FebtUary  lO,  1898. 
JOURRAt  OR  ttOUTICVLTVRR  AUD  COTTAGE  G AUDEN ER. 
137 
Feacli  Buds  Dropping  {J.  W.). — The  shoots  have  some  perfect  and  a 
number  of  defective  buds,  whilst  many  have  fallen.  All  the  defective 
buds  have  a  dead  central  axis,  there  never  having  been  any  or  very 
imperfect  formation  of  the  reproductive  organs,  and  this  simply  accounts 
for  the  buds  dropping.  The  roots  are  in  most  parts  fairly  healthy  ;  but 
there  is  a  minute  fungus  on  some  of  the  fibres,  and  evidently  destructive 
to  the  bark,  as  this  is  dead  as  far  as  the  threads  or  mycelium  extends  and 
quite  sound  elsewhere.  The  soil  is  of  a  very  substantial  character,  and  ought 
to  grow  Peaches  well.  The  position  certainly  cannot  be  regarded  as  a 
good  one,  and  the  proximity  of  gasworks  will  not  mend  matters  ;  but  these 
obstacles  cannot  make  the  difference  between  an  imperfect  and  a  perfect 
blossom  bud,  for  what  suffices  for  one  should  for  the  other  if  sufficiently 
adequate  for  both.  We  have  found  lifting  and  firming  the  soil  the  best 
preventive,  yet  not  always  successful,  or  only  for  a  time,  then  a  dressing 
of  the  following  mixture  had  a  good  effect  : — Bone  superphosphate,  dry 
and  crumbling,  five  parts  :  muriate  of  potash,  three  parts  ;  sulphate  of 
magnesia,  one  part  ;  and  sulphate  of  iron,  half  part,  mixed,  using  4  ozs. 
per  square  yard  when  the  buds  commenced  swelling,  and  pointing  or 
scratching  in  very  lightly,  afterwards  using  superphosphate  only,  a  good 
handful  (4  ozs.)  per  square  yard  at  Intervals  of  six  weeks  from  the  first 
leaves  appearing  till  the  fruit  approached  the  ripening  stage.  Thus  the 
trees  had  half  a  pound  of  the  dissolved  bone  per  square  yard  in  addition 
to  that  given  in  the  mixture,  and  with  the  lifting  and  otherwise  careful 
treatment  became  healthy  and  fruitful. 
Zygopetalum  Mackayi  QNovice'). — Two  systems,  both  of  which  have 
proved  successful,  are  here  given.  They  do  not  require  frequmt  potting, 
and  a  slight  rest  after  the  completion  of  the  growth  is  beneficial,  reducing 
the  supply  of  water  ;  but  never  attempt  to  dry  them,  as  is  practised  with 
some  plants.  One  cultivator  says,  “  Although  Brazilian  it  makes  grand 
growth  m  a  cool  airy  house  during  summer.  The  largest  growths  we 
ever  saw  were  made  in  a  cool,  moist,  airy,  and  partially  shaded  Odonto- 
glossum  house.  Everyone  admired  them,  but  they  did  not  dower.  The 
Me.vican  house  temperature  was  next  tried  :  90°  on  hot  days,  no  shade, 
no  fire  heat  at  night,  when  the  temperature  fell  to  45°  or  50°  very  often. 
So  grown  the  pseudo-bulbs  were  smaller,  the  leaves  shorter,  and  almost 
yellow  rather  than  green,  but  the  growths  were  sturdy  and  vigorous. 
Some  gave  two  spikes,  each  spike  bearing  seven  to  nine  flowers.  A 
compost  of  fibrous  peat,  sphagnum,  and  broken  crocks  is  most  suitable, 
and  abundance  of  water  when  growing  should  be  the  rule.”  Another 
cultivator  remarks  as  follows  “  Ours  are  grown  among  Cattleyas,  but 
it  succeeds  if  managed  like  an  ordinary  cool  stove  plant.  It  is  not 
particular  as  to  compost,  as  we  have  it  growing  in  peat,  loam,  and  a 
mixture  of  both.  Breaks  on  plants  in  all  three  kinds  of  compost  or  soils 
are  producing  a  couple  of  spikes  each.  It  is  a  free  rooting  plant,  and 
requires  plenty  of  root  space..  A  strong  plant  with  one  or  two  breaks 
should  have  a  9  or  10-inch  pot.  When  the  pots  are  too  small  for  the 
plants  one  spike  from  each  break  is  the  rule,  and  very  seldom  more  than 
one  break  is  produced  from  a  lead,  while  under  liberal  treatment  more 
spikes  and  breaks  are  common.” 
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  w'hich  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  he  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  fruits  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  he  sent  on  the  first  indication  of 
change  towards  ripening.  Dessert  Pears  cannot  he  named  in  a  hard  green  state. 
(T.  B.,  Leeds'). — I,  Probably  a  local  seedling,  worthless  :  2,  Dumelow’s 
Seedling,  also  known  as  Wellington  and  Normanton  Wonder,  a  good 
specimen  ;  3,  Hoary  Morning  ;  4,  Lealhercoat ;  5-,  Winter  Ilawthornden  ; 
C,  resembles  a  Sturmer  Pippin  that  has  been  gathered  too  soon.  {P.  R.). 
— 1,  Easter  Beurr6  ;  2,  Bergamot  Esperen.  (5.  F.  F.). — 1,  Wellington ; 
2,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  ;  3,  Braddick’s  Nonpareil. 
Names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants,  not 
varieties  that  have  originated  from  seeds  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Elowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  securely 
tied  firm  boxes.  Thin  paper  bo.xes  arrive  in  a  flattened  state.  Slightly 
damp  moss,  soft  green  grass,  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing,  dry  wool  or 
paper  the  worst.  Those  arrive  in  the  best  condition  that  are  so  closely  or 
firmly  packed  in  soft  green  fresh  grass,  as  to  remain  unmoved  by  shaking. 
No  specimens  should  be  sent  to  rest  in  the  post  office  over  Sunday,  on 
which  day  there  is  no  delivery  of  postal  matter  in  London.  Specimens  in 
partially  filled  boxes  are  invariably  injured  or  spoiled  by  being  dashed  to 
and  fro  in  transit.  Not  more  than  siv  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.  (J/.  M.  P.). — 
1,  Oncidium  tigrinum  ;  2,  a  form  of  Cattleya  Triante  ;  3,  a  Cypripedium 
insigne  of  no  special  merit.  (A.  R.  F.). — 1,  Tillandsia  Lindeni ;  2,  Fhanix 
dactylifera ;  3,  a  Fern,  dead.  (A.  A.  jB.).— 1,  Adiantum  pubescens  ;  2, 
Selaginella  Kraussiana  ;  3,  a  variety  of  Odontoglossum  crispum.  (2’.  B.). 
—  Iris  tuberosa,  the  Snake’s  Head  Iris. 
GARDENERS’  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 
INSTITUTIONS. 
The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — Secretary, 
Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram,  50,  Parliament  Street,  London,  W.C. 
United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society.— 
Secretary,  Mr.  W.  Collins,  9,  Martindale  Road,  Balham,  London,  S.W. 
P.OYAL  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund.—  Secretary,  Mr.  A.  F.  Barron 
The  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund,  Chiswick,  W. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— Feb.  9tii. 
FRUIT. 
Apples,  \  sieve . 
8.  d.  s.  d. 
1  "0  to  4  0 
Grapes,  lb . 
s.  d.  8.  d. 
1  6  to  2  0 
Cobs  . 
•  •  • 
21  0 
i2  6 
Lemons,  case  . 
11  0 
14  0 
Filberts,  100  lbs. 
•  •  • 
0  0 
0  0 
St.  Michael’s  Pines,  each 
2  6 
5  0 
Asparagus,  per  100  ... 
VEGEI 
8.  d.  s.  d. 
0  0  to  0  0 
’ABLES. 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
s.  d.  s.  d. 
0  2- to  0  4 
Beans,  ^  sieve . 
0  0 
0  0 
Onions,  bushel . 
3  6 
4  0 
Beet,  Red,  doz . 
•  >  • 
1  0 
0  0 
Parsley,  doz.  bnchs . 
2  0 
3  0 
Carrots,  bunch . 
0  3 
0  4 
Parsnips,  doz . 
1  0 
0  0 
Cauliflowers,  doz. 
•  •• 
2  0 
3  0 
Potatoes,  cwt . 
Salsafy,  bundle . 
2  0 
4  0 
Celery,  bundle . 
1  0 
0  0 
1  0 
0  0 
Coleworts,  doz.  bnchs. 
2  0 
4  0 
Scorzonera,  bundle . 
1  6 
0  0 
Cucumbers . .  ... 
0  4 
0  8 
Seakale,  basket . 
1  6 
1  0 
Endive,  doz . 
1  3 
1  6 
Shallots,  lb . . 
0  3 
0  0 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
0  3 
0  0 
Spinach,  pad  . 
0  0 
0  0 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
0  2 
0  0 
Sprouts,  ^  sieve  . 
Tomatoes,  lb . 
1  6 
1  9 
Lettuce,  doz . 
1  3 
0  0 
0  4 
0  9 
Mushrooms,  lb . 
0  6 
0  8 
Turnips,  bunch . 
0  3 
0  4 
Arbor  Vitse,  var.,  doz. 
PLANTS 
8.  d.  s.  d. 
6  Oto36  0 
IN  POTS. 
Ferns,  var.,  doz . 
s.  d.  s.  d. 
4  0bol8  0 
Aspidistra,  doz. 
•  •  • 
18  0 
36  0 
Ferns,  small,  100  . 
4  0 
8  0 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
•  •• 
5  0 
10  6 
Ficus  elastica,  each . 
1  0 
7  0 
x\zalea,  per  doz. 
•  •• 
30  0 
42  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.,  each 
1  0 
5  0 
Cineraria,  per  doz.  ... 
Cyclamen,  per  doz  ... 
•  •• 
8  0 
12  0 
Hyacinths,  doz.  pots 
8  0 
12  0 
•  •• 
9  0 
18  0 
Lilium  Harrisi,  doz . 
12  0 
18  0 
Dracsena,  var.,  doz.  ... 
•  •  • 
12  0 
30  0 
Lycopodiums,  doz . 
4  0 
6  0 
Uracmna  viridis,  doz. 
9  0 
18  0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  doz.  ... 
6  0 
9  0 
Erica  hyemalis,  per  doz 
•  •• 
9  0 
15  0 
Myrtles,  doz . 
G  0 
9  0 
,,  gracilis,  per  doz. 
•  •  • 
6  0 
9  0 
Palms,  in  var.,  each . 
1  0 
15  0 
,,  various,  per  doz. 
8  0 
12  0 
,,  specimens  . 
21  0 
63  0 
Euonymus,  var.,  doz. 
•  •  • 
t)  0 
18  0 
Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 
4  0 
6  0 
Evergreens,  var.,  doz. 
4  0 
18  0 
Tulips,  various,  doz.  bulbs 
0  9 
1  6 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.- 
-CUT  FLOWERS.-Orchids 
ill  variety. 
8.  d. 
p.  d. 
1 
6.  d. 
s.  d. 
Anemone,  dozen  bunches 
2  0  to  4  0 
Mignonette,  doz.  bnchs. ... 
2  0 
to  4  0 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  ... 
2  0 
3  0 
Mimosa  or  Acacia,  bunch 
Asparagus,  Fern,  bunch... 
1  0 
2  6 
(French)  . 
0  9 
1  0 
Azalea,  dozen  sprays 
0  G 
0  9 
Naiciss,  white  (French) 
Bouvardias,  bunch . 
0  6 
0  9 
dozen  bunches  . 
2  6 
5  0 
Carnations,  12  blooms  ... 
1  0 
3  0 
Orchids,  var.,  doz.  blooms 
1  6 
12  0 
Chrysanthemums,  12  bnchs. 
8  0 
15  0 
Pelargonium^',  doz.  bnchs. 
G  0 
9  0 
Daffodils,  doz.  bunches  ... 
5  0 
9  0 
Roses  (indoor),  doz . 
0  6 
1  0 
Eucharis,  doz . 
3  0 
5  0 
,,  Tea,  white,  dozen  ... 
1  0 
2  0 
Euphorbia  jacquiniueflora. 
,,  Yellow,  doz.  (Perles) 
1  6 
4  0 
per  bunch  . 
1  0 
2  0 
,,  Safrano(English,doz. 
1  0 
2  0 
Gardenias,  doz . 
5  0 
8  0 
,,  ,,  (French)  per  doz. 
1  0 
1  6 
Geranium,  scarlet,  dozen 
,,  „  „  per  100... 
5  0 
7  0 
bunches . 
0  0 
9  0 
,,  Pink,  dozen  . 
2  0 
3  0 
Hyacinths  (Homan)  dozen 
Smila.x,  bunch . 
1  6 
2  0 
bunches . 
4  0 
8  0 
Snowdrops,  12  bunches  ... 
0  9 
1  6 
Lilac  (French),  bunch  ... 
3  0 
4  0 
Tuberoses,  12  blooms 
0  6 
0  9 
Liliumlongiflorum,  12  blms 
4  0 
6  0 
Tulips,  dozen  blooms 
0  G 
1  G 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  128prays 
0  9 
1  6 
Violets,  dozen  bunches  ... 
0  9 
2  0 
Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 
' 
„  Parme  (French), 
bunches . 
4  0 
8  0  ' 
bunch  . 
3  0 
4  0 
Marguerites,  doz.  bunches 
2  0 
3  0  ! 
OUR  PASTURE  LANDS. 
We  talk  of  the  vivid  green  of  our  spring  lields,  and  rightly  so,  but 
this  year  spring  has  come  upon  us  so  early,  or,  more  properly  speaking, 
we  have  had  no  real  winter,  that  the  fields  are  brilliant  in  colour,  and, 
at  the  same  time,  well  covered  with  herbage.  So  much  so  indeed, 
that  it  is  a  great  temptation  to  give  the  order,  “Turn  out  all  the  beasts 
for  a  few  hours.”  No  doubt  they  would  enjoy  the  run,  and  the  cool, 
pleasant  mouthfuls  of  grass  would  be  as  refreshing  to  them  as  a  crisp 
salad  is. to  us  on  a  dog  day,  or  the  first  green  Gooseberry  tart  in  warm 
May  sunshine. 
