July  28,  1898. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
77 
Chlorophytum  eiatum  variegatum  ( H .  P.). — This  plant  can  be 
increased  in  three  ways— namely,  by  seeds,  suckers,  or  division  of  the 
roots.  The  latter  is  the  best  method  to  pursue,  carrying  out  the  work 
during  the  spring,  and  starting  the  plants  in  heat.  The  stock  plants 
should  be  kept  in  a  greenhmse  throughout  the  winter  months.  It  is 
more  commonly  known  as  Anthericum  variegatum,  and  is  largely  used  in 
the  London  parks  as  an  edging  for  large  beds  and  borders. 
Injured  Grapes  (8.  L.  and  Duncan). — We  can  only  say  the  berries  are 
“scalded,”  and  refer  you  to  the  article  on  page  19 of  the  14th  inst.,  also 
to  pace  63  of  the  present  issue  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  regretting 
very  much  the  unfortunate  condition  of  the  Grapes.  The  affection  is 
difficult  to  prevent  in  the  case  of  Vines  deeply  rooted  in  a  wet,  poor, 
subsoil,  and  which  make  abnormally  long  jointed  succulent  growth,  but 
the  evil  may  bo  mitigated  by  appropriate  night  temperatures  and  early 
morning  ventilation. 
Greenish  Patch  and  Streaks  on  Tomato  ( P .  M.) — The  cause  of  this 
is  defective  transformation  of  the  juices  and  tissues  at  the  time  of  ripening 
into  the  characteristic  colour  This  has  been  attributed  to  reversion  by 
the  plant  itself  to  original  green  veined  forms  and  to  cross-fertilisation  ; 
but  it  mainly  arises  from  excessive  feeding,  or  not  sufficient  elaboration 
of  the  nutrient  elements  during  the  growth  of  the  fruit.  This  implies 
over-stimulation,  or  not  sufficient  warmth  and  ventilation  during  the 
development.  We  have  found  the  most  benefit  to  accrue  from  free  ventila¬ 
tion  and  a  gentle  warmth  in  the  pipes,  with  a  judicious  use  of  potash 
manures  or  fishmeal  mixed  with  an  equal  amount  of  double  sulphate  of 
potash  and  magnesia,  using  a  small  handful  per  square  yard  occasionally, 
and  watering  with  a  weak  solution  of  nitrate  of  soda,  or  a  quarter  of  an 
ounce  to  a  gallon  of  water.  Silico-fluoride  of  ammonium  is  not,  so  far  as 
we  know,  in  commerce  ;  but  a  letter  to  Mr.  Mills,  14,  Westbourne  Road, 
Forest  Hill,  S.E.,  would,  perhaps,  secure  a  small  quantity  for  experimental 
purposes,  beyond  which,  so  far  as  we  know,  the  use  of  it  has  not  gone. 
Nectarines  Discoloured  and  Shrunken  at  the  Apex  (D.  M.  L.). — 
There  does  not  appear  to  be  any  organic  disease,  the  mould  being  such 
as  usually  accompanies  decay,  and  may  have  appeared  since  the  fruits 
were  packed.  Beyond  being  an  eyesore  the  Nectarines  are  not  prejudiced 
for  use,  and  are  excellent  in  quality  or  flavour.  The  shrinking  at  the 
apex,  and  consequent  discoloration,  has  been  imputed  to  the  deficiency  of 
nourishment  during  the  swelling  period,  but  we  have  found  that  it  mainly' 
arises  from  the  trees  being  kept  in  an  atmosphere  too  surcharged  with 
moisture  at  that  time,  and  at  the  ripening  state  subjected  to  a  much  drier 
and  freer  ventilation,  which  results  in  excessive  evaporation  from  the  part 
most  recently  made,  and  with  the  thinnest  cuticle.  In  no  other  way  have 
we  been  able  to  account  for  the  defect.  It  has  occurred  most  frequently 
with  us  when  the  weather  has  been  dull  for  some  days,  and  the  house  but 
little  ventilated,  then  on  a  recurrence  of  bright  weather  the  ventilators 
not  having  been  opened  soon  enough  in  the  morning,  so  that  moisture 
has  condensed  on  the  fruit,  and  the  rapid  evaporation  caused  by  opening 
the  house  has  resulted  in  a  sort  of  scald,  followed  by  the  shrinking  and 
discolouration.  The  preventive  is  to  give  more  air  right  along,  and  not 
employ  too  much  moisture  or  reduce  it  too  suddenly  at  the  ripening  stage. 
Onion  Leaves  Diseased  (W.  T.,  Ireland). — The  leaves  are  infested  byr 
the  Onion  mildew,  caused  by  the  fungus  named  Peronospora  Schleideniana. 
The  habit  of  the  parasite  is  to  grow,  by  its  my  celial  hyphoe,  within  the 
leaves  and  stems,  which  is  fatal  to  the  growth  of  the  host  plant,  for  the 
mycelium  not  only  causes  putrefaction  of  the  inner  cells  of  the  leaf  and 
stem  by  contact,  but  the  fertile  hyphse  or  outgrowths  choke  up  t,he  organs 
of  transpiration,  and  prevent  the  evaporation  of  water  in  the  form  of 
vapour  from  the  attacked  part.  Thus  the  diseased  plants  have  a  watery 
appearance  at  first,  then  the  parts  become  discoloured,  and  ultimately 
dry  up,  a  whitish-grey  semi-transparent  bloom  appearing  on  the  surface, 
nnd  in  bad  cases  the  Onions  are  left  as  one  offensive  mass  of  putrescence. 
We  have  found  the  best  results  to  follow  alter  deep  trenching  or  taking 
the  Onion  crop  after  Celery,  and  in  the  early  stages,  or  when  the  Onions 
are  about  6  inches  high,  dusting  them  with  a  fungicide,  such  as  anti- 
blight,  anti-mildew,  or  fostite,  applying  very  lightly,  and  repeating 
occasionally'.  In  the  case  of  actual  attack  we  have  not  found  anything 
equal  to  freshly  burned  lime  ground  to  a  Pne  powder  nnd  dusted  on  the 
leaves,  applying  it  by  means  of  an  old  worsted  stocking  or  a  sulphur 
duster.  Failing  means  of  grinding  use  air-slaked  lime,  or  that  slaked 
with  the  smallest  quantity  of  water  necessary'  to  cause  it  to  fall  into  a  fine 
apparently  dry  powder.  This  we  have  proved  far  better  than  poisonous 
preparations  in  case  of  attacks,  both  for  this  and  Lettuce  mildew,  also 
for  Spinach  mildew,  these  pests  not  bearing  the  causticity  of  the  lime,  and 
this  profits  the  land  and  plants  directly  as  well  as  indirectly’.  Remove 
all  the  damaged  parts  and  burn  them,  then  have  recourse  to  the  lime. 
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.  {C.  D,  Kent). — Mceonopsis  Wallichi,  the  blue 
Himalayan  Poppy.  See  page  72  for  illustration  and  cultural  notes. 
(JL  0.). — 1,  Lysimachia  vulgare  ;  2,  Inula  Helenium  ;  3,  Spiraea  Billardi  ; 
4,  Thalictrum  aquilegifolium  ;  5,  Bocconia  cordata.  ( P .  S.). — A  good 
form  of  Laslia  elegans.  (Z>.  E.). — Phlomis  fruticosa,  commonly  known 
as  Jerusalem  Sage.  (2?.  S.  R.).— Through  being  fully  ripe  when  packed, 
the  fruits  arrived  almost  in  a  state  of  pulp.  If  the  flowers  are  large  the 
variety  is  probably  Lord  Napier.  (A.  L.  K.). — The  specimens  can  only 
be  named  by  comparison  in  a  large  collection.  ( S .  R.  M.). — 1,  Campanula 
turbinata  ;  2,  Geranium  nodosum  ;  3,  Saxifraga  pyramidalis  ;  4,  Linaria 
bipartita  ;  5,  Corydalis  lutea  ;  6,  Osmunda  gracilis. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — July  27th. 
FRUIT. 
Apples,  £  sieve . 
s.  d.  s.  d. 
0  0  to  0  0 
Grapes,  lb . 
s.  d.  s.  d. 
1  6  to  3  0 
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,  i  sieve. 
... 
1  6 
2  0 
Strawberries  . 
1  6 
3  0 
Asparagus,  per  100  ... 
VEGET 
s.  d.  s.  d. 
0  0  to  0  0 
ABLES. 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
s.  d.  s.  d. 
0  2  to  0  4 
Beans,  J  sieve  . 
0  0 
0  0 
Onions,  bushel . 
Parsley,  doz.  bnchs . 
3  6 
4  0 
Beet,  Red,  doz . 
1  0 
0  0 
2  0 
3  0 
Carrots,  bunch . 
0  3 
0  4 
Parsnips,  doz . 
1  0 
0  0 
Cauliflowers,  doz.  ... 
... 
2  0 
3  0 
Potatoes,  cwt . 
2  0 
4  0 
Celery,  bundle . 
1  0 
0  0 
Salsafy,  bundle . 
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,  £  sieve  . 
1  6 
1  9 
Lettuce,  doz . 
1  3 
0  0 
Tomatoes,  lb . 
0  4 
0  9 
Mu-hrooms,  lb . 
... 
0  6 
£ 
Turnips,  bunch . 
0  3 
0  4 
Arbor  Vitae,  var.,  doz. 
Aspidistra,  doz. 
•  •• 
PLANTS 
s.  d.  s.  d. 
6  0to36  0 
IN  POTS. 
Heliotrope,  doz . 
s.  d.  s.  d. 
4  0  to  6  0 
... 
18  0 
36  0 
Hydrangea,  doz . 
8  0 
10  0 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
... 
5  0 
10  6 
Liliuin  flarrisi,  doz. 
12  0 
18  0 
Calceolaria,  doz.  ... 
... 
4  0 
6  0 
Lobelia,  doz . 
3  0 
4  0 
Coleus,  doz . 
... 
3  0 
4  0 
Lycopodiums,  doz . 
3  0 
4  0 
Dracaena,  var.,  doz.... 
Dracaena  viridis,  doz. 
... 
12  0 
30  0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  doz.  ... 
6  0 
9  0 
... 
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.,  di  z. 
... 
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 
10  0 
Foliage  plants,  var..  each 
1  0 
5  0 
Rhodanthe,  doz . 
4  0 
6  0 
Fuchsia  . 
... 
5  0 
8  0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  TRICES.- CUT  FLOWERS. — Orchids  in  variety. 
a.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
S. 
d. 
Arum  Lilies.  12  blooms  ... 
3  0 
to  4  0 
Mignonette,  doz.  bnchs. ... 
1  6 
to  3 
0 
Asparagus,  Fern,  bunch... 
2  0 
3  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. 
3  0 
6 
0 
,,  12  bnchs. 
4  0 
8  0 
Polyanthus,  doz.  bnchs.... 
1  0 
1 
6 
Eucharis,  doz . 
3  0 
4  0 
Pyrethrum,  doz.  bnchs.  ... 
1  0 
1 
3 
Gardenias,  doz . 
1  0 
4  0 
Roses  (indoor),  doz . 
0  6 
1 
6 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
,,  Red,  doz . 
0  3 
0  6 
bnchs . 
0  0 
6  0 
,,  Tea,  white,  doz. 
1  0 
2 
0 
Iris  doz.  bnchs . 
4  0 
6  0 
,,  Yellow,  doz,  (Perles) 
1  0 
2 
0 
Lilac  (French),  bunch  ... 
3  6 
4  0 
,,  Safrano(English)doz. 
1  0 
2 
0 
Liliumlongiflorum,12blms 
3  0 
4  0 
,,  Pink,  doz . 
1  6 
3 
0 
Lily  ofthe  Valley,  12spra\  s 
1  0 
2  0 
„  Moss,  per  bunch 
0  9 
1 
0 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz. 
Smilax,  bunch . 
1  6 
2 
0 
bnchs . 
4  0 
8  0 
Sweet  Peas,  doz.  bnchs.  ... 
1  6 
3 
0 
Marguerites,  doz.  bnchs. 
1  6 
2  6  1 
AGRICULTURAL  IMPLEMENTS. 
Thebe  is  much  to  be  learnt  at  any  agricultural  show,  even  by 
an  outsider  who  has  no  interest  in  the  farming  industry,  and  the 
implement  section  is  by  far  the  most  instructive  to  those  who  will 
take  the  trouble  to  make  a  thorough  inspection  and  study  of  the 
several  machines  and  their  uses.  Of  course  the  various  manufacturers 
thereof,  or  their  representative  agents,  are  present  ready  to  convince 
every  likely  purchaser  that  their  respective  machines  are  far  the  best 
on  the  market,  but  it  is  always  preferable  in  such  cases  to  look  well 
