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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
May  26,  1898 
Many  will  remember  Mr.  Gladstone’s  advocacy  of  the  culture  of  small 
•fruit  for  conversion  into  jam,  which  caused  some  persons  to  smile  and 
others  to  plant.  He  subsequently  said  ;  ■“  While  the  world  at  large  will 
have  plenty  of  appetite  for  the  consumption  of  all  the  jam  that  is  made, 
British  agriculture  must  depend,  not  on  the  smaller  but  the  larger 
culture — upon  the  production  of  great  staples  on  which  mankind  must 
live,  because  though  jam  is  a  very  good  thing,  yet  mankind  could  not  live 
upon  jam.” 
Bruit  culture  was  really  advocated  as  a  home  pursuit  worthy  of 
extension,  as  an  adjunct  to,  not  as  a  substitute  for,  the  usual  farm  crops. 
Mr.  Gladstone  was  firm  in  his  belief  that  the  course  advised  was  prudent, 
for  he  subsequently  wrote  to  us  the  fallowing  sentence  : — “  I  shall  be 
much  gratified  if  I  can  truly  think  that  I  have  been  instrumental  in 
drawing  increased  attention  to  the  subject  of  fruit  growing  in  this 
country.”  That  the  deceased  gentleman  was  largely  instrumental  in 
effecting  such  extension  there  cannot  be  a  doubt. 
Though  Mr.  Gladstone  did  not  desire  that  his  death  should  be  followed 
by  tributes  of  flowers,  which  he  perhaps  feared  would  be  overwhelming, 
he  wore  them  during  his  life  on  all  great  occasions,  a  favourite  being 
thought  to  be  a  white  Rose  ;  yet  on  the  presentation  of  the  usual  bouquet, 
when  attending  the  opera,  on  being  asked  which  really  was  his  favourite, 
he  is  said  to  have  replied,  “  There  are  so  many  beautiful  flowers  that  I 
really  don’t  know.” 
The  great  and  good  man — and  people  of  all  shades  of  opinion  admit 
he  was  both — left  behind  him  flowers  of  rhetoric  and  good  counsel  which 
will,  perhaps,  never  die.  We  cull  one  over  which  some  of  our  young 
friends  may  well  ponder  : — “  Do  not  believe  those  who  too  lightly  say 
that  nothing  succeeds  like  success.  Effort — honest,  manful,  humble 
effort — succeeds  by  its  reflected  action  upon  character,  especially  in 
youth,  better  than  success.” 
Setting  aside  contentious  politics  absolutely,  it  will  be  granted  by 
reflecting  minds  that  the  world  has  been  made  better  by  the  long  life  and 
happy,  peaceful  death  of  Mr.  William  Ewart  Gladstone. 
NOTES  ON  BOUVARDIAS. 
Not  many  years  since  these  beautiful  plants  were  considered  by  many 
persons  difficult  to  manage,  but  of  late  years  their  requirements  have  been 
better  understood.  They  are  now  amongst  the  most  popular  and  useful 
plants  of  the  day,  and  when  well  grown  are  unsurpassed  by  anything  in 
the  same  way.  Evidence  of  this  is  not  wanting  when  we  hear  of  some  of 
our  large  market  growers  cultivating  them  by  the  thousand  ;  one  firm 
alone,  a  few  years  ago,  annually  grew  about  40,000  plants  for  cutting  and 
.general  decorative  purposes.  But,  apart  from  the  great  value  of  the 
Bouvardia  from  a  market  grower’s  point  of  view,  how  seldom  do  we  find 
a  garden,  even  of  medium  size,  without  its  stock  (large  or  small)  of  plants 
which  are  so  admirably  adapted  for  bouquet  and  buttonhole  work  1 
Stove  treatment  is  usually  accorded,  but  the  best  results  I  have  seen 
attained  followed  the  plan  of  growing  Bouvardias  without  any  artificial 
heat  throughout  the  summer  and  autumn  months.  I  am  speaking  from  a 
private  grower’s  point  of  view  when  recommending  this  cool  system,  as 
d.oubtle8s  large  growers  find  it  advantageous  to  accord  them  stove  treat¬ 
ment.  Last  summer  we  grew  a  number  in  cold  frames  (this  I  think 
preferable  to  exposing  them  to  the  elements).  The  plants  were  potted  in 
48’s  in  March,  and  by  the  end  of  April  they  were  transferred  to  24’s, 
keeping  them  growing  steadily  and  pinching  as  required  to  induce  stocky 
growth.  At  the  middle  of  the  month  of  IVIay  they  were  plunged  in  ashes 
in  cold  frames,  and  kept  partially  closed  for  a  few  days  to  give  them  a 
good  start,  afterwards  removing  the  lights,  which  were  only  replaced  to 
throw  off  excessive  rains.  As  the  plants  advanced  in  growth  they 
received  applications  of  liquid  manure  with  benefit,  and  occasionally  a 
fllight  dressing  of  an  approved  artificial  fertiliser. 
The  compost  used  consisted  of  equal  parts  of  peat  and  loam,  and  half 
a  part  leaf  soil  and  sand.  If  the  cultivator  is  desirous  of  turning  his 
plants  out  of  the  pots,  this  will  be  found  a  good  mixture,  especially  if 
ample  drainage  is  provided.  I  have  practised  both  methods,  and  I  am  in 
favour  of  retaining  them  in  the  pots  for  obvious  reasons — viz.,  the  plants 
may  remain  out  much  later  in  the  season,  and  receive  no  check  when  the 
inclement  weather  compels  us  to  house  them.  So  long  as  the  weather  is 
favourable  they  should  remain,  for  I  have  made  note  of  the  fact  that  the 
autumn  dews  are  highly  beneficial  to  the  Bouvardia.  In  the  event  of  the 
cultivator  requiring  the  plants  in  bloom  early  in  the  season,  of  course 
they  should  bo  taken  in  sooner.  Another  point  in  favour  of  retaining 
them  in  the  pots  is,  that  as  the  plants  advance  in  growth  (which  will  be 
very  rapid  when  they  are  once  established)  the  frames  may  be  raised 
with  bricks  at  the  bottom,  so  that  the  lights  may  be  put  on  without 
danger  of  bending  or  breaking  the  young  shoots.  This  will  also  allow 
the  air  to  pass  through  the  frames  freely,  and  will  assist  in  ripening  the 
wood.  Erom  the  luxuriant  health  of  our  plants  last  summer,  and  the 
profusion  of  bloom  which  they  bore  for  several  months,  I  am  convined 
that  the  system  is  much  the  best  for  the  private  gardener. 
A  temperature  of  about  50°  to  60°  should  be  accorded  the  plants  when 
housed,  and  the  applications  of  liquid  manure  continued  until  well  in 
bloom.  A  damp  close  atmosphere  at  this  period  must  be  avoided,  and 
great  care  should  be  exercised  in  watering,  not  to  give  them  too  much. 
Syringing  in  bright  weather  is  essential  to  keep  down  insects.  Mealy 
bug,  red  spider,  and  thrips  are  very  partial  to  the  foliage,  but  with  pure 
air  and  clean  water  few  of  these  enemies  will  make  their  appearance,  and 
df  they  do,  no  difficulty  will  be' found  in  keeping  them  in  check. 
Cuttings  of  the  young  shoots,  when  about  2  inches  in  length,  will  root 
freely  in  the  spring  if  inserted  in  sandy  soil,  covered  with  a  bell-glass, 
and  plunged  in  the  bed  of  the  propagating  pit.  These  should,  when  well 
rooted,  be  potted  into  thumb  pots  and  placed  on  a  shelf  in  an  inter¬ 
mediate  house,  afterwards  stopping  and  shifting  them  as  required. 
By  the  following  spring  these  will  be  well-established  plants,  suitable  for 
growing  by  the  method  described  above.  The  most  valuable  of  all  the 
Bouvardias  is  B.  longiflora,  which  bears  large  pure  white  fragrant 
flowers,  whilst  of  the  smaller  flowered  varieties  especial  mention  may 
be  made  of  Alfred  Neuner,  Dazzler,  Hogarth,  President  Garfield,  and 
Vreelandi. — H.  T.  M.,  Stoneleigh. 
TAMWORTH  PANSY  AND  VIOLA  SHOW. 
May  21st. 
It  was  anticipated  that  as  this  popular  show,  which  was  held  in  the 
attractive  grounds  of  Mr.  Wm.  Sydenham  at  Bolehall  House,  was  dated 
to  take  place  a  week  earlier  than  customary  would  somewhat  militate 
against  a  good  display,  especially  with  the  unpropitious  weather  which 
has  recently  prevailed,  would  be  somewhat  interior.  Such  a  fear, 
however,  was  not  fully  realised,  though  owing  to  the  showery  weather 
on  the  day  of  the  show  the  attendance  of  visitors  was  not  so  large  as 
usual.  The  number  of  exhibits,  however,  was  fully  as  high  as  those  of 
previous  exhibitions.  The  quality  of  the  flowers  was  on  the  whole  good, 
as  also  was  that  aflForded  by  the  splendid  assortment  distributed  over  the 
pleasure  grounds  and  nursery.  Another  pleasing  feature  was  the  pro¬ 
fusion  of  Scilla  campanulata  luxuriating  beneath  the  groves  of  tall  trees 
skirting  a  portion  of  the  grounds,  in  striking  contrast  to  the  adjacent 
wide  borders  containing  thousands  of  bushy  plants  of  the  charming  and 
exceedingly  floriferous  Viola  Mrs.  J.  Donnelly  with  its  bluish  white  self- 
coloured  flowers  intermixed  with  lines  of  the  Poet’s  Narcissus.  In  the 
flower  garden  alone  in  front  of  the  residence  large  beds  of  various  coloured 
Violas  served  to  complete  the  picture. 
A  feature  in  the  large  exhibition  tent  were  the  table  decorations 
and  other  designs,  such  as  wreaths,  crosses,  harps,  and  lyres,  and  for 
which,  in  addition  to  the  first  prize  of  2  guineas  for  a  dinner  table 
decoration,  valuable  prizes  were  offered  and  worthily  gained.  The 
successful  exhibitors  of  dinner  table  decorations  were  Mrs.  Lovatt, 
Mr,  W.  B.  Crane,  Mr.  J.  M.  Johnston,  and  Mr.  John  Smellie  an  extra 
prize,  in  the  order  named.  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham,  Birmingham,  con¬ 
tributed  (not  for  competition)  an  attractive  table,  composed  chiefly  of 
double  and  single  Poets’  Narcissi,  Spanish  Irises,  and  Carnation  Uriah 
Pike.  The  competition  table  exhibits  were  severally  composed  of 
Pansies  and  Violas,  with  ornamental  foliage,  such  as  Ferns  and  Asparagus. 
It  may  here  be  remarked  that  in  Mr.  Smellie’s  exhibit  a  grand  seedling 
“  Fancy  ”  Pansy  named  Miss  Neil  was  awarded  a  first-class  certificate. 
It  has  a  dense  rich  purple  Idotch,  edged  with  white  ;  top  petals  crimson, 
double  edged,  shading  off  to  pale  yellow,  and  slightly  striped  edging. 
The  three  blooms  were  much  admired,  as  also  was  another  seedling 
named  William  Gardiner,  a  unique  variety  of  large  size  and  substance, 
rich  cream  top  petals,  crimson  shading,  dark  purple  blotch. 
A  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  to  a  curious  little  Violetta,  of 
quite  a  new  type,  exhibited  by  Mr.  W.  Sydenham,  named  Tom  Thumb. 
It  is  an  exquisite  Viola  for  the  rockery,  or  as  a  dwarf  border  edging.  It 
is  a  rayed  rich  yellow,  and  as  exhibited  in  spray  fashion  looked  charming. 
Amongst  other  striking  varieties  of  Violas  noticeable  in  Mr.  Sydenham’s 
collections,  arranged  as  sprays,  places  of  honour  must  be  given  to 
Stephen,  a  deep  yellow  rayed  and  a  greatly  improved  Bullion,  with  a 
good  habit,  eclipsing  even  the  beautiful  Pembroke  ;  whilst  such  charming 
varieties  as  Devonshire  Cream,  Florizel,  Pembroke,  Blanche,  Formidable, 
Althea,  Kitty  Hay,  Lady  Franklin,  Masterpiece,  Amy  Barr,  Rover, 
Lark,  and  Mrs.  Wm.  Greenwood,  a  canary  yellow  self,  formed  a  comple¬ 
ment  of  great  beauty  and  excellence. 
Reverting  to  the  competitive  exhibits,  of  which  space  will  not  allow 
of  detail,  mention  may  be  made  of  the  meritorious  designs  in  Pansies 
and  Violas  contributed  by  Miss  Johnston,  Miss  E.  Sydenham,  and 
Messrs.  J.  M.  Johnston  and  J.  Smellie,  all  being  distinguished  by 
excellence  of  artistic  taste.  In  the  various  classes  for  blooms  of  Fancy 
Pansies  and  sprays  of  Violas,  Mr.  W.  Maxwell  of  Glasgow  took  the  lion’s 
share  of  prizes,  his  sprays  being  set  up  on  sloping  stands  of  various 
shapes,  covered  with  black  velvet,  thus  reflecting  the  flowers  to  great 
advantage. 
Amongst  other  exhibitors  and  prizetakers  were  Mr.  James  Maxwell  ; 
Mr.  Egan,  Belfast ;  Mr.  Leonard  Brown,  Brentwood  ;  Mr.  Fowler, 
Freasley  Hall,  Tamworth  ;  Mr.  Pearson,  Newport  ;  Mr.  Howell,  Oxford ; 
Mr.  Stevens,  Wilnecote,  and  Mr.  T.  Nadin,  Alnecote,  who  exhibited 
more  or  less  in  the  cut  bloom  classes.  Altogether  the  show  of  exhibits  was 
a  success,  and  was  considered  to  be  one  of  the  best  of  its  kind  yet  held  at 
Tamworth. 
Double  Goese. — For  about  three  months  during  spring  and  early 
summer  masses  of  this  plant  make  a  glorious  sight,  every  branch 
being  smothered  with  golden  blossoms.  For  gardens,  or  where  cover  is 
needed  in  parks  and  other  places,  it  has  decided  advantages  over  the  type, 
as  it  is  a  dwarfer  and  more  compact  grower,  and  after  flowering,  instead 
of  seed  pods,  there  is  a  mass  of  bright  green  shoots.  Anyone  who  has  a 
few  plants  can  quickly  raise  a  stock  by  inserting  cuttings  of  half-ripened 
wood  in  a  bed  of  sandy  soil  in  a  cold  frame  during  August,  keeping  the 
frame  closed  and  shaded  until  roots  are  formed.  When  rooted,  they 
should  be  potted  and  kept  in  the  pots  until  they  can  be  planted  in 
permanent  quarters, — W.  D, 
