134 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
Aufrust  8,  1896. 
gardening  we  will  suppose  a  young  “  head  ”  is  endowed  with,  so  far 
as  the  measure  of  his  years  will  allow,  I  would  that  he  could  have 
in  addition  a  dash  of  the  philosophical — pertaining  to  the  study  of 
his  species — to  blend  with  it.  Moreover,  that  he  should  endeavour 
to  analyse  himself  in  the  first  instance  ;  if  he  can  do  this  imparti* 
ally  then  is  the  power  of  discernment  given  to  him  to  judge  others, 
and  in  the  judging  he  will  not  be  liable  to  draw  surface  conclusions. 
If  a  man  can  clearly  realise  what  he  is  he  will  soon  be  as  he  should 
be,  and  so  will  he  see  the  best  ways  of  bending  others  to  bis  will, 
to  the  end  that  bead  and  hands  may  work  together  harmoniously 
for  the  common  good  of  the  chief  object — the  garden. — Old  Boy. 
A  STREET  “SKETCH.” 
“  What  !  horticulture  in  the  streets — absurd  !  ”  I  fancy  I  hear  some 
reader  remark,  as  he  peruses  these  lines.  Yet  such  is  really  the  case, 
and  anyone  with  a  true  taste  for  plants  and  dowers  may  never  be  at  a 
loss  to  find  something  to  attract  his  attention,  even  in  the  crowded 
utreets  of  London.  In  no  other  city  perhaps  in  the  world  have  the 
masses  such  facilities  for  obtaining  plants,  fiowers,  fruits,  and  vegetables 
as  the  inhabitants  of  the  metropolis  ;  and  not  the  smoke- begrimed, 
travel -stained  examples  that  one  might  almost  expect  to  find,  but  sturdy 
well-grown  specimens,  stamped  with  the  brand  of  high  culture,  such  as 
would  be  difficult  to  find  in  many  private  gentlemen’s  establishments. 
So  well  have  nurserymen  and  market  growers  studied  the  wants  of 
the  people,  that  they  have  become  fully  alive  to  the  fact  that  it  is 
useless  sending  anything  but  first-class  produce  into  the  markets.  Some 
people  may  still  have  the  idea  that  anything  will  do  for  sale  ;  if  so,  the 
sooner  they  get  rid  of  the  fallacy  the  better.  “  But  what  does  the  city- 
reared  Londoner  know  about  the  quality  of  a  plant  f  ”  perhaps  someone 
will  remark.  Well,  he  knows  sufficient  to  be  able  to  choose  between  a 
well-grown  specimen  and  one  that  lacks  the  result  of  good  treatment ; 
and  if  two  barrows  stand  side  by  side  in  the  street,  one  filled  with 
sturdy  well-fiowered  plants,  and  the  other  containing  second  or  third- 
rate  samples  of  the  same  kind,  it  is  almost  needless  to  say  that  the 
former  is  empty  first,  even  if  the  price  is  considerably  higher  than  the 
latter. 
It  is  not  surprising  that  dwellers  in  the  great  city  love  to  have  a  few 
plants  and  fiowers  to  adorn  their  rooms,  and  with  the  majority  of  people, 
no  matter  what  their  state  or  condition  in  life  may  be,  there  is  a  regard 
for  Nature  that  cannot  fail  to  assert  itself,  and  even  amongst  the  poorest 
of  London’s  vast  population  it  is  a  common  thing  when  laying  out  the 
money  for  the  week’s  food  supply  for  a  few  coppers  to  be  put  aside  for 
the  purchase  of  a  plant.  Perhaps  endeavours  are  made  to  keep  it 
growing,  attended  in  some  instances  by  a  measure  of  success,  but  in 
most  cases  it  succumbs  to  the  adverse  conditions  of  the  surroundings. 
Disappointed,  no  doubt,  but  not  discouraged,  the  owner  feels  there  is 
something  wanting  without  his  plant,  and  brings  home  another  to  take 
its  place.  And  in  this  way  the  London  plant  supply  has  opened  out  an 
industry  which  is  annually  increasing,  and  as  in  trade  of  all  kinds  open 
competition  is  responsible  for  the  excellent  quality  of  the  produce,  and 
the  extremely  low  prices  that  bring  the  results  of  the  gardener’s  art 
within  reach  of  the  crowded  masses  of  the  metropolis. 
Extremely  interesting,  too,  it  is  to  watch  a  sale  of  plants  in  the 
fltreets.  On  a  recent  Saturday  evening  when  passing  through  a  populous 
thoroughfare  crowded  with  barrows  and  stalls  filled  with  both  ordinary 
and  extraordinary  articles  of  merchandise,  the  attention  of  the  writer 
was  attracted  by  a  bright  display  of  fiowers,  made  more  brilliant  by  the 
flare  of  several  naphtha  lamps.  Turning  aside  in  order  to  study  the 
plants  more  closely,  they  were  found  to  consist  of  excellent  specimens  of 
Ficus  elastica  in  6-inch  pots,  not  weak  dwindling-looking  objects,  but 
well-grown,  sturdy  examples,  clothed  from  the  summit  to  the  base  with 
bright  green  leaves ;  Fancy,  Zonal,  and  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums 
crowned  with  fine  trusses  of  fiowers,  and  the  plants  strong  and  healthy, 
showing  unmistakeable  signs  of  good  culture ;  Fuchsias,  chiefiy  Lord 
Beaconsfield  and  Lucy  Finnis  in  6-inch  pots,  shapely  and  graceful  in 
habit,  and  displaying  the  same  mark  of  good  treatment,  as  each  plant 
was  well  furnished  with  numerous  bell-shaped  blooms,  with  the  addition 
of  a  number  of  small  Musk  plants  turned  out  of  their  pots — these  formed 
the  main  objects  for  sale. 
The  whole  was  arranged  on  a  stall  composed  of  two  costers’  barrows 
placed  closely  together  with  a  fiat  table  laid  on  the  top.  Presently  a 
not  very  sprucely  attired  individual  took  his  stand  on  the  table  among 
the  plants,  a  crowd  quickly  gathered  round,  and  the  sale  began.  The 
auctioneer  commenced  by  issuing  several  witty  remarks,  evidently  with 
the  intention  of  putting  his  audience  in  a  good  humour.  This  apparently 
effected  to  his  satisfaction,  he  continued  ; — “Now,  gentlemen,  I’ve  got  a 
grand  lot  for  yer  to-night,  and  intends  to  sell  ’em  cheap  ;  so  bid  up 
quickly  and  get  yer  money  ready.  First  of  all,  ’ere’s  a  Pelegonium  ; 
my  word,  ain’t  it  a  beauty  1  (and  it  certainly  was).  Now,  what  shall  I 
be  allowed  to  say  for  it?  What,  no  offer?  Well,  suppose  I  give  yer  a 
start.  One  shilling.  Now  then,  who’ll  have  it  ?  ” 
The  crowd  had  evidently  an  idea  that  the  price  would  stand  some 
reduction,  so  kept  silent,  “  Now,  gentlemen,”  went  on  the  salesman, 
“the  quicker  you  buy  the  better  we  shall  get  on.  Ninepence?  who’ll 
have  it  ?  Fancy,  only  ninepence  for  a  plant  like  that ;  it’s  nothing  else 
but  giving  it  away.  But,  here  you  are.  I’ll  take  sixpence  for  it,  and  if 
you  can  buy  a  plant  like  that  in  Convent  Garden  Market  for  sixpence 
I’ll  give  you  the  lot.”  “  Wot,  ain’t  got  no  roots  1  ”  exclaimed  the 
auctioneer,  in  response  to  some  remark  on  the  subject,  as  he  turned  the 
specimen  out  of  the  pot,  “  Ain’t  it,  though  I  What  do  you  call  them  7 
’Ere’s  a  fine  Pelegonium  smothered  with  fiowers  and  as  many  more 
buds  to  come  out,  and  I  only  want  sixpence  for  it.  Now,  gentlemen, 
that’s  the  lowest  price  I  shall  take,  so  seize  your  opportunity.” 
Presently  a  purchaser  stepped  forward  and  the  plant  was  duly  handed 
over.  The  chief  difficulty  seemed  to  be  now  surmounted,  and  the  sale 
proceeded  briskly,  until  in  a  comparatively  short  space  of  time  several 
dozen  plants  were  disposed  of.  As  trade  showed  signs  of  slackening  a 
little  his  attention  was  turned  to  the  Fuchsias,  with  the  following 
remarks  ; — “  Now,  look  ’ere,  gentlemen,  it  ain’t  often  yer  gets  a  chance 
of  buying  such  plants  as  these,  so  if  yer  wants  yer  money’s  worth  in  the 
Fuchsia  line  now’s  yer  time.  I’ve  got  a  splendid  Lucy  Finnis  here,  and 
if  you  can  go  and  buy  another  like  it  for  the  same  price,  well.  I’ll  give 
it  yer.  Now,  then,  one  shilling,  ninepence,  sixpence  1  What  I  not  give 
sixpence  for  a  plant  like  that  ?  Well,  you’d  better  take  this  chance, 
’cos  you’ll  never  get  another.  These  ’ere  fiowers  ain’t  stuck  on,  mind 
yer,”  and  the  plant  was  given  several  vigorous  shakes  by  way  of  proof. 
“  Now,  look  here,  gentlemen,  I  means  to  sell ;  fourpence  !  who’ll  have 
it  ?  ”  and  the  plant  was  held  up  with  an  air  closely  approaching  disgust. 
This  seemed,  however,  to  produce  the  desired  effect.  First  one  plant 
went,  then  another,  and  another,  until  in  a  short  time  the  large  stock, 
was  reduced  to  a  few  dozens.  Anyone  who  knows  anything  at  all 
about  plants  might  well  wonder  how  it  were  possible  to  raise  and  grow 
Fuchsias  which  would  be  a  credit  to  any  gardener  and  fit  for  the 
adornment  of  any  conservatory  or  drawing-room,  and  sell  them  in  the 
streets  for  4d.  each  ;  but  still  such  is  the  case,  and  gives  us  a  striking 
instance  of  how  the  public  reaps  the  benefit  of  competition. 
Thinking  perhaps  that  a  change  might  be  advisable,  a  Ficus  was  tried 
next,  and  half  a  crown  suggested  as  a  fair  price,  but  at  a  street  sale  on 
Saturday  night  such  a  figure  seems  out  of  the  question,  and  after  much 
talking  and  bantering  it  fell  to  a  shilling,  and  several  were  disposed  of. 
Musks  came  next,  preceded  by  a  short  preliminary  oration  by  way  of 
introduction  from  the  auctioneer,  as  follows — “Now,  gentlemen,  I’ve 
got  a  few  large  fiowered  Musks  ’ere,  and  if  yer  wants  yer  houses  scented 
from  top  to  bottom,  these  are  the  things  to  buy.  I’ve  only  got  a  few,  so 
now’s  yer  chance.  ’Ere’s  a  beauty.  ’Ere,  I’ll  take  fourpence  for  it. 
What  !  is  that  too  much  ?  threepence,  then  ;  go  on,  tuppence  ;  who 
wants  it  ?”  Several  seemed  anxious  to  obtain  it  at  the  last  mentioned 
price,  and  soon  the  whole  was  sold. 
As  midnight  was  fast  approaching,  and  the  crowd  showed  signs  of 
diminishing,  the  few  remaining  plants  were  put  up  in  threes.  A  Zonal 
and  Ivy-leaved  Pelargonium,  and  a  Fuchsia  ;  several  of  these  trios  were 
disposed  of  at  Is.  the  three,  then  the  price  fell  to  9d.,  and  the  last  few 
went  for  6d.,  or,  in  other  words,  plants  doing  credit  to  whoever  grew 
them  were  sold  for  2d.  each.  After  disposing  of  the  whole  of  his  stock 
our  friend  dismounted,  having,  we  should  imagine,  given  his  lungs  a  fair 
testing.  With  midnight  close  at  hand,  we  hied  our  way  homeward, 
thoroughly  satisfied  that  amid  the  many  different  phases  connected  with 
horticulture  there  is  even  something  to  be  learnt  in  watching  a  sale  of 
plants  in  the  streets  of  London. — Wandeeee. 
THE  CASTLEMANS,  TWYFORD. 
About  two  and  a  half  miles  from  Twyford  on  the  London  and 
Reading  main  road  is  situated  the  residence  and  gardens  of 
G.  A.  Tonge,  Esq.  The  house  stands  well  away  from  the  road,  and  is 
sheltered  from  view  by  rows  of  noble  Limes  and  Elms  ;  a  serpentine  drive 
leads  up  to  the  mansion,  which  is  covered  with  Roses  and  creepers.  The 
grounds  have  been  carefully  remade  during  recent  years,  noble  specimen 
Elms.  Limes,  Chestnuts,  Mulberries  being  carefully  preserved,  whilst  of 
Coniferfe  we  noticed  good  specimens  of  Abies  Douglasi  and  Nordmanni ; 
Cupressus  in  variety,  Cedars  and  Thujopsis.  On  the  north  side  of  the 
mansion  are  several  large'  oval  beds  planted  with  choice  hybrid  named 
Rhododendr  >ns,  which  do  well  here.  The  fiower  garden  is  on  the  south 
side,  and  presented  a  gay  appearance,  planted  with  Geraniums, 
Calceolarias,  and  Verbenas.  The  centre  bed  looked  quite  charming, 
filled  with  Begonia  Carrier!  and  Lobelia  Queen  Victoria,  but  the  features 
of  this  place  are  its  Roses,  Carnations,  bulbs,  and  herbacous  borders. 
A  walk  extending  (when  finished)  nearly  half  a  mile  round  part  of 
the  grounds  has  been  formed,  and  a  border  on  one  side  is  planted  with 
Roses  and  Carnations  alternately,  whilst  on  the  other  side  is  a  bulb 
border,  also  an  herbaceous  one  6  feet  wide,  filled  with  all  kinds  of 
choice  varieties  for  show  and  cut  fiowers.  The  value  of  such  a  border 
on  a  place  is  immense. 
About  1000  standard  and  dwarf  Roses  are  planted  out.  The  best 
H. P.’s  at  the  time  of  my  visit  were  Beauty  of  Waltham,  Duke  and 
Duchess  of  Albany,  Clio,  Grand  Mogul,  Queen  of  Queens,  White 
Lady,  A.  K.  Williams,  Eclair,  Marchioness  of  Lome,  and  Sala¬ 
mander  ;  of  Teas,  Anna  Olivier,  ALUgustine,  Halem,  Dr.  Grill,  Edouard 
Littage,  Grace  Darling,  Horner,  Innocente  Pirola,  Sappho,  Perlo  deLyon, 
Reine  Nathalie  de  Serbie,  Waban,  and  White  Lady  ;  whilst  of  climbers, 
L’Ideal.  Niohetos,  Cheshunt  Hybrid.  MarAchal  Niel,  RSve  d’Or, 
W.  A.  Ri  hardson,  and  Crimson  Rambler  do  well.  The  whole  of  the 
Roses  here  were  exceedingly  healthy  and  clean. 
Carnations  are  well  done  here,  and  about  1500  are  planted  out. 
Some  of  the  best  were  Devonshire  Lass  (yellow),  Lady  Maud  Hastings 
(soft  silver  pink),  Countess  of  Salisbury  (yellow  self).  General  Boulanger 
(scarlet).  Imogene  (yellow  self),  Garville  Gem  (lavender  self),  Garra- 
owen  (vellow  flaked  purple),  Mrs,  Robert  Sydenham  (yellow  ground 
picotee),  Jupiter  (yellow  self),  Margaret  (salmon  self).  Aureola  (apricot). 
Rose  Ideal  (rose  self),  Mrs.  Hyde  (white  self),  Prince  of  Battenberg 
