March  i2,  18§6. 
JOtlklSfAL  ok  tiOkTiOULTtlRk  AND  cottage  gardener. 
245 
T.  Peed,  G.  Gordon,  G.  H.  Engleheart,  C.  E.  Pearson,  H.  Briscoe- 
Ironside,  C.  E.  Shea,  J.  D.  Pawle,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  E.  Beckett,  H.  J. 
Jones,  C.  Blick,  J.  Walker,  G.  Paul,  E.  Mawley,  J.  Fraser,  and 
H.  Turner. 
Messrs,  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  sent  a  large  collection  of 
flowering  shrubs,  Hyacinths,  and  Tulips  in  pots,  together  with  hardy 
flowers,  the  whole  making  a  grand  display.  Finely  grown  Primulas 
came  from  Mr.  J.  R.  Box,  Croydon,  and  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Son,  Forest 
Hill,  were  represented  by  a  diversified  group  of  flower  and  foliage  plants. 
The  beautiful  Roses  Btaged  by  Mr.  G.  Mount,  Canterbury,  were  a  con¬ 
spicuous  feature,  and  well  flowered  plants  of  Begonia  Gloire  de  Sceaux 
came  from  Mr.  Willard,  gardener  to  Baroness  Burdett  Coutts,  Highgate. 
Mr.  Crosswell,  gardener  to  M.  Bullivant,  Esq.,  Beckenham,  sent  a  fine 
plant  of  Cyclamen  Giant  White,  and  from  Mr.  Chas.  Turner,  Slough, 
came  a  grand  specimen  of  Calla  Elliotiana.  Cyclamens  of  excellent 
quality  were  staged  by  Mr.  F.  J.  Thorne,  gardener  to  Major  Joicey, 
Sunningdale  Park,  Ascot;  and  Mr.  Perkins,  gardener  to  Hon.  W.  F. 
Smith,  M.P.,  Henley,  sent  several  Amaryllis. 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  were  represented  by  a  varied  collec¬ 
tion  of  hardy  flowers  and  Amaryllis,  while  Daffodils  in  great  diversity 
came  from  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Hale  Farm  Nurseries,  Tottenham.  A  fine 
specimen  of  Andromeda  japonica  came  from  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer, 
Woking,  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  overestimate  the  beauty  of  the 
Cinerarias  from  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Son,  Swanley.  Cinerarias  also 
came  from  Messrs.  J.  Wood  &  Son,  Slough,  and  Messrs.  Jas.  Yeitch  and 
Sons,  Chelsea,  were  represented  by  a  superb  exhibit  of  Primulas, 
Cyclamens,  Blue  Primroses,  Amaryllis,  Rhododendrons,  and  shrubs. 
The  Cyclamen  sent  by  the  Church  Road  Nursery  Company,  Hanwell, 
were  very  fine,  as  also  was  the  superb  collection  of  Camellias,  for  which 
Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  were  responsible.  This  exhibit 
comprised  excellently  grown  plants  and  stands  of  cut  flowers,  many  of 
the  leading  varieties  being  noticed. 
Messrs.  J.  Peed  &;  Sons,  Norwood,  sent  a  bright  collection  of  flowering 
and  foliage  plants,  and  Mr.  W.  Bull,  Chelsea,  staged  a  group  of  foliage 
plants.  Fine  examples  of  Cyclamens  came  from  Mr.  Hawkes,  gardener 
to  the  Earl  of  Jersey,  Isleworth,  and  Messrs.  Barr  &  Son  were  repre¬ 
sented  by  a  large  collection  of  hardy  flowers.  A  bloom  of  Rhododendron 
grande  came  from  the  Botanic  Gardens,  Glasnevin,  and  B.  Hooke,  Esq., 
The  Towers,  Hillingdon,  sent  a  collection  of  Hellebores.  From  Mr. 
F.  Cornish,  gardener  to  the  Dowager  Lady  Bowman,  came  a  few  hardy 
herbaceous  plants.  Mr.  Downes,  gardener  to  J.  T.  Bennett  Poe,  Esq., 
sent  a  plant  of  Asparagus  Sprengeri. 
Orchid  Committee. — 'Present :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair) ; 
with  Messrs.  J.  O’Brien,  De  B.  Crawshay,  H.  M.  Pollett,  H.  Ballantine, 
W.  H.  White,  J.  Gabriel,  T.  Statter,  H.  J.  Chapman,  T.  W.  Bond, 
H.  Williams,  E.  Ashworth,  E.  Hill,  J.  Douglas,  W.  H.  Protheroe,  and 
T.  B.  Haywood. 
Orchids  were  represented  in  large  numbers,  Dendrobiums  being  the 
chief  feature.  Mr.  Johnson,  gardener  to  T.  Statter,  Esq.,  Manchester, 
sent  a  group  of  the  latter,  which  included  D.  nobile  Statteras,  D.  nobile 
nobilius,  D.  nobile  pubescens,  and  others.  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co., 
St.  Albans,  bad  a  pleasing  group,  which  included  Angnecums  sesqui- 
pedale  and  Humbolti,  Lycastes  and  Odontoglossums  in  variety,  and  fine 
flowers  of  Phaius  Martbse.  Several  fine  Dendrobes  came  from  Mr. 
T.  Armstrong,  gardener  to  Charles  Winn,  Esq.,  Birmingham.  Baron 
Schroier,  The  Dell,  Egham,  was  represented  by  magnificent  cut  spikes 
of  Odontoglossums  coronarium,  brevifolium,  crispum,  variety  Rex, 
Pescatoria  Veitchianum,  Calanthe  Baron  Schroder,  and  several  others. 
Mr.  W.  Bull,  Chelsea,  sent  a  fine  specimen  of  Lycaste  Skinned  alba 
grandiflora.  From  Mr.  G.  Cypher,  Cheltenham,  came  a  pleasing  little 
group  of  Orchids,  in  which  Dendrobiums  nobile,  Cypheri,  rubens,  and 
Ainsworthi  (Cypher’s  variety),  and  Odontoglossum  blandum  were 
pleasingly  conspicuous.  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Dorking,  sent  a 
striking  collection  of  Orchids.  Mr.  W.  Murray,  gardener  to  N,  C.  Cookson, 
Esq.,  Wylam-on-Tyne,  sent  a  few  pretty  forms  of  Dendrobiums,  and 
R.  I.  Measures,,  Esq.  Camberwell,  sent  a  few  Cypripediums.  Mr.  G. 
Duncan,  gardener  to  C.  Lucas,  Esq.,  Horsham,  sent  a  plant  of  Dendro- 
bium  Kingianum,  and  from  the  Hon.  Walter  Rothschild,  Tring  Park, 
came  a  bloom  of  Cypripedium  Morganias.  Mons.  A.  A.  Peters,  Saint- 
gilles,  Brussels,  sent  a  few  charming  Orchids,  including  Miltonia  Bleuiana 
aurea.  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  sent  a  large  and  exceedingly 
diversified  collection  of  Orchids,  including  Dendrobiums,  Miltonias, 
Cattleyas,  Cymbidiums,  Cypripediums,  and  many  others,  the  whole 
forming  a  distinct  feature,  by  reason  not  so  much  for  quantity  as  the 
general  excellence  of  the  quality. 
Mr.  W.  H.  Young,  gardener  to  Sir  F.  Wigan,  East  Sheen,  sent  a  few 
plants,  and  a  fine  specimen  of  Cattleya  Trianas  Crawshayana  came  from 
De  B.  Crawshay,  Esq.,  Sevenoaks.  Mr.  G.  Hunt,  gardener  to  Pantia 
Ralli,  Esq.,  Ashtead  Park,  sent  a  few  blooms.  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  and 
Co.,  Clapton,  were  represented  by  a  magnificent  collection,  in  which 
Dendrobiums  in  great  variety  were  chiefly  conspicuous.  This  was  a 
particularly  pleasing  exhibit,  containing  well-grown  plants,  carrying 
perfectly  developed  flowers.  A  pleasing  little  group  was  staged  by  Mr. 
W.  H.  Robbins,  gardener  to  W.  Vanner,  Esq.,  Chislehurst  ;  and  Mr. 
D.  Masterton,  gardener  to  W.  S.  Ellis,  Eiq.,  Dorking,  sent  a  well- 
flowered  plant  of  Ccelogyne  cristata  alba.  Mr.  G.  B.  Lees,  gardener 
to  E.  de  Quincy,  Esq.,  Chislehurst,  exhibited  a  variety  of  Cattleya 
Trianae,  as  also  did  Mr.  A.  Church,  gardener  to  the  Hon.  Mrs.  Foley, 
Fordingbridge. 
A  large  number  of  medals,  first-class  certificates,  and  awards  of 
merit  were  granted,  but  it  is  impossible  to  give  details  in  the  limited 
space  at  our  disposal, 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
Wall  Trees. — Protecting  Blossom. — As  Apricots,  Peaches,  and 
Nectarines  advance  into  bloom  it  is  advisable  to  be  prepared  with  some 
means  of  protection  from  frost.  Afford  no  protection  whatever  until  the 
blooms  expand.  Full  exposure  while  the  weather  remains  cold  acts  as  a 
check  on  the  progress  of  flower  bud  development,  and  serves  to  retard 
the  final  expansion.  Sunny  mornings,  however,  even  in  cold  weather 
have  great  effect  on  trees  trained  on  south  walls.  It  is  desirable,  there¬ 
fore,  to  shade  these  from  strong  sunshine,  in  order,  if  possible,  that  the 
blossom  may  be  retarded.  Moveable  curtains  arranged  in  front  of  the 
trees  or  on  copings  above  them  are  decidedly  the  best,  as  they  can  be 
conveniently  let  down  or  drawn  together.  Fish  netting  may  be  fixed  as 
a  permanent  protection,  several  thicknesses  being  required.  Care  must 
be  exercised  not  to  coddle  trees.  Light  and  air  are  needed .  Cold,  dry, 
bracing  air,  without  frost,  is  beneficial  and  renders  protection  unneces¬ 
sary.  Driving  winds  with  sleet  or  rain  may  be  warded  off,  as  their 
tendency  is  to  injure  the  delicate  petals  and  saturate  the  reproductive 
organs.  Frost  then  catching  them  acts  disastrously. 
Completing  Pruning  and  Nailing. — Any  trees  that  remain  unpruned, 
unnailed,  or  otherwise  neglected  ought  to  be  attended  to  at  once.  Lay 
in  all  promising  well-ripened  shoots  of  Morello  Cherries  4  inches  apart. 
Prune  Gooseberries  and  Currants  on  walls  if  not  previously  done. 
Remove  crowded  branches  of  any  kind  of  trees,  bearing  in  mind  that 
12  inches  is  the  minimum  distance  which  ought  to  be  allowed  spur- 
pruned  branches.  Close  training  obstructs  the  free  admission  of  light 
and  air,  favouring  unproductiveness.  Autumn  planted  trees  may  be 
secured  in  position,  pruning  closely  where  it  is  necessary  to  originate 
more  branches.  Recently  planted  wall  trees  should  also  be  pruned  if 
necessary,  but  not  at  present  fastened  permanently  to  the  walls. 
Improving  Rooting  Mediums. — Much  benefit  accrues  to  trees  in  a 
free  bearing  state  by  removing  the  surface  soil  down  to  the  roots  and 
as  far  laterally  as  they  extend,  adding  fresh  material.  This  may  consist 
of  fresh  loam  four  parts,  decayed  manure  one  part,  charred  refuse  one 
part,  and  a  good  sprinkling  of  bone  dust,  as  the  material  is  mixed 
together.  Place  firmly  over  the  roots,  and  mulch  the  surface  lightly. 
Where  the  roots  are  nearer  the  surface  a  dressing  of  chemical  manure 
will  act  beneficially. 
Planting  Strawberries. — Young  plants  wintered  closely  in 
nursery  beds  may  now  be  planted  out  permanently.  If  lifted  carefully, 
securing  abundance  of  roots  with  soil  attached,  the  removal  can  be 
carried  out  without  the  plants  experiencing  a  check.  In  that  case,  the 
plants  would  be  able  to  carry  a  small  amount  of  fruit  each  the  first 
season,  otherwise  the  flowers  when  showing  should  be  nipped  off. 
Preparation  of  Soil. — Ground  roughly  dug  and  liberally  manured  in 
the  autumn  will  be  in  good  condition  without  further  preparation  other 
than  breaking  up  the  surface  with  a  fork  in  dry  weather.  Light  soil 
should  be  consolidated  before  planting,  as  Strawberries  delight  in  firm, 
rich  medium.  On  completion,  spread  a  light  mulching  of  decayed 
manure  between  the  plants. 
Spring  Dressing  Strawberry  Beds.— As  growth  is  about  to  recom¬ 
mence  the  old  withered  foliage  may  be  cleared  off,  strong  weeds  (if  any) 
eradicated,  and  the  remains  of  the  mulching  raked  off.  Dust  freely 
round  the  crowns  with  soot,  also  between  the  rows,  which  will  wash  in 
and  benefit  the  roots.  Quickly  soluble  chemical  manures  may  be 
applied  shortly,  thus  further  assisting  the  plants  in  developing  strong 
trusses  of  bloom.  In  the  meantime,  spread  over  a  liberal  mulch  of  fresh 
manure  containing  strawy  material. 
FRUIT  FORCING. 
Vines. — Earliest  Forced  in  Pots. — The  Vines  started  last  November 
have  the  Grapes  in  the  last  stages  of  swelling — indeed,  White  Fron- 
tignan,  the  best  flavoured  and  earliest  to  ripen  of  all  forced  Grapes, 
is  beginning  to  colour — and  must  be  adequately  supported  with  liquid 
manure.  After  the  colouring  is  well  pronounced  water  suffices,  and  of 
that  a  moderate  amount  is  better  than  a  surfeit.  A  circulation  of  warm 
moderately  dry  air  conduces  to  the  flavour  of  the  fruit  and  its  colour 
and  bloom,  but  the  atmosphere  must  not  be  allowed  to  become  so  dry  as 
to  invite  red  spider,  for  the  Grapes  require  some  little  time  to  mature 
after  apparently  ripe,  and  a  moderate  air  moisture  without  stagnation  is 
essential  to  their  remaining  plump  and  fresh  until  cut. 
Early  Forced  Planted-out  Vines,— Those  started  early  in  December 
and  previously  forced  will  soon  have  the  Grapes  stoned,  and  should  have 
liberal  top-dressings  of  fertilisers  washed  in  or  have  them  supplied  in 
liquid  form,  even  if  alternating  with  liquid  manure  from  stable  and 
cow-house  tanks  or  manure  yard  cesspools,  for  Vines  like  a  change  of 
food  ;  besides,  there  is  not  everything  they  require  in  sufficiently 
available  form  in  such  liquid.  A  light  mulching  of  lumpy  partially 
decayed  manure  may  be  placed  on  the  border,  especially  where  the  soil 
is  light,  though  it  often  does  good  where  that  is  stiff  by  preventing 
cracking,  as  the  Grapes  swell  considerably  in  the  later  stages,  even  after 
commencing  colouring,  and  allow  a  little  lateral  extension,  as  every  leaf 
has  its  corresponding  root  formation,  and  that  leaf  fully  exposed  to  light 
and  air  helps  the  Grapes  in  swelling  and  colouring. 
