April  2, 1896. 
JO  URN  A  L  OP  PORTIGtJL  TVRP  AND  COTTA  GP  GARDENER. 
313 
Vine  "  Eyes  ”  (B.  C.). — The  term  “eyes,”  though  well  understood 
and  admissible  by  long  usage,  is  not  botanically  correct,  and  for  the 
purpose  of  exactitude  “  buds  ”  is  the  term  to  employ  in  this  reference. 
throwing  Mushrooms  (IF.  A.). — If  the  manure,  including  all  the 
stained  straw  from  a  staole,  is  allowed  to  accumulate  without  being 
drenched  by  heavy  rains,  nor  yet  so  dried  that  it  will  not  lerment  when 
thrown  into  a  heap,  it  may  be  made  up  into  a  bed.  But  this  is  by  no 
means  the  best  period  of  the  year  for  comaaencing,  for  assuming  that 
Mushrooms  are  produced  hot  weather  will  probahly  have  arrived,  and 
maggots  then  invariably  infest  the  crops  if  the  beds  are  not  in  a  very 
cool  shed,  cellar,  or  on  the  north  side  of  a  wall.  Try  your  luck,  and  if 
you  fail  try  again,  commencing  to  collect  manure  towards  the  end  of 
July  or  the  beginning  of  December  as  may  be  the  most  convenient. 
Disbudding-  Vines  ( Amateur ). — Remove  weak  growths.  When 
the  laterals  are  firmly  established  in  position  and  no  longer  liable  to  be 
broken  in  securing  them  to  the  wires,  these  laterals  being  about  18  inches 
apart,  no  fresh  growths  will  be  required  between  them,  and  it  will  be 
better  for  the  Vines  if  there  is  none.  Much  harm  is  done  by  having  too 
many  growths  from  the  main  rods  of  Vines,  this  preventing  the  due 
expansion  of  the  foliage,  and  when  the  leaves  cannot  develop  under  the 
full  influence  of  light  they  cannot  elaborate  the  crude  sap  supplied  by 
the  roots  and  store  nutriment  for  the  support  of  the  Vines.  Future 
growths  are  produced  from  the  buds  at  the  base  of  existing  laterals  after 
these  are  pruned  in  the  ordinary  course.  It  is  desirable  to  make  sure 
of  the  safety  of  the  permanent  laterals  before  removing  all  the  super¬ 
fluous  growths. 
Red  Spider  on  Strawberry  Plants  (IF,  L.). — When  red  spider 
gets  a  footing  on  Strawberry  plants  under  glass  it  is  extremely  difficult 
to  destroy  the  pest  without  damaging  the  leaves  and  fruit.  Much, 
however,  may  be  done  by  judiciously  Byringing  the  plants  with  clear 
water,  it  not  being  safe  to  use  any  insecticide  over  the  fruit,  as  there  is 
always  more  or  less  stain.  Some  persons  heat  the  hot-water  pipes,  nearly 
making  the  water  boil  in  them,  and  then  co*t  them  thinly  with  a  cream 
formed  of  flowers  of  sulphur  and  skim  milk.  This  should  be  done  when 
the  air  is  calm,  ventilation  being  given  while  the  pipes  are  heating,  and 
when  all  is  ready,  clcsi  the  house  and  apply  the  sulphur  with  a  brush. 
Fumes  will  be  given  off  by  the  sulphur  fatal  to  probably  most  of  the 
red  spider,  and  after  an  hour  the  pipes  may  be  allowed  to  gradually 
cool.  But  we  advise  the  syringing  as  the  safer  and  better  under  the 
circumstances. 
Culture  of  Angelica  (New  Header'). — Angelica  grows  well  in  any 
good  soil,  but  succeeds  best  in  cool  and  moist  situations,  and  so  should 
be  accorded  a  position  on  a  north  border.  It  is  raised  from  seed  which 
may  be  sown  now,  or  preferably  in  August,  or  as  soon  as  the  seed  is  ripe. 
The  seed  bed  should  be  frequently  watered  if  the  weather  be  dry,  also 
the  young  plants.  If  sown  in  the  spring  they  should  be  thinned  to 
2  feet  apart  every  way,  allowing  them  to  remain  where  sown,  or  if  sown 
in  August  or  September  the  plants  should  be  planted  in  March  2  feet 
apart  every  way,  keeping  them  free  from  weeds,  and  in  dry  weather 
affording  plenty  of  water.  The  stalks  will  be  fit  for  use  in  May  or 
June  of  the  following  year,  when  the  stems  should  be  cut  down  so  as 
to  keep  the  plants  from  flowering  and  seeding,  then  they  will  live  for 
three  years,  otherwise  the  plant  is  a  biennial. 
rigs  Dropping  (j E.  N). — The  Fig  is  very  liable  to  cast  its  first 
crop  of  fruit,  some  varieties  more  so  than  others  ;  but  all  are  subject  to 
it,  and  have  been  from  time  immemorial.  This  habit  is  alluded  to  in 
the  Bible  as  “untimely,”  and  is  the  more  remarkable  as  Judea  is  a 
calcareous  country,  noted  for  its  vineyards  and  Figs.  The  fruit  in  your 
case  has  not  advanced  to  the  flowering  stage,  and  on  examining  it  the 
flowers  were  found  defective  on  the  male  side,  but  apparently  perfect  on 
that  of  the  female,  the  ovaries  and  ovules  being  properly  formed.  In 
such  case  there  could  be  no  fruit,  unless  pellen  were  conveyed  from 
another  tree.  This  is  accomplished  by  insects  in  some  countries, 
and  “  caprification  ”  artificially  practised.  Thi3  defect  of  the  fructifying 
organs  is  the  cause  of  the  Fig  turning  pale  at  the  apex,  where,  inside  the 
fruit,  the  male  elements  mainly  predominate,  and  are  interspersed  with 
the  pistillate.  Their  activitv,  when  perfect,  appears  responsible  for  the 
opening  of  the  eye  and  the  aerification  of  the  pollen  grains,  which  other¬ 
wise  are  impotent,  tor  chemical  reasons,  of  effecting  fertilisation.  There 
are  no  male  organs  of  a  fertile  nature  in  your  fruit,  hence  the  turning 
yellow  at  the  apex  and  ultimate  dropping.  The  imperfect  flowers  is  the 
result  chiefly  of  mal-nutrition  or  some  check  during  the  embryonic  forma¬ 
tion  of  the  fruit.  The  defect  is  the  least  pronounce  d  where  the  plants  are 
well  provided  with  lime,  not  possibly  from  the  nitrate  of  lime,  but  from 
the  phosphoric  acid  that  must  result  from  organic  remains  or  phosphate 
of  lime,  hence  we  find  a  good  supply  of  this  is  a  great  help  in  the  internal 
arrangements  of  the  Fig  and  in  other  fruits.  Indeed,  we  have  known 
cases  where  dressings  of  superphosphate  of  lime  have  proved  efficacious 
in  preventing  Bimilar  disasters  in  Figs,  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Melons, 
as  it  acts  in  a  solidifying  manner,  neutralising  the  tendency  of  nitrogen 
to  induce  sterility,  and  thus  promoting  the  energy  of  the  reproductive 
organs.  Calcareous  soil  is  not  enough — it  must  be  a  phosphate  medium, 
therefore  we  not  only  advise  a  calcareous  soil  to  supply  nitrate  of  lime, 
but  an  addition  of  phosphate,  which  some  soils  yield  naturally,-  yet 
others  do  not,  and  to  insure  a  steady  supply  a  firm  soil  and  not  too  much 
of  it  is  absolutely  necessary.  Then  we  find  the  Fig  fruit  freely  under 
proper  conditions,  the  steady  development  of  the  fructifying  organs 
being  assured  by  gentle  progress,  and  no  checks  from  climate  or 
soil  moisture;  The  ventilation  may  be  at  fault,  but  that  is  a  matter  of 
regulation,  We  advise  the  use  of  phosphate  of  lime,  say  superphosphate 
top-dressings  occasionally,  or  finely  ground  coprolites  mixed  with  the 
soil,  this  being  both  calcareous  and  gritty,  and  above  all  things  limited 
in  amount  and  very  firm,  over  thorough  drainage. 
KTames  of  Plants. —  We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  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  firm 
boxes.  Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass,  or  leaves  form  the  best 
packing,  dry  wool  the  worst.  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, 
(Bendrobe). — The  flower  sent  is  a  good  form  of  Dendrobium  nobile. 
(Juno). — Through  delay  in  the  post  your  specimens  were  too  withered 
for  identification  ;  send  fresh  ones,  and  we  will  assist  you  with  pleasure. 
(A.  B.). — 1,  Odontoglossum  crispum,  good  form  ;  2,  Dendrobium 
Wardianum. 
COYENT 
GARDEN  MARKET.— April  1st. 
THERE  has  been  little  change  in  the  market  during  the  past  few  weeks. 
FRUIT. 
1. 
d 
0.  d. 
8. 
d 
b. 
d. 
Apples,  per  bushel  . .  . . 
2 
0 
to  4  6 
Peaches,  Cape,  per  case  . .  0 
Oto  0 
0 
„  Nova  Scotia,  barrel 
13 
0 
20  0 
Pears  „  ,.  . .  0 
0 
0 
0 
Grapes,  per  lb.  . . 
1 
3 
3  6 
St.  Michael  Pines,  each  ..  2 
n 
0 
Lemons,  case  . 
11 
0 
14  0 
Strawberries,  per  lb.  . .  8 
0 
14 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
0. 
d. 
s.  d. 
0. 
d. 
0 
d. 
Asparagus,  per  100  ..  .. 
6 
0 
to  6  6 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet  0 
2 
to  0 
0 
beans,  per  lb . 
0 
6 
1  3 
Oniou3,  bushel . 3 
6 
4 
0 
Beet,  Red,  dozen . 
1 
0 
0  0 
Parsley,  dozen  bunches  ..  2 
0 
3 
0 
Oarrots,  bunch . 
0 
3 
0  4 
Parsnips,  dozen . 1 
0 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers,  dozen  ..  .. 
2 
0 
3  0 
Potatoes,  per  owt . 2 
0 
4 
0 
Oelery,  bundle 
1 
0 
0  0 
Salsafy,  bundle .  1 
0 
1 
6 
Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 
2 
0 
4  0 
Seakaie,  per  basket  ..  ..  0 
9 
1 
3 
0ucumber3,  dozen  ..  .. 
2 
0 
4  0 
Scorzonera,  bundle  ..  ..  1 
6 
0 
0 
Endive,  dozen  . 
1 
1 
1  6 
Shallots,  per  lb . 0 
6 
• 
0 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
0 
3 
0  0 
Spinach,  pad  .  0 
0 
4 
6 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
0 
2 
0  0 
Sprouts,  half  siv . 1 
3 
0 
0 
Lettuce,  dozen . 
1 
3 
0  0 
Tomatoes .  per  lb . 0 
6 
0 
0 
Mushrooms,  per  lb . 
0 
6 
0  8 
Turnips,  bunch . 0 
3 
0 
9 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
0. 
d. 
8.  d. 
fl. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Arbor  Vit®  (golden)  dozen 
6 
0  to  12  0 
Fern?  (small)  per  hundred  4 
0 
to  6 
0 
Aspidistra,  dozen 
18 
0 
36  0 
Ficus  elastica.  each  ..  ..  1 
0 
7 
0 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 
6 
0 
10  6 
Foliage  plants,  var.  each  1 
0 
6 
0 
Azalea,  per  dozen  . .  . . 
18 
0 
36  0 
Genista,  per  dozen  . .  . .  8 
0 
12 
0 
Cineraria,  dozen  pots 
6 
0 
10  0 
Hyacinths,  dozen  pots  . .  8 
0 
12 
0 
Cyclamen,  dozen  pots 
8 
0 
15  0 
Lycopodiums,  dozen  . .  . .  3 
0 
4 
0 
Daffodils,  dozen  pots. . 
6 
0 
9  0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  ..  6 
0 
10 
0 
Dracaena,  various,  dozen  .. 
12 
0 
30  0 
Mignonette,  dozen  pots  ..  8 
0 
12 
0 
Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 
9 
0 
18  0 
Myrtles,  dozen  . 6 
u 
9 
0 
Ericas,  various,  per  dozen  . 
9 
0 
24  0 
Palms,  in  var..  each  ..  ..  1 
0 
16 
0 
Euonymus,  var.,  dozen  .. 
6 
0 
18  0 
,,  (specimens)  ..  ..21 
n 
07 
0 
Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 
6 
0 
24  0 
Spirals,  doz .  8 
0 
12 
o 
Perns  iu  variety,  dozen 
4 
0 
18  0 
Tulips,  dozen  pots  „.  ..  6 
0 
8 
0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE 
PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS.— Orchid  Blooms  in  variety 
«. 
d. 
8.  d. 
•• 
d. 
B. 
d- 
Acacia  or  Mimosa  (French) 
Narcissi,  var..  doz.  bunches  0 
9  to  2 
0 
per  bunch . 
0 
9 
io  1  6 
Orchids,  various,  doz.  blms.  1 
6 
12 
0 
Anemone  i  French),  doz  n 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches  6 
0 
9 
0 
bunches . 
2 
0 
4  0 
Primroses,  dozen  bunches  0 
6 
0 
9 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 
2 
0 
4  0 
Primula  (double),  uozen 
Asparagus  Fern,  per  bunoh 
2 
0 
4  0 
sprays  .  0 
6 
1 
0 
Azalea,  dozen  sprays  ..  .. 
0 
4 
0  9 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen  ..  1 
0 
2 
0 
Bouvardias,  bunch  .. 
0 
6 
1  0 
„  Tea,  white,  dozen  ..  2 
0 
4 
0 
Camellias,  dozen  blooms  . . 
0 
9 
1  6 
„  Yellow,  dozen  (Niete)  3 
O 
6 
n 
Carnations,  12  blooms 
1 
0 
3  0 
,,  Red,  dozen  blooms  ..  3 
0 
6 
0 
Cyclamen,  dozen  blooms  .. 
0 
3 
0  6 
„  Safrano  (English), 
Daffodils,  single,  doz.  blms. 
1 
6 
6  0 
dozen . 1 
6 
9 
0 
„  double,  doz.  blms. 
0 
4 
0  9 
„  Pink,  per  dozen  ..  ..  3 
0 
12 
0 
Eucharis,  dozen . 
3 
0 
4  0 
Smilax,  per  bunch  ..  ..  6 
0 
9 
0 
Gardenias,  dozen 
2 
0 
3  0 
Spiraea,  dozen  bunches  ..  4 
0 
6 
0 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
Stephanotis,  dozen  sprays  6 
0 
9 
0 
bunches . 
6 
0 
8  0 
Tuberoses.  12  blooms. .  ..  0 
6 
1 
0 
Hyacinths,  dozen  spikes  . . 
2 
0 
4  0 
Tulips,  dozen  blooms  ..  0 
6 
i 
6 
Lilac  (French)  per  bunch 
3 
0 
5  6 
Violets  Parme  (French), 
Lilium  longiflorum,  twelve 
per  bunch  . .  . .  4 
0 
5 
0 
blooms  . 
4 
0 
6  0 
„  Czar  (French),  per 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  12  sprays 
0 
6 
1  0 
bunch  ..  ..  2 
0 
3 
0 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz.  bchs. 
4 
0 
8  0 
„  Victoria  (French), 
Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 
2 
6 
4  0 
12  bunches  ..  1 
0 
1 
6 
Myosotis  or  Forget-me-not, 
„  English,  12  bunches  0 
9 
1 
0 
dozen  bunches . 
3 
0 
6  0 
Wallflowers,  dozen  bunches  2 
0 
6 
0 
SMALL  SEEDS. 
Forward  as  the  season  is  not  many  Clover  or  Grass  seeds 
will  have  been  sown  yet  ;  but  if  a  good  plant  of  seeds  for 
grazing  in  1897  is  a  first  consideration  little  time  should  now  be 
lost,  Small  seeds  never  succeed  so  well  as  when  harrowed  in 
