July  So,  18&S. 
jOJ^MAL  of  fOfftOtJLWRf  Afi)  UOT'PA&f  QAkbMfil 
119 
Early  ^lunas  (Z)  —The  seedlicg  Plum  jou  send  does  not  exactly 
correspond  with  any  variety  we  know,  and  we  scarcely  think  the  flavour 
sufficiently  good  to  supersede  established  varieties.  Its  earliness  would, 
of  course,  be  materially  affected  bv  the  favourable  position  of  the  tree. 
Fruits  might  be  sent  to  one  of  the  R  H.S.  meetings  another  year. 
Apple  Kelfield  Xonf^  Keeper  (J.  IF.  B.). — The  Apples  in 
appearance  resomble  Beauty  of  Stoke;  but  then  the  fruits  you  send 
were  gathrred  last  year,  and  we  have  not  known  Beauty  of  Stoke  to 
keep  firm  and  fresh  looking  so  long.  It,  as  you  ssy,  “  they  are,  when  in 
the  best  condition,  equal  to  Ribston  and  Cox’s  Orange  P'ppina,”.  by  all 
means  send  specimens  in  due  time  for  examination  by  the  Fruit  Com- 
mitiee,  addressing  to  Mr.  8.  T,  Wright,  Royal  Horticultural  Society’s 
Gardens,  Cbiswck,  W.,  a  week  in  advance  a  history  of  the  seedling. 
Fungus  on  Tomatoes  (6r.  It.'). — The  fruits  are  attacked  by  the 
scab  fungus  (Ciadosporium  fulvum,  (oole).  There  is  really  no  cure, 
but  the  attacks  might  have  been  prevented  by  the  timely  use  of  fungus 
powder,  such  as  Antiblight,  Postite,  cr  Strawsonite,  and  it  may  be  kept 
from  spreading  by  dusting  the  plants  with  such  powder,  coatiug  every 
part  of  the  foliage  and  fruit.  The  powder  should  be  very  lightly  used, 
employing  a  bellowa  apparatus  for  its  distribution.  Admit  air  freely, 
and  do  not  use  more  water  at  the  roots  or  about  the  house  than  is 
absolutely  necessary. 
Removing-  tlie  Outer  Skin  of  Honesty  Pods  (F.  A.  R.). — The 
stems  of  the  plants  should  not  be  cut  until  the  smallest  seed  vessels  are 
assuming  the  ripening  tints.  They  should  then  be  dried  in  a  cool  airy 
place,  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  days  the  outer  skin  will  have  parted 
at  the  base  from  the  inner  and  to  some  extent  at  the  edges,  when,  by 
placing  the  finger  or  a  paper  knife  in  the  parting  and  drawing  it 
upwards,  the  skin  will  usually  come  off  easily,  and  the  centre  part  have 
the  bright  silvery  look  so  much  admired  for  decoration.  The  skin  mn.st 
be  removed  on  both  aides,  takirg  care  not  to  injure  the  central  part  of 
the  pod.  The  process  is  sometimes  a  tedious  one,  at  others  readily 
effected.  It  is  important  that  the  spikes  be  cut  before  the  pods  are  very 
ripe,  but  not  before  they  are  becoming  sere,  then,  when  about  half  dry, 
the  outer  skins  may  be  removed,  and  the  inner  part  wdll  have  a  shiny 
pearl-like  appearance.  If  cut  when  old  and  brownish  the  inner  part  has 
a  dull  whitish  colour. 
Carnation  Xayers  Eying  (J.  L.). — If  you  cut  one  of  the  layers 
througu  will  aknite  you  will  find  thecentral  part  quite  brown,  which  isa 
result  of  the  abstraction  of  the  cell  contents  by  the  mycelium  of  some 
fungus,  which  confines  itself  to  the  woody  part,  leaving  the  bark  portion 
intact.  Thus  the  parasite  is  entirely  masked,  it  not  being  possible  to 
detect  what  is  going  on  inside  until  the  growths  wither.  On  certain 
leaves  you  may  also  observe  yellow  blotches  and  decay  from  the  tip. 
In  the  tissue  there  is  the  same  mycelial  threads  and  yellow  stain,  but 
we  failed  to  discoier  any  outgrowths  or  “fruits.”  The  hypha,  how¬ 
ever,  is  that  of  a  Fusarium,  and  very  similar,  if  not  identical  with 
the  species  which  sometimes  proves  destructive  to  Zonal  Pelargoniums, 
causing  their  comp’ete  collapse  in  some  places,  and  unfortunately  is 
on  the  increase.  There  is  no  remedy,  for  the  mycelium  cannot  be 
reached  by  any  external  application.  The  land  wants  lime — at  least, 
a  dressing  of  quicklime  is  an  excellent  preventive,  and  this  should 
be  dug  into  the  soil,  mixing  it  with  the  top  G  inches.  About  half  a 
bushel  should  be  used  on  fresh  or  old  ground  per  rod.  A  sprinkling 
of  salt  is  useful,  not'  using  more  than  3  lbs.  per  rod.  It  hardens  the 
plants,  but  has  little  effect  on  the  parasite.  Quicklime  prevents 
growths  from  the  resting  spores,  and  so  frustrates  the  destructive 
work  of  the  pro-mycelium,  which  is  the  chief  thing  to  aim  at. 
Diseased  Pear  and  Plum  Trees  (A  Constant  Reader). — 
The  Pear  leaves  are  badly  infested  by  the  larvae  (commonly  called  slug- 
worms)  of  the  Pea  and  Cherry  sawfly  (SelanOra),  which  feed  on  the 
upper  surface  of  the  leaves,  c  earingaway  the  whole  of  the  soft  substance, 
BO  that  the  veins  and  skin  of  the  lower  side  are  all  that  remain,  and  ibis 
only  for  a  short  time.  The  trees  affected  should  be  dusted  with  freshly 
slaked  lime,  applying  it  to  the  up^^er  surface  of  the  leaves,  repeating  the 
dusting  in  the  course  of  an  hour,  as  the  siugworms  exude  a  sort  of  slime, 
and  may  survive  the  first  dressing.  If  you  prefer  to  syringe,  place  a 
peck  of  unslaked  (freshly  burned)  lime  in  a  tub  and  pour  on  30  gallons 
of  water,  stirring  well  up,  and  leave  exposed  for  forty -eight  hours,  then 
syringe  the  trees  with  the  clear  lime  water  in  the  afternoon  of  a  fine 
day  when  the  sun  is  off  them,  or  dilute  the  tobacco  water  of  the  manu¬ 
facturers  with  six  times  its  balk  of  soft  water  and  syringe  the  treer, 
moistening  every  leaf  on  the  upper  surface;  this  will  kill  the  pestf, 
and  not  injure  the  treea  in  the  least.  The  various  advertised  insecticides, 
especially  those  containing  nicotine,  petroleum,  or  softsoap,  are 
thoroughly  efficacious.  The  Plum  shoots  are  badly  attacked  by  the  blue 
fly  (Aphis  pruni).  The  aphides  are  somewhat  difficult  to  get  at,  being 
enscimced  on  the  under  side  of  the  leaves,  and  their  bodies  are  protected 
by  a  mealy  coating,  so  that  they  throw  off  substances  intend*  d  for  their 
destructi*  n.  Something,  therefore,  that  will  cling  to  them  is  imperative. 
If  the  trees  are  against  walls,  or  even  pyramid  or  bushe.-*  in  the  open,  it 
would  be  advisable  to  remove  as  much  of  the  growth  as  can  be  spared, 
and  burn  the  parts  removed,  Tn  s  will  kill  thousands  or  millions  of 
insects,  then  syringe  the  trees  on  a  calm  evening  with  any  of  the 
advertised  insecticides,  directing  the  force  of  the  syringe  upwards,  it 
i.efng  necessary  to  get  the  solution  into  contact  with  the  bodies  of  the 
apbioes  It  you  prefer  a  home  mixture  dissolve  IJ  lb.  softtoap  in 
3  quarts  of  water  by  boiling,  and  when  dissolved  remove  from  the  fire 
and  pour  in  J  pint  of  petroleum,  stirring  briskly  till  thoroughly  amalga¬ 
mated,  then  dilute  to  12  gallons  with  hot  water,  and  when  cool  enough 
&pply  with  a  syringe,  wetting  every  shoot  and  leaf,  the  latter  on  the 
under  sidct  If  necessary,  repeat  the  application  in  the  course  of  two  or 
three  days,  and  when  the  aphides  are  destroyed  wash  the  trees  well 
with  clear  water. 
Diaquallficatlon  of  Fernsi  (^G.  Ashmore).*— Any  exhibit  in  a  class 
entit;ei“8ix  Ferns,”  which  consisted  of  five  Ferns  and  one  plant  of 
Asparagus  would  obviously  not  come  within  the  terms  of  the  schedule, 
and  consequently  was  open  to  disqualification.  When  the  judges  are 
SAtisfied,  as  in  this  case,  that  there  has  been  no  intention  to  deceive,  it 
is  not  unusual  for  an  extra  prize  to  be  recommended  when  such 
exhibit  is  treritorious.  We  think  this  course  is  sanctioned  in  the  judging 
code  (  f  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  which  see.  ■  " 
Plants  for  Extalbltlon  (77.  W.). — Although  the  Alocasias '  and 
Anthurium  crystaliinum  are  fine  decorative  plants,  and  tell  well  in  a 
collection,  they  are  not  considered  equal,  iroin  a  cultural  as  well  as 
decorative  point  of  view,  to  well-grown  and  coloured  Crotons,  conse¬ 
quently  would  not  count  as  many  points — in  fact,  not  mbie  than  two- 
thirds,  as  equally  well-done  Crotons,  When  the  latter  are  comparatively 
small  or  indifferently  cultivated,  being  poorly  colouied  or  not  well 
furnished,  then  the  plants  you  name  would  count  as  many  (joints  over 
them  as  they  would  otherwise  be  below  when  all  were  equally  well 
cultivated.  Good  cultivated  and  fine  specimen’s  are  excellent  in  a 
collection,  generally  receiving  due  consideration  from  judges,  they 
appreciating  variety,  and  when  of  equal  merit  give  preference  to  this 
rather  than  to  an  exhibit  of  similar  subjects.  If  you  have  not  Crotons 
by  all  means  show  the  others,  and  if  they  excel  in  cultivation  there  is  no 
question  where  the  prize  ticket  will  be  placed. 
N-ames  of  Plants. —  We  only  nndertake  to  name  species  of  plants) 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  irom  seeds  and  termed  florists’ flowers, 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fionds 
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, 
(^A.L  ). — 1,  Heuchera  sanguinea ;  2,Lv8imachia  Ephemernm.  (^Annnal), 
— Nemesia  strumosa  Suttoni.  (R.  L) — The  Zonal  Pelargoniums  you 
send  aie  florists’  flowers,  which  can  only  be  named  by  comparison  in  a 
large  collection.  Send  gcod  specimens  to  one  of  the  nurseiymen  who 
advertise  these  plants  in  the  Joninal,  an^'  he  will  doubtless  willingly 
assist  you. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— July  29th. 
FRUIT. 
9.  d. 
8.  d« 
d. 
Curcauts,  Black,  per  J  sieve 
6  8  to  7  0 
Lemons,  case  . 
11  PtOl4 
0 
H  Red,  „ 
3  0 
8  6 
Peaches . 
1  6 
8 
0 
Grapes,  per  lb . 
0  9 
-  2  0 
St.  Michael  Pines,  each 
2  0 
6 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
B.  d. 
8.  d. 
1 
A  d. 
8 
d. 
Asparaaas.  per  100  .. 
0  0 
to  0  u 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
0  2  tu  0 
0 
Beaus,  J  sieve  ..  ..  .. 
2  6 
0  0 
Onions,' bushel . 
3  6 
4 
0 
Beet.  Bed.doien . 
1  0 
0  0 
Parsley,  dozen  buuohet  . . 
2  0 
3 
0 
Oairo.s,  buuch  ..  ..  .. 
0  3 
0  4 
Parsnips,  dok>eu . 
1  0 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers,  doxen  ..  .. 
2  0 
3  0 
Potatoes,  per  cwt . 
2  0 
4 
0 
r.elery,  bundle  . 
I  0 
0  0 
Salsafy,  bundle  ..  ..  ., 
1  0 
1 
6 
Ooleworta,  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.  pa<i  . 
0  0 
4 
6 
Leeks,  buucb  . 
0  2 
0  0 
Sprouts,  half  siv . 
0  0 
0 
0 
Lettuce,  dozen . 
1  3 
0  0 
Tomatoes,  per  lb.  ..  .. 
0  2 
0 
4 
Mushrooms,  per  lb . 
0  6 
0  8 
Turnips,  bunch  ..  .t  .. 
0  3 
0 
0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
8.  d. 
g.  d. 
8.  d. 
3. 
a. 
Arbor  Vitie  (various)  doz. 
6  0  to  38  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.  each 
1 
to  5 
0 
Aspidistra,  dozen  . .  . . 
18  0 
36  0 
Fuchsias,  per  dozen 
3  0 
6 
0 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 
5  0 
10  6 
Heliotrope,  per  dozen 
4  0 
6 
0 
Bals-ims,  per  dozen . .  . . 
3  0 
4  0 
Hydrangea,  various,  doz.  .. 
9  0 
18 
0 
Calceolarias,  per  dozen 
4  0 
6  0 
Ivy  Geranium,  per  dozen  . 
3  0 
6 
0 
Oam()auuliis,  per  dozen  , . 
9  0 
18  0 
Lilium  Harrissi,  per  uozen 
12  0 
18 
0 
Oookacombs,  per  dozen  . , 
4  0 
6  0 
„  lancifolium,  doz. 
9  0 
It 
0 
Ora-sula,  per  dozen  ..  .. 
1-2  0 
24  0 
Lycopodiums,  dozen  . .  . . 
3  0 
‘ 
0 
Dracasna,  various,  dozen  .. 
12  0 
30  U 
Marguerite  Dai-sy. dozen  .. 
6  0 
9 
0 
Draceena  viridis,  dozen  . . 
8  0 
18  0 
Mignonette,  dozen  pots  . . 
4  0 
6 
0 
Buouymus,  var..  dozen  .. 
6  0 
18  0 
Myrtles,  dozen  . 
6  <■ 
9 
0 
Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 
6  0 
24  0 
Palms,  in  var.,  each  .. 
1  0 
16 
0 
Eerus  iij  variety. dozen  .. 
4  0 
19  0 
„  (specimens)  ..  .. 
21  0 
63 
0 
Ferns  (sirall)  per  hundred 
4  0 
6  0 
Pelargoniums,  per  dozen  . . 
6  0 
lu 
0 
Ficus  elastica, each  ,.  .. 
1  0 
7  0 
„  scarlets,  per  dozen 
3  0 
9 
0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE 
PRICES — OUT  FLOWERS.— Orchid  Blooms  in  vaiietv 
s«  d. 
s.  d. 
B.  d. 
s 
c* 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms 
2  U 
to  4  0 
Myosotis  or  Forget-me-not, 
Asparagus  Feru,  per  bunch 
2  0 
4  0 
dozen  bunches . 
1  6 
to  2 
0 
Bouvardlas,  buucb  .. 
0  4 
0  9 
Orchids,  various,  per  dozen 
OaruatiouB,  12  blooms 
0  6 
*  0 
blooms  . 
1  6 
12 
0 
,,  dezeu  bunches 
4  0 
8 
Pelargoniums.  12  bunches 
4  0 
6 
u 
Cornflower,  per  dozen 
Primula  (double),  ozen 
bunches  . 
1  0 
1  6 
n'rav- 
0  4 
0 
9 
Hhicbans. dozen . 
2  0 
4  0 
Pjrcthrum,  dozen  buuch*  s 
1  6 
3 
0 
Gardenias,  dozen  .,  .. 
1  6 
3  0 
Hose- (luUuorn  dozen 
C  6 
1 
6 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
„  Tea,  white,  dozen 
0  9 
u 
bunches  . 
3  u 
S 
,,  Yellow,  dozen  (Niels) 
2  0 
4 
0 
Lilium  lougiflerum,  twelve 
,,  Red,  dozen  blooms  ,, 
0  6 
1 
0 
blooms  . 
2  0 
4  0 
„  Safrano  (English), 
Maidenhair  Fern  per  dozen 
dozen . 
1  0 
2 
0 
bunches . 
4  0 
8  -j 
„  Pink,  per  dozen  . .  . . 
1  0 
2 
0 
Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 
I  0 
3  0 
„  dozen  bunches  ..  ,. 
2  6 
6 
0 
Mignonette,  per  dozen 
Smilax,  per  buuch  ..  .. 
2  0 
4 
0 
bunches . . 
3  0 
4  0 
Stephanotis,  dozen  sprays 
1  6 
2 
0 
Tliberoses,  1 2  blooms . .  . . 
0  4 
0 
e 
