May'll,' 1896. 
457 
journal  on  horticulture  and  cottage  gardener. 
Tomato  Plant  Diseased  (Q.  JR.). — The  plant  is  attacked  by  the 
“  drooping  ”  disease,  “  black  stripe,”  or  “  sleepy  ”  disease  fungus 
(Fusarium  solani  or  lycopersici),  which  enters  the  stem  of  the  plant  by 
thfe  roots  (in  this  case  the  attack  being  from  the  radicle,  and  appears  to 
have  been  carried  over  in  the  seed),  and  ascends  the  stem,  cutting  off 
ultimately  the  supply  of  sap  from  the  roots,  or  so  diminishing  it  as  to 
cause  the  younger  parts  of  the  plant  to  droop,  turn  black,  and  wither, 
the  whole  plant  finally  collapsing.  The  disease  appears  on  the  stem 
Or  fruit  as  a  dark  or  black  stripe,  and  from  these  parts  are  produced 
the  conidial  stage  of  the  parasite  ;  and  from  the  mycelial  hyphas  the 
resting  spores  are  produced  in  the  stem,  and  even  in  the  integument 
of  the  seeds,  such  seeds  having  a  discoloured  appearance.  There  is  no 
remedy  for  diseased  plants,  as  the  fungus  is  endophytic  in  its  operations 
— that  is,  growing  inside  the  stem — it  cannot  be  reached  by  external 
applications.  If  you  cut  a  stem  through  you  will  readily  see  the  brown 
discolouration  round  the  pith,  and  if  you  make  a  minute  vertical  section 
of  such  tissue  may  observe  the  mycelial  hyphae  traversing  the  inter¬ 
cellular  spaces  of  the  woody  and  cambial  cells,  and  even  the  knob-like 
formation  of  the  resting  spores  in  the  more  advanced  stage  of  the  disease. 
Quicklime  is  the  best  application  that  can  be  made  to  the  soil,  as  it  acts 
directly  on  the  parasite  there,  and  indirectly  by  entering  it  as  nitrate  of 
lime.  On  the  plant  itself  you  may  use  “  Fostite,”  which,  both  by  the 
lime  and  the  sulphate  of  copper,  acts  as  a  preventive  of  the  disease. 
Increasing:  Herbaceous  Phloxes  (C.  G.  M.). — The  present  is  a 
good  time  for  the  propagation  of  these  Phloxes,  and  a  good  place  in  which 
to  root  the  cuttings  is  a  manure  frame.  If  freely  supplied  with  water 
the  cuttings  will  emit  roots  in  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks,  when  the 
plants  may  be  potted  singly,  and  after  having  fairly  rooted  into  the  new 
soil  may  be  transferred  to  a  cold  frame,  and  eventually  planted  out. 
The  most  suitable  cuttings  which  it  is  possible  to  have  are  those  young 
shoots,  which  at  this  season  are  being  produced  in  quantity.  Select 
these  when  3  or  4  inches  long,  and  insert  in  sandy  well  drained  soil,  either 
in  pots  or  boxes.  Th6  cuttings  of  these  Phloxes  need  so  little  prepara¬ 
tion  that  they  may  be  inserted  almost  as  removed  from  the  stock  plant, 
for  they  root  freely  not  only  from  the  joint  but  up  the  stem  between  the 
joints,  so  that  if  the  lower  are  removed  the  operator  will  have  done  all 
that  is  requisite.  They  thoroughly  eDjoy  generous  treatment,  and  if 
they  have  abundance  of  water  during  dry  weather  the  result  will  be  a 
rich  and  varied  display  in  the  coming  autumn  of  their  massive  heads 
of  flowers.  Like  the  Chrysanthemum,  they  should  never  receive  a 
check.  Few  plants  are  more  effective  when  well  grown,  and  none  so 
miserable  when  neglected.  Another  point  of  importance  with  these 
plants  is  to  make  new  plants  annually,  and  discard  all  stools  at  four 
years  old,  as  by  this  time  they  will  have  impoverished  the  soil,  and  will 
have  become  a  thicket  of  young  and  wetkly  shoots.  In  planting  dig 
deeply,  apply  manure  freely,  and  plant  somewhat  deeper  than  usual 
with  most  plants,  on  account  of  their  making  a  great  quantity  of  surface 
roots.  If  they  can  be  given  a  position  where  they  may  be  saturated  two 
or  three  times  weekly  so  much  the  better. 
Insects  Attacking:  the  Foliage  of  Wall  Fruit  Trees 
(IF.  II.'). — The  insects  are  the  pitchy-legged  weevil  (Otiorhynchus 
picipes),  the  males  of  which  are  about  quarter  of  an  inch  long  and  the 
females  one-third  of  an  inch  in  length.  The  weevil  is  pitch  brown  or 
earth  coloured,  hence  the  name  of  “  clay  weevil,”  the  upper  part  or 
surface  of  the  body  being  tubercled  and  sprinkled  with  minute  pale 
grey  or  yellow  scales.  Each  pit  in  the  rows  on  the  elytra  (wing  cases) 
has  a  whitish  scale  in  the  middle.  The  legs  and  antennae  are  rather 
paler  in  colour  than  the  body,  the  males  being  much  brighter  than  the 
females.  The  beetles  feed  on  the  young  growths  of  Apricots,  Peaches, 
Vines,  and  other  fruit  trees,  also  on  the  shoots  of  Raspberries  and  other 
shrubs,  and  frequently  are  very  destructive  to  Peas  and  other  vegetable 
crops.  The  weevils,  as  you  say,  are  only  to  be  found  at  night.  They 
hide  in  the  daytime  beneath  clods,  stones,  or  cracks  in  the  ground,  and 
in  the  case  of  walls  in  the  joints  of  the  masonry,  but  more  commonly  in 
the  soil  at  the  foot  of  the  wall.  There  and  for  3  feet  distance  from  the 
wall  we  advise  your  applying  kainit,  4  ozs.  per  square  yard,  and 
watering  at  once  with  a  gallon  of  water  to  each  square  yard,  or  that 
amount  of  water  with  the  kainit  dissolved  in  it  may  be  used,  and  applied 
in  the  morning.  As  the  weevils  are  practically  wingless,  seldom  flying 
except  for  special  purpose,  their  attacks  are  usually  limited  in  area. 
They  can  be  captured  at  night  by  spreading  white  cloths  in  the 
daytime  on  the  ground  beneath  the  infested  trees  or  plants,  and  afier 
dark  approaching  them  cautiously  and  giving  a  sharp  shaking.  Tte 
insects  will  then  drop  and  are  easily  collected  by  the  aid  of  a  lantern 
(which  should  be  kept  dark  or  concealed  until  just  after  the  shaking), 
and  if  placed  in  a  vessel  containing  a  little  petroleum  are  easily 
destroyed.  The  beetles  may  often  be  prevented  ascending  the  trees  or 
walls  by  means  of  a  sticky  band  around  the  stem  or  along  the  base  of 
the  wall. 
Names  of  Plants.— We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seeds  and  termed  florists’  howei>, 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  Btate  in  firm 
boxes.  Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass,  or  leaves  form  the  beet 
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. 
(C.  L  M.). — The  tree  with  panicles  of  white  flowers  is  Prnnus  padus, 
the  Bird  Cherry  ;  the  mottled  leaf  is  the  variegated  Elm,  Ulmus  cam- 
pestris  variegatus ;  the  tree  with  bunches  of  white  flowers  is  Crataegus 
Douglasi,  the  Douglas  Thorn,  a  native  of  North  America.  (Orton). — 
Prunus  padus,  Bird  Cherry.  (.7.  L,). — 1,  Bertolonia  margaritacea ; 
2,  not  yet  identified  ;  3,  Sedum  carneum  variegatum  ;  4,  Meyenia  erecta 
alba ;  5,  Maranta  Massangeana  ;  6,  Pleroma  argyraea.  (Redder).—* 
Specimen  withered,  possibly  Spirrea  opulifolia.  (G.  II.  T.). — Exochorda 
grandiflora.  (H.  P.). — 1,  Ceanothus  dentatus  ;  2,  Prunus  padus  ;  3, 
Staphylea  colchica. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— May  13th. 
Heavv  supplies  of  goods  with  priees  unaltered.  Trade  more  brisk. 
FRUIT. 
«• 
d. 
B. 
d. 
8. 
4. 
8. 
d. 
Apples,  per  bushel  ..  .. 
2 
0 
to  4 
6 
Lemons,  case  . 11 
0  to  14 
0 
„  Tasmanians,  per 
St.  Michael  Pines,  each  ..  2 
n 
8 
0 
case . 
10 
0 
12 
0 
Strawberries,  per  lb.  ..  2 
0 
4 
0 
Grapes,  per  lb.  .. . 
1 
6 
3 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
s. 
d 
8.  d 
Asparagus,  per  100  ..  .. 
2 
0 
to  3 
6 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet  0 
a 
to  0 
0 
Beans,  per  lb . 
0 
9 
1 
2 
Onions,  bushel .  3 
6 
4 
0 
Beet,  Red,  dozen . 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley,  dozen  bunches  ..  2 
0 
3 
0 
Carrots,  bunch . 
0 
3 
0 
4 
Parsnips,  dozen .  1 
0 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Potatoes,  per  cwt . 2 
0 
4 
0 
Celery,  bundle 
l 
0 
0 
0 
Salsafy,  bundle .  1 
0 
1 
6 
Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Seakale,  per  basket  ..  ..  0 
0 
0 
0 
Cucumbers,  dozen  .. 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Scorzonera,  bundle  ..  ..  1 
6 
0 
0 
Endive,  dozen  . 
1 
3 
1 
6 
Shallots,  per  lb  ..  ..  ..  0 
3 
0 
0 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Spinach,  pad  .  0 
0 
4 
6 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Sprouts,  half  siv . 0 
0 
0 
0 
Lettuce,  dozen . 
1 
3 
O' 
0 
Tomatoes. per  lb . 0 
6 
1 
3 
Mushrooms,  per  lb.  ..  .. 
0 
6 
0 
8 
Turnips,  bunch  ..  ,i  ...  0 
3 
0 
0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
Arbor  Vitae  (various)  doz. 
6 
0  to  36 
0 
Fern?  (small)  per  hundred  4 
0 
to  6 
0 
Arum  Lilies,  per  dozen  . . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Ficus  elastica,  each  ..  ..  1 
0 
7 
0 
Aspidistra,  dozen 
18 
0 
36 
0 
Foliage  plants,  var.  each  1 
0 
1 
0 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 
5 
0 
10 
6 
Genista,  per  dozen  . .  . .  6 
0 
10 
0 
Azalea,  per  dozen  . .  . . 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Hydrangea,  various,  doz.  . .  9 
0 
24 
0 
Cineraria,  dozen  pots 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  15 
0 
24 
0 
Cyclamen,  dozen  pots 
8 
0 
15 
0 
Lycopodiums,  dozen  ..  ..  3 
0 
4 
0 
Dielytra,  per  dozen . . 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Marguerite  Daisy. dozen  ..  6 
0 
9 
0 
Dracaena,  various,  dozen  .. 
12 
0 
30 
0 
Mignonette,  dozen  pots  ..  6 
0 
9 
0 
Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 
9 
0 
18 
0 
Myrtles,  dozen  . 6 
0 
9 
0 
Ericas,  various,  per  dozen  . 
9 
0 
24 
0 
Palms,  in  var..  each  ..  ..  1 
0 
15 
0 
Euonymus ,  var.,  dozen 
6 
0 
18 
0 
,,  (specimens)  ..  ..  21 
0 
6? 
0 
Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Spirsais,  doz .  6 
0 
9 
0 
Ferns  iu  variety,  dozen  .. 
4 
0 
18 
0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE 
PRICES  — 
OUT  FLOWERS. — Orchid  Blooms  in  vaiiety 
Anemone  (French),  dozen 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches  6 
rt 
to  9 
0 
bunches . 
2 
0  to  4 
0 
Polyanthus,  dozen  nunches  1 
6 
2 
6 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Primroses,  dozen  bunches  0 
6 
0 
9 
Asparagus  Fern,  per  bunoh 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Primula  (double),  cozen 
Azalea,  dozen  sprays  .. 
0 
4 
0 
G 
sprays  ..  ..  ..0 
6 
1 
0 
Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen  .,  1 
0 
2 
0 
Camellias,  dozen  blooms  . . 
0 
9 
1 
6 
„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . .  1 
6 
2 
6 
Carnations,  12  blooms 
1 
0 
3 
0 
,,  Yellow,  dozen  (Niels)  2 
0 
4 
n 
Cyclamen,  dozen  blooms  .. 
0 
3 
0 
6 
„  Red,  dozen  blooms  . .  2 
0 
4 
0 
Daffodils,  single,  doz.  bun. 
1 
6 
6 
0 
„  Safrano  (English), 
Eucharis,  dozen . 
1 
6 
3 
0 
dozen . 1 
6 
2 
0 
Gardenias,  dozen 
2 
0 
3 
0 
„  Pink,  per  dozen  . .  . .  3 
0 
6 
0 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
Smilax,  per  bunch  ..  ..  4 
0 
6 
0 
bunches . 
1 
0 
6 
0 
Spiraea,  dozen  bunches  ..  3 
0 
5 
0 
Iris  (English)  doz.  bunches 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Stephanotis,  dozen  sprays  3 
0 
4 
0 
Lilac  ( French)  per  bunch 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Tuberoses,  12  blooms. .  ..  0 
6 
1 
0 
„  (ELglish)  doz.  bchs. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Tulips,  dozen  bunches  . .  2 
0 
6 
0 
Lilium  longiflorum,  twelve 
Violets  Parme  (French), 
blooms  . 
3 
0 
5 
0 
per  bunch  . .  . .  3 
0 
4 
0 
Lily  of  the  V alley,  1 2  sprays 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„  Czar  (French),  per 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz.  bchs. 
4 
0 
8 
u 
bunch  . .  . .  2 
0 
3 
0 
Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 
2 
c 
3 
0 
„  Victoria  (French), 
Myosotis  or  Forget-me-not, 
12  bunches  ..  1 
0 
1 
6 
dozen  bunches . 
2 
0 
4 
0 
„  English,  12  bunches  0 
9 
1 
0 
Narcissi,  var..  doz.  bunches 
0 
9 
2 
0 
Wallflowers,  dozen  bunches  2 
0 
3 
0 
Orchids,  various,  doz.  blms. 
1 
6 
12 
0 
DRAUGHT  HORSES. 
Object  lessons  are  now  made  a  great  feature  in  our  elemen¬ 
tary  schools,  and  as  we  never  finish  learning  as  long  as  life  lasts, 
to  object  lessons  we  greybeards  owe  as  much  as  do  our  children. 
True,  our  object  lessons  are  not  taught  in  the  narrow  limits  of 
the  school  walls  and  the  lessons  are  optional,  not  compulsory ; 
but  he  is  a  wise  man  who  eagerly  embraces  every  chance  and 
opportunity  he  has  for  increasing  his  knowledge,  be  it  the 
knowledge  o  stock  raising,  corn  growing,  dairying,  or  any  other 
industry  that  affects  the  agr  cultural  interest  A  man’s  oppor¬ 
tunities  are  limited  and  restricted  if  he  never  goes  far  afield, 
and  judicious  outings  enlarge  and  open  the  mind.  “  Home- 
staying  youths  have  ever  homely  wit.”  Travelling  is  made  so 
easy  now,  and  there  is  so  much  business  or  pleasure  or  both 
combined  which  takes  men  up  to  London  or  other  great  centres 
that  it  is  well  worth  while  going  sometimes  on  what  our  fore¬ 
fathers  might  have  considered  profitless  and  idle  journeyings. 
