306 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
September  26, 1SP5. 
that  there  cannot  be  much  in  sphagnum,  and  perhaps  there  is  not  ; 
but  quite  as  much  as  in  peat,  so  long  as  it  remains  fibry,  and  when  it 
ceases  to  be  ao  it  is  worse  than  useless. 
A  more  generous  diet  assists  them,  however,  as  we  have  proved. 
This  should  not  be  in  a  substantial  form,  such  as  loam  or  other  soil, 
but  should  be  conveyed  to  the  roots  of  the  plants  by  means  of  water. 
We  are  learning  now  that  a  soil  for  plants  in  pots  if  mechanically 
right  is  very  easily  made  chemically,  and  that  soil  in  pots,  however 
generous  to  begin  with,  speedily  has  its  good  qualities  exhausted  by  the 
plants  or  washed  out  by  repeated  waterings,  and  needs  continual 
replacement  by  means  of  support.  We  like  pots  well  filled  with  roots,  for 
then  we  can  keep  the  compost  always  moist  with  water  tainted,  and  no 
more,  with  manure.  We  are  never  sure  of  not  doing  mischief  with 
watering  when  small  plants  are  in  large  pots,  but  it  is  quite  different 
with  this  order  reversed. 
When  our  Anthuriums  fill  their  pots  with  roots  we  do  not  shift  the 
plants,  as  some  do,  unless  that  te  an  absolute  necessity  ;  but  we  taint 
the  water  with  sewage,  which  is  as  good  and  cheaper  than  guano,  and 
we  find  the  result  to  be  a  magnificent  growth  such  as  the  plants  never 
attained  under  the  orthodox  treatment. — H.  G, 
SUNNINGDALE  PARK. 
Some  months  ago  there  appeared  in  the  Joiirnal  of  Horticxiltnre  a 
reference  to  the  Orchids  cultivated  by  Mr.  F.  J.  Thorne  for  Major  W.  J. 
Joicey  in  the  gardens  of  this  charming  estate,  but  no  reference  was  made 
to  the  other  crops  that  are  grown  so  well.  This  was  an  omission  that 
should  be  rectified,  and  endeavour  will  now  be  made  to  do  so.  Not  that 
the  Orchids,  which  are  the  especial  favourites  of  Mr.  J.  J.  Joicey,  who 
indeed  collected  many  of  them  when  travelling  some  few  years  ago,  will 
be  left  out  altogether,  but  now  the  impressions  will  be  of  a  more 
general  character  instead  of  being  confined  to  any  one  particular  class 
of  plants. 
Though  not  comprising  such  a  large  number  of  acres  as  many  estates 
in  the  county  of  Berkshire,  this  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  both  in 
respect  of  natural  surroundings  and  in  the  condition  of  the  grounds  as 
managed  by  the  excellent  gardener  who  has  now  been  there  for  several 
years.  The  mansion  stands  on  a  somewhat  commanding  eminence, 
whence  views  of  the  country  may  be  had  for  miles  in  nearly  all  direc¬ 
tions.  One  end  is  approached  by  lawns  of  considerable  extent,  and  in 
such  good  order  as  to  prove  the  attention  that  is  devoted  to  them.  In 
places,  however,  traces  may  be  seen  of  the  long  drought  that  prevailed 
some  time  ago,  though  these  are  rapidly  disappearing  under  the  influences 
of  the  more  suitable  weather  that  has  prevailed  of  late.  On  this  lawn 
are  many  handsome  trees,  one  in  the  middle — a  Beech — being  especially 
noticeable  by  reason  of  its  noble  dimensions.  At  the  sides  are  Laurels, 
Laurustinuses,  and  Rhododendrons,  the  latter  being  a  most  beautiful 
feature  during  their  flowering  period. 
The  main  drive,  which  is  flanked  by  a  large  number  of  Rhododen¬ 
drons,  comes  from  the  entrance  in  a  bold  sweep,  culminating  in  a  circle 
before  the  door  of  the  mansion.  Immediately  facing  this  entrance  is  a 
handsome  bed  of  those  shrubs  encircled  by  the  finely  gravelled 
roadway.  Many  of  the  best  varieties  in  cultivation  have  been 
planted  at  various  times,  and  that  they  are  perfectly  at  home  is  seen  by 
the  strong  growths  of  healthy,  green  leafage  that  are  made  annually. 
In  the  flowering  time — it  was  once  the  writer’s  pleasure  to  see  them — 
they  present  a  mass  of  vivid  colouration,  rich  in  all  the  tints  found  in 
this  family.  On  the  right,  as  one  faces  the  house,  is  a  view  across  the 
estate  that  is  bounded  by  trees  standing  on  the  hillsides  beyond  a  valley. 
The  idea  of  planting  a  clump  or  two  of  Rhododendrons  on  these  slopes 
was  a  capital  one,  as  the  general  effect  is  greatly  enhanced  thereby. 
In  the  valley  is  a  small  lake,  made  some  two  or  three  years 
ago,  which  is  bordered  on  one  side  in  a  charming  manner  with 
various  plants.  Small  beds  have  been  formed,  and  in  them  are  planted 
several  of  the  most  showy  of  our  hardy  perennials  and  Roses.  Of  the 
latter  the  collection  is  a  good  one,  comprising  as  it  does  some  of  the  best 
varieties.  By  this  is  meant  not  sorts  that  produce  one  or  two  good 
blooms  only  on  a  plant,  but  those  that  afford  the  opportunity  of 
cutting  several  flowers  and  still  not  present  a  destitute  appearance. 
Great  clumps  of  Polygonum  Sieboldi  produce  a  good  effect,  and  when 
the  other  side  of  the  water  is  laid  out,  as  it  doubtless  will  be  ere  long, 
in  an  artistic  manner,  this  vale  with  its  numberless  points  of  interest 
will  be  worth  a  journey  to  see. 
Walking  now  away  from  the  house  and  chatting  on  matters  horti¬ 
cultural  the  while  with  Mr.  Thorne,  wa  pass  borders  of  perennials  here 
and  there  all  adding  their.share  to  the  floral  feast  and  finishing  at  the 
entrance  to  the  vegetable  and  fruit  gardens,  with  a  long  wire  arch  over 
which  Crimson  Rambler  Roses  have  been  trained.  The  utility  of  this 
Rose  could  not  possibly  be  better  illustrated  than  in  this  manner,  as, 
when  at  the  zenith  of  its  beauty,  it  was  the  recipient  of  unbounded 
admiration  from  everyone  who  beheld  it.  In  the  gardens,  surrounded 
by  walls,  we  again  6nd  numbers  of  flowers.  These  we  learn  are  grown 
for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Joicey,  who  is  a  great  lover  of  flowers  of 
almost  all  kinds,  and  requires  unlimited  supplies  for  decoration. 
Certainly  they  are  forthcoming,  for  one  might  cut  bushels  and  still  find 
plenty  more.  Annuals,  biennials,  and  perennials  are  grown  ;  in  fact, 
everything  that  will  afford  cut  bloom  besides  looking  well  on  the 
plants. 
“  This  is  the  chicken  yard,”  says  our  guide.  We  look  round  for  the 
poultry,  but  can  see  nothing  but  long  rows  of  Chrysanthemums  ;  “at 
Iep.st,  it  used  to  be,”  supplements  Mr.  Thorne,  noticing  the  look  of 
amazement.  Whether  good  fowls  were  grown  there  or  not  we  are 
unable  to  say,  but  can  answer  for  the  Mums,  for  they  are  such  as  would 
gladden  the  heart  of  a  Molyneux.  The  plants  are  clothed  with  stout, 
leathery  leafage,  borne  by  hard,  thoroughly  ripened  stems,  such  as 
cannot  produce  other  than  good  flowers.  Of  course,  they  were  in  their 
flowering  pots,  but  had  not  yet  had  any  stimulants,  this  clever  grower 
not  considering  high  feeding  advisable  until  the  pots  are  about  full  of 
roots.  Some  are  grown  for  large  blooms,  and  others  again  as  bushes  to 
afford  flowers  for  cutting,  but  over  all  is  an  air  of  strength  and  health 
that  proves  the  treatment  adopted  to  be  correct  in  all  ways. 
Inside  the  garden  proper  things  presented  a  very  animated  appear¬ 
ance.  Plants  were  standing  everywhere — not  confusedly  by  any  means 
— in  good  order  and  condition.  There  were  Zonal  Pelargoniums  for 
flowering  at  Christmas,  and  the  brilliant  Mrs.  Joicey  Carnations  for 
blooming  at  all  times.  Though  not  widely  known,  this  is  a  grand 
variety,  with  faultlessly  formed  flowers  of  a  rich  scarlet*  colour. 
In  the  frames  are  various  plants,  such  as  Streptocarpus,  of  both  young 
and  old  plants,  and  throwing  an  abundance  of  flowers  ;  Cyclamens,  that 
promise  innumerable  blooms  by-and-by,  if  solid  corms  and  clean  healthy 
foliage  may  be  taken  as  a  criterion  ;  Amaryllis  in  goodly  numbers, 
almost  all  of  Mr.  Thorne’s  own  raising  ;  and — but  it  is  impossible  that 
all  can  be  named,  so  we  must  leave  the  remainder  and  adjourn  to  the 
houses,  to  see  whether  there  are  not  many  plants  grown  equally  as  well 
indoors  as  others  are  out. 
Orchids  here,  Orchids  there.  Orchids  everywhere.  Not  many  were  in 
bloom,  however,  but  those  that  were  proved  the  quality  that  is  to  be 
found  at  Sunningdale.  Mr.  Thorne  has  a  penchant  for  hybridising,  and 
several  of  the  results  of  his  labours  are  highly  creditable.  Look  where 
one  may,  on  all  sides  are  flowers  or  seed  pods,  with  labels  covered  with 
hieroglyphics  denoting  the  parentage  attached.  What  will  be  the 
results?  Patience,  the  Orchid  fraternity  will  know  at  the  proper  time  ; 
but  all  may  be  assured  that  nothing  lacking  one  single  point  essential  to 
the  making  of  the  perfect  flower  will  ever  see  the  outside  of  Sunning¬ 
dale  Park.  There  are  several  Cypripediums  in  flower,  a  few  Cattleyas, 
Odontoglossums,  and  others,  but  as  we  cannot  do  justice  to  the  collection 
here  we  will  leave  it  now  and  see  to  other  things.  The  cleanliness  of 
the  houses  and  their  occupants,  it  must  be  added,  reflect  the  highest 
credit  on  all  concerned  in  their  management. 
If  health  reigns  supreme  in  the  Orchid  department,  so  also  does  it  in 
the  other  houses,  where  most  kinds  of  plants  are  grown.  Young 
Pandanus  in  3-inch  pots  were  pictures,  while  Crotons  of  various 
sizes  and  shape  were,  for  decorative  purposes,  little  short  of  perfect. 
The  colours  were  exceedingly  rich,  and  the  plants  splendidly  clothed 
with  leaves.  Then  there  were  Arum  Lilies,  just  lifted  from  the  open 
ground  ;  Cyclamens  in  bloom  ;  Dractenas,  Acalypbas,  Gardenias, 
Allamandas,  Stephanotis,  Ferns,  Palms,  and  others,  all  apparently 
perfectly  at  home  in  their  surroundings.  If  they  were  not  so  they 
undoubtedly  ought  to  be,  for  they  receive  the  best  attention  that  skill 
and  a  thorough  knowledge  of  their  requirements  can  devise.  In 
addition  to  all  these  there  were  some  superb  specimens  of  Celosia 
pyramidalis  in  8-inch  pots.  They  were  dwarf,  symmetrical,  and 
splendidly  flowered,  proving  the  culture,  as  well  as  the  strain,  to  be  of 
the  best. 
If  flowers  are  a  good  feature,  so  also  are  fruits,  for  these  are  grown 
not  only  in  large  numbers,  but  in  splendid  style.  Under  glass  Grapes 
are  the  principal  crop,  and  very  pleasing  they  were  to  look  on.  A  couple 
of  houses  of  Black  Hamburgh,  with  medium-sized  bunches  of  well- 
finished  berries,  were  first  noticed,  being  quickly  followed  by  another 
structure  containing  Lady  Downe’s  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  Both 
these  varieties  were  good,  the  former  especially  so,  the  bunches  being 
of  splendid  shape,  and  the  berries  of  good  size  and  appearance.  Some 
of  the  Muscat  bunches  were  rather  loose,  but  the  colour  left  little  to  be 
desired.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  receive  all  due  attention,  and  repay 
it  by  producing  enormous  crops  of  good-sized  luscious  fruits.  Though 
nearly  all  cleared  at  the  time  of  this  visit,  the  trees,  by  the  healthy 
leafage  and  clean  straight  growths,  proved  the  management  to  be  of 
the  best  in  every  respect. 
From  Peaches  and  Nectarines  under  glass  it  was  but  natural  for  us 
to  adjourn  next  to  see  those  out  of  doors.  Here  they  were  carrying 
fruits — at  least,  the  majority  of  them — and  very  well  they  looked.  The 
training  of  the  trees  is  very  praiseworthy,  every  branch  and  shoot 
having  ample  room  for  perfect  development,  without  which  they  could 
not  afford  such  satisfactory  results  as  is  the  case  at  present.  All  the 
Morello  Cherries  had  been  removed  from  the  trees,  which  were,  equally 
with  the  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  in  admirable  condition.  Very  well 
indeed  looked  the  bush  Apple  and  Pear  trees  in  this  garden,  some  carry¬ 
ing  fruits  whilst  others  had  been  cleared.  These  are  all  vigorous  trees 
that  will  continue  to  bear  for  many  years  to  come.  Besides  the  trees  in 
the  kitchen  garden  there  is  a  large  orchard  containing  Apples,  Pears, 
Plums,  Dam‘ons,  and  Nuts,  most  of  which  have  borne  well,  though  not 
in  the  case  of  the  two  former  so  heavily  as  last  year. 
Good  order,  combined  with  excellent  culture,  is  the  prevailing 
feature  amongst  the  vegetables,  of  which  all  kinds  at  present  in  season 
were  seen  at  their  best.  This  is  what  may  be  termed  a  natural  con¬ 
sequence  of  the  thorough  working  that  the  soil  is  accorded,  and  the 
rational  dressings  that  it  receives  as  experience  orders  and  opportunity 
permits.  But  the  alloted  time  had  fiownn  and  we  had  just  time  to 
adjourn  to  Mr.  Thorne’s  house  to  pay,  under  Mrs.  Thorne’s  able  auspices, 
the  needful  attention  to  the  inner  man,  ere  we  were  compelled  to  make 
our  way  to  the  station  and  home. — Nomad. 
