August  32,  1895. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
191 
lily  of  the  Valley  (^F.  J.  B.). — You  could  scarcely  expect  many  I 
flowers  this  year  from  a  bed  planted  last  season  with  growing,  not 
flowering,  crowns,  and  especially  as  the  soil  is,  as  you  say,  very  tough.” 
When  the  plants  are  established  they  grow  and  flower  well  in  strong 
soil,  but  do  not  establish  themselves  quickly  in  such  soil.  No  doubt  the 
bed  would  have  been  improved  if  a  quantity  of  wood  ashes  and  decayed 
vegetable  matter,  also  soot,  had  been  incorporated  in  the  soil  ;  still  if 
the  plants  have  made  strong  leaves  and  crowns  this  year  they  will 
probably  flower  next  season.  If  a  little  of  the  strong  soil  can  be  forked 
away  without  injuring  the  crowns  or  materially  disturbing  the  roots,  and 
a  mixture  of  the  kind  suggested  spread  on  the  beds  2  or  3  inches  thick 
and  allowed  to  decay,  the  effect  will  almost  certainly  be  beneficial.  You 
say  you  “  filled  ”  the  bed  with  plants.  Perhaps  they  are  too  crowded, 
in  which  case  bold  crowns  and  fine  spikes  will  be  comparatively  few  in 
number. 
Potato  Haulm  Formlug  Tubers  at  the  Joints  (^E.  F.  H,'). — 
It  is  not  uncommon  for  the  haulm  when  buried  in  the  soil,  either  broken 
off  or  earthed  up,  to  form  tubers  from  any  undeveloped  leaf  buds,  which 
under  ordinary  circumstances  would  develop  lateral  shoots  or  side 
branches.  Such  are  strictly  tubers — that  is,  stems  thickened  by  a  con¬ 
centration  of  matter  on  certain  parts,  usually  lateral  stems  from  the 
upright  or  radical  ones,  but  when  the  main  stems  underground  are 
destroyed  by  fungi  or  other  agent ;  the  plant  usually  forms  tubers  from 
the  axils  of  the  leaves  on  the  haulm,  these  being  small  and  green  if 
above  the  soil,  and  furnished  with  buds  or  eyes  at  the  forward  end  for 
pushing  growth  and  continuing  the  plant.  Yours  is  a  similar  case,  only 
the  haulm  being  broken  off,  and  in  the  soil  the  tubers  from  the  leaf  buds 
are  more  like  ordinary  tubers.  Such  phenomenon  is  very  interesting 
and  instructive,  as  showing  the  resources  of  Nature  in  the  struggle  for 
existence. 
Melons  Gumming  (^E.  R,  M). — Gumming  is  a  consequence  of 
too  rich  soil,  too  much  moisture,  and  too  little  heat.  The  result  is  a 
gangrene  or  ulcerous  exudation,  and  very  distinct  from  canker,  which, 
however,  is  due  to  over-much  moisture,  with  probably  a  deficiency  of 
silica  and  lime  in  i  he  soil,  with  too  much  organic  matter,  resulting  in 
crude  imperfectly  elaborated  growth,  especially  in  a  dull  period.  The 
softened  places  are  full  of  fungus  threads  and  spores,  usually  belonging 
to  a  fungus  very  common  in  Cucumbers,  succulent  fruits,  and  even 
Grapes,  also  Peaches  and  Plums,  or  in  those  the  plants  of  which  require 
a  siliceous  and  calcareous  soil.  The  only  remedial  measures  are  to  cut 
away  all  the  affected  parts  where  practicable  and  burn  them.  Rub  the 
others  with  quicklime,  repeatedly  until  dry.  Keep  the  plants 
drier,  not  giving  any  water  at  the  roots,  or  only  to  prevent  flagging  ; 
and  when  supplying  it  keep  it  from  the  growths  or  stems  as  much  as 
possible.  Admit  a  little  air  constantly,  so  as  to  cause  a  circulation  and 
consequently  evaporation  from  the  foliage,  and  afford  more  heat,  which 
in  your  case  is  practically  excluded  ;  therefore  keep  the  house  drier,  and 
husband  the  sun  heat. 
Vallota,  iLmaryllis  formosisslma,  and  Huemanthus 
Treatment  (i2.  B.'). — Vallota  purpurea  does  not  require  starting  in 
heat,  neither  does  Amaryllis  formosissima  nor  Hsemanthus.  The 
Vallota  succeeds  admirably  iu  a  greenhouse,  where  in  plenty  of  light 
and  with  due  supplies  of  water  it  is  a  free-growing  evergreen  bulbous  plant, 
flowering  profusely  in  late  summer — about  September.  We  never  had 
any  trouble  with  this  plant,  but  we  have  known  cases  where  it  could 
not  be  grown,  and  on  investigating  the  bulbs  we  found  them  infested 
with  mites.  The  condition  you  describe  shows  the  plants  to  be  similarly 
affected.  If  so  the  best  plan  is  to  destroy  the  affected  plants,  or  procure 
a  bottle  of  Messrs.  Cli bran’s  Eucharis  mite  mixture  and  apply  it  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  instructions.  The  Hsemanthus  is  only  beginning  to  grow 
because  it  is  its  proper  season,  but  it  usually  flowers  in  advance  of  the 
leaves  being  put  forth,  and  as  yours  are  not  doing  so  we  conclude  they 
are  not  strong  enough.  The  Hcemanthus  also  is  a  greenhouse  plant,  and 
requires  to  be  kept  in  a-  light  position  whilst  making  its  growth,  and 
until  this  is  effected  with  proper  supplies  of  water,  then  it  will  store 
sufficient  matter  for  forming  and  developing  the  flower  scapes,  not 
otherwise.  After  the  leaves  have  died  down  the  plants  may  be  kept 
rather  dry  at  the  roots,  but  not  excessively  so,  and  about  this  time 
another  year  the  bulbs  will  push  flower  scapes,  when  they  should  be 
duly  supplied  with  water.  The  Jacobsea  Lily,  or  Amaryllis  formosissima, 
is  also  a  greenhouse  species,  but  we  find  both  it  and  Haemanthus  do 
better  in  a  warm  greenhouse  or  cool  stove,  the  plants  being  grown  in  all 
the  light  possible.  The  Amaryllis  does  not  flower  until  spring,  but  does 
not  require  starting  in  heat,  nor  need  much  water  be  given  until  growth 
is  pushed,  when  due  supplies  being  afforded  it  will  make  good  growth, 
and  this  properly  matured  will,  after  the  plants  have  been  kept  rather 
dry  from  the  leaves  falling  until  starting  into  growth  again,  usually 
afford  a  display  of  bloom  in  due  season. 
Names  of  Fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  numher  of  worthless  A'pples  and, 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  he  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only  . 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior^ 
which  are  not  worth  seniing  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  he  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening .  Dessert  Pears  cannot  he 
named  in  a  hard  green  state.  (IK  W.  B.j.  —  The  Apple  has  the 
appearance  of  an  immature  specimen  of  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin. 
(_Parnacott), — 1,  Stirling  Castle  ;  2  and  4,  not  recognisable — presumably 
local  seedlings,  of  which  there  are  so  many  in  Devon.  Mr.  Veitch  of 
Exeter  might  possibly  name  them  ;  3,  perhaps  a  small  fruit  of  Mere  de 
Manage,  or  it  may  be  a  local  variety  ;  5,  Prunus  Pissardi.  (IF.  B.'). — 
The  Onions  are  the  Trebons,  or  one  of  its  varieties.  '(F.  N.). — As  we 
have  repeatedly  stated.  Plums  can  only  be  named  when  specimens  of  the 
young  wood  are  sent.  Forward  fresh  fruits  with  growth  of  each,  and 
we  will  give  them  prompt  attention. 
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  best 
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. 
(F,  M.  N.). — Catalpa  syringsefolia.  QG.  H.). — 1  and  2,  varieties  of 
Adiantum  cuneatum  ;  3,  Ixora  Duffi.  (F.  J.  B.'), — Pelargoniums  are 
florists’  flowers  that  can  be  named  by  comparison  in  a  large  collection  ; 
see  rules  above.  (5.  IF). — 1,  Kalosanthes  coccinea  ;  2,  Anthericum 
liliastrum  ;  3,  Scabiosa  atro-purpurea  ;  4,  Lilium  chalcedonicum  ;  .5, 
Pavonia  grandiflora  ;  6,  Veronica  longifolia  alba.  (IF.  B.  IF). — 1, 
Gymnogramma  chrysophylla  ;  2,  Blechnum  braziliense  ;  3,  Nephrolepis 
tuberosa ;  4,  Adiantum  trapeziforme ;  5,  Selaginella  Kraussiana  ;  6, 
Adiantum  assimile.  (^Orchidist). — 1,  Laelia  elegans  ;  2  and  3,  good 
varieties  of  Cattleya  gigas  ;  4  and  5,  apparently  Dendrobiums,  but  it  is 
impossible  to  give  specific  names  without  flowers.  (AT.  T.  ff/.). — Kerria 
japonica  variegata.  (ff/.  P.).  —  Possibly  a  Veronica.  Send  fresh 
specimen. 
OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — August  21st. 
Supplies  heavier  with  prices  falling  all  round. 
FRUIT. 
I.  d. 
s.  d. 
8.  d. 
8. 
d. 
Apples,  per  bushel  ..  .. 
1  3 
to  3  0 
Filberts,  per  100  lbs . 
40  0  to  0 
0 
„  Nova  Scotia,  per 
Grapes,  per  lb . 
0  6 
1 
6 
barrel . 
0  0 
0  0 
Lemons,  case  . 
10  0 
15 
0 
„  Tasmanian,  per 
Peaches,  per  dozen  . . 
1  0 
6 
0 
case . 
0  0 
0  0 
Plums,  per  half  sieve  .. 
1  6 
2 
6 
Cobs,  per  100  lbs . 
45  0 
0  0 
St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 
2  0 
t) 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
a.  d. 
s.  d. 
a.  d. 
8. 
d. 
Beans,  Kidney,  per  Ib.  .. 
0  3 
to  0  0 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
0  2  to  0 
u 
Beet,  Red,  dozen . 
1  0 
0  0 
Onions,  bushel . 
3  6 
4 
0 
Carrots,  bunch . 
0  3 
0  4 
Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 
2  0 
3 
0 
Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 
3  0 
6  0 
Parsnips,  dozen . 
1  0 
0 
6 
Celery,  bundle  . 
1  0 
1  3 
Potatoes,  per  cwt . 
2  0 
4 
0 
Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 
2  0 
4  0 
Salsafy,  bundle . 
1  0 
1 
6 
Cucumbers,  dozen  ..  .. 
0  9 
1  6 
Seakale,  per  basket  ..  .. 
0  0 
0 
0 
Endive,  dozen  . 
1  3 
1  6 
Scorzonera,  bundle  .. 
1  6 
0 
U 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
0  3 
0  0 
Shallots,  per  lb . 
0  3 
0 
0 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
0  2 
0  0 
Spinach,  bushel . 
1  0 
1 
6 
Lettuce,  dozen . 
0  9 
1  6 
Tomatoes. per  lb . 
U  3 
0 
4 
Mushrooms,  punnet  ..  .. 
0  9 
1  0 
Turnips,  bunch . 
0  3 
0 
6 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE 
BRICES. — OUT  FLOWERS. — Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 
B  d 
B.  d. 
s.  d. 
1. 
d. 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  ., 
3  0 
to  4  0 
Orchids,  various,  dozen 
Asparagus  Fern,  per  buuoh 
2  0 
4  0 
blooms  . 
1  6  to  18 
0 
Asters  (English)  doz.  bchs. 
4  0 
6  0 
Pansies,  various,  dozen 
Asters  (French),  dozen 
bunches . 
1  0 
2 
0 
bunches . 
8  0 
12  0 
Peas,  Sweet,  doz.  bunches . . 
1  6 
3 
0 
Bouvardias,  bunch  .. 
0  6 
1  0 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 
4  0 
9 
0 
Carnations,  12  blooms'  . . 
1  0 
3  0 
Primula  (double ),  doz.  spys. 
0  6 
1 
0 
„  dozen  bunches.. 
4  0 
8  0 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen 
1  0 
2 
0 
Cornflower  „  „ 
1  0 
2  0 
„  Tea,  white,  dozen 
1  0 
2 
0 
Eucharis,  dozen . 
1  6 
2  6 
„  Yellow,  dozen  (Niels) 
3  0 
6 
0 
Gaillardias  doz.  bunches.. 
2  0 
3  0 
„  Safrano  (English), 
Gardenias,  dozen  .. 
2  0 
3  0 
dozen . 
1  0 
2 
0 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
„  Yellow,  dozen  bldoms 
0  6 
0 
9 
bunches . 
4  0 
6  0 
„  Red,  dozen  blooms  . . 
1  0 
1 
6 
Lilium  lancifolium,  twelve 
„  various,  doz.  bunches 
3  0 
6 
0 
blooms . 
1  0 
2  6 
Smilax,  per  bunch  ..  .. 
2  0 
4 
0 
„  longiflorum,  12  blooms 
2  0 
3  0 
Stephanotis,  dozen  sprays 
1  6 
2 
0 
Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 
1  6 
3  0 
Sunflowers  (small)  dozen 
Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 
bunches  . 
2  0 
3 
0 
bnnehes  . 
4  0 
6  0 
Sweet  Sultan,  doz.  bchs. 
2  0 
3 
0 
Tuberoses,  12  blooms..  .. 
0  4 
0 
6 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
8.  d. 
8. 
d. 
Arbor  Vitaj  (golden)  dozen 
6  0  to  12  0 
Geraniums,  Ivy,  per  dozen 
3  0 
to  6 
0 
Aspidistra,  dozen 
18  0 
36  0 
Heliotrope,  per  dozen  .. 
4  0 
6 
0 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 
5  0 
10  6 
Hydrangeas,  per  dozen  .. 
12  0 
42 
0 
Campanula,  per  doz . 
5  0 
9  0 
Lilium  lancifolium,  12  pots  12  u 
18 
0 
Coleus,  per  doz . 
2  6 
4  0 
Lobelia,  per  dozen  ..  .. 
3  U 
4 
0 
Dracaena,  various,  dozen  . . 
12  0 
30  0 
Lycopodiums,  dozen  ..  .. 
3  0 
4 
0 
Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 
9  0 
18  0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  ., 
6  0 
9 
0 
Euonymus,  var.,  dozen  . . 
6  0 
18  0 
„  Yellow  „  .. 
9  0 
18 
0 
Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 
6  0 
24  0 
Myrtles,  dozen . 
6  0 
9 
0 
Ferns,  iu  variety,  dozen  .. 
4  0 
18  0 
Palms,  in  var..  each  ..  .. 
1  0 
15 
0 
Ferns  (small)  per  hundred 
4  0 
6  0 
,,  (specimens)  ..  .. 
21  0 
0 
Ficus  elastica,  each  . .  . . 
1  0 
7  0 
Pelargoniums,  per  dozen  . . 
8  0 
12 
0 
Foliage  plants,  var.  each 
2  0 
10  0 
„  scarlets,  doz. 
3  0 
6 
0 
Fuchsias,  per  dozen  . .  . . 
4  0 
6  0 
Rhodanthe,  per  dozen 
4  0 
6 
0 
