October  5,  1899. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
303 
quence  of  a  leaky  roof.  See  to  this,  and  have  it  made  watertight.  Mouldi- 
ness,  however,  may  arise  from  keeping  too  close  and  moist  an  atmosphere, 
or  from  neglect  in  the  timely  removal  of  decayed  berries. 
The  Oldest  Rose  (•#.). — References  to  the  old  Rose  at  Hildesheim 
appeared  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  May  25th  and  June  22nd,  1893, 
and  the  information  therein  would  probably  be  of  service  to  you.  If  you 
have  not  the  numbers  write  to  our  publisher,  12,  Mitre  Court  Chambers, 
Fleet  Street,  London,  sending  7d.  in  stamps,  when,  if  in  sto.'k,  they  will  be 
forwarded. 
Fig  Trees  in  London  (G.  //.). — The  Fig  is  one  of  the  finest  foliage 
trees  for  smoky  towns  in  the  southern  parts  of  England  not  highly 
elevated.  It  succeeds,  however,  in  some  parts  of  Hertfordshire  at  300  feet 
above  sea  level  in  gravelly  loam  on  chalk,  and  instances  are  known  of 
standard  trees  not  failing  to  ripen  fruit  in  sheltered  situations  during 
thirty  consecutive  years.  Cases  occur  where  all  the  trees  do  not  do  this 
even  in  the  same  locality,  and  the  difference  is  generally  traceable  to  soil 
variations  and  constituents.  In  one  case  that  has  come  under  our  obser¬ 
vation  the  trees  produced  magnificent  foliage,  with  an  abundance  of 
second  crop  Figs  that  n  ver  ripened,  all  the  should-have-been  first  crop 
falling  off  on  the  coming  of  the  trees  into  leaf.  The  soil  was  a  deep 
loam  over  chalk  with  Hints,  this  substratum  being  20  feet  from  the 
surface.  In  another  case,  not  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant,  standard  trees 
rarely  failed  to  give  ripe  fruit  in  September,  the  soil  there  being  a  gravelly 
loam  on  a  rather  unctuous,  reddish,  substratum,  resting  on  chalk  with 
flints  5  to  10  feef  from  the  surface.  The  trees  in  the  deep  loam  were  root- 
pruned,  a  trench  being  taken  out  2  feet  w  ide  just  within  the  outside  spread 
of  the  branches,  all  the  roots  cut  off  and  the  trench  filled  in  alter  mixing 
with  the  soil  one-third  of  old  mortar  rubbish,  then  the  soil  was 
removed  from  over  and  amongst  the  roots  towards  the  stems  of  the  trees 
without  injuring  them  more  than  could  be  helped,  and  the  soil  replaced 
after  adding  to  it  one-third  of  old  mortar  rubbish  and  made  very  firm,  the 
spare  soil  (one  third)  being  spread  over  the  adjoining  ground,  not  placed 
over  the  root9.  The  trees  grew  much  sturdier,  though  less  in  length  of  shoot, 
and  bore,  and  still  do,  ripe  fruit.  We  advise  similar  treatment  with  your 
tree,  we  having  practised  on  trees  against  walls  with  success  in  various 
parts  of  the  country.  It  is  also  a  good  plan  to  thin  the  head,  but  not 
excessively',  so  as  to  allow  light  and  air  to  have  free  access  to  tho 
growths,  the  most  stubby  or  short-jointed  being  retained.  Towards  the 
end  of  summer  remove  all  the  Figs  larger  than  a  Pea,  thus  causing  the 
tree  to  concentrate  its  forces  on  the  buds  at  the  points  of  the  shoots, 
causing  them  to  develop  into  the  first  and  only  out-door  crop  of  Figs  to 
ripen  in  this  country  in  August  or  September.  The  ripening  of  current 
year’s  wood  is  of  the  greatest  importance,  as  on  such  wood  the  fruit  i3 
borne  in  the  following  season,  those  produced  on  it  in  the  year  of 
formation  seldom  or  never  ripening,  and  are  better  removed  up  to  the 
middle  of  September.  This  gives  the  Fig  buds  then  in  formation  on  well- 
ripened  wood  a  chance  to  swell  freely  with  the  return  of  growth  in  the 
following  year.  A  mulch  of  short  manure  over  the  roots  to  a  little  more 
than  the  spread  of  the  branches  is  a  great  help  to  Fig  trees,  but  it  must 
not  be  more  than  an  inch  or  two  thick.  The  manure  yields  nitrogen  or 
ammonia  steadily,  and  this  with  the  lime  and  the  agency  of  nitrifying 
organisms,  produces  the  nitrate  of  lime  so  essential  for  the  Fig,  though 
that  of  potash  and  soda  are  not  less  important  also  soluble  silica.  A 
suitable  mixture  for  the  Fig,  to  apply  in  autumn,  is  equal  parts  of  bone 
superphosphate  ar;d  best  quality  kainit,  mixed,  applying  3  to  4  ozs.  per 
square  yard.  For  use  in  spring,  potassium  nitrate  2  parts,  potassium 
phosphate  2£  parts,  and  ammonium  sulphate  1  part,  all  finely  powdered 
and  thoroughly  mixed,  applying  2  ozs.  per  square  yard.  The  points  to 
be  chiefly  remembered  are — 1,  firm  or  hard  calcareous  soil  ;  2,  thinly 
disposed  short  firm  growths  ;  3,  removing  all  incipient  fruits  that  are  as 
large  as  small  Peas  in  the  autumn  ;  4,  not  shortening  the  shoots  in 
pruning  ;  5,  inducing  surface  roots  by  the  method  above  advised,  and 
keeping  them  near  the  surface  by  mulching  in  summer. 
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 
sent  to  this  office  to  be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only  specimens  and 
varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  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. 
The  practice  of  pinning  numbers  to  the  eyes  of  the  fruits  tends  to  destroy  one 
of  the  most  characteristic  features  and  increases  the  difficulty  of  identifica¬ 
tion.  (M.  H.  S.). — White  Must.  (Cedo  Nulli ). —  1,  Wyken  Pippin  ;  2, 
Annie  Elizabeth  ;  3,  Dr.  Harvey  ;  the  Pear  was  partially  rotten,  and  could 
not  be  named.  (M  G.  R.).—  1,  Dumelow’s  Seedling  ;  2,  Potts’  Seedling  ; 
3,  Lane’s  Prince  Albert ;  4,  Lady  Hcnniker  ;  5,  Yorkshire  Beauty  ;  fi, 
Gascoyne’s  Scarlet  Seedling.  (7J.  W.  L.j. — 1,  Loddington  Seedling  ;  2, 
Lady  Iienniker  ;  3,  Bramley’s  Seedling  ;  4,  Adam’s  Pearmain  ;  5,  Catillac  : 
6,  Vicar  of  Winkfield.  (J/.  C.  M.j. —  1,  Court  Pendu  Plat  ;  2,  Baumann’s 
Red  Winter  Reinette  ;  3,  American  Mother  ;  4,  Queen  Caroline  ;  5, 
Manks  Codlin  ;  6,  Striped  Beefing.  (5.  P .). — 1,  D’Arcy  Spice  or  Bad- 
dow  Pippin  ;  2,  Lord  Derby  ;  3,  Emperor  Alexander  ;  4,  Warner’s  King; 
5,  Waltham  Abbey  Seedling  ;  6,  Cellini.  (F.  R.  H.  S.). — 1,  Seaton  House  ; 
2,  King  of  the  Pippins  ;  3,  Ribston  Pippin  ;  4,  Alfriston  ;  5,  Worcester 
Pearmain  ;  6,  Cox’s  Pomona.  ( G .  A.). —  1,  Catshead,  true  ;  2,  a  seedling 
form  of  Catshead.  (J.  B.). — Your  tree  has  evidently  at  least  three  grafts 
of  distinct  Pears  on  it,  as  the  six  specimens  you  send  are  of  three  varieties 
— namely,  small  brown  fruits,  Marie  Louise  d’Uccle  ;  long  irregular  fruits, 
Souvenir  du  Congres ;  larger  greenish-brown  fruits,  Williams'  Bon  Chretien 
(Gateacrej. —  1,  Beauty  of  Kent ;  2,  Minchull  Crab.  (  W.  B.~). — 1,  Warnei’s 
King  :  2,  English  Codlin  (fine)  ;  3,  Lord  Derby  ;  4,  Catshead  ;  the. 
specimens,  though,  scarcely  typical  of  the  varieties,  are  very  creditable  ; 
we  regret  we  cannot  recognise  the  two  smaller  fruits. 
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.  ( A.L.H. ). — 1,  Cypripedium  Lawrenceannm  ; 
2,  Blechnum  boreale  ;  3,  Asplenium  lonchitis  ;  4,  Selaginella  Wildenovi. 
(F.  Wi). — 1,  Cymbidium  Lowianum  ;  2,  Lmlia  autumnalis.  (J.  E.  B.j. — 1, 
Calluna  vulgaris;  2,  Pyrus  torminalis ;  3,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana ;  4, 
Taxodium  distichum  ;  5,  Taxus  baccata  ;  6,  Thuiopsis  dolabrata. 
COYENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — October  4tr. 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— FRUIT. 
s.  d. 
8.  d. 
e.  d. 
s.  d 
Apples',  English,  per  sieve 
2  0  to  3  0 
Nectarines,  per  doz. 
3  0  to  G  0 
Cobnuts  per  100  lb.... 
... 
70  0 
0  0 
Peacties,  per  doz . 
3  0 
6  0 
Damsons  . 
.  .  . 
4  0 
5  0 
Pears,  Californian,  case... 
3  0 
6  0 
Figs,  green,  per  doz. 
Grapes,  black  . 
... 
1  0 
3  0 
Pines,  St.  Michael’s,  each 
1  0 
<3  0 
... 
0  6 
3  0 
Plums,  English,  per  sieve 
3  0 
5  0 
Lemons,  case  . 
... 
14  0 
20  0 
,,  _  Californian,  case... 
4  0 
8  0 
Melons  . each 
0  6 
1  6 
Walnuts,  fresh,  bushel  ... 
20  0 
0  0 
,,  Rock  . 
1  9 
2  0 
AVERAGE 
WHOLESALE 
PRICES.  -VEGETABLES. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
Artichokes,  green,  doz. 
... 
1  0  to  2  0 
Lettuce,  doz . 
1  3  to  2  0 
Aubergine,  per  doz.... 
... 
1  6 
2  0 
Mushrooms,  lb . 
0  6 
1  0 
Beans,  h  sieve . 
... 
2  6 
3  6 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
0  2 
0  0 
,,  Scarlet,  sieve 
... 
2  6 
4  0 
Onions,  bag,  about  1  cwt. 
Parsley,  doz.  bunches  ... 
4  0 
4  6 
Beet,  Red,  doz . 
•  •• 
0  6 
0  0 
2  0 
4  0 
Cabbages,  per  tally  ... 
•  •• 
7  0 
0  0 
Peas,  per  bushel  . 
6  0 
8  0 
Carrots,  per  doz. 
•  •• 
2  0 
3  0 
Potatoes,  cwt . 
2  0 
5  0 
Cauliflowers,  doz.  ... 
... 
2  0 
3  0 
Shallots,  lb . 
Spinach,  per  bushel . 
0  3 
0  0 
Celery,  new,  per  bundle 
Cucumbers,  doz. 
1  9 
0  0 
2  0 
4  0 
... 
2  0 
4  0 
Tomatoes,  per  doz.  lbs.  ... 
2  0 
3  6 
Endive,  doz . 
... 
1  6 
2  0 
Turnips,  bunch . 
0  3 
0  4 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
... 
0  3 
0  0 
Yegetable  Marrows,  doz. 
1  0 
1  6 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
... 
0  2 
0  0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— CUT  FLOWERS. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
Arums  . 
3  0  to  4  0 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  12 
Asparagus,  Fern,  bunch... 
2  0 
2  6 
sprays  .  . . 15  0tol8  0 
Carnations,  12  blooms  ... 
2  6 
3  6 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz. 
Cattleyas,  per  doz . 
12  0 
18  0 
bnchs .  6  0 
8  0 
Chrysanthemums,  white 
Marguerites,  doz.  bnchs.  3  0 
4  0 
doz.  blooms 
6  0 
9  0 
Mignonette,  doz.  bunches  4  0 
6  0 
,,  yellow  doz.  blooms 
5  0 
8  0 
Odontoglossums  .  5  0 
7  6 
,,  bunches  var. 
0  G 
1  G 
Pelargoniums,  dozen 
Eucharis,  doz . 
4  0 
6  0 
bunches  .  8  0 
12  0 
Gardenias,  doz . 
3  0 
.  5-0 
Roses  (indoor),  doz .  4  0 
6  0 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
,,  Red,  doz .  2  0 
4  0 
bnchs . 
6  0 
9  0 
,,  Tea,  while,  doz.  ...  2  6 
5  0 
Lilium  Harrisi,  12  blooms 
4  6 
5  6 
,,  Yellow,  doz.  (Perles)  4  6 
6  G 
„  lancifolium  album  ... 
2  6 
3  G 
,,  Safrano,  doz .  2  0 
2  6 
,,  ,,  rubrum... 
2  6 
3  G 
Smilax,  bunch .  3  0 
4  0 
„  longiflorum,  12  blooms 
6  0 
8  0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
e.  d. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
Arbor  Vitae,  var.,  doz.  ... 
6  0to36  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.,  each  1  0  to  5  0 
Aspidistra,  doz . 
18  0 
36  0 
Fuchsias,  doz .  4  0 
6  0 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
15  0 
20  0 
Heliotropes,  doz .  6  0 
9  0 
Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 
6  0 
8  0 
Lilium  Harrisi,  doz.  ...  18  0 
24  0 
Crotons,  doz . 
18  0 
£0  0 
Lilium  lancifolium  album  30  0 
40  0 
Dracaena,  var.,  doz . 
12  0 
30  0 
,,  „  rubrum  30  0 
40  0 
Dracaena  viridis,  doz. 
9  0 
18  0 
Lycopodiums,  doz .  3  0 
4  0 
Erica  various,  doz . 
30  0 
60  0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  doz.  ...  8  0 
10  0 
Euonymus,  var.,  doz. 
6  0 
18  0 
Myrrtles,  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.  6  0 
8  0 
Ficus  elastica,  each . 
1  6 
7  6 
Phy  salis,  per  pot  .  2  0 
4  0 
