December  12, 1896. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
565 
The  Currant  3ud  Mite  (TF.  II.  T.),  —  We  have  never  seen  a 
more  virulent  attack  of  the  bud  or  gall  mite  (Phytoptis  ribis)  than  ia 
the  shoots  you  send.  Every  bud  is  swollen  and  spoiled.  If  you  were  to 
dissect  and  examine  them  under  a  microscope,  you  would  see  the  mites 
as  busy  as  a  flock  of  sheep  in  a  pasture.  If  all  the  bushes  are  similarly 
infested,  we  are  sorry  to  say  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  man  to  restore 
them  to  their  original  condition  by  the  application  of  anything  what¬ 
ever,  because  nothing  can  reach  the  mites  inside  the  buds.  The  bushes 
must  either  be  dug  up  and  burned,  or  cut  down  and  the  tops  burned, 
following  in  the  latter  case  with  a  very  heavy  dressing  of  lime.  We 
once  cut  some  down,  the  branches  in  this  case  springing  from  beneath 
the  soil,  and  spread  a  thickness  of  half  an  inch  of  lime  or  more  on  the 
stumps  and  soil.  We  scarcely  expected  to  see  any  further  growth  from 
the  stumps;  they,  however,  pushed  freely,  and  in  two  years  produced 
abundance  of  fruit,  and  not  a  swollen  Vmd  was  subsequently  seen  on  the 
bushes.  Had  they  been  on  clean  stems  a  foot  or  so  above  the  soil  the 
results  might  h.ave  been  different,  and  we  know  that  some  cultivators 
have  not  found  the  cutting  down  and  liming  to  banish  the  enemy. 
When  attacks  are  comparatively  slight,  some  cultivators  syringe  their 
bushes  when  dormant  with  a  mixture  of  sulphur  and  lime,  to  render 
them  distasteful  to  the  mites,  and  then  watch  for  and  pick  off  every 
swollen  bud  in  the  spring,  burning  the  buds  removed,  and  in  this  way 
decimate  the  pest.  Burn  at  once  all  seriously  infested  branches,  also  the 
buds  from  those  less  infested,  in  case  there  are  sufficient  unattacked  buda 
for  affording  some  fruit.  Do  not  propagate  from  the  bushes,  but  obtain 
young  trees  from  an  undoubtedly  clean  stock,  and  plant  as  far  distant 
from  the  infested  bushes  as  possible.  Swollen  buds  and  the  destructive 
mite  have  more  than  once  been  illustrated  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture. 
Chemical  Manures  for  Cucumbers  and  Tomatoes  (^Cross'). — 
We  have  carefully  gone  through  your  analysis  of  compounds,  also  of 
the  Cucumber  and  Tomato,  relative  to  the  ingredients,  but  fail  to 
understand  the  meaning  and  points  on  which  you  wish  for  informa¬ 
tion.  It  is  ‘’news”  to  us  to  see  you  finding  ammonia  in  saltpetre 
and  no  soluble  phosphate  in  dissolved  bones.  We  were  under  the 
impression  that  genuine  bone  superphosphate  contained  from  11  to 
19  per  cent,  of  monocalcium  phosphate  (phosphates  soluble  in  water), 
from  8  to  15  per  cent,  of  tricalciura  phosphate,  and  from  0  8  to  1'9  per 
■cent,  of  nitrogen.  Also,  that  nitrate  of  potash  (saltpetre)  contains, 
when  pure,  53  41  per  cent,  of  nitric  acid  (equal  to  13'8  per  cent,  of 
nitrogen),  and  43  59  per  cent,  of  potash.  Wa  think  these  per-centages 
are  not  far  wrong,  and  cannot  accept  your  statement  of  there  being  no 
soluble  phosphate  in  dissolved  bones,  or  that  of  there  being  ammonia  in 
nitrate  of  potash.  As  for  the  questions,  we  do  not  see  what  you  would 
gain  by  adding  mineral  superphosphate,  except  a  questionable  saving 
of  expense  in  case  of  your  substituting  it  for  dissolved  bones.  The 
dissolved  guanos  are  vitriolised — that  is,  dissolved — therefore,  high-class 
superphosphate,  containing  little  or  no  organic  matter.  There  is  no 
reason  why  you  should  not  use  sulphate  of  ammonia  with  muriate  of 
potash,  unless  your  soil  contains  more  than  10  per  cent,  of  lime,  then 
nitrate  of  soda  is  better,  as  nitric  acid  does  not  volatilise  like  ammonia 
from  the  sulphate,  in  such  case,  into  the  atmosphere.  We  did  not  advise 
it  for  Tomatoes  on  account  of  the  sulphur,  which  certaiply  favours  the 
fungoid  enemies  of  the  plant.  You  appear  unaware  that  sulpho- 
cyanates  have  a  counteracting  effect  on  such  tendency.  The  analysis 
of  parts  of  the  Tomato  is  too  incomplete  for  us  to  form  an  opinion,  and 
we  do  not  advise  a  large  amount  of  potash  for  the  Tomato,  because  an 
excess  has  a  tendency  to  favour  fungoid  pests,  and  no  doubt  your  soil 
naturally  contains  potash.  We  adhere  to  the  formula  as  one  of  the  best 
for  the  Tomato  as  regards  health  of  plant  and  profitableness  of  crop, 
but  there  may  be  better  in  some  respects  and  worse  in  others  ;  yet  we 
are  satisfied  with  that  given,  and  if  you  want  more  potash  it  is  easily 
added  at  your  own  risk.  By  all  means  try  an  alternative  mixture,  and 
in  due  time  we  shall  be  glad  if  you  will  favour  us  with  the  results  of 
your  experience. 
N'ames  of  Truits. — 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  number  of  worthless  Apples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  be  named.,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior., 
which  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  or  flowers  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  be  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening .  Dessert  Pears  cannot  be 
named,  in  a  hard  green  state.  (AT.  E.'). — 1,  An  unnamed  local  Apple  of 
good  appearance  ;  2,  fruit  imperfect,  resembles  Beauty  of  Hants ; 
3,  not  known,  merit  doubtful ;  4,  Golden  Eeinette  ;  5,  Aromatic  Basset ; 
•6,  Eeinette  Grise.  (fr.  II,  T,'). — 1,  A  local,  same  as  sent  by  “  H.  B,”  ; 
2,  Tower  of  Glamis  ;  3,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  ;  4,  Fearn’s  Pippin ; 
5,  local.  ( W.  f7.). — Easter  Beurrd.  (J/.  A). — The  large  Apple  is 
Mere  de  Mdnage,  and  the  smaller  ones  probably  Maltster,  (if.  P.  J). — 
1.  M6re  de  Menage  ;  2,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  ;  3,  Fearn’s  Pippin  ;  4,  Lord 
Derby.  (»9.  D.  B.). — 1,  Lane’s  Prince  Albert ;  2,  Potts’  Seedling ;  3, 
Blenheim  Orange.  (H.  A.). — A  local  seedling  of  no  merit. 
COVENT  GAEDEN  MARKET. — December  11th. 
FRUIT. 
No  alteration  in  the  character  of  the  trade. 
f. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d 
8. 
d. 
Apples,  per  bushel  ..  .. 
2 
0 
to  3 
6 
Lemons,  case  . 
11 
Oto  14 
0 
„  Nova  Scotia,  per 
Pears,  Californian,  per  case 
13 
0 
14 
0 
barrel . 
13 
0 
17 
0 
Plums,  per  half  sieve  .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Grapes,  per  lb . 
0 
6 
1 
6 
St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . , 
2 
0 
6 
U 
VEGETABLES. 
s. 
d. 
8.  d. 
B. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
Beans,  per  lb . 
0 
4 
to  0 
6 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
0 
2 
to  0 
0 
Beet,  Red,  dozen . 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Onions,  bu.shel . 
3 
6 
4 
0 
Carrots,  bunch . 
0 
3 
0 
4 
Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Parsnips,  dozen . 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Celery,  bundle  . . 
1 
U 
0 
0 
Potatoes,  per  cwt.  ..  .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Salsafy,  bundle  ..  ..  ,. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Cucumbers,  dozen  ..  .. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Seakaie,  per  basket  ..  .. 
Scorzonera,  bundle  ..  .. 
1 
6 
1 
9 
Endive,  dozen  . 
1 
3 
1 
6 
1 
u 
0 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Shallots,  per  lb . 
Spinach,  bushel . 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
0 
2 
0 
0 
2 
0 
2 
3 
Lettuce,  dozen . 
1 
3 
0 
0 
Sprouts,  half  aiv . 
2 
6 
0 
0 
Mushrooms,  punnet  .. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Tomatoes. per  lb . 
0 
3 
0 
6 
Turnips,  bunch  ..  ..  .. 
U 
3 
0 
0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE 
PRICES.- 
OUT  FLOWERS. — Orchid  Blooms  in  vaiiety 
8. 
d 
.  B. 
d. 
6. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Acacia  or  Mimosa  (French) 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 
4 
0  to  9 
0 
per  bunch . 
1 
0  to  2 
0 
Primula  (double),  dozen 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 
o 
0 
6 
0 
sprays  . 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Asparagus  Fern,  per  bunoU 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen  .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Bouvardias,  bunch  . .  . . 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„  Tea,  white,  dozen 
1 
6 
2 
6 
Carnations,  12  blooms 
1 
0 
3 
0 
„  Yellow,  dozen  (Niels) 
3 
1) 
6 
0 
Chrysanthemum,  doz.  blms. 
1 
0 
4 
0 
„  Red,  dozen  blooms  .. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
„  doz.  bunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
„  Safrauo  (English), 
Eucharis,  dozen . 
4 
0 
6 
0 
dozen . 
1 
6 
S 
0 
Gardenias,  dozen  . .  . . 
2 
0 
4 
U 
„  Safrano  (French),  per 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
dozen  . 
1 
3 
2 
0 
bunches . 
4 
0 
6 
0 
„  Pink  (French),  per 
Hyacinth  (Roman)  dozen 
dozen  . 
3 
0 
4 
0 
sprays . 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Smilax,  per  bunch  . .  . . 
2 
0 
3 
6 
Lilac  (French)  per  bunch 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Stephanotis,  dozen  sprays 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Lilium  lauoifolium,  twelve 
Tuberoses,  12  blooms. . 
0 
4 
0 
6 
blooms . 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Violets  Parme  (French), 
„  lougiflorum,  12  blooms 
4 
0 
8 
0 
per  bunch  . .  . . 
2 
6 
3 
6 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  dozen 
„  Czar  (French),  per 
sprays . 
1 
0 
2 
6 
bunch  ..  .. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz.  bobs. 
4 
0 
6 
U 
„  Victoria  (French), 
Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 
2 
6 
4 
0 
12  bunches 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Orchids,  various,  dozen 
„  English,  12  bunches 
1 
6 
2 
6 
blooms  . 
1 
6 
12 
0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
B. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Arbor  Vitm  (golden)  dozen 
6 
0  to  12 
0 
Ferns  ''smilD  per  hundred 
4 
0 
to  6 
0 
Aspidistra,  dozen 
18 
0 
36 
0 
Ficus  elaatica,  each  . .  . . 
1 
0 
7 
0 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 
5 
0 
10 
6 
Foliage  plants,  var.  each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Chrysanthemums,  per  doz 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Lycopodiuma,  dozen  . .  . . 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Dracmna,  various,  dozen  . . 
12 
0 
30 
0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Dracajna  viridis,  dozen  . . 
9 
0 
18 
0 
Myrtles,  dozen  . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Ericas,  various,  per  dozen  . 
9 
0 
24 
0 
Narciss  (French)  doz.  bchs. 
2 
6 
4 
0 
Euonymus,var.,  dozen  .. 
Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Palms,  in  var.,  each  .. 
1 
0 
15 
0 
6 
0 
24 
0 
„  (specimens)  ..  .. 
0 
63 
0 
Ferns  in  variety,  dozen  .. 
4 
0 
18 
0  1 
Solanums,  per  dozen..  .. 
8 
0 
12 
0 
JUDICIOUS  CHANGE. 
By  temporary  pasture  for  clay  land  a  mixture  of  certain 
Grasses  and  Clovers  is  indicated.  We  have  had  excellent  results 
from  such  seeds  under  really  good  cultivation ;  we  have  extended 
the  scope  of  our  work  in  this  direction  by  having  special  fields 
of  Lucerne,  Rye  Grass,  and  Sainfoin  sown  separately  on  land 
well  cleaned,  well  tilled,  well  manured.  None  of  these  crops 
affords  a  better  indication  of  poverty  or  richness  of  soil  than 
the  Rye  Grass,  and  no  crop  answers  better  for  liberal  treatment. 
But  then  the  same  must  be  said  of  the  others;  both  of  them 
repay  one  for  high  cultivation,  both  in  bulk  and  dm-ation  of 
crop.  Lucerne  having  the  special  value  of  resisting  drought  and 
affording  crop  after  crop  of  its  succulent,  nutritious  growth, 
while  pastures  are  burnt  up  by  drought. 
For  the  “  seeds  ”  we  cannot  do  better  than  offer  the  evidence 
of  Mr,  Primrose  McConnell  of  the  successful  laying  down  of 
Essex  clays  to  temporary  pasture  by  himself  and  other  Scotch 
farmers,  whom  the  depression  has  brought  south  to  so-called 
profitless  Essex  farms  as  to  a  vei'itable  land  of  Goshen.  Hear 
him  in  reference  to  his  practice  at  Ongar ; — “  As  a  point  of 
great  importance  in  the  system  of  reducing  labour,  there  comes 
