332 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
October  3, 1895. 
Though  the  season  was  much  advanced  the  beds  looked  bright  and 
cheerful,  giving  ample  proof  of  a  favourable  season. 
Items  op  Interest. 
So  many  indeed  are  these  that  space  forbids  mention  of  them  all, 
though  my  notes  would  be  incomplete  without  a  few  brief  remarks  on 
the  management  of  this  large  establishment.  In  the  first  place  the 
interest  taken  by  Mrs.  Noble  in  the  employes  on  the  estate  is  most 
praiseworthy — would  that  her  example  was  followed  in  many  other 
cases ;  in  this  her  wishes  are  ably  carried  out  by  Mr.  Stanton,  who  is 
sole  manager  of  the  estate.  The  quarters  assigned  to  the  eight  young 
gardeners — a  department  often  sadly  neglected — are  roomy  and  con¬ 
venient,  and  connected  with  the  bothy  is  a  “  Mutual  Improvement 
Society,”  with  Percy  Noble,  Esq.,  as  President.  Weekly  meetings  are 
held  during  the  winter  months,  at  which  debates  take  place,  papers  are 
read,  and  discussions  invited  on  popular  questions.  Great  interest  is 
taken  in  this  Society,  which  cannot  fail  to  prove  both  instructive  and 
interesting,  and  we  should  like  to  see  something  of  this  character 
instituted  in  every  large  establishment  in  the  kingdom,  which  would 
help  to  break  the  dull  monotony  which  the  writer  knows  from  experience 
often  exists  in  bothy  life  after  the  day’s  work  is  over.  Surely  head 
gardeners  might  do  something  in  this  direction,  and  in  these  days  of 
advancement  the  suggestion  is  worth  consideration. 
No  less  is  the  interest  taken  in  the  cottage  dwellers  on  the  estate. 
Horticulture  is  especially  encouraged,  an  annual  show  being  held 
entirely  supported  by  Mrs.  Noble.  Prizes  are  offered  for  the  best  culti¬ 
vated  gardens  and  the  most  effective  window  boxes,  and  we  could  only 
regret  that  we  were  not  present  at  the  last  show,  held  in  August,  where 
we  learnt  the  competition  was  excessively  keen  and  the  quality  of  the 
exhibits  good,  showing  how  ready  the  working  classes  are  to  respond  to 
encouragement  in  gardening.  Pomology,  too,  is  in  no  way  neglected,  as 
Mrs.  Noble  undertakes  to  provide  and  plant  trained  fruit  trees  to  cover 
the  walls  of  every  cottage  on  the  estate,  reserving  the  right  in  case  of 
inattention  on  part  of  the  occupier  to  step  in  and  claim  the  trees.  It 
was  gratifying,  however,  to  learn  that  in  the  majority  of  cases  this  is 
not  necessary,  and  an  inspection  of  several  cottage  walls  proved  that 
not  only  did  the  trees  receive  attention,  but  much  taste  was  manifested 
in  training,  fine  examples  of  fruit  being  the  result. 
My  notes  shall  close  with  one  other  instance  of  the  owner’s  muni¬ 
ficence.  Curiosity  was  raised  as  to  what  became  of  the  surplus  flowers,  as 
it  was  easy  to  see  the  whole  were  not  required  in  the  mansion.  We 
ventured  to  put  the  question,  and  were  gratified,  though  not  surprised, 
to  learn  that  they  were  sent  weekly  to  the  London  hospitals.  A  list  of 
those  institutions  ic  kept,  and  each  in  its  turn  receives  a  consignment 
arranged  in  bunches  ready  for  putting  in  the  glasses.  They  are  then 
placed  in  the  wards,  carrying  with  them  a  ray  of  cheerfulness  to  make 
more  endurable  the  life  of  many  a  weary  sufferer.  In  how  many 
gardens  are  there  flowers  surplus,  yea,  and  often  wasted  ;  could  they  not 
be  so  utilised  in  our  infirmaries,  workhouses,  orphanages,  and  alms¬ 
houses  1  It  is  these  little  acts  of  kindness  that  brighten  the  existence 
of  those  less  fortunate  in  life. 
It  was  with  reluctance  we  left  a  spot  so  beautiful,  so  interesting,  and 
many  pleasant  recollections  of  Park  Place  still  linger  in  the  mind  of — 
Wanderer. 
BANBURY  ONION  SHOW. 
Mr.  Deverill’s  annual  Onion  show  was  held  on  the  19th  ult.  in  the 
Corn  Hill  Seed  Stores,  his  prizes  as  usual  bringing  together  a  fine 
exhibition  of  the  famous  pedigree  Onions.  The  champion  prize,  which 
is  offered  for  the  heaviest  and  best  finished  six  of  any  variety,  was  won 
by  Mr.  Bowerman  with  six  Ailsa  Craigs,  weighing  17:j^  lbs.  This  is  the 
heaviest,  I  believe,  yet  staged  at  Banbury  ;  the  heaviest  bulb  weighed 
3  lbs.  1  oz.,  and  another  3  lbs.,  but  all  were  well  finished. 
In  the  class  confined  to  twelve  of  either  Ailsa  Craig,  Advancer, 
Cocoa  Nut,  or  Excelsior,  Mr.  Bowerman  was  again  well  to  the  front  with 
Ailsa  Craig,  weighing  30J  lbs.,  a  very  fine  exhibit.  Mr.  A.  G.  Nicholls 
of  Nuneham  Park  Gardens,  Abingdon,  was  second  with  Ailsa  Craig, 
weighing  26|  lbs.,  and  Mr.  N.  Kneller  of  Malshanger  Gardens,  Basing¬ 
stoke,  third  with  the  same  variety,  23^  lbs.  in  weight. 
Another  class  was  confined  to  Rousham  Park,  Anglo-Spanish,  The 
Lord  Keeper,  or  Royal  Jubilee.  Here  Mr.  Kneller  was  first  with  twelve 
Anglo-Spanish,  weighing  21^  lbs.,  Mr.  Lye  of  Sydmonton  Court 
Gardens,  Newbury,  second,  and  Mr,  Waite  of  Glenhurst,  Esher,  third, 
each  exhibit  weighing  19  lbs.  Mr.  Lye  was  first  for  the  Wroxton, 
his  exhibit  weighing  12  lbs. ;  Mr.  Haines  of  Coleshill  House  Gardens, 
High  worth,  second,  and  Mr.  Geo.  Pease  of  Swalcliffe  Park  Gardens, 
Banbury,  third.  The  class  open  to  Scotland  and  the  northern  counties 
produced  a  good  competition,  but  not  such  large  bulbs  as  their  southern 
brethren,  Mr.  C.  J.  Fisher  of  York  being  first  with  Royal  Jubilee  ;  Mr. 
Miller,  Stockton-on-Tees,  second  with  same  variety,  and  Mr.  G.  Coles, 
Torrisholme,  Lancaster,  third  with  Anglo-Spanish,  Cottagers’  classes 
were  well  contested,  and  some  fine  Onions  were  staged. 
For  a  collection  of  vegetables,  eight  varieties,  containing  five  of  Mr. 
Deverill’s  introductions,  Messrs.  Lye  and  Waite  staged  two  very  fine 
exhibits,  taking  the  prizes  in  the  order  named.  Eight  collections  were 
staged  in  the  amateurs’  and  cottagers’  class  for  eight  varieties  of  vege¬ 
tables,  and  a  most  creditable  show  they  made  ;  Mr.  B.  Horton,  Tyroe,  first, 
and  Mr.  J.  H.  Viggers  of  Neithrop,  Banbury,  second.  To  encourage  the 
growth  of  all  his  pedigree  Onions  it  is  Mr.  Deverill’s  intention  another 
year  to  offer  two  prize*  for  each  variety,  still  retaining  the  champion 
class. — G.  A.  J. 
WOKllfoil™EWEEK.. 
FRUIT  FORCING. 
Peacbes  and  ITectarlnes- — Trees  Hipening  the  Fruit  in  July . — 
The  midseason  varieties  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  started  in  February 
will  be  approaching  the  resting  period  and  the  foliage  becoming  sere. 
This  must  not  be  forcibly  removed,  but  the  trees  or  trellis  may  be  shook 
and  the  leaves  falling  cleared  away  as  a  means  of  riddance  of  fungi  and 
insects.  Supply  water  to  the  border  as  required,  to  keep  the  soil 
moistened  through  to  the  drainage.  If  the  wood  is  thoroughly  ripened 
and  the  roof-lights  are  moveable,  the  trees  will  derive  great  benefit  from 
exposure  until  the  time  arrives  for  starting  and  the  need  for  watering 
will  be  done  away  with,  whilst  there  is  lessened  danger  of  the  buds 
dropping,  but  if  the  wood  is  not  ripe  it  is  unwise  to  expose  the  trees  to 
heavy  rains  and  snow.  When  the  wood  is  strong  and  the  points  of  the 
shoots  are  soft  and  retain  the  leaves  in  a  green  condition,  form  a  trench 
about  one-third  the  height  of  the  trees  from  the  stem  and  detach  all 
roots  down  to  the  drainage,  leaving  the  trench  open  for  ten  days  or  a 
fortnight,  when  it  may  be  filled  firmly.  Young  trees  only  require  this, 
but  older  ones  that  have  the  wood  very  strong  may  be  root-pruned  and 
the  roots  wholly  or  partially  lifted  before  the  leaves  have  fallen.  In  the 
case  of  weakly  trees  remove  the  old  soil  from  over  and  amongst  the  roots, 
supplying  fresh,  rather  strong  loam,  with  an  addition  of  calcareous 
matter  where  the  loam  is  not  of  that  nature,  making  it  firm,  and 
following  with  a  good  soaking  of  liquid  manure. 
Trees  Ripening  the  Fruit  in  August  and  September. — The  foliage  must 
be  kept  free  from  red  spider  and  other  insect  pests  in  order  to  obtain 
proper  maturation  of  the  buds  and  wood,  an  occasional  forcible  syringing 
being  all  that  is  needed  in  most  cases.  If  there  is  scale  promptly  apply 
an  insecticide,  also  against  brown  aphides,  which  sometimes  attack  the 
younger  parts  of  the  wood  in  autumn,  and  can  be  destroyed  by  diluted 
tobacco  juice.  There  must  not  be  any  lack  of  moisture  at  the  roots, 
therefore  apply  water  to  the  inside  borders  as  necessary  to  prevent  their 
becoming  too  dry.  Afford  abundant  ventilation,  and  if  the  wood  is  not 
ripening  well  keep  the  house  rather  warm  by  day  and  throw  the  venti¬ 
lators  open  at  night,  but  a  close,  moist  atmosphere  must  be  avoided, 
as  that  would  be  more  injurious  than  otherwise. 
Late  Trees. — When  the  fruit  is  gathered  the  trees  will  need  to  have 
the  shoots  thinned  where  too  crowded,  and  those  which  have  borne  fruit 
and  are  not  required  for  extension  can  be  cut  out  to  a  successional  shoot 
at  the  base  ;  this,  with  free  ventilation,  will  assist  in  ripening  the 
growths,  which  is  of  primary  importance  as  regards  next  year’s  bearing. 
In  cold  localities  and  the  wood  strong  it  may  be  necessary  to  employ 
gentle  fire  heat  in  dull  weather.  Avoid  a  dry  condition  of  the  border. 
The  trees  must  not  lack  water  at  the  roots,  and  yet  drier  condition  of 
the  soil  is  advisable  whilst  the  fruit  is  ripening,  but  anything  like 
distress  to  the  foliage  interferes  with  the  formation  and  maturation  of 
the  buds,  and  may  seriously  prejudice  their  retention  by  the  trees, 
which  simply  cast  them  because  imperfect,  or  impaired  in  vitality  from 
various  causes. 
Cberrles. — No  fruit  is  more  interesting  and  useful,  and  also  profit¬ 
able  when  forced  early  under  glass.  Cherry  houses,  however,  are 
not  common,  which  is  remarkable,  as  dishes  of  Cherries  are  always 
appreciated  at  desseit,  especially  from  April  to  June,  when  fresh  ripe 
fruits  are  not  plentiful.  Cherries  do  well  in  a  light,  well  ventilated 
(both  top  and  bottom),  and  efficiently  heated  house.  For  early  forcing 
it  should  face  due  south,  a  three-quarter  span-roof  being  the  most  desir¬ 
able  form ;  for  later  forcing  the  structure  may  be  a  span-roof,  and  have 
the  ends  facing  north-east  and  south-west.  The  trees  may  be  low  or 
half-standard,  so  as  to  reach  the  base  of  the  sloping  roof,  or  rather  trellis, 
which  should  be  fixed  about  12  inches  from  the  glass,  or  the  trees  may 
be  trained  as  bushes,  pyramids,  or  low  standards,  and  planted  out; 
In  the  case  of  permanent  or  planted-out  trees  the  roof  lights  ought 
to  be  moveable,  so  that  the  trees  can  be  fully  exposed  after  the  crops 
are  gathered  and  the  growth  perfected.  The  borders  should  be  entirely 
inside,  and  not  made  all  at  once,  A  4  to  6-feet  width  of  border  is  ample 
to  commence  with.  It  should  be  drained  9  to  12  inches  deep,  having 
proper  drains  and  outlet  for  carrying  off  superfluous  water.  Nothing 
answers  better  than  brickbats,  with  a  3-inch  layer  of  old  mortar  rubbish 
over  them.  From  20  to  24  inches  depth  of  soil  is  ample,  but  it  must  be 
deeper  at  first  to  allow  for  settling.  Good  turfy  loam,  inclined  to  be 
heavy  rather  than  light,  four  parts  ;  lime  rubbish  from  an  old  building, 
one-fifth  ;  and  road  scrapings,  one-sixth  ;  the  loam  chopped  moderately 
small,  the  whole  well  incorporated,  forms  a  suitable  compost.  The  trees 
should  be  planted  as  soon  as  the  leaves  begin  to  fall.  Those  that  have 
been  trained  to  walls  four  to  six  years  are  most  suitable,  as  they  will 
be  in  a  fruitful  state  and  calculated  to  give  a  crop  of  fruit  the  first 
season,  and  having  been  lifted  annually  or  in  alternate  years  they  can 
be  moved  safely.  The  borders  ought  to  be  put  together  compactly, 
the  trees  firmly  planted,  and  a  good  watering  given,  mulching  the  roots 
with  a  couple  of  inches  thickness  of  .short  but  not  soapy  manure. 
Early  Rivers,  Governor  Wood,  and  Black  Tartarian  are  best  varieties, 
producing  large,  handsome,  delicious  fruit  abundantly,  and  keeping  in 
good  condition  some  time  after  being  ripe. 
