June  2,  1898. 
JOURNAL  OR  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
471 
therefore  afford  liquid  manure  copiously  after  the  Grapes  are  thinned  and 
swelling,  or  a  top-dressing  may  be  given  of  some  approved  artificial 
manure,  distributing  it  evenly  on  the  surface,  and  washing  it  in  with 
tepid  water  after  the  border  has  been  duly  moistened,  this  being  done 
prior  to  the  application  of  the  fertiliser. 
THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 
Celery. — The  plants  move  badly  after  they  have  become  drawn  by 
standing  too  closely  together  in  boxes,  frames,  or  beds.  Carefully  trans¬ 
planted  to  the  trenches  or  beds  ere  they  press  against  each  other,  no 
perceptible  check  to  their  growth  will  be  observable.  Before  moving 
them  give  a  soaking  of  water  to  the  roots,  remove  sucker  growths  and 
the  smallest  leaves,  and  replant  firmly.  A  watering  will  settle  the  soil 
about  the  roots,  and  a  covering  of  Pea  stakes  affords  some  protection 
against  frost,  cold  winds,  and  strong  sun.  Late-raised  plants  directly 
they  are  large  enough  should  be  pricked  out  in  nursery  beds  to  prepare 
them  for  the  trenches. 
Broccoli  and  Brussels  Sprouts. — A  number  of  plants  of  Veitch’s 
Autumn  Broccoli  and  Brussels  Sprouts  put  out  now  should  produce 
profitable  crops  at  a  time  when  vegetables  are  becoming  somewhat 
limited  in  variety.  If  raised  thinly  in  seed  beds  they  may  be  drawn 
from  these  and  replanted  with  a  dibbler,  but  in  most  gardens  the  early 
plants  are  raised  under  glass,  pricked  out  on  sheltered  borders,  and  are 
transplanted  to  their  final  quarters  with,  the  aid  of  a  trowel.  II  the  rows 
of  short-topped  earl3’  or  successional  Potatoes  have  been  disposed  3  feet 
apart,  and  duly  moulded,  these  ma^'  be  advantageously  cropped  between 
with  early  Broccoli  and  Brussels  Sprouts,  but  it  is  a  mistake  to  plant 
between  stronger  growing  Potatoes  unless  the  rows  of  these  are  42  inches 
apart. 
Ridge  Cucumbers. — These  succeed  well  during  hot  summer,  but  are 
liable  to  fail  if  a  cold  wet  time  is  experienced  in  June  and  July.  A  great 
heap  of  manure  is  not  the  best  position  for  them,  as  this,  when  decayed, 
becomes  sodden  and  destructive  to  the  roots.  Late-raised  plants  established 
singly  in  small  pots  are  preferable  to  any  raised  earlier.  Put  those  out 
3  feet  apart  on  ridges  prepared  as  for  Vegetable  Marrows  (see  below), 
doing  this  early  in  June.  Protect  carefully  from  cold  winds,  allow  the 
plants  to  branch  naturally,  and  peg  down  the  leading  growths. 
Vegetable  Marrows. — These  are  more  productive  grown  either  on  ridges 
or  dotted  about  on  well-manured  ground  than  on  heaps  of  manure.  Por 
ridges,  select  a  sunny  open  spot,  sheltering  if  necessary,  and  mark  out  a 
space  4  feet  wide  and  of  any  length,  distribute  6  inches  of  the  soil  on  each 
side,  wheel  into  the  trench  a  depth  of  1 2  inches  to  18  inches  of  hot  partial  ly 
deca)'ed  manure,  and  return  the  soil,  with  a  little  added  from  the  alleys  to 
the  top  of  this.  When  the  heat  from  the  manure  and  sun  has  well  warmed 
the  soil,  put  out  the  plants  in  a  single  line  through  the  centre  and  3  feet 
apart.  Protect  with  hand-lights,  cloches,  or  other  contrivances,  removing 
those  not  glazed  ever)-  morning.  Putting  out  strong,  late-raised  plants 
during  the  last  week  in  Ma}’  or  t^rst  week  in  June  means  an  early  crop, 
but  good  results  attend  the  practice  of  sowing  a  few  seeds  on  the  ridges. 
This  may  be  done  now  or  a  week  later. 
Tomatoes  in  Sheltered  Positions. — Tomato  plants  are  hardier  than  is 
generally  supposed.  Seeing  also  that  a  gain  of  a  week  or  more  may 
make  all  the  difference  between  success  and  partial  failure  no  time  should 
be  lost  in  planting.  If  during  the  first  fortnight  the  plants  do  not 
ajipear  to  make  any  progress  the  roots  will  yet  have  made  a  good  start, 
and  instead  of  the  first  cluster  missing  to  set  it  will  most  probably  be 
saved.  Any  vacancies  between  fruit  trees  on  south  walls  should  be 
utilised  for  Tomato  culture,  and  also  sunny  house  and  shed  walls,  fences, 
and  temporary  hoardings.  A  very  rich  root  run  is  not  good  for  open  air 
Tomatoes.  It  causes  them  to  grow  too  rankly  ;  but  the  other  extreme 
should  also  be  avoided.  Mix  a  little  fiesh  loam  and  well  decayed  manure 
with  the  ordinarj’  garden  soil,  and  a  sprinkling  of  some  special  manure. 
The  plants  should  be  in  a  moist  state  at  the  roots  when  turned  out  of 
their  pots,  and  be  planted  firmly  12  to  15  inches  apart  and  confined  to 
single  stems,  or  from  18  inches  to  2  feet  apart  if  scarce,  laying  in  two 
leaders  in  this  case.  No  particular  varieties  can  be  said  to  crop  much  better 
than  others  in  the  open  :  but  the  preference  may  well  be  given  to  those 
known  to  ripen  early.  See  that  the  old  balls  of  soil  and  roots  do  not 
become  injuriously  dry  during  the  first  month  after  planting,  and  if  any 
kind  of  protection  can'be  afforded  that  will  favour  early  cropping. 
Planting  Tomatoes  in  the  Open. — In  this  instance  it  only  pays  to  plant 
varieties  that  produce  slightly  ribbed  or  non-cracking  fruit,  and  which 
also  commence  ripening  early'.  Select  a  sunny  open  breadth  of  ground, 
sloping  to  the  south  for  choice,  and  prepare  as  for  Potatoes  ;  some 
growers  planting  among  dw’arf  early  sorts  of  the  latter.  Plant  out  late 
in  May,  or  not  later  than  the  first  week  in  June,  an  early  start  being 
imperative,  arranging  the  plants  15  inches  apart,  in  rows  3  feet  asunder. 
Sturdy  little  plants  out  of  3 -inch  pots  are  preferable  to  larger  ones,  and 
these  can  be  protected,  if  need  be,  by  6-inch  pots  inverted  over  them  on 
frosty  nights,  taking  the  precaution  to  place  a  clod  of  earth  over  the 
drainage  hole. 
Wallflowers. — The  rich  fragrance  and  beautiful  display  made 
l)y  these  plants  for  some  time  past  remind  one  of  the  need  for  sowing 
seeds  for  the  next  year’s  uses.  Some  will  have  already  done  so  but 
there  is  no  gain  in  getting  such  forward  plants — indeed,  for  flower 
garden  work,  which  entails  so  much  labour  in  lifting  and  replanting  in 
the  autumn,  there  is  an  all-round  disadvantage  in  having  plants  so  large 
to  deal  with.  The  month  of  June  is  quite  soon  enough  to  sow,  so  that 
there  is  yet  time  for  those  who  have  not  ordered  their  seeds  to  do  so  for 
immediate  use.  There  are  many  sorts  to  choose  from,  in  both  yellow  and 
^lark  forms. — S. 
W 
HE  BEE-KEEPER. 
.  1  rr-  r-'i'  - 1 ; 
.  I  -  I  .  I  .  I  .  I  .-TTT^ 
m\ 
Timely  Attention. 
The  importance  of  giving  timely  attention  to  all  stocks  in  'the 
apiary  during  the  present  inclement  weather  wi'l  be  acknowledged  by 
all  bee-keepers.  The  much-needed  rain  having  fallen  in  abundance, 
warm  days  and  bright  sunshine  are  now  required  lor  all  growing 
crops,  and  will  be  equally  welcome  to  the  bees,  as  the  all-important 
factor,  the  weather,  combined  with  good  maijagemeut,  makes  all  the 
ditfeience  between  success  and  failure  in  bec-keepii.g. 
Bee-keepers  in  the  ^Midland  and  Northern  counties  escaped  the 
severe  gale  which  did  so  much  damage  to  the  bees  in  the  South  and 
West  of  England.  S.  T.,”  yvriting  on  the  10th  inst.,  says,  “On 
May  the  2nd  the  bees  were  flying  in  great  numbers;  the  day  was  mild, 
but  a  high  wind  was  blowing,  which  increased  to  a  gale.  The  bees 
came  homewards  in  thousands,  but  the  majority  of  them  dropped 
short  of  the  alighting  board  and  there  they  lay  in  heaps  under  each 
hive;  thousands  of  bees  must  have  been  lost  from  my  apiary  alone. 
Although  I  have  been  a  bee-keeper  for  many  years  I  have  never 
seen  the  like  before.  Being  anxious  to  see  how'  others  had  fared 
I  walked  two  miles  to  see  another  bee-keeper  who  farms  bees 
extensively;  there  I  found  the  same  thing  had  happened,  and  from 
inquiries  made  1  find  that  all  bee-keepers  throughout  this  district 
have  suffered  from  the  same  cause.”  Fortunately  sucli  a  serious 
state  of  affairs  as  this  does  does  not  often  happen.  Bees  are  beaten 
down  during  the  prevalence  of  high  winds  and  heavy  thunderstorms ; 
but  if  the  weather  is  mild,  and  the  sun  c('mes  out  again,  it  is  surpris¬ 
ing  how  quickly  the  bees  recover  and  are  enabled  to  reach  the  hive  in 
safety. 
The  same  writer  says,  “Here  we  have  some  large  wild  Cherry 
trees  in  the  woods,  which  are  at  the  present  time  truly  a  magnificent 
sight.  What  a  harvest  for  the  bees  !  The  fruit  tree.«,  too,  in  this 
district  (the  West  of  England)  are  grand,  and  there  is  every  promise 
of  abundance  of  fruit.  Blums  and  Damsons  have  set  well;  Beaches 
and  Nectarines  outside  will  be  a  thin  crop.  Cherries  grand  ;  Bears,  I 
think,  have  set  well.  Apples  are  now  a  mass  of  bloom,  which,  thanks 
to  the  bees  and  fine  weather,  will  probably  be  the  crop  of  the  season.'’ 
The  above,  being  written  by  a  close  observer,  is  interesting  to  gardeners 
as  well  as  bee-keepers  residing  in  other  districts,  as  showing  the  state 
of  the  crop  as  well  as  the  condition  of  the  bees  in  a  noted  ffuit- 
growiug  part  of  the  country. — An  English  Bee-keeter. 
Swarms— Dead  Drones. 
I  AM  a  beginner  with  bees.  I  have  tw  o  skeps,  one  old  and  the  other 
a  swarm  of  last  year,  about  May  20th  ;  a  fairly  good  one  then,  I  thought. 
I  have  fed  them  as  advised  in  the  Journal,  and  found  them  increase 
rapidly.  I  am  expecting  them  to  swarm  ivery  d.:y.  Both  skeps  work 
equally  well,  and  I  watch  them  a  good  deal  at  times.  On  22nd  I  noticed 
ten  drones  pass  in  the  hive  in  a  minute  ;  to-day  (23rd)  I  saw  seven  and 
sometimes  nine  drones  on  the  alighting  board  at  one  time,  besides  some 
going  in  and  out.  Is  it  at  all  unusual  I  Some  days  I  pick  up  two  and 
three  dead  drones  under  the  hive,  and  once  as  many  as  eight  in  one  day. 
Do  you  think  I  have  any  cause  to  be  anxious  at  seeing  so  many  ?  The 
old  skep  does  not  seem  to  have  very  many  drones  passing  in  and  out, 
I  do  not  feed  them  now.  I  am  enclosing  what  I  call  drones,  if  I  am  not 
mistaken  ;  there  are  three,  and  one  of  the  workers.  Could  you  tell  me 
what  sort  they  are,  or  what  they  are  called  by  name.  I  might  also 
mention  that  I  often  find  very  large  white  grubs,  what  would  eventually 
bo  drones  I  should  think,  outside  dead.— One  in  Need. 
[The  bees  forwarded  by  “One  in  Need”  are,  as  he  surmises,  three 
drones  and  one  worker  of  the  native  brown  or  blade  bee,  Apis  mellifica. 
It  is  interesting  to  learn  that  his  bees  are  doing  well,  and  that  they  are 
on  the  point  of  swarming  from  straw  skeps.  It  is  quite  a  common 
occurrence  to  see  the  drones  passing  freely  in  and  out  of  the  hive  at  this 
season  when  they  become  crow  ded  with  bees  and  are  on  the  point  of 
swarming.  One  hive  having  more  drones  than  the  other  is  owdng  to  the 
fact  of  there  being  more  drone  comb  w'hich  the  queen  has  filled  with  eggs. 
Some  queens  are  greater  drone  breeders  than  others.  In  frame  hives 
they  can  always  be  kept  down  within  reasonable  limits  by  using  full 
sheets  of  brood  foundation.  Our  correspondent  need  not  be  alarmed  at 
finding  dead  drones  outside  of  the  hive,  whether  they  are  fully  developed 
or  in  a  grub  state,  as  during  a  spell  of  cold,  dull,  showery  weather,  such 
as  has  been  experienced  of  late,  the  bees  will  at  once  commence  to  turn 
the  useless  members  (for  the  time  being)  out  of  the  hive.  They  will  do 
this,  although  there  may  be  abundance  of  stores  in  the  hive.  If,  however, 
worker  brood  is  turned  out  it  is  a  sign  of  starvation,  and  they  should  at 
once  be  supplied  with  stores.  The  2  inches  of  open  space  round  the 
outside  of  the  frames  in  a  frame  hive  will  be  better  if  not  packed  with  any 
material  before  autumn.  The  hive  will  be  cooler  in  consequence.] 
TRADE  CATALOGUE  RECEIVED. 
R]  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech. — Dahlias  and  Bedding  Plants. 
