December  8,  1898. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
447 
Grapes  (E.  T.  B). —  The  variety  appears  to  be  Gros  Colman, 
which  requires  more  time  to  colour  than  do  most  other  Grapes.  It  you 
could  start  the  Vines  a  little  sooner,  and  also  crop  somewhat  lighter, 
improvement  in  the  direction  indicated  might  be  expected.  The  leaves 
sent  are  clean  and  healthy,  but  are  not  some  of  the  others  rather  over¬ 
crowded  ? 
Basic  Slag  for  Mixing  with  Turves  for  Chrysanthemums  {Mums).  — 
Certainly,  basic  slag  phosphate  would  be  of  use  in  the  culture  of 
Chrysanthemums  for  exhibition,  as  it  would  afford  a  supply  of  phos¬ 
phoric  acid  slowly  to  the  plants,  and  also  lime,  this  acting  well  on  the 
organic  matter  of  the  turves,  and  promoting  conversion  into  available  plant 
food.  The  article  should  be  sprinkled  amongst  the  turves  in  stacking  in 
3  inch  layers,  at  the  rate  of  *  lb.  per  squaro  yard,  in  order  to  be  in  con¬ 
dition  for  use  by  the  plants  at  the  time  of  the  final  potting. 
Disinfecting  Cucumber  Houses  Infested  with  Mildew  {W.). — There, 
is  no  better  disinfectant  for  this  pest  than  heating  the  hot-water  pipes 
to  as  near  boiling  point  as  possible,  and  whilst  in  that  state  coating  them 
with  a  cream  formed  of  flowers  of  sulphur  and  skim  milk,  or  run  a  wet 
cloth  along  the  pipes  and  sprinkle  flowers  of  sulphur  on  them  whilst 
wet  ;  two  persons,  one  with  the  wet  cloth  and  the  other  with  the  sulphur 
in  a  dredger,  doing  the  work  very  quickly.  The  house  mu3t  be  closed, 
making  as  tight  as  possible,  and  the  hot-water  pipes  kept  hot  for  at  least 
an  hour,  then  allowed  to  cool  down.  This  will  destroy  all  the  active 
germs  reached.  If  any  resting  spores  were  scattered  in  the  removal  of 
the  affected  plants,  nothing  better  could  be  used  on  the  ground  for 
destroying  them  than  boiling  water.  Bordeaux  mixture  has  no  effect 
whatever  upon  them.  If  the  mildew  appear  another  season  promptly  use 
a  little  sulphur  on  the  hot-water  pipes,  or  better,  allow  some  to  remain 
on  them  of  that  now  applied. 
Manure  for  Mushroom  Bods  or  Ridges  (B.  C.  J.). — No  doubt  many 
persons  are  in  much  the  same  position  as  yourself  in  being  unable  to 
obtain  an  adequate  bulk  of  manure  from  horse  stables  at  once  or  within 
a  few  days  for  preparing  for  ridges  or  beds.  Wo  have  known  excellent 
results  accrue  by  the  use  of  manure  which  has  accumulated  for  a  fortnight 
or  more  when  it  has  been  properly  treated  afterwards.  The  present  is  a 
very  good  time  for  procuring  a  supply',  and  with  what  you  have  and  can 
obtain  you  might  venture  on  the  experiment.  You  may  or  may  not 
succeed  in  your  object.  We  know  of  somo  persons  who  would  succeed 
with  certainty,  while  there  is  always  the  possibility  of  a  beginner 
failing  in  a  fi  st  endeavour  in  thi«,  n3  in  many  other  things. 
If  you  fail  you  will  at  least  have  the  manure,  while  you  will 
gain  experience  while  only  losing  a  small  amount  for  spawn.  There 
is,  however,  r.o  valid  reason  why  you  should  fail.  When  the  manuro 
comes  to  hand  have  it  well  shaken  through  with  forks,  casting  out  all 
long  clean  looking  straw,  but  retaining  short  stained  portions.  If 
it  is  dry  sprinkle  it  well  as  it  is  placed  in  a  heap  to  ferment.  As  it  is 
thrown  together  in  layers  of  a  foot  or  so  cast  on  a  handful  of  salt  evenly'. 
If  all  is  moist  fermentation  should  take  place  in  a  few  days.  If  it  does 
not  do  so  within  a  week  shake  the  heap  over  again,  and  sprinkle  guano 
through  it  in  the  same  way  as  the  salt ;  also  if  not  moist  use  more  water. 
The  larger  the  heap  the  better  with  only  a  few  cartloads.  When  heating 
briskly  turn  it  again,  and  if  at  all  dry  add  more  water.  With  two  more 
turnings  at  intervals  of  three  or  four  days  heating,  it  may  bo  sw\et 
enough  if  otherwise  in  suitable  condition  (for  making  up,  or  it  may  not. 
It  should  be  in  a  brown  moist  and  somewhat  greasy  state,  but  not 
decidedly  wet,  and  not  offensive  when  a  handful  from  the  centre  of  the 
heap  is  submitted  to  the  nasal  test.  You  must  seek  for  a  warm  sweet, 
blend,  damp  enough  to  compress  freely  into  ridges  or  couo  shap’d 
beds,  making  the  mass  firm,  as  shown  in  “Mushrooms  for  the  Million.’1' 
But  as  a  beginner  do  not  have  the  ridge  less  than  3  feet  wide  at  the  base, 
a  foot  at  the  top,  and  3  feet  high.  A  cone  may  be  as  shown  in  the  book. 
After  the  temperature  has  ccasod  rising,  as  tested  by  trial  sticks,  not 
before,  insert  spawn  as  de:cribed  ;  cover  with  litter,  and  a  few  days  after 
with  good  moist  loamy  soil  made  firm.  After  this  the  most  important 
matter  is  to  prevent  the  bed  getting  either  dry  or  cold,  by  litter  coverings, 
thick  or  thin  according  to  the  weather.  If  a  thermometer  laid  on  the  bed, 
under  the  straw,  registers  55°  to  60°  for  three  weeks,  the  bulk  will  be 
warm  enough  for  the  spawn  to  “  run,”  and  in  due  time  produce  “  fruit  ” 
— i.e.,  Mushrooms.  When  dry  spring  weather  occurs  it  may  be  very 
desirable  to  sprinkle  the  coverings  to  prevent  the  beds  or  ridges  drying. 
Keeping  them  moist,  by  preventing  evaporation,  is  altogether  better  than 
letting  them  get  so  dry  as  to  nacessitate  the  watering  of  the  soil.  If 
anyone  should  ask,  “What  is  the  difference  ?”  it  may  be  stated  it  is  that 
between  success  or  failure,  nothing  more  or  less. 
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  which  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 
tent  to  this  office  to  be  named ,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only  specimens  and 
varieties  of  approved  merit,  an  l  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  be  sent  on  the  first  indication  of 
change  towards  ripening.  Dessert  Pears  cannot  be  named  in  a  hard  green  state. 
(Fred). — The  yellow  Apple  is  Wormsley  Pippin,  one  of  Mr.  T.  A.  Knight’s 
best  seedlings,  and  named  after  the  place  of  his  birth,  increase  it  by 
grafting  ;  the  red  one  is  Cox’s  Pomona.  ( H .  K.). — 1,  resembles  a  small 
specimen  of  Sandringham  ;  2,  Normanton  Wonder  ;  3,  Beauty  of  Kent. 
( E .  IF.). — 1,  a  varietal  form  of  Cat’s  Head  ;  2,  imperfectly  formed  specimens 
of  King  of  the  Pippins.  (T.  W.  M.). — 1,  Dumelow’s  Seedling  ;  2,  Yellow 
Ingestrie  ;  3,  Tower  of  Glamis  ;  4,  Small’s  Admirable,  small  specimen  ; 
5,  Beurre  Ranee  ;  6,  probably  Beurrd  Clairgeau.  (B.  M.  TF.). — It  is 
impossible  for  anyone  to  say  definitely  with  only  one  specimen  to  guide 
them,  but  from  that  before  us  we  inclir.o  to  your  opinion  :  2,  yes,  tho 
name  is  correct. 
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.  (J.  T.). —  1,  Woodwardia  radieans  ;  2,  Poly- 
stichum  proliferum,  an  exotic  indigenous  to  Brazil  ;  3,  Pteris  cretica 
albo-lineata  ;  4,  Phlobodium  aureum  ;  5,  Adiantum  gracillimum.  The 
Apple  is  a  varietal  form  of  Blenheim  Pippin.  ( H .  S.). — 1,  Masdevallia 
polysticha  ;  2,  Odontoglossum  Andersonianum  ;  3,  a  poor  form  of  O. 
erispum.  (IF.  K.). — 1,  Euonymus  europasus  ;  2,  .Jasminum  nudiflorum  ; 
3,  Chimonanthus  fragran9.  (J.  L.). — 1,  B?gonia  nitida  ;  2,  B.  mctnllica.’ 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— Dec.  7th. 
fruit. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
Apples,  J  sieve  ...  . 
..  I  3  to  3  0 
Lemons,  case  . 
...  30  OtoGO  0 
Cobs  . 
..  50  0 
55  0 
St.  Michael’s  Pines, 
each  2  6 
5  0 
Grapes,  lb . 
..  0  10 
1  6 
VEGETABLES. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
Asparagus,  per  100  ... 
...  0  0  to  0  0 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet  0  2  to  0  4 
Beans,  J  sieve  . 
...  0  0 
0  0 
Onions,  bushel . 
...  3  6 
4  0 
Beet,  Red,  doz . 
...  I  0 
0  0 
Paisley,  doz.  bnchs.... 
...  2  0 
8  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 
Seorzonera,  bundle ... 
...  1  6 
0  0 
Cucumbers . 
...  0  4 
0  8 
Seakale,  basket . 
...  1  6 
1  0 
Endive,  doz . 
...  I  3 
1  G 
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 
...  I  6 
1  9 
Lettuce,  doz . 
...  1  3 
0  0 
Tomatoes,  lb . 
...  0  4 
0  9 
Mushrooms,  lb . 
...  0  6 
8 
Turnips,  bunch . 
...  0  3 
0  4 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
f.  d. 
s.  d. 
a.  d. 
s.  d. 
Arbor  Vitae,  var.,  doz. 
...  6  0to36  0 
Ficus  elastica,  each ... 
...  1  0  to  7  0 
Aspidistra,  doz. 
...  18  0 
36  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.,  each  1  0 
5  0 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
...  5  0 
10  6 
Lilium  Harrisi,  doz. 
...  12  0 
18  0 
Crotons,  doz . 
...  18  0 
24  0 
Lycopodiums,  doz.  ... 
...  3  0 
4  0 
Dracaena,  var.,  doz.... 
...  12  0 
30  0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  doz 
.  ...  60 
9  0 
Dracaena  viridis,  doz. 
...  9  0 
18  0 
Myrtles,  doz . 
...  6  0 
9  0 
Erica  various,  doz.  ... 
...  9  0 
24  0 
Palms,  in  var.,  each 
...  1  0 
15  0 
Euonymus,  var.,  doz. 
...  6  0 
18  0 
,,  specimens  ... 
...  21  0 
63  0 
Evergreens,  var.,  doz. 
...  4  0 
IS  0 
Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz.  4  0 
6  0 
Ferns,  var.,  doz. 
...  4  0 
18  0 
99  99 
8  0 
10  0 
,,  small,  100 
...  4  0 
8  0 
Solanums,  doz . 
...  6  0 
12  0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— CUT  FLOWERS.— Orchids  in  variety. 
e.  d. 
8. 
d. 
s.  d. 
8.  d. 
Asparagus,  Fern,  bunch... 
2  0  to  2 
6 
Marguerites,  doz.  bnchs. 
2  0  to  3  0 
Bouvardias,  bunch . 
0  4 
0 
G 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz. 
Carnations,  12  blooms  ... 
1  0 
2 
o 
bnchs . 
4  0 
6  0 
Chrysanthemums,  per  bob. 
0  3 
2 
0 
Mignonette,  doz.  bnchs. ... 
1  6 
3  0 
„  specimen 
Narcissus,  doz.  bnchs.  ... 
5  0 
6  0 
blooms,  per  doz. 
2  0 
5 
0 
Orchids,  var.,  doz.  blooms 
1  6 
9  0 
Eucharis,  doz .  ... 
3  0 
4 
0 
Pelargoniums,  doz.  bnchs. 
4  0 
6  0 
Gardenias,  doz . 
1  0 
2 
0 
Roses  (indoor),  doz . 
2  0 
4  0 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
,,  Red,  doz. ...  ...  ... 
2  0 
0  0 
bnchs . 
0  6 
0 
9 
,,  Tea,  white,  doz.  ... 
2  0 
3  0 
Lapageria  (white)  . 
1  6 
2 
0 
„  Yellow,  doz.  (Perles) 
2  0 
3  0 
„  (red)  . 
1  0 
I 
3 
„  Safrano(English)doz. 
1  0 
2  0 
Lilium  lancifolium,  white 
3  0 
4 
0 
,,  Pink,  doz . 
2  0 
4  0 
„  „  pink 
3  0 
4 
0 
Smilax,  bunch  . . 
1  6 
2  0 
„  longiflorum,  12  blooms 
G  0 
8 
0 
Violets  . 
0  9 
2  6 
Lilac,  bunch  . 
5  0 
G 
0 
„  Parme,  bunch  ... 
2  9 
3  0 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  12  sprays 
0  9 
1 
6 
