October  1,  1896. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
339 
Three  Queries  (^Tomato  Ho^ises'). — 1,  The  high-preasure  boilers  and 
system  of  heating  answer  well  for  glass  structures,  we  having  had  ex¬ 
perience  of  them  in  heating  conservatories  and  vineries.  2,  The  best 
aspect  for  Tomato  houses  with  regard  to  the  sun  is  to  place  them  with 
the  ends  north-east  and  south-west,  but  the  majority  are  fixed  with  the 
ends  north  and  south,  and  not  a  few  midway  of  the  first  named — namely, 
ends  north-east  by  north  and  south-west  by  south.  Good  results  are  had 
from  all  three  positions.  3,  It  is  immaterial  whether  you  have  a  house 
200  feet  long  or  two  houses  each  100  feet  long  side  by  side,  but  the  latter 
is  generally  preferred  for  matter  of  succession  and  convenience. 
Peat  Moss  Xiltter  for  Mushrooms  —  Some  persons 
have  grown  very  good  Mushrooms  in  this  material  after  it  has  been  used 
in  stables,  though  many  have  failed.  The  subject  is  mentioned  in 
“  Mushrooms  for  the  Million,”  Is.,  or  post  free  from  this  office  Is.  2d., 
where  a  dozen  methods  of  growing  Mushrooms  are  treated.  The  litter 
"traries  very  much  when  it  comes  from  stables,  and  requires  careful 
preparation.  We  should  only  try  it  experimentally  at  first,  alone  or 
mixetl  with  the  refuse  of  stables  in  which  straw  has  been  used  as 
bedding.  It  pays  many  cultivators  to  buy  the  best  manure  of  the  last 
named  kind  for  Mushroom  beds,  and  it  is  bought  yearly  by  hundreds  of 
tons  for  that  purpose. 
Freeslas  (A'.  Y.  Z). — Freesia  refracta  we  find  illustrated  in  vol.  ii. 
of  Curtis’  ”  Botanical  Eegister,”  which  was  published  in  1816,  where  it 
is  stated  that  ”  The  present  is  one  of  the  rarest  species  of  the  tribe,  and 
as  far  as  we  can  trace  has  been  now  first  introduced  from  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope  by  Messrs.  Lee  k  Kennedy  of  the  Hammersmith  Nursery, 
where  the  drawing  was  made  in  June.  The  stem  or  culm  is  from 
1^  foot  to  more  than  2  feet  long,  and  of  the  size  and  appearance  to  be 
expected  in  a  Grass  of  the  same  stature,  divided  into  three  or  four 
divaricate  distant  branches,  each  terminated  by  a  spike  of  about  seven 
flowers  as  well  as  itself.  The  foliage  consists  of  several  grassy  slightly 
glaucous  narrow  leaves,  equitant  and  sheathing  below,  facing  each  other 
by  the  edges  of  the  blade,  reaching  to  the  base  of  the  uppermost  spike. 
Flowers  fragrant,  inverted,  about  IJ  inch  deep,  of  a  pale  greenish  yellow 
colour,  mottled  with  a  deep  orange  yellow  within  the  faux,  and  at  the 
sides  of  the  segments  of  the  lower  lip.  Spathes  very  small,  white,  when 
viewed  near  streaked  with  purple,  scarcely  higher  than  the  germen  they 
enclose.  Stamens  ascendent,  scarcely  surmounting  the  orifice  of  the 
faux.  Stigmas  bifid,  with  uneven  tips.”  This  will  be  interesting  to  you, 
and  though  the  authority  does  not  say  the  precise  year  of  introduction, 
the  inference  is  that  it  came  to  this  country  in  1816. 
Growing  Onions  for  Pickling  (TF.  Z>.,  Gloucester'). — We  do  not 
know  exactly  “  how  the  Dutch  cultivate  Onions  for  pickling,”  but  we 
know  how  excellent  crops  of  small  bulbs  are  obtained  by  some  of  the 
London  market  gardeners.  They  turn  up  a  piece  of  ground,  bringing  up 
a  layer  of  the  poor  subsoil,  and  spread  this  6  or  6  inches  thick  on  the 
surface.  This  poor  soil  is  made  fine  enough  on  the  surface  for  sowing, 
and  on  it  seeds  are  scattered  broadcast  very  thickly  indeed  late  in  the 
spring — the  end  of  April  or  early  in  May.  So  lavishly  is  the  seed  used 
that  the  plants  appear  “  as  thick  as  grass.”  There  seems  to  be  just 
enough  food  in  the  soil  to  sustain  them  for  a  time,  or  in  other  words, 
sufficient  for  the  growth  of  small  bulbs  only.  The  plants  commence 
withering  early,  and  we  have  seen  the  mass  of  “  picklers  ”  almost  so 
closely  packed  together  that  the  soil  could  scarcely  be  seen  between 
them.  After  the  bulbs  are  cleared  off  the  ground  Is  turned  over  agsin, 
bringing  the  better  to  the  surface  once  more,  and  the  land  is  in  splendid 
condition  for  autumn  crops.  The  ordinary  Silver-skinned  pickling 
Onion  is  the  variety  generally  grown,  but  some  persons  sow  seed  of  the 
Queen  in  the  same  way,  and  with  the  same  object  in  view. 
Cucumber  Roots  Diseased  (IF.  S,).  —  The  nodosities  on  the 
fibres,  excrescences  on  the  large  roots,  and  the  swollen  or  clubbed  root 
stem  are  caused  by  eelworm,  which  by  its  entrance  into  and  action 
amongst  the  tissues  results  in  such  production  pf  cellular  matter  whereby, 
the  eelworm  is  supplied  with  an  abundance  of  food  and  harbour,  and 
the  part  of  the  plant  above  that  affected  suffers  through  the  diverting 
and  arresting  of  the  nourishment.  Thus  the  plant  gradually  becomes 
enfeebled,  stunted,  and  sickly  in  growth,  the  leaves  flagging  under  the 
influence  of  strong  light,  and  finally  succumbing  to  the  eelworm.  This, 
in  your  case,  comprises  root-knot  eelworm  (Heterodera  radicicola)  in 
the  free  state — that  is,  eel-like  forms  in  the  tissues  and  capable  of 
translocation,  also  Pear  or  flask-shaped  bodies—  gravid  females — embedded 
in  the  cellular  matter,  and  incapable  of  movement  from  place  to  place. 
When  the  eelworm  is  in  such  condition  there  is  considerable  difficulty  in 
effecting  its  destruction,  for  the  solution  supplied  must  be  of  a  nature 
that  will  be  absorbed  and  effect  the  death  of  the  eelworm  withoutlnjury 
to  the  living  tissues  of  the  roots.  This  we  have  found,  in  the  case  of 
Cucumbers,  to  be  safest  effected  by  a  solution  of  soluble  phenyle,  1  gill 
pint)  to  3  gallons  of  rain  or  soft  water,  supplying  a  corresponding 
amount  of  the  solution  as  in  an  ordinary  watering,  always  sufficient 
to  moisten  the  soil  through,  about  1  gallon  applied  through  a  rose 
sufficing  for  a  square  yard  of  bed  of  1  foot  depth,  the  soil  being,  as 
it  should,  in  a  moderately  moist  condition.  Afterwards  the  phenyle 
solution  may  be  repeated  once  or  twice  when  the  soil  needs  watering, 
and  if  the  plants  are  not  too  far  gone  they  will  recover,  growing 
vigorously  and  producing  an  abundance  of  fruit,  for  the  soluble  phenyle 
is  a  manure  and  worth  its  cost  on  that  account.  Under  any  circum¬ 
stances  it  will  destroy  the  eelworm  in  the  tissmes  of  the  plant  and  in  the 
soil,  so  that  the  latter  is  thoroughly  disinfected  and  the  eelworm 
completely  annihilated,  so  far  as  thoroughly  treated  with  the  soluble 
phenyle  solution. 
Wames  of  Fruits. — .N^otioe.—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  he  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,  (Cl  H.  B.,  Preston). — If  No.  1  is  not 
Irish  Peach  we  do  not  know  what  it  is.  The  fruit  is  well  grown,  but 
not  so  highly  flavoured  as  in  the  South  ;  2,  Red  Margaret.  (^B.  A  ). — 
There  are  no  numbers  on  the  fruits.  Large  Apple,  Sandringham  ;  dark 
one,  Mere  de  Mdnage  ;  small  fruit,  Trumpington.  (IF.  B.).  —  Golden 
Eagle,  one  of  the  best  yellow  Peaches.  (.S.  P.). — 1,  Marie  Louise;. 
2,  Too_  unripe  to  identify  ;  3,  Beurrd  Diel ;  4,  Louue  Bonne;  5,  Belle 
des  Bois.  (F.  P,,  Bolton). — The  fruit  resembles  a  small  Golden  Eagle; 
but  positive  identification  is  impossible  in  the  absence  of  leaves. 
zarames  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. 
0.). — The  flowers  were  dead  when  they  arrived  through  bad  pack¬ 
ing.  (i2.  0.).  —  Name  next  week.  (A.  W.).  —  1,  Helianthus  deca- 
petalus;  2,  Helenium  autumnale ;  3,  Rudbeckia  occidentalis ;  -4, 
Rudbeckia  speciosa,  syn.  R.  Newmanni ;  5,  Chrysanthemum  maximum 
6,  not  in  flower. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET, — September  30th, 
FRUIT. 
a. 
d 
s.  d. 
1 
1. 
d. 
d- 
Apples,  4  sieve . 
1 
3  to  2  6 
1  Peaches . 
1 
0  to 
6 
0 
Pilbertsand  OobSjperlOOlbe. 
30 
0 
0  0 
1  Plums,  J  sieve  . 
2 
9 
3 
Grapes,  per  lb . 
0 
6 
1  6 
1  St.  Michael  Pines,  each  .. 
2 
0 
6 
Q 
Lemons,  case  . 
11 
0 
14  0 
i 
VEGETABLES. 
s. 
d. 
3.  d. 
1 
s. 
d. 
Sc 
d.- 
Asparagus,  per  100  . .  . . 
0 
0 
to  0  0 
'  Mustard  and  Ore8B,'punnet 
0 
2  to  0 
0- 
Beaus,  ^  sieve  . 
1 
3 
1  6 
Onions,  bushel . 
3 
6 
4 
0 
Beet,  Red,  dozen . 
1 
0 
0  0 
Parsley,  dozen  bunohes  .. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Oarrots,  bunch . 
0 
3 
0  4 
Parsnips,  dozen . 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Oaulifloweis,  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  bunohes 
2 
0 
4  0 
Seakale,  per  basket  ..  .. 
b 
0 
0 
0 
Ououmbers,  dozen  ..  .. 
1 
0 
2  6 
Soorzonera,  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 
O' 
Lettuce,  dozen . 
1 
3 
0  0 
Tomatoes,  per  lb . 
0 
2 
0 
4 
Mushrooms,  per  lb . 
0 
6 
0  8 
Turnips,  bunoh  ..  .,  .. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS.- 
3. 
d. 
0.  d. 
8. 
d. 
3. 
d#- 
Arbor  Vit®  (various)  doz. 
6 
0  to  36  0 
Ficus  elastics,  each  ,,  .. 
1 
0  to  7 
0 
Asters,  dozen  pots  . .  . . 
3 
0 
6  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.  eaoh 
1 
0 
5 
0 
Aspidistra,  dozen  . .  . . 
18 
0 
36  0 
Heliotrope,  per  dozen 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Aspidistra ,  specimen  plant 
6 
0 
10  8 
Lycopodiums,  dozen  , . 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 
4 
0 
6  0 
Marguerite  Daisy  .dozen  .. 
■6 
0 
9 
0 
Draciena, various,  dozen  .. 
12 
0 
30  0 
Mignonette,  dozen  pots  . . 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Draoiena  viridis,  dozen  .. 
8 
0 
18  0 
Myrtles,  dozen  . 
8 
0 
9 
0 
Erica,  per  dozen  . .  . . 
9 
0 
12  0 
Palms,  in  var..  each  ..  .. 
1 
0 
15 
a 
Buonymn8,var.,  dozen  .. 
6 
0 
18  0 
,,  (specimens''  .,  .. 
21 
0 
63 
0 
Evergreens,  in  variety. 
Pelargoniums,  scarlets,  per 
dozen  . 
6 
0 
24  0 
dozen  . 
2 
0 
4 
Q 
Perns  in  variety, dozen  .. 
4 
0 
18  0 
Solanums,  per  dozen  . .  , . 
12 
0 
16 
0 
Perns  (small)  per  hundred 
4 
0 
6  0 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE 
PRICES. — CUT  FLOWERS. — Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 
s. 
d. 
8.  d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  ,. 
3 
0 
to  6  0 
Marguerites,  12  bunche^  . . 
1 
0  tc 
3 
0 
Asparagus  Pern,  per  bunoh 
1 
0 
2  6 
Mignonette,  per  dozen 
Asters,  dozen  bunches 
3 
0 
6  0 
bunches . 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 
0 
4 
0  9 
Orchids. various,  per  dozen 
Carnations,  12  blooms 
0 
6 
2  0 
blooms  . 
1 
6 
12 
0 
„  dozen  bunches 
6 
0 
9  ( 
Pelargoniums.  12  bunches 
4 
0 
6 
a 
Chrysanthemums,  dozen 
Pyrcthrum,  dozen  ouucbes 
1 
6 
3 
0 
bunches  . 
3 
0 
4  0 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen 
0 
8 
1 
e 
Chrysanthemums,  dozen 
„  Tea,  white,  dozen 
0 
9 
2 
0 
blooms  . 
1 
0 
4  0 
,,  Yellow,  dozen  (Niels) 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Eucharis,  dozen . 
2 
6 
4  0 
,,  Red,  (fozen  blooms  .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Gardenias,  dozen  ..  .. 
1 
6 
3  0 
„  Safrano  (English), 
Geranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
dozen . .  ,, 
1 
0 
2 
Q 
bunches . 
3 
0 
5  0 
„  Pink,  per  dozen  . ,  , . 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Lilac  (French),  per  dozen  . 
6 
0 
7  6 
„  dozen  bunches  ,.  .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Lilium  longidorum,  twelve 
Smilax,  per  bunch  ..  .. 
1 
6 
3 
0 
blooms  . 
3 
0 
5  0 
Stephanotis,  dozen  sprays 
2 
6 
4 
a 
„  lancifolium,  12  blooms 
1 
0 
2  6 
Sunflowers,  dozen  bunches 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Maidenhair  Pern, per  dozen 
Tuberoses.  12  bloona.s. .  . . 
0 
2 
0 
4' 
bunches . .  . . 
4 
0 
8  0 
Violets,  per  doz.  bunches  . . 
1 
8 
2 
Q 
