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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
December  10,  1896, 
an  all-round  man.  Perhaps,  however,  fruit  is  his  strong  forte,  if  he  has 
any  preference,  and  amongst  it  he  is  perfectly  at  home.  Recollections 
rose  of  the  Crystal  Palace  Fruit  Show,  and  the  number  of  prize  cards 
which  bore  his  name.  We  had  seen  the  Apples,  we  should^  like  to  see 
the  trees.  “  Certainly  ;  come  on,  there  they  are.”  There  is  no  great 
quantity,  but  each  tree  is  a  fine  example  of  good  culture  and  an  object 
lesson  in  fruit  growing.  The  situation  is  a  gentle  slope  facing  south,  and 
the  soil  a  stiff  loam.  The  trees  are  dwarf  and  shapely,  destitute  of  any 
sign  of  canker  or  disease,  the  wood  being  clean,  healthy,  and  plump. 
We  inquired  which  kinds  did  the  best.  ”  Oh,  all  sorts  do^  well  here^, 
was  the  reply,  “  excepting,  perhaps.  Lord  Derby,  which  is  not  satis¬ 
factory.”  The  trees  are  well  fed,  a  thick  mulching  of  stable  manure  on 
the  surface  testifying  to  this.  “  There’s  no  secret  about  it.”  said  Mr. 
Mackenzie,  ”  treat  your  trees  well  and  you  will  get  good  fruit.” 
There  was  logic  in  the  statement,  and  if  every  fruit  grower  in  the 
country,  whether  commercial  or  otherwise,  would  follow  this  simple  yet 
golden  rule  we  should  no  doubt  hear  less  of  unremunerative  prices, 
and  be  able  to  buy  English  fruit  equal  in  quality  to  that  of  other 
countries. 
Under  glass  the  same  state  of  affairs  exists.  Not  long  ago  some  of 
the  old  houses  were  done  away  with,  and  in  their  place  now  stands  a 
splendid  range  of  teakwood  vineries  erected  by  Messrs.  Mackenzie  and 
Moncur,  the  well-known  horticultural  builders.  These  are  stocked  with 
healthy  canes  planted  a  little  over  twelve  months  ago.  Up  to  the  present 
the  borders  are  inside,  but  provision  is  made  for  their  extension  outside. 
To  utilise  the  space  to  the  best  advantage  has  been  the  endeavour,  and 
for  this  purpose  supernumerary  Vines  are  planted  between  the  permanent 
canes,  to  be  removed  as  the  space  is  required.  One  portion  is  devoted  to 
Black  Hamburghs,  another  containing  a  mixture  of  Alicante,  Lady 
Downe’s,  and  so  forth.  We  remarked  on  the  splendid  growth  they  had 
made.  “Yes,”  was  the  rejoinder,  “they  were  planted  twelve  months 
ago  last  July,  and  we  are  we’l  satisfied  with  them.”  A  simple  verdict, 
but  meaning  a  great  deal. 
On  stages  in  the  vineries  was  noticed  a  fine  collection  of  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  just  coming  into  flower  for  the  winter.  Dwarf  and  of 
sturdy  habit,  with  numerous  trusses  showing,  they  testified,  if  testimony 
is  needed,  to  the  usefulness  of  this  old  favourite  for  giving  a  supply  of 
bloom  throughout  the  winter.  In  another  structure  were  sonae  fine 
plants  of  Cypripedium  insigne,  one  of  the  most  useful,  charniing,  and 
accommodating  flowers  we  have.  Forming  a  row  up  one  side  of  a 
span-roofed  house  they  looked  perfectly  charming,  and  it  is  questionable 
whether  among  all  the  additions  to  the  Cypripedium  family  we  have 
anything  to  equal  this  fine  old  flower. 
November,  of  course,  is  not  the  time  to  see  pleasure  grounds  at  their 
best,  but  the  extensive  gardens  all  round  the  mansion  are  full  of  interest. 
Advantage  has  been  taken  of  a  good  soil  and  charming  situation,  and  the 
result  is  apparent.  Shrubs  and  ornamental  trees  are  magnificent.  Giant 
Cedars  spread  oat  their  graceful  branches,  affording  shade  for  a  consider¬ 
able  distance.  Araucarias  are  perfectly  at  home,  and  never  have  we  seen 
finer  specimens,  furnished  without  a  break  from  base  to  summit.  Ilere 
was  noticed  a  fine  old  Cork  Tree,  there  a  Tulip  Tree  of  immense  pro¬ 
portions,  and  further  on  healthy  specimens  of  Palms  (Chammrops 
excelsa)  that  stand  out  all  the  winter  without  protection.  The  formation 
of  the  ground  is  likewise  pleasing  ;  no  straight  lines  and  tiring  expanses 
of  turf,  walks,  and  geometrical  flower  beds,  but  undulating,  sequestered, 
and  restful.  At  one  point  you  get  a  peep  through  an  avenue  of  trees  at 
the  country  beyond ;  at  another,  without  being  fully  aware  of  it,  you 
come  across  flower  beds,  then  a  flight  of  steps  leads  you  on  to  a  terrace 
from  which  a  wider  view  is  obtained,  down  again  by  a  winding  walk, 
which  leads  to  a  dell,  shaded  and  almost  wild,  to  all  intents  and  purposes 
shut  off  from  any  other  portion  of  the  garden,  and  so  on,  every  turning 
giving  variety.  Such  is  Linton  ;  an  ideal  English  home  ;  charming 
even  in  November,  so  we  thought,  as  with  thanks  to  Mr.  Mackenzie  we 
bade  him  “good  morning.” — G.  H.  H. 
WOKK.foi\.theWEEK.. 
sii! 
n 
FRUIT  FORCING. 
Peacbes  and  XiTectarines. — Earliest  Forced  House. — When  trees 
have  been  started  at  an  early  date  in  previous  years  they  swell  their 
buds  promptly  without  much  assistance  from  artificial  heat,  but  those 
forced  for  the  first  time  are  slower  in  starting  into  flower.  These  must 
not  be  hurried,  and  with  the  buds  swelling  and  advancing  for  flowering 
the  atmosphere  must  not  be  kept  nearly  so  close,  as  it  is  important  that 
the  blossom  advance  steadily  and  have  time  to  develop  a  strong  flower 
perfect  in  all  its  parts.  When  the  temperature  is  high  and  the  atmo¬ 
sphere  kept  close  and  too  moist  the  flowers  are  drawn  and  weak ;  if  low 
in  temperature  little  progress  is  made,  and  the  organs  are  stunted  and 
effete.  Admit  a  little  air  constantly  at  the  top  of  the  house  started  early 
in  December,  and  above  50°  it  should  be  increased  correspondingly  with 
the  temperature,  but  not  allowing  a  decline  below  50°  in  the  daytime, 
sufficient  artificial  heat  being  employed  for  that  purpose,  and  with 
sun  heat  an  advance  may  be  allowed  to  65°,  closing  for  the  day 
before  the  temperature  has  receded  below  55°.  A  temperature  of 
40°  to  45°  is  ample  at  night,  or  in  milch  weather  50°.  When  the 
flowers  are  well  advanced,  and  the  anthers  showing,  cease  syring¬ 
ing,  but  afford  moderate  moisture  by  damping  the  borders,  paths, 
and  walls  in  the  morning  and  early  afternoon.  Avoid  a  close,  moist, 
stagnant  atmosphere  at  any  time,  but  especially  at  night  with  a 
high  temperature.  Examine  the  inside  border,  making  sure  that  there 
is  no  deficiency  of  moisture.  If  necessary  afford  a  thorough  supply  of 
water  or  liquici  manure.  The  surface  soil  is  often  deceptive,  being  kept 
moist  by  syringing,  therefore  supply  enough  to  moisten  the  soil 
through  to  the  drainage,  for  surface  moistening  docs  very  little  good. 
Avoid,  however,  making  the  soil  sodden  by  needless  applications.  If 
there  is  a  superabundance  of  blossom  buds,  remove  those  on  the  under 
side  of  the  trellis  by  drawing  the  hand  the  reverse  way  of  the  growth. 
This  will  materially  assist  the  swelling  of  the  buds  remaining.  If  there 
are  any  traces  of  aphides,  fumigate  the  house  on  two  or  three  consecutive 
evenings  before  the  flowers  are  much  advanced  in  colour,  always  before 
the  petals  unfold,  and  the  atmosphere  must  be  dry,  or  the  moisture  will 
be  condensed  on  the  cooler  surfaces  of  the  flowers,  and  they  will  be  dis¬ 
coloured  and  injured  by  the  tobacco  smoke. 
Second  Eorced  House. — This  may  correspond  to  the  first  in  some 
cases,  and  if  the  trees  consist  of  such  very  early  varieties  as  Alexander 
and  Early  Louise  Peaches,  with  Cardinal  and  Early  Rivers  Nectarines, 
fruit  may  be  had  in  late  April  or  early  May  by  starting  at  the  new  year  ; 
but  if  the  trees  are  such  as  Hale’s  Early,  Stirling  Castle,  Royal  George, 
or  Dymond  Peaches,  with  Lord  Napier  and  Stan  wick  Elruge  Nectarines, 
the  fruit  will  not  ripen  until  May  is  well  advanced,  or  early  in  June. 
This  must  be  taken  into  consideration  by  growers.  In  either  case  the 
house  must  be  closed  without  much  further  delay,  fire  heat  only  being 
used  to  exclude  frost,  the  trees  being  sprinkled  occasionally,  or  on  fine 
days  in  the  morning  and  afternoon,  allowing  time  for  them  to  become 
fairly  dry  before  night.  Keeping  the  trees  constantly  dripping  with 
moisture,  especially  at  night,  enfeebles  the  blossoms,  and  is  provocative 
of  wood  bud  rather  than  blossom  bud  development.  Do  not  allow  the 
temperature  to  exceed  50°  in  the  daytime  without  full  ventilation.  Supply 
water  or  liquid  manure  to  inside  ’oorders  as  needed,  and  protect  those 
outside  with  litter  or  dry  leaves. 
Succession  Houses.— the  roof  lights  are  moveable  it  is  much 
the  best  plan  to  remove  them,  and  expose  the  trees  to  the  elements  for 
the  winter,  the  wood  being  thoroughly  ripe.  This  is  very  inimical  to 
many  insects,  such  as  brown  scale,  and  the  trees  are  insured  rest  and 
thorough  moistening  of  the  border.  Even  the  latest  trees,  including 
those  in  unheated  houses,  are  best  treated  in  that  way,  often  having  the 
effect  of  causing  trees  to  retain  their  buds  which  cast  them  under  fixed 
roofs,  and  the  blossoms  are  generally  finer  than  on  trees  that  are  kept 
constantly  evaporating  from  the  young  wood  through  the  time  they  are 
at  rest  under  fixed  roofs,  or  when  they  are  subjected  to  alternating  rests 
and  excitements  where  plants  are  grown  in  the  house.  The  fogs  and 
damps  of  winter,  with  the  drenching  rains  and  snow,  suit  Peaches  in 
well-drained  soil,  the  trees  being  invigorated  and  the  soil  enriched.  If 
the  houses  have  fixed  roof  lights,  ventilate  to  the  fullest  extent  in  all 
but  very  severe  weather.  Proceed  with  the  pruning,  bringing  matters  in 
respect  of  cleansing  the  house  and  trees  to  as  speedy  conclusion  as 
possible. 
Cncumbera.— The  weather  has  been  sharp  and  also  changeable,  but 
on  the  whole  favourable,  as  there  have  been  bright  intervals,  light  being 
very  important  in  all  forcing  operations,  especially  in  winter  ;  therefore 
the  glass  should  be  kept  clean,  both  inside  and  outside.  Use  warm, 
sweet  soil  and  not  over-wet  for  earthing  over  the  roots  as  they  show  at 
the  sides  of  the  ridges  or  hillocks  ;  a  few  sweetened  horse  droppings 
spread  on  the  surface  will  attract  the  roots  and  afford  nutriment  to 
them  when  watered.  This  is  preferable  to  liquid  manure,  unless  the 
plants  are  growing  in  limited  borders,  boxes,  or  pots,  then  copious 
supplies  will  be  necessary.  Always  apply  it  weak  and  tepid,  and  not  too 
often.  Sufficient  atmospheric  moisture  will  be  secured  by  damping  the 
paths  and  walls  in  the  morning  and  in  the  afternoon  of  fine  days  ;  but 
avoid  excessive  moisture,  and  do  not  supply  water  to  the  roots  till  the 
soil  is  becoming  dry,  and  then  afford  a  soaking.  Look  the  plants  over 
at  least  once  a  week  for  stopping  and  thinning,  removing  bad  leaves,  but 
stopping  and  thinning  will  not  be  much  needed  ;  yet  it  must  not  be 
neglected,  as  crowding  is  one  of  the  greatest  evils  in  the  growth  of 
winter  Oucumbers.  Overcropping  is  a  still  greater  malpractice,  and 
allowing  fruits  to  remain  after  they  attain  a  size  fit  for  cutting  serves 
only  to  weaken  the  plants  and  to  prevent  other  and  younger  fruits 
swelling ;  but  when  large  enough  the  fruits  keep  several  days  if  the 
heels  are  inserted  in  saucers  of  water  in  a  cool  place,  but  safe  from  frost. 
Ill-shaped  and  superfluous  fruit  should  be  removed  as  they  appear,  and 
tendrils  and  staminate  blossoms  answer  no  useful  purpose,  therefore 
remove  them  ;  but  sometimes  it  is  necessary  to  fertilise  the  pistillate 
flowers  to  make  sure  of  the  fruits  swelling,  and,  though  this  may  cause  a 
“  knotty  ”  fruit,  it  is  better  than  none  at  all. 
Mildew  is  sometimes  troublesome.  It  may  be  combated  by  dusting 
the  affected  parts  with  flowers  of  sulphur,  and  the  atmosphere  should 
not  be  overcharged  with  moisture.  A  light  sulphuring  of  the  hot-water 
pipes  is  useful  against  mildew,  also  r^  spider  and  white  fly.  Red 
spider  thrives  in  a  dry  atmosphere  and  spreads  with  amazing  rapidity. 
Sponging  the  leaves  on  the  first  appearance  of  the  pest  with  a  weak 
solution  of  softsoap — say  2  ozs.  to  a  gallon  of  water — is  the  surest,  and 
all  things  considered  the  safest  remedy.  Thrips  are  best  destroyed  by 
fumigation  with  tobacco.  Tobacco  powder  dusted  on  the  leaves  infested 
with  green  or  black  fly  destroys  them,  and  fumigation  on  two  or  three 
consecutive  eveqings  eradicates  these  pests,  The  foliage  at  this  time  of 
