'  October  22,  1890. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
401 
correspondents  drop  the  prefix  “  soluble  7  ”  If  Mr,  Sbalford  or  anyone 
else  will  send  me,  through  the  Editor,  Cucumber  or  Tomato  plants  that 
have  collapsed  after  being  treated  with  loluble  phenyle  I  shall  then  be 
able  to  form  an  opinion.  But  when  nothing  is  furnished,  not  even  the 
strength  or  manner  in  which  the  substance  is  applied,  nor  the  material 
itself  not  clearly  defined,  it  is  impossible  to  make  either  “head  or  tail  ” 
of  the  subject. 
“  By  the  Sea  ”  settled  the  whole  matter  in  his  own  mind  that  none  of 
the  preventives  I  have  prescribed  are  of  any  use — by  making  assertions 
and  submitting  nothing  as  evidence.  Surely  there  are  some  remains 
after  death,  or  are  the  preventives  or  remedies  applied  after  the  plants 
have  their  root-system  destroyed  7  Soluble  phenyle  is  mentioned  by 
“  By  the  Sea,”  and  he  passes  on  with  a  mere  allusion  to  Mr.  Iggulden’s 
“indirect  reference.”  What  your  correspondent  appears  to  want  is 
something  that  will  bring  back  life  to  dying  Cucumber  and  Tomato 
plants.  I  know  of  nothing,  and  have  not  advanced  anything  to  work 
snch  miracle,  and  leave  your  various  correspondents  to  let  their 
Cucumber  and  Tomato  roots  get  infested,  if  they  prefer  it,  to  having 
recourse  to  simple,  cheap,  and  effective  preventives. 
But  before  taking  leave  of  the  arena  I  may  clear  up  the  matter 
opened  by  “  W.  D.,”  and  referred  to  by  “By  the  Sea”  —  namely, 
immersing  plants  in  a  solution  is  different  to  applying  the  solution 
to  the  soil.  Everybody  knows  it  is,  but  there  is  no  likelihood  of 
drowning  eelworms,  and  even  many  grubs  can  swim  and  live  for  days 
on  the  surface,  yet  eelworms  do  not  survive  long  in  water  contain¬ 
ing  a  certain  percentage  of  lime  and  other  mineral  bases.  Now  when 
a  plant’s  roots  are  immersed  in  a  solution  there  is  the  probability 
of  drowning  the  invading  pests.  This,  however,  does  not  apply  to 
eelworm,  nor  has  the  solution  a  better  chance  of  entering  the  tissues 
where  the  eelworms  are  than  when  it  is  applied  to  the  soil,  for  the 
solution  in  either  case  has  to  be  imbibed,  and  the  roots  have  a  certain 
power  of  selection.  They  do  not  take  in  any  or  everything,  but  some 
are  partial  to  certain  substances,  while  others  have  a  penchant  for 
different  ones  ;  and  if  anything  has  to  be  killed  in  the  tissues  the 
elements  must  be  applied  that  will  be  taken  up  by  the  plant.  It  follows, 
therefore,  that  soil  thoroughly  moistened  with  a  solution  is  just  as  good 
for  killing  endophytic  pests  as  immersing  in  a  solution.  Indeed,  there  is 
not  a  particle  of  dijfference  between  earth  culture  and  water  culture, 
always  provided  the  soil  is  properly  moistened  and  kept  in  that  condition. 
If,  therefore,  a  solution  will  not  kill  eelworm  in  the  soil  or  the  roots  of  a 
plant  it  will  not  kill  when  a  similar  root  or  plant  is  immersed.  This  I 
have  proved  several  times,  and  those  of  your  correspondents  who  are  so 
disposed  can  do  the  same. 
“  W.  D.”  says  eelworm  escaped  destruction  through  the  solution  of 
soluble  phenyle  not  having  reached  them,  and  recurrent  infection  was 
the  consequence.  In  applying  the  various  solutions  there  is  a  possibility 
of  the  soil  dot  being  thoroughly  moistened  through,  and  in  such  case 
the  effects  can  only  be  partial.  Every  gardener  knows  that  different 
quantities  of  water  are  necessary  to  moisten  the  soil  from  surface  to  lowest 
root,  but  that  does  not  make  any  difference  as  to  the  earth’s  power  of 
retaining  it,  for  every  soil  will  hold  so  much  water  and  no  more. 
Further,  the  solution  intended  for  the  destruction  of  eelworm  must 
become  still  more  diluted  by  the  water  of  the  soil,  and  that  will  depend 
upon  the  amount  contained. 
There  are  various  degrees  of  moisture  of  soils — dry,  moist,  wet.  If 
the  soil  be  dry — that  is,  needs  watering  to  keep  the  plant  from  flagging 
— it  will  take  up  more  solution  than  moist  soil  will,  and  there  will  be 
little  dilution,  hence  quickly  acting  solutions  of  chemical  manures  are 
often  disastrous  to  plants  through  being  supplied  when  the  soil  is  dry. 
For  that  reason  I  advised  the  1  oz.  to  a  gallon  of  water  solutions  of 
kainit  and  nitrate  of  soda,  so  as  to  be  on  the  safe  side  ;  but  in  applying 
this  to  moist  soil  the  potency  is  reduced,  for,  though  the  solution  applied 
forces  some  of  the  water  out  of  the  soil,  it  is  mainly  after  it  has  become 
mingled,  and  the  solution  is  not  only  weakened  but  some  of  it  passes 
off.  Everybody  knows  this  who  has  watered  a  plant  in  a  pot  with  a 
coloured  liquid,  and  it  is  a  strange  thing  to  be  under  the  necessity  of 
pointing  to  the  fact.  In  consequence  of  the  dilution  in  the  soil  the  doses 
were  doubled  in  order  to  meet  all  conditions,  but  “dry  ”  soil  must  not 
have  stronger  solutions  applied  to  it  or  the  plants  might  be  injured  if 
not  killed.  In  the  case  of  wet  soil  the  dilution  would  be  still  greater, 
but  as  neither  dry  nor  wet  soil  is  to  be  supplied  with  the  solutions  the 
question  of  strength  becomes  tangible.  This  I  have  striven  to  make 
^ear  in  all  my  writings  on  eelworm. 
In  the  various  experiments  special  regard  has  been  had  to  substances 
that  would  not  only  kill  the  eelworm,  but  profit  the  plant  from  the 
standpoint  of  nutrition.  This  I  hold  to  be  paramount,  hence  have 
worked  with  that  object  in  view  ;  bat  there  is  one  thing  I  have  not 
tried,  and  the  most  remarkable  thing  about  it  is  that  of  its  being  in 
mineral  form,  the  most  potent  of  all  fertilisers.  This  one  thing 
^carbonate  of  ammonia,  1  oz.  to  a  gallon  of  water)  I  am  going  to  try  at 
the  first  opportunity,  and  with  it  cease  connection  with  eelworm,  but  in 
the  meantime  I  may  put  in  form  what  has  been  and  is  advised  for  pre¬ 
venting  and  destroying  eelworms. 
Preventives.—  !,  Char  the  soil ;  heat  it  before  using  to  a  temperature 
of  over  125°  in  every  part. 
2,  Soak  the  soil  through  with  boiling  water. 
3,  Mix  with  the  soil  10  per  cent,  of  quicklime. 
4,  Soak  the  soil  with  a  solution  of  soluble  phenyle,  1  gill  (quarter 
pint)  to  3  gallons  of  water. 
6,  Apply  kainit  4  ozs.  per  square  yard,  and  mix  with  soil. 
6,  Drastic,  and  not  advised  for  use  by  any  but  very  careful  persons—* 
Corrosive  sublimate,  1  oz. ;  water,  15  gallons  ;  soak  the  soil.  Caution. — 
A  very  dangerous  poison. 
Remedies. — In  respect  of  these  it  is  necessary  to  say  that  there  is 
no  cure  for  eelworm  after  they  enter  the  tissues  of  the  host,  and  have  set 
up  decay,  for  if  killed  therein  decomposition  of  the  tissues  must  ensue, 
and  the  plant  cannot  use  even  dead  and  solvent  organic  matter,  but  it 
must  become  inorganic — the  original  mineral  form — before  it  is  of  any  use 
to  the  plant.  It  is,  therefore,  necessary  to  provide  means  for  the  plant 
to  form  a  new  root  system,  as  may  be  done,  especially  in  the  case  of 
Tomatoes,  by  earthing  up  the  stem  above  ground.  This  effected,  we 
have  the  following  as  useful  applications  ; — 
1,  Clear  lime  water,  the  usual  1  peck  quicklime  to  30  gallons  of 
water,  let  stand  forty-eight  hours.  Applv  as  in  watering. 
2,  Soluble  phenyle,  a  wineglassful  to  3  gallons  of  water. 
3,  Clibran’s  mite  killer,  follow  instructions. 
4,  Kainit,  1  oz,  to  a  gallon  of  water  ;  follow  in  twenty-four  hours 
with  nitrate  of  soda,  1  oz.  to  a  gallon  of  water.  This  for  Cucumbers, 
repeating  in  a  week.  Double  strength  for  Tomatoes. 
5,  Drastic,  and  not  advised  for  use  by  any  but  very  careful  persons  • 
Corrosive  sublimate,  1  oz,  to  30  gallons  of  water  for  Cucumbers,  double 
strength  for  Tomatoes. 
Now,  my  friends,  step  into  the  arena.  Try  my  advised  preparations 
fully,  fairly,  and  especially  timely,  or  your  own,  then  you  will  find  that 
eelworm  can  be  killed  and  plants  saved  from  destruction,  to  bring  forth 
fruit  for  the  benefit  of  mankind.  In  any  c-ise  I,  for  one,  will  fight  on 
until  the  upper  hand  is  gained  over  the  pests  of  crops.  If  friends  who 
have  so  far  failed  will  persevere  instead  of  surrendering,  the  victory  is 
ours,  and  we  will  share  the  laurels. — G.  Abbey. 
MICHAELMAS  DAISIES. 
In  spite  of  the  unfavourable  weather  experienced  during  the  whole 
of  last  month  for  the  development  of  Michaelmas  Daisies,  the  display 
made  by  Mr.  E.  Beckett,  Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  at  the  Drill  Hall 
was  distinctly  creditable,  and  as  an  educational  feat  it  fully  illustrated 
the  great  beauty  and  usefulness  of  these  flowers  for  decoration. 
Arranged  loosely  in  large  masses  of  one  sort,  and  not  crowded,  a  much 
better  effect  was  produced  than  is  usually  the  case.  Gardeners  are  fast 
becoming  alive  to  the  utility  of  these  Asters,  not  only  as  garden  plants 
for  brightening  up  the  borders  in  the  autumn  when  the  bulk  of  the 
ordinary  occupants  have  ceased  to  be  attractive,  but  also  for  supplying 
cut  flowers  in  quantity.  The  exhibit  in  question  contained  five  or  six 
dozen  bunches,  rendering  it  an  imposing  display  of  this  popular 
flower. 
As  a  guide  to  intending  planters,  and  as  many  had  not  the  oppor¬ 
tunity  of  witnessing  the  display,  a  few  names  of  the  leading  varieties 
may  be  acceptable.  Ericoides  is,  without  doubt,  one  of  the  best.  The 
pure  white  Daisy-like  blooms  contrast  so  well  with  the  tiny  green  leaves, 
while  the  habit  of  growth  is  most  graceful.  Acris,  one  of  the  best  lilac 
purple  flowering  sorts,  was,  as  usual,  literally  smothered  with  blossoms. 
Masses  of  amellus,  with  considerable  variations  in  colour  and  form, 
were  beautiful.  Cordifolius,  soft  mauve,  represents  one  of  the  best 
types.  The  blooms  are  small,  but  profusely  displayed  on  stout  stems, 
thus  rendering  them  peculiarly  suited  for  vase  decoration.  Vimineus  is 
a  charming  variety,  the  graceful  sprays  with  the  thickly  studded  pure 
white  blooms  making  a  delightful  picture,  Arcturus,  with  its  almost 
black  stems  and  dark  hued  leaves,  and  deep  rosy  lilac  flowers,  is  a 
conspicuous  object.  The  extremely  pale  blue  blossoms  of  puniceus 
lucidulus  give  this  variety  a  conspicuous  look,  and  as  it  is  one  of  the 
strongest  growing  varieties  it  is  useful  to  plant  in  the  back  row. 
Novae-anglise  roseus,  with  its  bushy  flower  heads  of  the  colour  which 
its  name  implies,  deserves  special  mention  ;  Novi-Belgi  densus,  a  mass  of 
soft  blue,  needs  only  to  be  seen  to  be  admired.  One  of  the  best  of  tall- 
growing  varieties  is  Robert  Parker  with  its  large  sprays  of  soft  lavender 
blue  flowers.  Mr.  Bowman  has  perhaps  the  largest  bloom  of  any, 
purple  in  colour,  but  the  petals  do  not  retain  their  freshness  in  a  cut 
state.  Quite  the  best  of  the  white-flowered  section  is  polyphyllus, 
represented  by  a  mass  of  pure  white  flowers  on  stems  erect  in  habit  ^ 
N.  B.  Maia,  large  full  flowers,  deep  blue,  effective.  Diffusus  horizontalia 
produces  abundant  sprays  studded  with  small  pretty  red  and  white 
flowers.  . 
Many  mpre  might  be  named.  Sufficient,  however,  has  been  mentioned, 
to  show  the  great  variety  that  is  to  be  found  in  this  class  of  hardy 
plants.  One  of  the  richest  displays  of  these  flowers  that  I  have  ever 
seen  in  a  private  garden  is  that  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  E.  Molyneux  at 
Swanmore  Park,  where  all  the  loading  species  and  varieties  are  grown  to 
perfection.— Wandbreb.  _ 
Looking  over  not  only  the  fine  collection  of  late  blooming;" 
Michaelmas  Daisies  shown  on  the  13th  at  the  Drill  Hall  by  Mr.  Beckett, 
and  others  elsewhere,  I  can  but  think  that  many  might  be  dispensed 
with,  and  gardens  be  none  the  poorer.  When  we  see  the  finest  and  most 
attractive  varieties  how  indifferent  and  unattractive  do  the  small- 
flowered  varieties  seem  to  be.  Possibly  those  who  may  have  none 
other  but  the  poor  ones  think  them  pretty,  but  those  who  have  the 
finest  varieties  think  differently.  It  would  be  very  interesting  could- 
growers  of  these  perennial  Asters  be  induced  to  give  selections  of  the 
best  twelve,  having  regard  to  succession,  so  that  those  who  want  but  a- 
few  may  know  which  really  are  the  most  desirable  varieties. — A. 
