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JOURNAL  OP  HORTICULTURE  AM  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
March  20,  1896. 
plants  are  suitable  in  size  when  they  have  made  the  third  rough  leaf 
other  than  the  simple  seed  leaves.  The  soil  being  moist,  not  much,  if 
any,  water  is  required  at  first,  the  regular  damping  of  the  floors,  as  well 
as  syringing  the  plants  lightly,  moistening  the  surface  soil  in  the  same 
way,  and  wetting  the  walls  of  the  structure  serving  to  maintain  a  most 
suitable  atmosphere.  In  dull  sunless  weather  air  will  not  be  needed, 
but  afford  a  little  carefully  on  bright  days  when  the  temperature  of  the 
house  has  risen  to,  and  is  likely  to  continue  rising  above  80°.  Syringe 
freely  at  closing  time,  which  should  be  early,  in  order  to  appropriate  a 
considerable  amount  of  sun  heat.  This  encourages  a  healthy  vigorous 
growth  and  promotes  free  bearing. 
The  young  plants  should  at  first  be  confined  to  one  stem,  attaching  a 
light  stick  to  each  plant,  securing  the  stem  to  it  as  growth  proceeds. 
Retain  all  the  leaves  on  the  stem,  but  rub  out  the  lateral  shoots  proceeding 
from  their  base.  When  the  growths  reach  the  wires  nip  out  the  point  of 
the  main  stem  and  carry  two  shoots  from  it.  Stop  these  again  when  two- 
thirds  up  the  wires  or  trellis,  which  will  induce  the  production  of  lateral 
shoots.  On  these  shoots  fruit  will  form,  and  they  may  be  stopped  one 
joint  beyond  the  fruit.  A  regular  system  of  thinning  out,  stopping,  and 
regulating  so  as  to  cover  the  space  with  bearing  shoots  must  be  adopted. 
Soon  after  the  main  growths  are  extending  well  on  the  trellis,  the  large 
leaves  on  the  main  stem  below  the  bottom  wire  may  be  gradually  cut 
away. 
Shortly  after  planting  and  throughout  the  season  special  attention 
must  be  given  to  the  roots.  The  soil  in  a  healthy  moist  condition 
favours  the  production  of  root  fibres.  These  as  they  rapidly  increase 
appear  on  the  surface,  being  attracted  thither  by  the  warmth,  moisture,  and 
soluble  food  within  their  reach.  Frequent  top-dressings  of  fresh  soil  are 
thus  very  beneficial,  and  increase  the  rooting  power  still  more.  Supplies 
may  be  afforded  each  time  a  network  of  roots  appear.  Ab  the  crop 
becomes  heavy  chemical  manure  must  be  mixed  with  the  compost,  thus 
affording  what  the  plants  need — phosphoric  acid,  nitrogen,  and  other 
essential  elements — in  an  easily  available  form.  Weak  supplies  of  liquid 
manure  may  also  be  used,  consisting  of  soot  water  or  diluted  stable 
drainings.  Always  afford  liquid  nourishment,  whether  clear  water  or 
otherwise,  in  a  tepid  state. 
Good  varieties  of  Cucumbers  are  numerous,  and  the  preferences  of 
growers  differ  widely,  but  as  my  remarks  apply  generally  to  the  majority 
of  the  good  standard  varieties,  I  will  content  myself  with  naming 
Lockie’s  Perfection,  Rochford  Market,  Telegraph,  Cardiff  Castle,  and 
Duke  of  Edinburgh  as  exceedingly  good  varieties. — E.  D.  S. 
THE  JOURNAL  “UP  TO  DATE ’’—COMMENTS. 
“What  an  excellent  Journal  1  ”  was  the  exclamation  which  greeted 
the  arrival  of  the  issue  for  March  12th,  and  ceriainly  it  would  be  easy  to 
say  very  much  in  its  praise  that  would  be  flattering  to  Proprietor,  Editor, 
and  staff  generally.  The  Journal  is  always  fresh  aDd  vigorous,  but  as 
with  trained  athletes  it  is  pleasing  to  the  spectators  to  see  a  bracing  of 
the  muscles  for  special  effort  in  the  contest,  bo  we  like  to  see  our  old 
favourites  in  their  best  condition  occasionally,  just  to  prove  that  all  the 
qualities  which  have  helped  to  make  success  are  still  present  in 
undiminished  power. 
There  was  so  much  to  read  and  note  in  the  Journal’s  pages  that  to 
deal  with  all  the  subjects  presented  would  need  a  long  commentary,  but 
that  will  not  be  attempted,  though  it  cannot  be  passed  without  a  few 
remarks.  First  as  to  the  illustrations  which  occupy  the  centre  pages, 
they  are  two  of  the  most  beautiful  examples  of  printing  from  “  process” 
blocks  I  have  ever  Been  in  a  gardeners’  paper.  In  the  copy  that  reached 
me  these  are  admirably  clear,  but  with  a  softness  that  one  does  not  find 
in  photographs  usually,  and  I  should  question  if  the  process  blocks  are 
not  really  superior  in  tone  to  the  originals.  For  groups,  views,  and 
varied  collections  of  objects  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  process  printing 
has  distinct  advantages,  but  we  cannot  help  expressing  the  wish 
that  the  engravings  of  plants  flowers,  and  fruits  for  which  the  Journal 
has  been  so  long  celebrated  will  not  be  lost  to  its  readers.  I  frequently 
note  beautiful  productions  with  the  initials  “G.  S.”  attached,  that  in 
many  cases  have  scarcely  been  surpassed  in  truthful  yet  artistic  delinea¬ 
tion  by  any  similar  work  known  to  me. 
Statesmen  as  Gardeners. 
An  instructive  description  is  given  of  the  gardens  at  Highbury,  and 
a  most  interesting  reference  to  the  Right  Hon.  J.  Chamberlain. 
Gardeners  cannot  devote  much  time  to  politics ;  their  occupation 
imposes  too  severe  a  strain  on  mind  and  body,  and  their  leisure  can 
usually  be  more  profitably  employed  in  some  other  way  than  in  heated 
discussion  on  such  topics  at  clubs  or  meetings.  But  Mr.  Chamberlain 
is  a  true  gardener  at  heart,  proved  alike  by  his  words  and  deeds,  and 
this  is  sufficient  for  all  earnest  members  of  the  ancient  craft.  History 
records  numberless  instances  of  illustrious  statesmen  who  have  found 
healthful  and  agreeable  recreation  in  their  gardens,  and  happilv  we  have 
at  the  present  day  many  examples  of  men  standing  high  in  the  social 
ranks  who  gladly  devote  both  time  and  means  to  gardening  in  some 
form.  Every  such  recruit  or  convert  strengthens  the  forces  of  an 
important  industry,  which  thoughtful  men  believe  is  destined  to  take 
an  even  more  important  place  in  the  producing  power  of  the  world  than 
hitherto.  It  should  give  courage  to  those  who  observe  with  regret  the 
increasing  competition  amongst  gardeners  and  the  decreasing  value 
placed  on  their  services,  as  some  imagine,  judging  by  the  advertise¬ 
ments  which  occasionally  appear.  The  artistic,  ornamental,  or  recreative 
aspect  of  gardening  will  always  hold  an  important  position  worthy  of 
extension  in  every  civilised  community  ;  but  it  is  to  the  commercial  side 
we  must  look  for  even  greater  advance  in  the  future.  When  more 
gardeners  become  farmers,  or  more  farmers  become  gardeners,  as  regards 
the  broad  principles  of  the  art,  there  will  be  a  beneficial  improvement 
in  the  land  resources.  At  least  that  is  my  opinion,  and  I  know  it  is 
shared  by  many  occupying  a  much  higher  station  in  life.  This  is  one 
reason  why  we  should  welcome  all  patrons  of  our  art  who  bring  to  bear 
on  it  the  trained  intellect  of  highly  educated  men,  and  who  moreover 
possess  the  power  in  a  hundred  ways  to  extend  its  interest  and  usefulness, 
while  improving  the  status  of  those  engaged  in  it  for  a  living. 
Feats  with  Vines. 
Mr.  David  Thomson’s  contributions  can  always  be  read  with  pleasure 
and  profit  ;  it  is  the  regret  of  his  many  fellow  craftsmen  that  they  do  not 
see  more  of  his  productions,  but  no  doubt,  like  others  amongst  us,  he  finds 
many  demands  on  his  time.  His  writing  always  reminds  me  of  his 
conversation,  and  I  shall  always  remember  the  first  time  I  invaded  his 
retreat  in  Dumfriesshire,  though  no  doubt  he  has  long  since  forgotten 
me.  Drumlanrig  is  a  grand  place,  and  worth  a  long  journey  to  see,  but 
I  was  more  interested  in  the  “  gardener.”  For  years  his  name  and  his 
writings  bad  been  familiar  to  me.  and  in  common  with  other  young 
men  I  had  grown  to  regard  him  as  one  of  the  great  leaders  of  our 
calling.  What  more  can  be  said  than  that  my  expectations  were 
fully  realised,  and  David  Thomson  became  an  actual  personality,  a 
splendid  type  of  a  thorough  gardener? 
But  the  remarks  about  Vines  reminded  me  of  a  circumstance  that 
occurred  in  my  youth,  and  which  proved  what  wonderful  powers  of 
recuperation  the  Vine  possesses.  A  residence  and  some  old  glass  houses 
in  the  suburbs  of  a  large  town  were  being  pulled  down  in  the  spring 
months  to  make  way  for  builders.  Amongst  the  houses  was  a  lean-to 
vinery,  which  had  been  filled  for  about  twenty  years  with  a  freely 
growing  Vine  of  the  Muscat  type,  but  I  have  never  ascertained  its 
name ;  the  berries  were  round,  the  bunches  small  but  compact,  the 
colour  when  ripe  a  fine  golden  tint,  and  the  flavour  rich,  musky,  and 
sweet.  The  stem  was  about  3  inches  in  diameter,  and  it  was  cut  down 
in  full  growth  to  about  a  foot  from  the  ground,  with  the  intention  of 
destroying  it.  A  neighbouring  florist  had  just  completed  a  span-roofed 
house  for  Vines,  and  he  begged  the  root  of  the  decapitated  specimen 
alluded  to.  This  was  planted  in  soil  that  had  received  no  preparation 
beyond  ordinary  digging.  A  great  quantity  of  sap  exuded  for  days  from 
the  cut  stem,  but  ultimately  a  growth  started  and  made  rapid  progress. 
In  three  years  it  had  covered  roof  space  of  over  600  square  feet,  and 
produced  heavy  crops  of  useful  Bized  bunches.  The  Vine  was  under  my 
observation  for  nearly  twelve  years,  and  during  that  time  brought  in  a 
money  return  of  some  hundreds  of  pounds.  It  was  a  small  matter  in 
Vine  growing,  but  it  has  always  appeared  to  me  as  one  of  the  best 
illustrations  of  Vine  vitality  that  I  have  observed. 
A.  Good  Beginning. 
The  “  Reminiscence  ”  by  Mr.  Owen  Thomas  deserves  the  most  careful 
perusal  and  reflection  by  all  young  gardeners  who  read  the  Journal,  and 
they  are  many.  Only  a  few  days  ago  I  met  a  horticulturist  who  has  an 
extensive  acquaintance  amongst  gardeners,  and  he  related  some  of  Mr. 
Thomas’s  early  experiences,  and  his  most  creditable  efforts  to  advance 
himself  in  his  occupation.  It  often  happens  that  young  men  envy  their 
older  brethren  who  gain  the  “  prizes  ”  of  the  calling,  but  it  is  seldom 
realised  what  an  amount  of  work  has  been  performed,  what  hardships 
have  been  endured,  what  energy  and  perseverance  have  been  needed  to 
fit  them  for  the  honours  they  receive  and  the  posts  they  hold.  Nothing 
will  ever  enable  a  man  to  become  successful  in  any  department  of 
horticulture  who  does  not  possess  the  ardent  love  of  an  enthusiast  for  his 
work,  and  if  we  start  with  that  it  helps  to  remove  many  difficulties  in 
after  life.  Mr.  Tbomas  evidently  made  a  good  beginning,  and  right  at  the 
bottom  of  the  ladder  too,  and  now  he  haB  climbed  to  the  top  we — who 
have  seen  and  know  his  work — heartily  wish  him  long  life  to  enjoy  the 
results  of  his  labour.  He  says  truly  that  “labour  is  rising  more  and 
more  in  dignity,”  and  we  also  have  met  “many  hard-working  gardeners 
who  are  Nature’s  gentlemen,”  amongst  whom  we  certainly  include  the 
writer  of  the  reminiscence. 
There  is  much  more  I  should  have  liked  to  comment  on.  Mr. 
Barnes"’  notes  on  Malmaison  Carnations  are  suggestive.  Mr.  Iggulden’s 
remarks  on  open-air  Tomatoes  teem  with  useful  hints.  Mr.  Strugnell’s 
chapter  on  “  Spring  Salads,”  Mr.  Abbey’s  “  Garden  Pests,”  and  other 
writers  and  subjects  furnish  ample  themes  ;  but  my  letter  is  already  long 
enough  to  tax  the  patience  of  the  Editor,  and  if  it  seems  somewhat 
eulogistic — well,  the  fault  or  the  credit  is  his  for  providing  such  an 
abundant  and  varied  store. — A  Traveller. 
I  want  to  say  that  I  think  the  Highbury  number  of  the  Journal  a 
record  issue.  It  is  thoroughly  characteristic  of  itself,  embracing  all 
subjects,  times,  and  things  of  our  craft.  The  Highbury  article,  rightly 
and  deservedly,  dominates  the  whole.  It  is  done  by  the  practised  hand 
of  the  skilled  workman,  dictated  by  the  heart  of  a  whole-souled  man, 
and  therefore  the  case  is  comprehensively,  fairly,  generously  put.  The 
leading  article,  the  first  in  the  number,  shows  a  grasp  of  the  position  of 
horticulture  in  all  its  prerent  day  perplexing  phases,  but  “A  Worker” 
looks  on  them  with  cheerful  optimism,  and  rightly,  too.  “  Episodes  in 
Vine  Growing,”  by  our  old  friend  David  Thomson,  I  thoroughly  enjoyed  ; 
more,  I  fear,  because  of  its  Old-World  flavour  than  for  its  practical  infor¬ 
mation,  which  is,  as  usual  with  him,  always  excellent.  “  Single-handed,”  by 
