglsssful  of  the  red  fluid  to  3  gallons 
of  clear  soft  water.  We  mention  this,  as  Vines  differ  greatly  in  suscepti¬ 
bility  to  injury,  and  it  is  9asy  to  try  the  effect  on  a  small  scale  before 
applying  the  solution  on  a  large  one. 
names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  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  firm 
boxes.  Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass,  or  leaves  form  the  beBt 
packing,  dry  wool  the  worst.  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. 
( Xchurch ) — 2,  Philadelphus  coronarius  ;  3,  probably  Phalaris  arun- 
dinaria.  The  Rhododendrons  are  probably  seedlings,  possibly  of 
amabile.  (W.  If.). — 1,  Prunus  Padus;  2,  Kerria  japoniea  flore-pleno; 
3,  Adiantum  assimile.  (O.  H. «/.). — 1,  Doronicum  plantagineum  Harpur 
Crewe;  2,  Aubrietia  Leicbtlini  ;  3,  Silene  pendula  ;  4,  Omphalodes 
verna.  (E  S.  Y.)  —  1,  Leschanaultia  biloba  major;  2,  AlyBsum  saxatile 
compactum  ;  3,  Berberis  dulcis.  (IF.  C.) — Specimen  dry,  a  Spiraea, 
possibly  Thunbergi.  (Wilts).  —  1,  Saxifraga  granulata  flore-pleno  ; 
2,  Veronica  chamaedrys  ;  3,  name  next  week  ;  4,  Nemophila  maculata  ; 
5,  Papaver  alpinum  ;  6,  Lychnis  dioica  flore-pleno. 
CO  VENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— May  19th, 
FRUIT. 
1. 
d 
8. 
d. 
1. 
d. 
fl. 
d 
Apples,  A  sieve  ..  0 
0  tin  0 
0 
Lemons,  oaae 
11 
0  In  1 4 
0 
Filbertsand Cobs, per  1001b.  0 
0 
0 
0 
Plums,  $  sieve  . 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Grapes,  per  lb . 2 
0 
3 
6 
St.  Michael  Pines, each  .. 
3 
0 
8 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Asparagus,  per  100  . .  . .  0 
0 
to  0 
0 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
0 
2  to  0 
4 
Beans.  ^  sieve  . .  0 
0 
0 
0 
Onions,  bushel  ..  ..  .. 
3 
6 
4 
0 
Beet.  Red, dozen . 1 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen  bunches  .. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Oarrovs,  bunch . 0 
3 
0 
4 
Parsnips,  dozen . 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers,  dozen  ..  ..  2 
0 
3 
0 
Potatoes,  per  owt . 
2 
0 
4 
9 
Celery,  bundle  . I 
0 
0 
0 
Salsafy,  bundle . 
1 
0 
1 
0 
Ooleworts,  dozen  bunohei  2 
0 
4 
0 
Seakale,  per  basket  ..  .. 
1 
6 
1 
0 
Cucumbers  . .  0 
4 
0 
8 
Scorzonera,  bundle  ..  .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Endive,  dozen  . 1 
3 
1 
6 
Shallots,  per  lb  ..  ..  .. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Herbs,  bunch  . 0 
3 
0 
U 
Spinach  pad  . 
0 
0 
4 
0 
Leeks,  bunch  . 0 
2 
0 
0 
Sprouts,  half  sieve  ..  .. 
1 
6 
1 
0 
Lettuce,  dozen . 1 
3 
0 
a 
Tomatoes,  per  lb.  ..  .. 
n 
4 
0 
9 
Mushrooms,  per  lb . 0 
6 
0 
8 
0 
3 
0 
0 
PLANTS  IN  POTS. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d’ 
Arbor  Vital  (various!  doz.  6 
0  to  36 
0 
Foliage  plants,  var.  each 
l 
0 
to  6 
0 
Arum  Lilies,  per  dozen  ..  8 
0 
12 
0 
Fuchsias,  per  dozen  . .  . . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Aspidistra,  dozen  ..  ..18 
0 
36 
0 
Genista,  per  dozen  ..  .. 
6 
0 
10 
0 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant  5 
0 
10 
6 
Hydrangeas,  per  dozen 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Azalea,  per  dozen  ..  ..  18 
0 
36 
0 
Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen 
12 
0 
18 
0 
Oalceo  'arias,  per  dozen  ..  4 
0 
8 
0 
Lobelias,  per  cozen  ..  .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Cinerarias,  per  dozen..  ..  6 
0 
9 
0 
Lycopodiums,  dozen  .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Dracaena, various,  dozen  ..  12 
0 
30 
0 
Marguerite  Daisy ,  per 
Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  ..  9 
0 
18 
0 
dozen  . .  . .  . .  . . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Erica,  (various)  per  dozen  9 
0 
18 
0 
Mignonette,  per  dozen 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Euonymus.  var.,  dozen  ..  6 
0 
18 
0 
Myrtles,  dozen  . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Evergreens,  in  variety,  per 
Palms,  in  var.,  each  ..  .. 
1 
0 
15 
0 
dozen  . 4 
0 
18 
0 
,,  (specimens'  ..  .. 
2' 
0 
63 
0 
Ferns  in  variety. dozen  ..  4 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums,  per  dozen  .. 
9 
0 
15 
0 
Ferns  (small)  per  hundred  5 
0 
8 
0 
„  Scarlet,  per  doz. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Ficus  elastlca,  each  . .  . .  1 
0 
7 
0 
Spiraea,  per  dozen  ..  .. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Bedding  plants  and  roots  for  the  garden  in  boxes,  and  in  great  variety. 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLO WERa.— Orchid  Blooms  in  variet’ . 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Anemones, dozen  bunches.. 
1 
6  to  8 
0 
Maidenhair  Fern,  per  dozen 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
bunohes  . 
4 
0  to  8 
0 
Asparagus  Fern,  per  bnoh. 
2 
0 
3 
6 
Mignonette,  dozen  bunches 
3 
0 
a 
0 
Azalea,  per  dozen  sprays  .. 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Narciss,  (various;,  dozen 
Bluebells,  dozen  bunches 
1 
0 
1 
6 
bunches  . 
1 
3 
2 
0 
Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Orchids,  var.  doz.  blooms 
1 
6 
12 
0 
Carnations.  12  blooms 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Paeony  (French),  per  bunch 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Eucharis,  dozen . 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Gardenias,  dozen  ..  .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Polyanthus,  dozen  bunches 
i 
0 
2 
0 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
Pyrethrum,  dozen  munches 
i 
6 
3 
0 
bunches . 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen 
0 
9 
1 
6 
Iris  (various),  doz.  bunches 
6 
0 
12 
0 
„  Tea,  white,  dozen 
i 
0 
2 
0 
Lilac  (English),  per  bunch 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„  Yellow,  dozen  (Niels) 
i 
6 
4 
0 
Lilac,  White  (French),  per 
„  Red,  dozen  blooms  .. 
i 
6 
4 
0 
bunch  . 
8 
6 
4 
0 
„  Safrano(English).doz. 
l 
0 
2 
0 
Lilium  longiflorum,  12 
„  Pink,  per  dozen  . .  .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
blooms 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Smilax,  per  bunch  ..  .. 
5 
0 
7 
0 
Lily  of  the  Valley  (French), 
Tuberoses,  12  blooms . .  . . 
1 
0 
1 
6 
per  bunch . 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Tulips,  dozen  bunches 
2 
0 
6 
6 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  12sprays, 
Violet  Pacme,  per  bunch  .. 
3 
0 
4 
0 
per  bunch . 
0 
6 
1 
0 
.,  per  doz.  bunches  . . 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Marguerites,  12  bunches  .. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Wallflowers,  dozen  bunches 
1 
6 
4 
0 
TURNIP  CULTIVATION- 
However  opinions  may  differ  as  to  the  value,  or,  rather,  we 
should  say  the  importance,  of  the  Turnip  crop  to  the  average 
farmer,  there  oan  be  no  disputing  the  necessity  for  growing  it  well 
