430 
.journal  of  horticulture  and  cottage  gardener. 
May  7,  1896. 
variety,  Cypripediums  in  variety,  Colax  jugosus,  Anguloa  uniflora 
Turned,  A.  Clowesi,  Maxillaria  Sanderiana,  and  Lycaste  Deppei. 
C.  J.  Cobb,  Esq,,  Tunbridge  Wells,  staged  a  plant  of  Odontoglossum 
Roezli,  Cobb’s  variety  ;  J.  F.  Alcock,  Esq.,  Northchurch,  a  pure  yellow 
Cattleya  citrina.  Mr.  T.  Masterton,  gardener  to  W.  S.  Ellis,  Esq., 
Dorking,  exhibited  several  Odontoglossums,  mostly  varieties  of  crispum, 
besides  Dendrobium  Hildebrandi  Miss  Victoria.  Mr.  S.  J.  Ryder, 
gardener  to  C.  Young,  Esq.,  Sevenoaks,  sent  a  plant  of  Odontoglossum 
polyanthum,  carrying  a  grand  spike  of  flowers.  Odontoglossum 
crispum  in  variety  were  sent  by  Mr.  Roberts,  gardener  to  R.  Brooman 
White,  Esq.,  and  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Robbins,  gardener  to  W.  Vanner,  Esq., 
Chislehurst. 
Mr.  H.  Ballantine,  gardener  to  Baron  Schroder,  The  Dell,  Egham, 
only  staged  a  few  Orchids,  but  they  were  of  splendid  quality.  The 
exhibit  comprised  a  curious  Dendrobium  thyrsiflorum  Lowi,  a  fine  plant 
carrying  several  spikes  ;  a  Laelio-Cattleya,  resulting  from  a  cross  between 
Brassavola  Digbyana  and  Cattleya  Mossise ;  Vanda  teres  gigantea, 
Cypripedium  Gertrude  Hollington,  Masdevallia  grandiflora,  with  Odonto¬ 
glossums  in  variety.  Mr.  H.  Whiffen,  gardener  to  J,  Bradshaw,  Esq., 
The  Grange,  Southgate,  exhibited  a  group  of  Orchids  in  which  were 
Cattleyas,  Oncidiums,  Odontoglossums,  and  others.  Mr.  G.  W.  Cummins, 
gardener  to  A.  H.  Smee,  Esq.,  Wallington,  sent  a  plant  of  the  so-called 
blue  Cattleya,  and  a  fine  Oncidium  species  for  naming.  Three  fine 
plants  of  Cattleya  Lawrenceana  and  Dendrobium  nobile  came  from  Sir 
Weetman  Pearson,  Bart.,  Paddockhurst,  Crawley  ;  while  Mr.  Downes, 
gardener  to  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  Esq.,  Cheshunt,  sent  splendid  examples 
of  Cattleya  citrina.  Mr.  Bond,  gardener  to  C.  L.  N.  Ingram,  Esq., 
Elstead,  Godaiming,  staged  two  Cattleyas,  and  a  Leelio-Cattleya  named 
Endora,  receiving  an  award  of  merit  for  the  latter. 
Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans  also  sent  some  splendid  Orchids, 
including  Cypripedium  grande ;  Dendrobiums  Bensoniae  and  densi- 
florum  ;  Spathoglottis  Lobbi,  Oncidium  varicosum  Rogersi,  Lycastes 
Deppei  and  Skinneri,  Odontoglossum  phalasnopsis,  Ccelogyne  Dayana, 
and  Eria  bractescens. 
Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 
Acer  palmatum  linear ilobum  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — A  narrow  pale 
green  leaved  variety  of  graceful  habit  (award  of  merit). 
Canna  Roi  des  Rouges  (W.  Bain). — A  superb  Canna.  The  large 
flowers  are  rich  fiery  crimson  (award  of  merit). 
Cardamine  Miss  Jekyll  (Paul  &  Son). — A  charming  floriferous  hardy 
plant,  with  lilac  hued  blooms  (award  of  merit). 
Chysis  langleyensis  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This  is  the  result  of  a  cross 
between  C.  Chelsoni  and  C.  bractescens.  The  sepals  and  petals  are 
white  with  a  large  buff  blotch  towards  the  tip.  The  lip  is  rosy  lake 
veined  with  yellow  (award  of  merit). 
Dendrobium  thyrsiflorum  (H.  Ballantine).  —  The  flowers  of  this 
Dendrobe  are  almost  flat.  The  colour  is  creamy  white  with  a  yellow 
blotch  on  the  lip  (award  of  merit). 
Lcelio- Cattleya  Endora  (T.  W.  Bond). — Resulting  from  a  cross 
between  Laelia  purpurata  and  Cattleya  Mendeli,  this  is  very  beautiful. 
The*sepal«  and  petals  are  rich  deep  rose  and  the  lip  rich  rosy  crimson 
(award  of  merit), 
Odontoglossum  crispum  Princess  (W.  H.  Robbins). — A  fine  crispum. 
The  blotches  are  plum  colour,  with  the  exception  of  that  on  the  lip, 
which  is  chocolate  (award  of  merit). 
Odontoglossum  Halli  grandiflorum  (C.  J.  Lucas). — A  magnificent 
Halli  that  perfectly  justifies  the  varietal  name  (award  of  merit). 
Odontoglossum  Roezli,  Cobb's  variety  (W.  Cobb). — The  flowers  of 
this  variety  are  almost  pure  white.  There  is  a  small  yellow  blotch  on 
the  lower  sepal  (award  of  merit). 
Pelargonium  King  of  Denmark  (R.  Jensen). — A  Zonal  of  great  merit. 
The  habit  is  dwarf  and  sturdy.  The  flowers  are  semi-double  and  of  a 
rich  salmon  pink  shade  (award  of  merit). 
Posogueria  longiflora  (W.  Balchin  &  Son). — The  creamy  white 
flowers  of  this  plant  are  very  long  and  delicately  fragrant.  The  foliage 
also  is  handsome  (first-class  certificate). 
Pteris  Drinhwateri  (Stroud  Bros.). — A  fine  decorative  Pteris,  with 
broad  graceful  fronds  (award  of  merit). 
Pyrus  rnalus  floribunda  Scheidecfteri  (Paul  &  Son  and  W.  Paul  and 
Son). — This  is  a  magnificent  variety,  literally  clothed  with  flowers 
(award  of  merit). 
Radish,  Olive-shaped  (Vilmorin  &  Co.). — A  very  small  growing 
scarlet  Radish,  with  very  small  leafy  growth  (award  of  merit). 
Rhubarb  Collis's  Seedling  (R.H.S.  Gardens). — This  variety  produces 
very  heavy  sticks,  bright  red  in  colour,  thick,  and  of  good  quality  (award 
of  merit). 
Rhubarb  Victoria  (R.H.S.  Gardens).  —  Long,  substantial  -  looking 
sticks,  crisp  in  texture,  and  of  good  substance  (award  of  merit). 
Rose  Mrs,  Frank  Cant  (Frank  Cant). — This  Rose  was  raised  from 
seed,  obtained  from  a  crossing  of  Madame  Gabriel  Luizet  and  Baroness 
Rothschild.  The  habit  is  splendid,  while  the  soft  pink  colour  of  the 
flowers  is  very  charming  (award  of  merit). 
Tulipa  saxatilis  (Barr  &  Sons). — This  is  a  small-flowered  species. 
The  upper  portion  of  the  flower  iB  light  rose,  and  the  base  deep  yellow 
(award  of  merit). 
Tulipa  The  Sultan  (Barr  &  Sons). — The  colour  of  this  Darwin  is 
rich  maroon  black.  The  shape  is  almost  perfect,  and  the  habit  good 
(award  of  merit). 
Tulipa  vitallina  (Barr  &  Son). — With  large  flowers  this  is  a  charm¬ 
ing  species.  The  colour  is  creamy  white  suffused  with  green  (award  of 
merit). 
Vanda  teres  gigantea  (H.  Ballantine). — This  is  a  Buperb  form  of  the 
type.  The  flowers  are  large  and  the  colour  rich  (first-class  certificate). 
Awards. — The  medals  granted  by  the  Orchid  Committee  were  a 
silver-gilt  Flora  to  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons  ;  a  silver  Flora  to  Baron 
Schroder;  and  silver  Banksians  to  W.  S.  Ellis,  Esq.,  Dorking;  J.  T. 
Bennett-Poe,  Esq.,  J.  Bradshaw,  Esq.,  and  Sir  W.  Pearson,  Bart.  The 
Floral  Committee  awarded  a  gold  medal  to  Mr.  G.  Mount  ;  silver-gilt 
Floras  to  Messrs.  Barr  &  Son  and  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons  ;  silver 
Floras  to  Mr.  J.  Walker,  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Mr.  W.  Rumsey, 
Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sous,  Messrs. 
J.  Laing  &  Sons,  and  Mr.  M.  J.  Caparn  ;  silver  Banksians  to  Messrs. 
J.  Peed  &  Sons,  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Son, 
Messrs.  Cheal  &  Son,  and  Mr.  M.  Richards  ;  and  a  bronze  Banksian  to 
Mr.  S.  L.  Still. 
LkTDn 
1 
I 
1 
1 
W0RK.F®lTHE  WEEK..  £51 
ww 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
Strawberries. — Strawberries  about  to  bear  a  crop  must  receive 
attention  in  pulling  up  strong  rooting  weeds,  and  hoeing  down  the 
smaller.  Sun  and  wind  soon  wither  up  the  fallen  weeds,  when  they 
may  be  raked  off  along  with  the  dry  remains  of  former  mulchings, 
leaving  the  soil  between  the  rows  clean.  Younger  plants  should  have 
the  soil  kept  clean  and  free  from  weeds  by  hoeing.  Weakly  plants  ought 
to  have  the  first  trusses  of  bloom  removed.  It  they  do  not  show  blooms 
at  all  the  plants  are  useless,  and  ought  not  to  be  retained,  however 
vigorous  they  may  appear  otherwise. 
Applying  Artificial  Manure. — In  the  case  of  well-established  beds, 
the  plants  being  strong,  well  rooted,  and  possessing  bold  trusses  of  bloom, 
an  opportunity  is  afforded  of  supplying  a  nitrogenous  manurial  dressing 
to  the  plants.  At  this  period  of  the  year  nitrate  of  soda  is  the  most 
effective,  because  it  supplies  elements  which  are  likely  to  be  deficient  in 
the  soil  now,  though  they  may  probably  be  abundant  later  on  in  the 
season.  This  manure  acts  quickly,  and  is  especially  serviceable  on  dry 
soils,  accelerating  growth,  and  strengthening  the  flower  trusses,  Apply 
it  at  the  rate  of  1^  to  2  lbs.  per  rod,  or  1  oz.  per  square  yard.  Sprinkle 
the  manure,  which  should  be  well  powdered  only  on  the  soil  over  the 
roots,  keeping  it  away  from  the  crowns. 
Soot  Dressings. — Soot  is  excellent  and  quick  acting.  Where  nitrate 
of  soda  is  not  available  soot  may  be  used,  especially  in  a  wet  season  or 
damp  soils.  A  peck  to  a  rod  is  sufficient,  and  it  may  be  washed  in  with 
the  hoBe,  or  applied  in  showery  weather.  Another  method  of  using  soot 
consists  in  forming  a  quantity  into  a  paste,  then  mixing  with  water, 
and  applying  round  the  plants.  Clarifying  the  liquid  by  adding  lime 
makes  it  cleaner,  and  the  lime  has  the  effect  of  liberating  the  ammonia 
in  the  soot,  rendering  the  liquid  of  immediate  effect. 
Liquid  Manure. — Liquid  animal  manures  are  also  tolerably  quick  in 
action,  and  of  benefit  now  the  flower  trusses  are  swelling.  Fresh  stable 
urine  diluted  with  half  water,  or  mixed  with  a  general  liquid  obtained 
from  stable,  cowhouse,  or  manure  heap  drainings,  can  be  employed 
beneficially  at  frequent  intervals  until  the  fruit  is  of  large  size. 
Mulching. — Spreading  a  liberal  mulching  of  fairly  fresh  farmyard 
manure  containing  a  proportion  of  long  litter  is  of  great  importance  in 
conserving  moisture  in  the  soil.  It  also  acts  as  a  stimulus  to  the  roots, 
soluble  matter  being  washed  out  of  it  by  rain  or  watering.  The  strawy 
material,  becoming  bleached  and  dried  on  the  surface,  serves  as  a  clean 
rest  for  the  fruit  by  the  time  the  latter  is  ripe.  If  the  manure  obtain¬ 
able  is  not  of  a  fresh  character  and  littery  it  will  still  do  as  mulching, 
surfacing  it  later  with  fresh  clean  straw,  either  in  long  or  short  lengths, 
as  a  rest  for  the  fruit. 
Extirpating  Insects  on  Fruit  Trees. — Numbers  of  caterpillars 
are  often  to  be  found  at  the  present  time  eating  the  small  leaves  and 
attacking  the  flowers  or  miniature  fruits  of  Plums,  Apples,  and  Damson 
trees.  It  is  possible  to  apply  remedies  to  wall  trees,  espaliers,  cordons, 
and  bush  trees,  large  standard  trees  not  being  so  easily  dealt  with. 
Quassia  Chip  Solution. — Dissolve  a  quarter  of  a  stone  of  softsoap 
in  a  large  vessel  of  hot  water  holding  50  gallons.  To  this  add 
the  extract  obtained  by  boiling  5  lbs.  of  quassia  chips  in  water. 
This  may  be  used  alone  in  mild  cases,  or  as  preventive  of  attacks 
of  insects  ;  but  where  there  is  any  difficulty  in  destroying  them 
add  2J  pints  of  paraffin  to  the  mixture,  thoroughly  incorporating 
the  oil  first  with  a  quantity  of  boiling  soap  and  water.  Quassia 
extract  may  also  be  obtained  as  a  liquid  compound,  half  a  gallon 
of  which,  added  to  40  or  50  gallons  of  water,  makes  a  solution  at  once 
ready  for  use.  These  solutions  should  be  syringed  on  infested  trees, 
distributing  finely  and  repeating  if  necessary. 
Paris  Green. — This  is  a  very  poisonous  insecticide  containing 
arsenic,  and  is  effective  but  requires  care.  It  poisons  the  food  on 
which  the  insects  are  feeding  by  depositing  a  thin  film  of  the  insecticide 
upon  the  foliage.  This  is  done  by  spraying.  The  paste  form  of  Paris 
green  is  the  safest,  mixing  1  lb.  of  this  in  240  gallons  of  water.  During 
distribution  it  must  be  kept  thoroughly  mixed  so  that  a  uniform  strength 
is  maintained, 
