May  28,  1896. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
503 
Thinning-  Plums  ( B .  F.  or.). — Tae  fruit  should  he  thinned  in 
proportion  to  the  vigour  of  the  tree.  If  very  vigorous  it  will  bring  to 
perfection  more  fruit  than  were  it  only  moderately  so,  and  more  if 
m)derately  vigorous  than  weak.  Two  or  three  fruit  would  be  sufficient 
to  leave  on  each  cluster,  in  order  to  have  them  a  good  size  and  to  finish 
satisfactorily,  and  about  two  such,  or  half  a  dozen  fruit  to  each  square 
foot,  would  be  an  ample  crop.  We  should  not,  however,  thin  too  severely 
at  first,  but  allow  the  fruit  to  swell  freely  before  reducing  it  to  the 
quantity  required  for  the  crop,  and  it  is  best  done  gradually,  a  few  at  a 
time  or  each  day  in  preference  to  removing  a  large  quantity  at  once, 
leaving  a  few  more  than  will  be  required  to  meet  casualties. 
Vine  leaves  Scorched  (Reader). — In  all  probability  the  leaves 
are  discoloured  through  the  evaporation  being  in  excess  of  the  power 
of  the  roots  to  absorb  moisture,  and  in  consequence  the  tissues  shrink 
and  scorch.  The  proper  thing  to  do  would  be  to  shade,  but  this  is 
inconvenient  in  the  case  of  vineries,  so  the  next  best  thing,  and  the  one 
that  finds  most  favour  with  growers,  is  to  admit  air  very  carefully  in 
hot  weather,  commencing  early — just  a  little  to  cause  a  circulation, 
and  increase  it  gradually  with  the  advancing  temperature,  and  so  have 
the  leaves  dry  before  the  sun  acts  powerfully  upon  them.  Evapora¬ 
tion  is  thereby  progressive,  and  the  roots  seconding  the  demand  for 
nutriment  are  brought  into  comparatively  increased  action,  and  so 
are  capable  of  meeting  the  demand  when  steady  ;  but  when  air  is 
not  given  until  the  temperature  is  high  and  the  sun  powerful,  the 
evaporation  is  so  great  and  sudden  that  the  roots  are  unable  to  respond 
to  the  call  made  upon  them,  and  in  consequence  the  tissues  of  the 
leaves  are  dried  up.  Earlier  ventilation  and  more  moisture  in  the 
atmosphere  obtained  by  damping  available  surfaces  other  than  the 
foliage  two  or  three  times  in  the  early  part  of  the  day,  so  as  to  keep 
the  house  cool,  would  probably  haie  prevented  the  mischief. 
Clematis  from  Cuttings  (Notice). — These  are  generally  grafted 
on  pieces  of  root  obtained  from  old  plants  grown  outside,  those  of 
C.  fiammula  answering  the  purpose  well.  These  should  be  split  open  and 
the  small  scions  inserted  and  tied  with  matting.  A  single  bud  is 
sufficient.  They  should  be  placed  in  small  pots,  and  transferred  to  a 
propagating  case  or  close  frame  with  a  warm  moist  atmosphere.  When 
well  united  harden  them  gradually.  Cuttings  can  be  made  of  the  young 
shoots,  which  may  be  cut  up  to  an  eye,  and  inserted  in  small  pots  of 
sandy  soil  in  gentle  heat,  covering  with  a  close  frame.  Layers  emit 
roots  at  the  joints  covered,  in  the  course  of  a  year,  provided  they  are 
well  watered,  severing  in  the  spring  just  before  growth  commences. 
Sulphuring  Hot-water  Pipes  (E.  A.  C). — It  is  not  safe  to 
apply  sulphur  to  hot-water  pipes  before  the  Grapes  are  well  advanced 
in  ripening,  as  the  fumes,  which  are  given  off  at  a  temperature  of  170°, 
are  calculated  to  injuriously  affect  the  skins  of  the  Grapes,  hardening 
them  and  thus  preventing  swelling,  and  causing  them  to  colour 
prematurely.  The  effects  of  sulphur,  however,  differ  with  the  varieties. 
Black  Hamburghs  are  the  least  susceptible  of  damage,  but  Muscat  of 
Alexandria,  White  Frontignan,  and  other  white  thin-skinned  Grapes  are 
soon  affected,  and  assume  a  purplish  hue,  which  mars  their  appearance, 
though  not  materially  affecting  the  quality.  We  have  applied  sulphur 
to  the  hot-water  pipes  without  injury  resulting  by  using  the  mixture 
rather  thin,  the  sulphur  being  brought  to  the  consistency  of  thin  cream 
with  skim  milk,  painting  the  pipes  when  heated  not  above  170°. 
Sulphuring  the  hot-water  pipes  is  a  good  means  of  destroying  red  spider 
and  white  fly,  but  it  requires  to  be  done  with  care  and  judgment. 
Mildew  on  Vines  (A.  G.  P.) — We  do  not  remember  the  article 
to  which  you  refer.  Mildew  if  combated  in  its  early  stages  can 
generally  be  suppressed.  It  usually  attacks  the  tender  leaves  on  the 
sub-laterals  first,  therefore  keep  these  closely  pinched.  If  the  parasite 
is  seen  to  take  possession  of  a  few  of  the  main  leaves  promptly  sponge 
them  with  a  cream-like  mixture  of  softsoap  and  sulphur,  allowing  the 
sulphur  to  remain  on  them  three  or  four  days.  By  highly  heating  and 
sulphuring  the  pipes  the  fumes  emitted  are  liable  to  injure  the  berries 
in  their  early  stages.  Avoid  a  close  moiBt  atmosphere,  and  maintain  a 
night  temperature  of  G0°  to  65°,  with  the  top  sashes  open  to  the  extent 
of  an  inch  or  so,  and  while  increasing  the  ventilation  early  on  bright 
mornings  guard  against  sharp  currents  of  air  through  the  front  sashes 
or  door,  as  chilling  resulting  from  the  inrush  of  cold  air  is  almost  a 
certain  precursor  of  mildew.  In  most  gardens  (though  yours  may  be 
an  exception)  a  better  position  can  be  found  for  Chrysanthemums  than 
the  Vine  border,  and  apart  from  mildew  their  absence  would  be 
advantageous  to  the  Vines. 
Names  of  fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  number  of  worthless  Apples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit ,  and  to  reject  the  inferior , 
which  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  or  flowers  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with 
the  specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  be  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening ,  Dessert  Pears  cannot 
be  named  in  a  hard  green  state.  (II.  E.  A.).  —  D'Arcy  Spice  or 
Spring  Ribston.  We  have  no  recollection  of  receiving  previous 
specimens. 
Names  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. 
(J.  D ). — 1,  Centranthus  macrosiphon  ;  2,  Hamamelis  japonica  (the 
Japanese  Witch  Hazel);  3,  Cheiranthus  alpinus.  (R.  T.). —  Forms  of 
Odontoglossum  crispum  of  average  merit.  (Kerno).  —  Saxifraga 
granulata. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— May  27tH. 
FRUIT. 
a. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d 
8. 
di 
Apples,  per  bushel  ..  .. 
2 
0 
to  4 
6 
Lemons,  case  . 11 
0  to  14 
0 
„  Tasmanians,  per 
Peaches . 6 
0 
15 
0 
case  . 
10 
0 
12 
0 
St.  Michael  Pines,  each  ..  2 
0 
6 
0 
Grapes,  per  lb . 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Strawberries,  per  lb.  . .  1 
0 
2 
6 
VEGETABLES. 
s. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
s 
d 
v  S. 
d 
Asparagus,  per  100  ..  .. 
2 
0 
to  3 
6 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet  0 
2 
to  0 
0 
Beaus,  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 
1 
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 
Serbs,  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 
0 
0 
Tomatoes. per  lb . 0 
6 
1 
3 
Mushrooms,  per  lb . 
0 
6 
0 
8 
Turnips,  bunch  ..  ,,  ..  0 
3 
0 
0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
Arbor  Vitae  (various')  doz. 
6 
0  to  36 
0 
Hydrangea,  various,  doz.  . .  9 
0 
to  24 
0 
Arum  Lilies,  per  dozen  . . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Ivy  Geranium,  per  dozen  .  3 
0 
7 
0 
Aspidistra,  dozen 
18 
0 
36 
0 
Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  15 
0 
24 
0 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 
5 
0 
10 
6 
Lobelia,  per  dozen  . .  . .  4 
0 
6 
0 
Calceolarias,  per  dozen  „ . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Lycopodiums,  dozen  ..  ..  3 
0 
4 
0 
Cineraria,  dozen  pots 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Marguerite  Daisy, dozen  ..  6 
0 
9 
0 
Dracaena,  various,  dozen  .. 
Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 
12 
0 
30 
0 
Mignonette,  dozen  pots  . .  4 
0 
6 
0 
9 
0 
18 
0 
Myrtles,  dozen  . 6 
0 
9 
0 
Ericas,  various,  per  dozen  . 
9 
0 
24 
0 
Nasturtium  per  dozen  ..  3 
0 
6 
0 
Kuonymus,  var.,  dozen  .. 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Palms,  in  var..  eacn  ..  ..  1 
0 
15 
0 
Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
,,  (specimens'  ..  ..21 
0 
S3 
0 
Ferns  iu  variety,  dozen  .. 
4 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums,  per  dozen  . .  8 
0 
12 
0 
Ferns  (small)  per  hundred 
4 
0 
6 
0 
,,  scarlets,  per  dozen  3 
Spireeis,  doz .  6 
0 
9 
0 
Ficus  eiastica ,  each  . .  . . 
1 
0 
7 
0 
0 
9 
0 
Foliage  plants,  var.  each 
1 
0 
6 
0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE 
PRICES.- 
OUT  FLOWERS. — Orchid  Blooms  in 
variety. 
Anemone  (French),  dozen 
Orchids,  various,  per  dozen 
bunches . 
2 
0  to  4 
0 
blooms  . 1 
6  to  12 
0 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Pseonies,  various,  per  dozen 
Asparagus  Fern,  per  bunoh 
2 
0 
4 
0 
blooms  . 0 
6 
1 
6 
Azalea,  dozen  sprays  . .  . . 
0 
4 
0 
6 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches  4 
0 
8 
0 
Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Polyanthus,  dozen  ounches  1 
6 
2 
6 
Carnations,  12  blooms 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Poppies,  various,  per  dozen 
blooms  . 0 
Cornflower,  dozen  bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
2 
0 
6 
Eucharis,  dozen . 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Primula  (double),  dozen 
Gardenias,  dozen 
2 
0 
3 
0 
sprays  .  0 
6 
1 
0 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches  1 
6 
3 
0 
bunches  . .  . . 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen  ..  0 
6 
1 
6 
Iris  (English)  doz.  bunches 
4 
0 
6 
0 
„  Tea,  white,  dozen  ..  1 
0 
2 
0 
Lilac  (French)  per  bunch 
3 
0 
4 
0 
,,  Yellow,  dozen  (Niels)  2 
0 
4 
0 
Lilium  longiflorum,  twelve 
,,  Red,  dozen  blooms  ..  2 
0 
4 
0 
blooms  . 
3 
0 
5 
0 
„  Safrano  (English), 
0 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  1 2  sprays 
0 
6 
1 
0 
dozen . 1 
0 
2 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz.  bohs. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
„  Pink,  per  dozen  . .  . .  3 
0 
5 
0 
Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Smilax,  per  bunch  ..  ..  3 
0 
5 
0 
Mignonette,  per  dozen 
Spiraea,  dozen  bunches  . .  3 
0 
5 
0 
bunches . 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Stephanotis,  dozen  sprays  2 
0 
3 
0 
Myosotis  or  Forget-me-not, 
Tuberoses.  12  blooms. .  ..  0 
6 
i 
0 
dozen  bunches . 
1 
6 
2 
6 
Wallflowers,  per  dozen 
0 
Narcissi,  var.,  doz.  bunches 
0 
9 
2 
0 
bunches . 2 
3 
0 
ON  DAIRY  WORK. 
In  dealing  with  this  subject  it  may  be  useful  to  first  brietly 
note  the  principal  breeds  of  dairy  cattle  found  in  this  country. 
First  in  order  of  merit  come  the  Channel  Island  cattle,  which 
include  Jerseys,  Guernseys,  and  Alderneys,  the  latter  an  almost 
extinct  breed,  and  the  result  of  a  Jersey-Guernsey  cross. 
The  Jersey  cow,  with  beautiful  deer-like  head,  tawny  coat, 
