Sfptem'ier  24,  1896. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
313 
Renovating  Vine  Borders  (^Amateur'), beet  time  to  renovate 
a  Vine  border  is  when  the  leaves  begin  to  turn  yellow,  but  before  they 
have  fallen.  The  best  compost  is  turfy  loam  taken  oS  a  pasture,  about 
2i  inches  thick,  where  the  soil  is  a  good  yellow  loam,  neither  too  light 
nor  too  heavy.  Add  to  the  turf  a  sixth  part  of  old  mortar  rubbish  and 
a  tenth  of  charcoal,  thoroughly  incorporated.  Thomson’s  manure  is  a 
good  application,  and  may  be  mixed  with  the  soil,  but  it  is  most 
economically  given  as  a  surface  dressing.  Wood  ashes  and  crushed 
bones  may  also  be  added  to  the  soil  with  advantage,  using  about  2  cwt. 
of  each  to  ten  cartloads  of  soil.  It  is  not  wise  to  lift  the  roots  in  both 
inside  and  outside  borders  the  same  season,  but  to  do  one  one  year  and 
another  the  next. 
Walnut  Trees  Coming  Into  Bearing  (jV(>vioe). — There  is  a 
great  difference  in  the  soil  and  locality  in  respect  of  the  age  at  which 
the  trees  come  into  bearing.  Trees  on  silicious  soils  and  calcareous 
soils  produce  fruit  sooner  than  trees  on  rich  and  moist  soils.  The  mode 
of  raising  also  affects  the  age  at  which  the  trees  bear ;  those  grafted 
come  into  bearing  in  about  half  the  time  that  those  raised  from  seed 
require.  Trees  of  the  common  Walnut  6  to  10  feet  high,  and  grown 
thinly  as  well  as  frequently  transplanted,  will  usually  bear  in  three  to 
five  years  after  being  placed  in  their  permanent  quarters.  The  earliest- 
bearing  is  Dwarf  Prolific,  w’hich  bears  abundantly  at  6  feet  high, 
affording  good-sized  well-flavoured  nuts,  and  is  a  variety  that  reproduces 
itself  from  seed.  It,  however,  requires  a  warm  soil  and  situation. 
Ordinary  varieties  of  the  common  Walnut  which  are  usually  raised  from 
seed  do  not  afford  profitable  crops  until  of  the  age  you  name — viz., 
thirty  or  forty  years.  The.  only  thing  likely  to  cause  trees  of  that  age 
to  bear  is  to  root-prune  them,  which  should  be  done  as  soon  as  the 
foliage  turns  yellow  or  is  beginning  to  fall.  In  order  to  secure  more 
fertile  trees,  scions  should  be  taken  from  trees  that  are  noted  for 
fertility  and  good  quality,  graiting  the  stocks  from  seed  so  as  to  secure 
earlier  bearing  and  a  certain  character.  For  elevated  and  northerly 
localities  the  Yorkshire  is  very  desirable. 
Spearmint  and  Peppermint  (0.  J?.). — Spearmint,  or  Green- 
mint,  is  Mentha  viridis,  a  native  of  Britain,  in  marshy  places.  The  plant 
has  a  strong  aromatic  odour,  with  a  warm  and  slightly  bitter  taste,  which 
is  less  pungent,  but  more  agreeable  than  that  of  peppermint.  The 
properties  of  the  plant  depend  on  a  volatile  oil,  obtained  by  distillation 
Oil  of  Spearmint  is  pale  yellow  or  greenish  when  fresh,  but  becomes 
darker  with  age,  and  ultimately  of  a  mahogany  colour  ;  it  is  used  for 
the  same  purposes  as  oil  of  peppermint.  Its  specific  gravity  is  0*975, 
and  its  boiling  point  820°.  Peppermint  (M.  peperita)  is  also  a  native 
of  Britain.  The  plant  has  a  warm,  pungent,  and  camphorous  taste,  leaving 
a  remarkable  cold  sensation  in  the  mouth.  Its  odour  is  very  strong, 
balsamic,  and  penetrating,  particularly  when  touched,  and  which  it  does 
not  lose  even  in  drying.  Peppermint  is  stimulant  and  aromatic,  and  ia 
good  against  nausea  and  flatulence.  Its  properties  are  owing  to  the 
presence  of  a  large  quantity  of  volatile  oil  which  it  contains,  and  iv 
obtained  by  distillation.  Oil  of  peppermint  is  greenish  yellow,  and  has 
a  strong  aromatic  odour,  with  a  warm,  camphorous,  and  very  pungent, 
taste.  Its  specific  gravity  is  0  920,  and  its  boiling  point  365°.  It  is 
often  adulterated  with  alcohol,  and  even  with  oil  of  turpentine.  Com¬ 
bined  with  alcohol  it  forms  essence  of  peppermint,  and  it  is  used 
medicinally  as  a  carminative  and  stimulant,  as  well  as  in  confectionery 
for  flavouring  bonbons.  Peppermint  water,  obtained  by  distillation,  is 
very  much  employed  in  tonic,  cordial,  and  anti-spasmodic  drinks. 
Alanurlnr  Borders  (0,  F.  0.). — They  are  best  manured  in 
autumn,  as  the  manuring  matter  is  assimilated  and  absorbed  by  the  soil 
ready  for  being  taken  up  by  the  roots  when  fresh  growth  takes  place, 
whereby  a  good  growth  is  assured  and  the  plants  flower  more  profusely. 
Nightsoil  and  soot  are  powerful  manures,  and  should  not  be  used 
excessively.  Soot  is  more  speedy  in  its  action,  and  should  not  be 
supplied  until  it  is  required  by  the  plants,  applying  it  to  flower  borders 
in  spring  during  moist  weather  when  the  plants  are  commencing 
growth.  It  is  good  against  predatory  vermin,  and  may  be  given  at 
the  rate  of  a  peck  per  rod  (30|  square  yards),  distributing  it  evenly  on 
the  surface,  and  unless  thrown  on  the  plants  in  excessive  quantity  will 
not  injure  them.  It  should,  however,  be  kept  from  those  with  hairy 
leaves.  During  March  or  early  April  is  a  good  time  to  apply  soot, 
repeating  in  June,  or  it  may  be- given  during  summer  in  1  quid  form  to 
any  plants  requiring  stimulation,  a  tablespoonfnl  to  a  gallon  of  water  is 
sufficient.  Being  rather  difficult  to  mix  it  should  be  formed  into  a 
paste  with  sufficient  water,  and  then  it  mixes  readily  with  water.  Night- 
soil  mixed  with  dry  fine  ashes  or  dry  soil  may  be  applied  at  the  rate  of 
a  bushel  per  rod  for  general  dressings,  the  ashes  or  soil  used  not  being 
more  than  an  equal  quantity  of  the  nightsoil  j  but  when  the  soil  is  poor 
it  may  be  applied  at  double  the  rate  named,  and  should  be  pointed  in. 
This  should  be  done  in  autumn  or  some  time  in  advance  of  growth  iu 
the  plants.  It  will  be  rendered  very  powerful  by  adding  urine  to 
form  a  paste  and  dry  wood  ashes  to  turn  it  into  a  dry  pcwder. 
This  kept  in  a  dry  place  is  little  inferior  to  guano,  and  can  be  applied 
to  any  crop  with  material  benefit.  A  good  handful  per  square  yard  is 
a  sufficient  dressing  to  apply  at  once,  and  before  cropping,  or  a  little 
in  advance  of  the  plants  requiring  assistance  in  accelerating  their 
growth  or  enlarging  their  parts. 
IVames  of  Trults. — Notioe. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  wh6  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  ipade  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  vvhich  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior' 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  number  of  worthless  Apples  an^ 
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  ref  end  ng  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.  (Ji  T.j, — 1,  Hawthornden  ;  2,  unrecog¬ 
nised,  probably  local ;  3,  Springroee  Codlin  ;  4,  Greenup’s  Pippin  ; 
5,  not  known  ;  6,  Griine  Reinette,  (^E.  K.'). — 1,  Rosemary  Russet 
if  the  Pear  is  not  Pitmaston  Duchess  we  are  unable  to  identify  it,  but 
this  is  one  which  is  influenced  materially  by  the  stock  on  which  it  is 
grafted  ;  2,  Beurr4  d’Amanlis  ;  3,  Vicar  of  Winkfield.  (T.  P,'). — 1,  Bed¬ 
fordshire  Foundling  ;  2,  Merede  Manage  ;  3,  Tower  of  Glamis  ;  4,  Lemon 
Pippin ;  5,  Gloria  Mundi  ;  6,  Fearn’s  Pippin.  (J.  0.  P.  C.j. — We  can 
only  name  one  of  your  specimens,  the  small  yellow  and  red  Apple,  which 
is  Kerry  Pippin.  P.  S.)  — The  green  Apple  is  Warner’s  King  ;  the 
red  one  Cox’s  Pomona.  It  is  difficult  to  name  Pears  so  variable,  possibly 
it  is  Summer  Bon  Chietien.  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  sometimes  becomes 
gritty  at  the  core.  (T.  0.). — Apples  small  specimens  of  Gravenstein 
Pear  bard,  possibly  Beurr^  Diel. 
xrames  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. 
(4.  IF.). — 1,  Sibthorpia  europsea  ;  2,  Adiantum  capil Ins- Veneris  ;  3, 
Gypsopbila  elegans  rosea  ;  4,  Adiantum  decorum  ;  5,  Adiantum,  frond 
imperfect ;  6,  Asplenium  lanatum.  (/.  F.). — 1,  Hibiscus  syriacus  ;  2, 
Menziesia  polifolia ;  3,  Martynia  fragrans ;  4,  Veronica  rupestris. 
(^R.  B.  R.). — 1,  Leycesteria  formosa  ;  2,  Rivina  humilis  ;  3,  Tradescantia 
zebrina  ;  4,  Alousoa  incisifolia.  (F.  L.j. — 1,  Helianthus  multiflorus 
2,  Rudbeckia  purpurea  ;  3,  Too  much  withered  to  be  recognised.  Send- 
a  fresh  specimen  properly  packed,  and  we  will  endeavour  to  oblige  you. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— Septkmbeb  23rd. 
FRUIT, 
s.  d.  a.  d.  I 
1  3  to  2  6  Peaches . 
30  0  0  0  I  Plum?.  J  sieve  ..  .. 
0  6  16’  8t.  Michael  Pines,  each 
11  0  14  0  ' 
VEaETA.BLE3. 
d.  : 
Apples,  J  sieve . 
FUbertsandOobSiperlOOlbs, 
tirapes,  per  lb . 
Lemons,  caae  . 
Asparaf  ns,  per  100  . 
Beans,  J  sieve  . 
Beet,  R<^,do«en . 
qarro'..a,  bunch  ..  .. 
Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . 
Celery,  bundle . 
Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 
Oucnmbers ,  dozen  . .  . 
Endive,  dozen  . . 
Herbs,  bunch  . . 
Leeks,  bunch  .. 
Lettuce,  dozen  ..  ,,  .. 
Mushrooms,  per  lb.  ..  . 
s.  d. 
0  0  to  0  0 
1  0 
1  3 
1  6 
0  0 
0  0 
0  0 
0  8 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
Onions,  bushel . 
Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 
Parsnips,  dozen . 
Potatoes,  per  cwt . 
Salsafy,  bundle . 
Seakale,  per  basket 
Scorzonera,  bundle 
Shallots,  per  lb  .. 
Spinach,  pad 
Sprouts,  half  sly.. 
Tomatoes,  per  lb. 
Turnips,  bunch  .. 
•  •  •  • 
PLANTS  IN  POTS. 
Arbor  Vitae  (various)  doz. 
Asters,  dozen  pots  . .  . , 
Aspidistra,  dozen  ..  .. 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 
Ohrysantbemums,  per  doz. 
Dracasua,  various,  dozen  .. 
Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 
Erica,  per  dozen  , ,  , . 
Euonymn3,var.,  dozen  .. 
Evergreens,  in  variety, 
dozen  . 
Perns  in  variety,  dozen  .. 
Perns  (small)  per  hundred 
8.  d.  8. 
6  0to36 
3 
18 
6 
4 
12 
9 
9 
6 
36 
10 
6 
30 
18 
12 
18 
24 
18 
6 
Ficus  elastica,  each  .. 
Foliage  plants,  var.  each 
Heliotrope,  per  dozen 
Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 
Lycopodiums,  dozen  . .  .. 
Marguerite  Daisy, dozen  .. 
Mignonette,  dozen  pots  . . 
Palms,  in  var..  each  ..  .. 
,,  (specimens'  ..  .. 
Pelargoniums,  scarlets,  per 
dozen  , .  . .  . . 
Solannms,  per  dozen  , .  . . 
AVBRAOB  WHOLESALE  PRIOBS.— OUT 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 
Asparagus  Fern,  per  bunch 
Asters,  dozen  bunches 
Bouvardias,  bunch  .. 
Carnations,  12  blooms 
„  dozen  bunches 
Ohrysanthemums,  dozen 
bunches  . 3 
Ohrysanthemums,  cozen 
blooms  . 0 
Bucbaris,  dozen . 1 
Gardenias,  dozen  ..  ..  1 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz, 
bunches  .  3 
Lilac  (French),  per  dozen  .  6 
Lilium  longiflorum,  twelve 
blooms  . 3 
„  lancifolium,  12  blooms  1 
Maidenhair  Fern, per  dozen 
bunches . 4  0 
d. 
0 
0 
0 
4 
6 
0 
9 
6 
6 
0 
0 
0 
0 
to 
s.  d. 
4  0 
2  6 
6  0 
0  9 
2  0 
9 
4  0 
3  0 
3  0 
3  0 
5  0 
7  6 
6  0 
2  6 
8  0 
Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 
Mignonette,  per  dozen 
Orchids, various,  per  dozen 
blooms  . 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 
Pjrethrum,  dozen  'bunches 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen 
,,  Tea,  white,  dozen 
,,  Yellow,  dozen  (Niels) 
,,  Red,  dozen  blooms 
„  Safrano  (English), 
dozen . 
„  Pink,  per  dozen  . .  . . 
„  dozen  bunches  ..  .. 
Smilax,  per  bunch  ..  .. 
Stephanotis,  dozen  sprays 
f  unflowers,  dozen  bunches 
Tuberoses.  12  blooms. . 
Violets,  per  doz.  bunches  . . 
•.  d. 
a. 
d- 
1  0  to  6 
0 
2  9 
3 
6 
i  0 
6 
C 
s.  d. 
s. 
dr 
0  2  to  0 
0 
3  6 
4 
0 
2  0 
-  i 
0 
1  0 
0 
0 
2  0 
4 
0 
1  0 
1 
6 
0  0 
0 
0 
1  6 
0 
0 
0  3 
0 
0 
0  0 
4 
6 
0  0 
0 
0 
0  2 
0 
4 
0  3 
0 
0 
s.  d. 
8. 
d. 
1  0 
to  7 
0 
1  0 
s 
0 
4  0 
6 
O’ 
8  0 
12 
0 
3  0 
4 
0- 
8  0 
9 
0 
4  0 
6 
O' 
6  0 
9 
0 
1  0 
18 
0 
21  0 
63 
0 
2  0 
4 
0 
12  0  15 
3  in  Tbilety . 
a 
8.  d. 
s. 
d- 
1  0  to  3 
0 
2  0 
4 
0 
1  6 
12 
0 
4  0 
6 
0 
1  6 
3 
0 
0  6 
1 
6 
0  9 
2 
0 
2  0 
4 
0 
0  6 
1 
0, 
1  0 
2 
0 
1  0 
2 
0 
3  0 
6 
0 
1  8 
3 
0 
1  6 
3 
0 
1  6 
2 
0 
0  2 
0 
4 
1  6 
2 
0 
