June  80,  1898. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
545 
we  do  not  aee  what  jou  need  more  than  some  good  loam  or  rubbish  heap 
material  to  give  satisfactory  results.  Do  not  be  very  particular  about 
crocks  and  the  like  in  the  rubbish,  for  it  is  mineral  matter  other  than 
lime  the  soil  requires,  a  good  dressing  of  ferruginous  gravel  being  of  as 
much  importance  as  the  vegetable  matter. 
Diseased  Apple  Trees  (^Exonian). — The  cause  of  the  Apple  twigs 
decaying  is  directly  canker,  which  may  be  accelerated  by  the  shallow 
and  chalky  hungry  soil.  The  fungus  has  completely  girdled  the  young 
wood,  and  the  twigs  die  in  consequence  of  the  sap  being  cut  off.  Exposed 
sites,  especially  on  chalk,  are  not  good  for  Apple  trees,  and  this  may 
have  had  something  to  do  with  the  canker,  as  the  growth  would  probably 
be  free  at  first  through  the  trees  being  planted  in  made  soil,  and  the  wood 
not  particularly  ripened  may  have  suffered  from  frost.  This  origin  of  the 
evil  appears  to  date  back  to  at  least  two  winters,  perhaps  farther,  but  the 
collapse  is  due  to  the  fungus,  which  probably  entered  by  the  frost  cracks 
or  “bites.”  Cut  away  all  the  girdled  twigs  to  sound  wood,  and  dress 
any  cankered  parts  in  the  autumn  with  Stockholm  tar  thinned  with 
petroleum  to  the  consistency  of  paint,  applying  to  the  affected  parts  only 
with  a  half-worn  paint  brush.  Top-dress  with  short  manure  now  and 
apply  some  approved  fertiliser.  With  attention  in  these  respects  the  trees 
will  probably  outgrow  the  disease.  It  is  important  to  secure  surface  roots 
by  summer  mulching. 
Pests  Infesting  Beans  {Exonian). — The  pests  are  snake  millipedes 
(Julus  pulchellus),  and  they,  as  you  say,  play  havoc  amongst  Beans, 
Onions,  Turnips,  and  Potatoes  by  feeding  on  the  fleshy  roots  and  stems. 
Dres>ings  of  soot  are  useful  in  aidinii  the  plants  against  attacks. 
Applications  of  fresh  gas  lime  to  the  land  in  autumn  usually  cleanse 
the  ground  from  them,  but  they  are  fostered  in  rubbish  heaps,  and 
frequently  introduced  in  refuse  from  them  and  in  manure.  The  pink- 
spotted  millipede  has  a  fondness  for  rapemeal,  and  this  we  advise  for 
present  use,  applying  7  lbs.  per  rod,  and  after  allowing  the  pests  to  feed 
on  it  for  a  couple  of  days  dress  with  nitrate  of  soda,  finely  crushed,  at  the 
rate  of  1  oz.  per  square  yard.  There  is  no  occasion  to  work  either  the 
rapemeal  or  the  nitrate  of  soda  into  the  soil.  In  the  autumn  we  should 
dress  the  land  with  quicklime,  using  not  less  than  5  stones  per  rod  or 
5  tons  per  acre,  applying  as  soon  as  slaked,  and  allowing  it  to  lie  on  the 
surface  a  few  days  before  digging  in. 
Names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  cultivated 
plants,  not  wild  flowers,  or  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seeds  and 
termed  florists’  flowers.  Flowering  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  boxes  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 
six  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.  {Letter  Mislaid). — 1,  Polemonium  cceruleum 
album ;  2,  Polygonum  bistorta  ;  3,  Veronica  gentianoides  ;  4,  Astrantia 
major  carinthiaca  ;  5,  Veronica  teucrium  ;  6,  Camelina  sativa,  (P.  A). — 
1,  Salvia  argentea  ;  2,  Pteris  serrulata.  (P.  V.  F.). — 1,  Cattleya  Mendeli ; 
2.  Cypripedium  Lawrenceanum.  {D.  P.). — 1,  Sambucus  aurea  variegata. 
{Liverpool  Subscriber). — The  specimens  are  evergreen.  Arbutus  Menzi'jsi  ; 
dried  truss.  Viburnum  tomentosum  var.  plicatum  ;  small  white  flower, 
Cistus  ladaniferus.  (/.  B.). — 1,  One  of  the  many  forms  of  Athyrium  or- 
Asplenium  filix-foemina ;  2,  Valeriana,  species  not  determinable  without 
leaves  ;  3,  Selaginella  Wildenovi ;  4,  Trachelium  cceruleum  ;  5,  Euphorbia 
splendens. 
GARDENERS’  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 
INSTITUTIONS 
The  Gardenees’  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.— iSecreian.-  Mr.  A.  F.  Barron, 
The  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund,  Chiswick,  W. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— June  29th. 
VEGETABLES. 
Asparagus,  per  100  ... 
8.  d.  8.  d. 
...  0  0  to  0  0 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
s.  d.  8.  d. 
0  2  to  0  4 
Beans,  J  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,  d6z.  ... 
...  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 . 
Spinach,  pad  . 
•  •• 
0  3 
0  0 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
...  0  3 
0  0 
•  •• 
0  0 
0  0 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
...  0  2 
0  0 
Sprouts,  i  sieve 
•  •• 
1  6 
1  9 
Lettuce,  doz . 
...  1  3 
0  0 
Tomatoes,  lb . 
•  •• 
0  4 
0  9 
Muhrooms,  lb . 
...  0  6 
0  8 
Turnips,  bunch . 
... 
0  8 
0  4 
FRUIT. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
Apples,  J  sieve . 
•  •  • 
0  0  to  0  0 
Grapes,  lb .  1  6  to  3  O' 
Cobs  . 
•  •• 
0  0 
0  0 
Lemons,  case  . 11  0 
14  0 
Filberts,  100  lbs. 
•  •  • 
0  0 
0  0 
St.  Michael’s  Pines,  each  2  6 
5  0 
Gooseberries,  sieve 
... 
1  6 
2  0 
Strawberries  .  1  6 
3  0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
8.  d. 
Arbor  Vitae,  var.,  doz. 
6  0to36  0 
Heliotrope,  doz .  4  0  to  6  0 
Aspidistra,  doz. 
... 
18  0 
36  0 
Hydrangea,  doz .  8  0 
10  0 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
•  •  • 
5  0 
10  6 
Lilium  Harris!,  doz.  ...  12  0 
18  0 
Calceolaria,  doz.  ... 
•  •• 
4  0 
8  0 
Lobelia,  doz .  3  0 
4  0- 
Coleus,  doz . 
•  •• 
4  0 
6  0 
Lycopodiums,  doz .  3  0 
4  0 
Dracaena,  var.,  doz.... 
... 
12  0 
30  0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  doz.  ...  6  0 
9  0 
Dracaena  viridis,  doz. 
... 
9  0 
18  0 
Mignonette,  doz .  4  0 
6  0 
Erica  various,  doz.  ... 
•  •• 
12  0 
24  0 
Musk,  doz .  2  0 
6  0 
Euonymus,  var.,  doz. 
6  0 
18  0 
Myrtles,  doz .  6  0 
9  0 
Evergreens,  var.,  doz. 
•  •• 
4  0 
18  0 
Palms,  in  var.,  each  ...  1  0 
15  0- 
Ferns,  var.,  doz. 
... 
4  0 
18  0 
„  specimens  . 21  0 
63  0 
„  small,  100  ... 
... 
4  0 
8  0 
Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz.  4  0 
6  0 
Ficus  elastica,  each ... 
1  0 
7  0 
„  „  8  0 
12  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.,  each 
1  0 
5  0 
Rhodanthe,  doz .  4  0 
6  0 
Fuchsia  . 
... 
5  0 
8  0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.- 
-CUT  FLOWERS. — Orchids  in  variety. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms 
3  0 
;o  4  0 
Mignonette,  doz.  bnchs. ...  2  0  to  4  0 
Asparagus,  Fern,  bunch 
... 
2  0 
4  0 
Myosotis,  doz.  bnchs.  ...  1  0 
2  0 
Bouvardias,  bunch  .,, 
0  6 
0  9 
Orchids,  var.,  doz.  blooms  1  6 
9  0 
Carnations,  12  blooms 
... 
1  0 
3  0 
Pelargoniums,  doz.  bnchs,  4  0 
6  0- 
Eucharis,  doz . 
•  •• 
3  0 
4  0 
Polyanthus,  doz.  bnchs —  1  0 
1  6 
Gardenias,  doz. 
•  •• 
1  0 
3  0 
Pyrethrum,  doz.  bnchs.  ...  1  0 
1  3 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
Roses  (indoor),  doz .  0  6 
1  6 
bnchs . 
0  0 
6  0 
,,  Red,  doz .  0  6 
1  0 
Iris,  doz.  bnchs. 
4  0 
6  0 
,,  Tea,  white,  doz.  ...  1  0 
2  0 
Lilac  (French),  bunch 
... 
3  6 
4  0 
,,  Yellow,  doz,  (Perles)  1  0 
2  0 
Liliuin  longiflorum,12blra8 
2  0 
4  0 
„  Safrano(Engli8h)doz.  1  0 
2  0 
Lily  ofthe  Valley,  128pray8 
1  0 
1  6 
,,  Pink,  doz .  1  6 
3  0 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz. 
„  Moss,  per  bunch  ...  0  9 
1  0 
bnchs . 
... 
4  0 
8  0 
Smilax,  bunch .  2  0 
3  0 
Marguerites,  doz,  bnchs. 
1  6 
2  6 
Sweet  Peas,  doz.  bnchs.  ...  1  6 
3  0 
THE  HAYMAKING  SEASON. 
The  thrifty  housewife  lives  for  the  future  rather  than  for  the 
present — to-day  takes  care  of  itself,  to-morrow  needs  her  busy  fore¬ 
thought.  She  may  admire  a  fruitful  garden,  and  mentally  weighs 
and  measures  the  produce.  Not  much  comes  in  for  present  use,  but 
the  greater  part  finds  its  way  to  the  preserving- pan  and  jelly  pots* 
She  sees  a  large  basket  of  eggs  :  her  instant  desire  is  to  plunge  them 
into  gallons  of  pickle.  She  cannot  resist  the  golden  butter  of  early 
summer ;  it  goes  to  her  heart  to  sell  it  for  a  small  price,  and  therefore 
it  is  found  safely  stowed  away  in  deep  puncheons.  The  sty  of  fat 
pigs  suggests  noble  supplies  of  lard  and  toothsome  flitches  and  juicy 
hams,  and  she  grudges  the  removal  of  the  necessary  trimmings. 
It  is  all  very  well  to  laugh  at  such  care  and  forethought,  and 
condemn  it  as  fussy  and  tiresome,  but  the  days  of  plenty  do  not  last 
for  ever,  and  the  cold  uiigtnial  seasons  come,  when  we  are  only  too 
glad  of  the  summer  store.  And  when  do  we  ever  find  that  store  too 
much  ?  Is  there  a  farmer  to  whom  it  is  not  a  satisfaction  to  find 
that  his  fodder  stacks  overlap  ?  Far  oftener  have  we  to  lament  a 
shortage,  and  every  year  we  anxiously  wonder  what  w-e  may  do  to 
increase  our  tonnage,  knowing  full  well  what  a  useful  nay,  invalu¬ 
able— thing  a  bit  of  good,  dry,  well  got  hay  will  prove  to  all  stock  on. 
a  mixed  occupation. 
For  many  years,  beginning  about  1878,  we  had  a  senes  of  very 
wet  summers,  when  hay-getting  appeared  to  be  a  useless  pursuit. 
Then  was  the  time  of  ensilage — ensilage,  that  was  to  prove  the 
perfection  of  food,  and  to  solve  the  difficulty.  But  like  many  other 
universal  panaceas — it  did  not,  and  after  two  or  three  trials  most  ot 
us  came  to  the  conclusion  that  moderately  good  hay  was  superior  to 
ensilage,  even  of  the  best  quality. 
The  haymaking  season  on  the  great  grass  farms  is  a  very  anxious. 
