334 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
April  9,  1898. 
Passing  along,  attention  is  arrested  by  a  very  distinct  bloom,  and 
the  name  is  promptly  sought.  The  label  is  soon  found,  saying  Florence 
Wright.  Size  here  is  not  a  feature,  while  the  shape  leaves  the  least  bit 
of  room  for  improvement,  so  this  relies  on  its  colour  for  securing  admira¬ 
tion.  The  shading  is  very  peculiar,  especially  for  an  Amaryllis,  and  is 
not.  very  easy  of  description,  but  clear  salmon  rose  flamed  with  white 
will  convey  some  idea,  though  perhaps  not  an  absolutely  correct  one. 
It  is  quite  worthy  of  more  than  a  mere  passing  glance,  as  also  is  the 
stately  crimson  Eurasian.  Other  varieties  that  would  probably  appeal 
to  the  majority  of  people  by  reason  of  one  or  more  good  points  are 
Mercia,  white  and  rose  ;  Ena,  clear  orange  red  with  a  green  cencie  ; 
Agnes,  white,  flushed  and  shaded  salmon  rose  ;  Adeline,  rich  crimson 
peculiarly  shaded  purplish  rose  and  white  ;  and  Cathal,  rich  rose  and 
white.  More  than  these  could  easily  be  mentioned  did  space  permit,  but 
it  would  be  much  better  for  readers  to  seize  an  early  opportunity  of 
visiting  Chelsea  to  see  for  themselves. 
If  there  is  one  thing  more  than  another  that  would  enhance  the 
popularity  of  Amaryllis  now  that  they  have  reached  such  magnificence 
it  is  scent.  Perhaps  some  day  a  race  of  scented  varieties  will  be  with 
us,  when  they  will  quickly  become  favourites  with  a  somewhat  con¬ 
siderable  number  of  people  who  are  at  present  not  particularly  taken 
with  them  solely  on  account  of  the  lack  of  fragrance. — Scrutator. 
OLYMPIA. — April  8th  and  9th. 
The  first  flower  show  that  has  been  held  this  season  at  Olympia  was 
opened  on  Wednesday,  in  the  Palmarium  division  of  the  Winter  Garden, 
when  a  magnificent  display  was  brought  together,  thanks,  doubtless,  to 
the  efforts  of  Mr.  Barron,  the  Superintendent  of  the  show,  and  to 
Mr.  G.  Bick,  the  Garden  Superintendent  at  Olympia.  The  schedule 
differed  from  the  majority  of  those  arranged  for  flower  shows,  in¬ 
asmuch  as  no  specified  prizes  were  offered,  medals  being  equivalent 
to  handsome  money  prizes.  Space  precludes  our  giving  a  detailed 
report,  or  such  an  extended  one  as  the  show  deserves,  as  space  in  our 
columns  is  limited,  and  the  time  at  disposal  scarce.  The  arrangement 
of  the  exhibits  was  admirable,  and  produced  a  bright  effect. 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  were  the  only  exhibitors  of  a  table 
of  Amaryllis,  and  received  a  silver  medal.  The  plants  were  well  grown 
and  flowered,  but  not  sufficiently  diversified  in  colour.  The  St.  George’s 
Nursery  Co.,  Hanwell,  arranged  a  table  of  Cyclamens,  comprising 
magnificent  plants  in  various  colours,  taking  a  silver-gilt  medal. 
A  silver-gilt  medal  was  awarded  to  Mr.  G.  Mount,  Canterbury,  for  a 
collection  of  Roses,  in  which  most  of  the  leading  varieties  at  present  in 
flower  were  noticed.  Two  splendid  tables  of  Daffodils  were  staged  by 
Messrs.  Barr  &  Son,  Covent  Garden,  and  T.  S.  Ware  of  Tottenham,  to 
each  of  which  large  silver  medals  were  given.  One  of  the  most  conspi¬ 
cuous  exhibits  was  the  group  of  Caladiums  from  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons, 
Forest  Hill.  This  comprised  perfectly  grown  plants  in  great  variety,  in  fact 
all  the  leading  sorts  were  seen,  which  well  deserved  the  silver-gilt 
medal.  Mr.  Wm.  Howe,  gardener  to  A.  Tate,  Esq  ,  Streatbam  Common, 
exhibited  a  charming  group  of  Ferns,  and  received  a  silver-gilt  medal. 
There  were  three  groups  of  miscellaneous  plants  shown,  each  staged 
in  circular  form.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons  were  represented  by  a  circular 
arrangement,  in  which  each  plant  was  made  to  show  to  the  best  advantage. 
There  were  finely  grown  Palms,  Crimson  Rambler  Roses,  Orchids,  Azaleas, 
Calla  sethiopica,  and  the  rarer  C.  Elliottiana,  Caladiums,  Ferns,  and 
other  plants  (silver-gilt  medal).  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Son,  Norwood,  had 
a  circular  group  also,  comprised  of  Palms,  Azaleas,  Spiraeas,  Olivias,  and 
others  ;  but  the  arrangement  was  rather  too  heavy  to  be  effective  (silver- 
gilt  medal).  Messrs.  Cutbusb  &  Son,  Highgate,  were  the  other  exhibitors 
in  this  class.  The  group  included  Palms,  Azaleas,  Magnolias,  and  other 
plants  (large  Bilver  medal). 
A  large  silver  medal  was  adjudged  to  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware  for  a  table  of 
plants,  mostly  of  a  hardy  nature.  Daffodils,  Muscaris,  Primulas,  and 
Primroses  were  particularly  noticeable.  Roses  in  pots  were  grandly 
staged  by  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  and  received  a  large  silver 
medal.  Fruit  was  not  largely  shown.  Messrs.  J.  Cbeal  &  Sons, 
Ciawley,  staged  a  few  dishes  of  Apples  in  fine  condition  (silver  medal). 
Table  decorations  were  charmingly  shown  by  four  competitors,  to  each 
of  whom  a  medal  was  awarded,  the  Addison  Road  Station  floriBt 
(Isaacson)  having  an  elegant  bouquet  of  Erica,  Daffodils,  and  Liliums. 
Cinerarias  from  Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  were  very 
beautiful,  and  denoted  a  splendid  strain  of  seeds.  The  plants  were  of 
very  sturdy  habit,  with  large  healthy  leafage,  and  clothed  with  various 
coloured  flowers.  The  silver-gilt  medal  was  thoroughly  deserved.  For 
foliage  plants,  such  as  Crotons,  Dracaenas,  Caladiums,  and  Palms,  Mr. 
W.  Howe  received  a  silver-gilt  medal.  This  grower  was  apparently 
the  only  private  exhibitor  in  the  show.  The  Clivias  from  Messrs. 
J.  Laing  &  Sons  were  superb  medium-sized  plants,  carrying  large 
trusses  of  blooms  and  leathery  leafage  (silver-gilt  medal).  The  same 
firm  also  arranged  two  groups  of  foliage  and  flowering  plants  of  a  hardy 
nature,  in  addition  to  one  of  mixed  flowering  and  foliage  greenhouse. 
Quality  and  quantity  were  apparent  in  all  the  Forest  Hill  exhibits. 
Horticulturaliy  the  exhibition  was  a  decided  success,  and  if  they  are 
continued  on  practically  the  same  lines  the  number  of  exhibitors  will 
no  doubt  be  materially  increased.  It  is  suggested  that  monthly  shows 
be  held,  the  next  one  to  be  early  in  May  ;  but  full  announcements  will 
be  made  in  our  columns  as  soon  as  arrangements  are  completed.  We 
hope  the  public  will  appreciate  the  efforts  pf  the  promoters  in  bringing 
together  such  a  charming  display, 
WOHKJoiitheWEEK,. 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
Outdoor  Figs. — Planting  Young  Trees  — Warm  sheltered  positions, 
with  a  south  or  south-westerly  aspect,  should  be  chosen  for  Fig  trees. 
They  require  plenty  of  sun  and  air  to  ripen  the  growths  well.  A  chalky 
Rubsoil  suits  them  admirably,  with  a  fertile,  friable  loam  resting  above 
it,  which  will  also  naturally  partake  of  the  character  of  the  subsoil  and 
give  a  rooting  medium  of  a  calcareous  nature.  The  Fig  will  also  grow 
in  other  soils,  but  they  must  be  well  drained,  not  too  rich  in  organic 
matter,  and  be  firm.  The  same  applies  to  calcareous  soils.  Soils  not 
containing  lime  at  all  must  be  supplied  either  with  lime  rubbish  or 
chalk  before  Figs  are  planted.  Manure  must  not  be  added,  as  it 
causes  growth  too  vigorous  in  character,  long  jointed,  and  succulent. 
The  more  compact,  short  jointed,  and  woody  the  shoots  become,  the 
more  fruitful  will  the  trees  be.  A  border  6  feet  in  width  is  ample, 
and  if  the  roots  are  compelled  to  ramify  in  such  a  border  without  the 
means  of  going  beyond  it,  the  trees  are  more  likely  to  be,  and  continue, 
fruitful. 
Pruning  after  Planting. — The  single  stem  of  a  maiden  tree  should 
be  shortened  to  15  inches,  the  object  being  to  obtain  shoots  for  forming 
the  foundation  of  the  tree.  A  young  tree  having  several  branches  will 
also  need  shortening,  each  being  cut  back  well  so  as  to  obtain  two 
vigorous  breaks  from  each. 
Training  Young  Trees. — When  the  shortened  stem  of  a  maiden  tree 
breaks  into  growth,  select  a  shoot  on  each  side,  training  one  to  the  right 
and  the  other  to  the  left.  Keep  them  equal  in  vigour  if  possible.  This 
may  be  done  by  depressing  the  stronger,  and  elevating  the  weaker  shoots. 
From  each  of  these  train  two  others,  leaving  plenty  of  space  between  so 
as  to  allow  of  the  successional  shoots  being  trained  in  at  full  length. 
The  best  system  with  these  is  that  which  affords  fruit-bearing  shoots, 
alternating  with  young  wood  for  the  next  season’s  bearing.  The  system 
may  be  originated  by  cutting  back  alternate  shoots  to  one  bud,  training 
in  the  resulting  growths  at  full  length,  and  cutting  out  the  fruiting 
shoots  to  the  lowest  bud  the  following  winter.  Ample  space  must  be 
allowed  between  the  shoots  so  as  to  admit  light  and  air  freely,  and  afford 
full  exposure  to  the  leaves. 
Pruning  Old  Trees. — Cut  out  old,  useless,  and  crowded  wood, 
reserving  a  fair  proportion  of  the  best  placed  and  best  ripened  growths. 
Last  season’s  fruiting  wood  cut  back  to  one  bud.  The  shoots  resulting 
from  similar  treatment  last  year  will  produce  fruit,  and  should  be  trained 
in  thinly.  Where  nothing  but  short-jointed  wood  is  present  and  there 
is  no  overcrowding  pruning  may  be  practically  dispensed  with.  A 
little  thinning  out  may  be  done,  but  all  the  shoots  reserved  must  be 
left  unshortened  as  the  fruit  is  produced  near  the  apex. 
Pruning  Recently  Planted  Fruit  Trees. — The  youngest  of 
these,  and  such  as  have  received  no  previous  shortening  back  to  form  a 
framework  of  branches,  ought  to  be  pruned  more  closely  than  older 
trees  with  the  requisite  number  of  branches  formed.  It  may  suffice  for 
the  latter  if  the  youngest  parts  of  the  leading  shoots  are  shortened  to 
bold  wood  buds  near  the  base  of  the  wood  produced  last  season.  Pruning 
should  be  mainly  regulated  by  the  condition  and  quantity  of  the  roots 
when  planting.  If  roots  are  few  and  much  mutilated  they  of  course 
will  require  cutting  back  to  healthy  parts,  and  the  branches  must  be 
treated  accordingly.  When  fairly  large  trees  are  planted  endeavour  to 
secure  as  many  healthy  roots  as  possible,  so  as  to  obviate  the  necessity 
of  severely  cutting  back  branches  over  a  year  old,  which  may  be 
furnished  with  fruit  spurs.  Maiden  trees  having  one  strong  stem  are 
with  advantage  shortened  from  15  to  18  inches.  Those  a  little  older  and 
having  several  branches  of  stout  young  wood,  shorten  more  or  less 
closely  where  a  further  number  is  required.  A  reduction  of  two-thirds  is 
sufficient,  when  it  is  desirable  only  to  continue  extension,  not  to  increase 
the  number  of  branches. 
Trees  not  fully  established  in  the  soil  frequently  produce  flower  buds 
for  several  inches  at  the  extremities  of  the  young  growths.  These  parts 
must  be  pruned  away  down  to  the  boldest  wood  bud,  pointing  in  the 
direction  the  new  shoot  is  desired  to  extend. 
Protecting  Fruit  Trees. —  Peaches  and  Nectarines  will  still  require 
protecting  in  cold  and  stormy  weather  or  on  frosty  nights.  When  the 
foliage  expands  sufficiently  the  young  fruits  will  receive  benefit  from  it, 
but  until  then  continue  to  afford  necessary  protection.  Also  choice 
espalier  and  bush  Apples  and  Pears  ought  to  have  some  temporary 
arrangement  of  poles  and  tiffany  or  netting  if  the  weather  prove  uncon¬ 
genial  at  the  period  when  the  trees  are  in  flower.  Frosts  in  dry  weather 
do  not  injure  the  flowers  to  the  same  extent  as  when  occurring  in  wet 
and  rough  weather.  Supports  for  protecting  material  may  be  easily 
erecfed  over  bush  and  espalier  trees  in  the  open  by  an  arrangement  of 
long  light  poles  meeting  over  the  tops  of  the  trees  and  fastened  together. 
Similar  poles  may  be  arranged  in  front  of  wall  trees  that  require 
covering,  the  ends  being  firmly  fixed  in  the  soil.  The  framework  need 
not  be  more  bulky  than  is  necessary  to  prevent  the  material  laying  on 
the  trees.  Tiffany,  scrim  canvas,  hexagon  netting,  or  double  fish  nets  may 
be  employed,  securing  them  so  that  stpong  winds  do  pot  displace  them, 
