September  10,  IS  98. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER^ 
261 
The  best  twelve  bunches  of  Pompons,  six  in  a  bunch,  came  from 
llessrs.  T.  Perkins  &  Sons,  the  flowers  somewhat  large,  bat  fresh  and 
clean  ;  among  them  E.  F,  Jungker.  Fashion,  Golden  Gem,  Darkness, 
White  Aster,  lolanthe.  Whisper,  and  Eurydice.  Messrs.  H.  E.  &  W.  Lacke, 
nurserymen,  Wellingborough,  were  second  with  twelve  bunches  of  single 
Dahlias,  six  in  a  bunch.  Messrs.  T.  Perkins  Sons  were  again  first, 
having  large  and  somewhat  coarse  blooms  of  James  Scobie,  Chilwell 
Gem,  W.  A.  Hardy,  Lutea  gran'diflora,  Mrs.  Goldring,  Negress,  and  White 
•Queen,  a  set  of  single  varieties  which  for  exhibition  purposes  should 
be  changed  for  something  of  a  newer  and  more  refined  character. 
In  the  amateurs*  division  the  best  twelve  Dahlias,  Show  or  Fancy, 
came  from  Mr.  A.  Robinson,  Wellingborough.  Mr.  T.  Hall  was  second. 
With  six  blooms  Mr.  W.  Mason  was  first,  and  Mr.  E.  R.  Ball  second,  the 
varieties  much  as  those  previously  named.  Mr.  Robinson  had  the  best 
twelve  Cactus  and  decorative ;  Mr.  Mason  taking  the  second  prize  ;  but 
he  came  in  first  with  six  blooms  ;  Mr.  W.  Partridge  being  second. 
With  six  cut  blooms,  any  varieties,  in  which  almost  all  the  types  com¬ 
peted,  Mr.  A.  Robinson  came  first  with  two  blooms  each  of  three  varieties 
of  Cactus.  Mr.  F.  Coles  was  second.  Pompons  of  poor  quality  were  also 
shown  in  this  division. 
In  the  open  class  for  twelve  Roses  Messrs.  T.  Perkins  &  Sons  were 
first,  having  a  few  pretty  Teas  and  some  fair  Hybrid  Perpetuals.  Mr. 
J.  Hayes,  The  Gardens,  Castle  Ashby,  Northampton,  was  second.  Mr. 
J.  Iver,  Wellingborough,  had  the  best  six  stove  or  greenhouse  plants, 
having  a  good  piece  of  Livlstonia  australis.  Yucca  aloifolia  variegata  in 
bloom,  and  very  good  specimens  of  Adiantum  Oweni,  grandiceps,  Pacotti, 
and  Grande.  Mr.  Hayes  was  second,  having  a  nice  piece  of  Kentia 
australis,  Lapageria  rosea,  Stephanotis  fioribunda,  a  fine  piece  of  Nephro- 
lepis  exaltata,  and  two  others. 
In  the  open  classes  for  fruit  of  six  distinct  species  Mr,  Hayes  was  a 
good  first  with  a  fine  Queen  Pine,  Lady  Downe’s  Grapes,  Pears,  Figs, 
Nectarines,  and  Melons.  Mr.  J.  Glaminster,  Hardingstone,  was  second. 
The  best  dish  of  culinary  Apples  was  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch  from  Mr.  G. 
Douglas,  Wellingborough.  Mr.  T.  Pendered  was  second  with  the  same, 
and  Messrs.  Clayson  &  Sons  third  with  a  dish  of  fine  Annie  Elizabeth. 
The  best  dessert  Apple  was  Lady  Sudeley  from  Mr.  Hayes,  Mr.  Pendered 
again  second  with  Worcester  Pearmain,  and  the  same  variety  took  the 
third  prize.  The  best  dish  of  Pears  was  Souvenir  de  CongrSs  from  Mr. 
Hayes.  Mr.  H.  Arkwright,  Knuston  Hall,  was  second  with  Louise  Bonne 
of  Jersey,  very  good  ;  and  Mr,  T.  Pendered  third  with  Pitmaston  Duchess, 
The  best  Plums  were  Cox’s  Emperor,  Jefferson,  and  Pond’s  Seedling. 
In  the  amateurs’  division  there  were  classes  for  Asters  and  Roses; 
The  weather  had  seriously  affected  the  flowers.  Plants  were  also  shown, 
and  they  comprised  good  specimen  Vallota  purpurea.  Plumbago  capensis 
alba,  and  Ferns. 
The  best  collection  of  eight  varieties  of  vegetables  in  the  open  class 
came  from  Mr.  Hayes,  all  good  ;  but  his  Turnips  and  Potatoes  were  over- 
large.  Mr.  J.  Glamister  was  second.  In  the  amateurs’ division  the  best 
collection  of  six  varieties  was  staged  by  Mr.  W.  Clark,  Mr,  J.  Lichfield 
taking  the  second  prize,  both  grown  at  Rushden.  There  were  classes 
ior  Beans,  Peas,  Onions,  Cauliflowers,  Potatoes,  and  Carrots,  in  which 
some  good  examples  were  staged. 
Among  miscellaneous  collections  Messrs,  T.  Perkins  &  Sons  had 
plants  and  bouquets ;  Messrs.  H.  E.  &  W.  Lacke  a  good  collection  of  fine 
Apples  from  small  trees  ;  and  Mr.  John  Green,  Dereham,  bunches  of 
Cactus  Dahlias,  among  them  his  new  variety  Aurora,  to  which  a  certificate 
of  merit  was  awarded. 
ASTER  DIPLOSTEPHIOIDES. 
We  give  an  engraving  (fig.  51)  of  this  fine  and  somewhat  rare  Aster 
That  it  is  so  seldom  seen  in  gardens  is  no  doubt  to  be  accounted  for  by 
the  difficulty  experienced  in  its  cultivation  in  some  parts  of  the  country 
Described  in  1836  by  De  Candolle  in  his  “  Prodromus”  under  the  name 
of  Heterocbaeta  diplostephioides  and  figured  in  the  “  Bot.  Mag.,”  t.  6718, 
it  would  have  been  frequently  met  with  could  it  be  regarded  as  a  true 
perennial  in  most  gardens.  This  is  not  so,  however,  as  in  many  places  it 
proves  to  be  only  a  biennial.  In  several  instances  which  have  come 
within  notice  it  has  not,  however,  proved  so  satisfactory,  and  has 
consequently  been  discarded.  This  appears  to  be  a  common  occurrence 
with  many  plants  from  the  Himalayas,  of  which  A,  diplostephioides  is  a 
native.  Many  of  them  are  very  fastidious  in  their  ways,  and  while 
flourishing  in  some  gardens  are  failures  in  others. 
A.  diplostephioides  grows  from  16  to  24  inches  in  height  and 
produces  beautiful  flowers  of  large  size,  in  some  cases  nearly  4  inches  in 
diameter.  The  ray  florets  are  bright  blue  purple  with  a  bronzy  coloured 
zone  and  a  blackish  purple  disc.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  its  successful 
culture  in  some  gardens  may  lead  to  it  being  more  frequently  seen. 
GARDENERS’  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 
INSTITUTIONS. 
The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — Secretary, 
Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram,  60,  Parliament  Street,  London,  W.C. 
United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society. — 
Secretary,  Mr.  W.  Oollins,  9,  Martindale  Road,  Balham,  London,  S.W. 
Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — Secretary,  Mr.  A.  F.  Barron, 
The  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund,  Chiswick,  W, 
WOKK.F0fi.THEWEEK. 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
Tying'  and  Nailing  Wall  Trees. — All  trees  needing  attention 
in  this  respect  should  be  dealt  with  as  opportunity  offers.  A  regular 
system  of  securing  the  shoots  selected  for  retaining  has  the  effect  of 
preserving  the  trees  in  good  shape,  and  of  insuring  the  full  and  com¬ 
plete  ripening  of  the  new  wood.  Both  are  points  of  importance,  the 
first  on  account  of  the  permanent  appearance  which  the  trees  will 
present,  the  second  in  order  that  satisfactory  crops  of  fruit  may  be 
produced  the  following  and  future  years.  There  are  other  objects 
attained.  Crowding  is  avoided  because  the  superfluous  shoots  are  readily 
detected  and  quickly  suppressed.  The  warmth  of  the  wall  assists  the 
ripening  processes,  thoroughly  ripe  consolidated  tissues  being  better  able 
to  withstand  unfavourable  winters.  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Morello 
Cherries  are  the  fruits  chiefly  managed  on  this  system,  but  it  is  also 
applied,  though  not  quite  so  generally,  to  Apricots,  Plums,  and  Cherries. 
Sbortenlng  Summer  Orowths.— Where  the  foreright  or  lateral 
shoots  emanating  from  the  spur  clusters  on  restricted  trees  in  any 
position  have  been  allowed  to  extend  unchecked,  such  ought  now  to  be 
cut  back  to  the  fourth  leaf.  It  is  late  to  advise  this  method  of  summer 
pruning,  but  it  is  better  than  leaving  the  growths  at  full  length  until 
the  winter  pruning.  Frequently  it  is  found  that  old  established  trees 
possess  a  sufficient  number  of  spurs,  though  they  may  be  rather  weak, 
without  originating  more  by  shortening  lateral  shoots.  In  such  cases  the 
latter  may  be  cut  out  entirely,  removing  them  close  to  their  origin. 
This  will  allow  of  the  energies  of  the  trees  being  diverted  to  the  support 
of  the  short,  weak  spurs,  strengthening  them  considerably,  but  not  at 
this  late  date  inciting  them  into  fresh  growth.  Should  this  happen 
with  many  of  the  spurs  the  object  aimed  at  would  be  frustrated.  It 
would  certainly  show  that  root  pruning  is  absolutely  necessary  to  check 
exuberant  growth. 
Shortening  Sub-lateral  Orqioths. — Early  shortened  summer  growths 
on  restricted  trees,  whether  on  walls  or  in  the  open,  in  many  cases  have 
again  broken  into  growth  from  the  upper  bud  or  buds.  Prune  such  back 
to  the  first  leaf,  which  will  prevent  the  sap  being  drawn  away  from  the 
lower  buds  where  fruit  spurs,  it  is  desirable,  should  form.  This  produc¬ 
tion  of  secondary  growth  is  evidence  of  vigour,  though  not  of  so  power¬ 
ful  character  that  the  management  indicated  will  not  keep  it  in  check. 
Tblnnlngr  Gooseberry  Bnsbes. — Gooseberry  bushes  make  large 
quantities  of  growth  in  one  season,  comparatively  young  trees  frequently 
doing  so  to  the  extent  of  preventing  the  wood  being  properly  ripened 
owing  to  their  crowded  state.  This  renders  it  imperative  to  judiciously 
regulate  the  growths  for  the  purpose  of  admitting  light  and  air  to  act 
upon  the  leaves.  The  winter  pruning  will  be  much  simplified,  being 
almost  rendered  unnecessary  if  the  treatment  in  question  is  carried  out 
at  the  present  time  in  a  complete  manner.  The  above  refers  to  free 
grown  bushes  which  are  pruned  on  the  principle  of  retaining  an  ample 
number  of  well  placed  young  shoots. 
Standard  Tlam  Trees. — Trees  cleared  of  their  crops  may  be  care¬ 
fully  examined  for  the  purpose  of  noting  any  irregularities  in  growth, 
and  remedying  them  by  disposing  the  branches  to  the  best  advantage 
and  cutting  out  dead  wood.  In  addition  a  thorough  washing  with  the 
garden  engine  from  various  points  would  be  extremely  beneficial  in 
cleansing  the  ‘oliage. 
Raspberry  Qaarters. — Cut  out  close  to  the  ground  all  the  old 
bearing  canes  and  thin  out  the  weakest  of  the  new  growths,  retaining 
five  or  six  of  the  best  to  each  clump  or  stool.  If  planted  in  lines  then 
thin  out  to  reasonable  distances.  The  strongest  canes  will  produce  the 
best  fruit.  Dig  up  suckers  springing  out  of  the  ground  at  a  distance 
away  from  the  plants  if  not  wanted  for  new  plantations.  Fork  out  all 
strong  weeds,  hoeing  the  remainder,  and  spread  over  the  roots  a  layer  of 
rich  manure,  the  fertilising  elements  in  which  will  be  washed  among  the 
surface  fibres  by  the  autumn  rains.  Raspberries  should  always  be 
manured  from  the  surface,  seldom,  if  ever,  employing  fork  or  spade  to  bury 
the  manure,  especially  within  the  space  fully  occupied  with  a  network 
of  fibrous  roots. 
Gatberlngr  Fruit. — Trees  having  fruit  approaching  maturity  must 
be  frequently  looked  over  in  order  that  the  most  forward  may  be  gathered 
before  they  fall,  which  renders  them  useless  for  keeping  long.  Con¬ 
siderable  difference  is  noticeable  in  the  time  of  ripening  on  one  tree 
alone,  and  it  is  wise  to  gather  at  short  intervals,  that  the  individual 
fruits  may  be  secured  in  the  best  condition.  The  first  tinge  of  ripeness 
is  usually  a  test  of  their  fitness  to  gather,  and  :f  the  fruits  are  raised  to 
an  horizontal  position  the  stalks  detach  themselves  from  the  spurs.  If 
left  until  ripening  advances  too  far  the  fruits  are  mealy.  If  gathered 
too  soon  they  are  liable  to  shrivel,  an  obvious  disadvantage  both  in 
appearance  and  flavour. 
FRUIT  FORCING. 
Vines. — Midseason  Houses. — When  the  Grapes  have  been  cleared 
from  the  Vines  divest  the  shoots  of  their  laterals  down  to  the  principal 
buds,  which  are  to  be  retained  for  next  year’s  fruiting ;  but  be  careful 
to  avoid  injuring  the  old  leaves,  fo^  upon  their  preservation  in  health 
depends  the  maturation  and  plumping  of  the  buds,  also  the  storing  of 
