July  15,  1897. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
47 
numbers  of  fruits.  The  varieties  were  Railway,  Gipsy  Queen,  Hue  and 
Qry,  Whitesmith,  Forester,  Alma,  Champagne,  Trumpeter,  Industry, 
High  Sheriff,  Tiger,  Queen  of  Trumps,  and  Yellowsmith  (silver-gilt 
Banksian  medal). 
FiiOEAL  Committee  — Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
with  Messrs.  J.  Fraser,  C.  T.  Druery,  H.  B.  May,  C.  E.  Shea,  W.  Bain, 
H.  J.  Jones,  D.  B.  Crane,  E.  Beckett,  G.  Gordon,  J.  Fraser,  R.  M. 
Hogg,  and  J.  Walker. 
Mr.  B,  R,  Davis,  Yeovil,  staged  a  bright  collection  of  Begonia  flowers, 
double  varieties  only  being  represented.  Amongst  the  best  were 
Hercules,  Albert  Crousse,  Salmon  King,  R.  B.  Parsons,  Coantess 
Temple,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Fowler,  Exquisite,  and  Eldorado  (silver  Banksian 
medal).  Mr.  H.  B.  May,  Upper  Edmonton,  sent  a  gromp  of  Aspleniums, 
comprising  some  dozens  of  distinct  species  and  varieties  (silver-gilt 
Flora  medal).  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans,  again  sent  plants  of 
Watsonia  Ardernei.  Messrs.  A.  W.  Yonng  &  Co.,  Stevenage,  contributed 
a  collection  of  hardy  flowers  in  considerable  diversity. 
Sweet  Peas  from  Mr.  Henry  Eckford,  Wem,  Salop,  were  very 
beautiful,  and  comprised  some  charming  varieties.  Very  fine  were  Lady 
Grisel  Hamilton,  Salopian,  Peach  Blossom,  Stanley,  Dorothy  Tennant, 
Prima  Donna,  Her  Majesty,  Lottie  Eckford,  Mars,  Emily  Eckford,  and 
Blanche  Burpee  (silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  B.  Ladhams,  Shirley, 
Southampton,  sent  a  handsome  collection  of  hardy  flowers,  comprising 
Campanulas,  Achilleas,  Chelones,  (Enotheras,  Coreopsis,  Scabiosa,  Poten- 
tillas,  and  others  (silver  Flora  medal). 
The  usual  position  was  occupied  by  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  Covent 
Garden,  with  their  hardy  flowers.  We  noticed  amongst  the  many  others 
Gypsophilas,  Sweet  Peas,  Calochorti,  Irises,  Phloxes,  Alstrbmerias,  and 
Diillardias  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons, 
Swanley,  sent  a  collection  of  seedling  Begonias,  the  seeds  of  which  had 
only  been  sown  five  months  previously.  The  plants  were  dwarf,  sturdy, 
and  well  flowered  (bronze  Banksian  medal)  Mr;  John  Charlton, 
Tunbridge  Wells,  exhibited  a  well  diversified  collection  of  herbaceous 
flowers  (silver  Banksian  medal). 
Mr.  Jas.  Douglas,  Great  Bookham,  Sarrey,  sent  a  collection  of  fine 
Carnations,  in  which  the  most  noticeable  were  Pelegia,  MissViolet  Douglas, 
Badminton,  Sir  Henry  Irving  (these  four  received  awards  of  merit), 
Zoe,  Golden  Eagle,  Distinction  and  Garnet.  Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co., 
Colchester,  staged  Liliums,  Calochorti,  and  Brodiseas  in  their  customary 
excellent  manner  (silver  Flora  medal).  Messrs.  F.  Cant  &  Co.,  Colchester, 
exhibited  a  charming  stand  of  Roses,  amongst  which  A.  K.  Williams, 
Susanne  Marie  Rodocanachi,  Mrs.  Frank  Cant,  Madame  de  Watteville, 
Madame  Abel  Chatenay,  Maman  Cochet,  Madame  Lambard,  and  several 
garden  Roses  were  most  conspicuous  (silver  Flora  medal), 
Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  occupied  the  whole  of  one  side  of 
a  table  with  Coreopsis,  Campanulas,  Gypsophilas,  Erigerons,  Gail- 
lardias.  Phloxes,  Lychnis,  Scabiosas,  Malvas,  Iris  Kasmpferi,  and  many 
other  hardy  flowers.  The  same  firm  sent  also  a  number  of  Carnations 
and  Picotees,  which  were  clean  and  beautifully  coloured  (silver-gilt 
Banksian  medal). 
Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  sent  a  collection  of  Roses 
comprising  Sylph,  Madame  Ada  Carmody,  Waltham  Standard,  Milton, 
White  Lady,  Empress  Alexandra  of  Russia,  and  others.  The  Water 
Lilies  sent  by  Mr.  J.  Hudson,  gardener  to  Leopold  de  Rothschild,  Esq., 
Gunnersbury,  were  very  beautiful. 
Mr.  C.  Herrin,  gardener  to  Lady  Louisa  Fortescue,  Dropmore,  was 
first  for  twelve  bunches  of  hardy  flowers ;  and  Miss  Debenham,  St.  Albans, 
for  eight  bunches. 
Certificates  and  Awards  op  Merit. 
Begonia  Miss  Griffith  (B.  R.  Davis)  — A  beautiful  double  variety, 
with  large  creamy-white  flowers  (award  of  merit). 
Calochortus  Plummerce  aurea  (R.  Wallace  &  Co.). — A  very  beautiful 
form,  with  bright  yellow  flowers  (award  of  merit), 
Bcelio-Cattleya  Canhamiana  alhida  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.). — The 
sepals  and  petals  of  this  handsomely  formed  Orchid  are  white  very 
slightly  tinged  with  rose  ;  the  fine  lip  is  rich  velvety  purplish  maroon 
(award  of  merit). 
Lobelia  tenuior  grandiflnra  (B.  Ladhams).- — This  Lobelia,  of  which 
the  many  flowers  are  bright  blue,  grows  to  height  of  about  15  inches, 
and  is  very  showy  (award  of  merit). 
Logan  Berry  (G.  B unyard  &  Co.). — This  is  an  American  plant,  the 
growth  of  which  resembles  the  Raspberry.  The  fruit  is  very  acid,  but 
should  have  some  economic  value.  It  is  a  profuse  fruiter  (award  of 
merit). 
Melon  Syon  Perfection  (G,  Wythes). — A  medium-sized  variety  of 
handsome  appearance.  The  flesh  is  deep  scarlet  and  of  exceptional  depth. 
The  flavour  is  very  fine,  and  the  aroma  pleasant.  The  green  skin  is  well 
netted.  The  parents  were  Syon  House  and  Beauty  of  Syon  (award  of 
merit). 
Nymph'^‘^  BlUsiana  (J.  Hudson). — A  handsome  variety  with  flowers 
of  deep  crimson  hue  (award  of  merit). 
Nymplicea  Marliacea  albida  (J.  Hudson) — An  immense  white 
flowered  variety  of  much  beauty  (first-class  certificate). 
Phaius  Ashworthianns  &  Co,). — This  is  the  result  of  a 
cross  between  P.  Manni  and  P.  maculatus.  The  sepals  and  petals  are 
yellow  and  the  lin  crimson  veined  yellow  (award  of  merit). 
Platanus  occidsntalis  argentea  variegatus  (J.  Russell). — A  singularly 
handsome  leaved  plant  about  6  feet  high.  The  foliage  is  green  and 
silver  (first-class  certificate). 
Rose  Sylph  (W.  Paul  &  Son). — A  new  Tea  variety  of  chaste  beauty. 
The  colour  is  cream  suffused  with  rose  and  saffron  (award  of  merit). 
Salvia  bieolor  (W.  Bain). — A  very  beautiful  Salvia  with  lilac  and 
white  coloured  flowers  borne  on  spikes  about  3  feet  high.  The  plant  is 
quite  hardy  (award  of  merit). 
NAPHTHALENE. 
This  substance  was  noticed  as  existing  in  coal  tar  as  early  as  1820. 
Faraday  first  determined  the  composition  of  naphthalene,  and  Laurent 
greatly  elucidated  its  chemical  history.  Now  we  have  the  substance  in 
“  cake  ”  form  and  in  “  crystals.”  The  coal  tar,  already  having  the 
lighter  oil  removed,  is  distilled  in  large  iron  vessels,  and  the  oil  which 
distils  (after  a  certain  portion  has  passed  over)  is  treated  with  sulphuric 
acid  cooled  to  0°,  when  the  naphthalene  which  it  contains  is  deposited. 
Repeating  the  process,  more  naphthalene  is  obtained  from  the  still 
liquid  portions  of  the  oil.  Strained  in  cloth  strainers,  and  pressed  in 
bags  to  get  rid  of  the  adherent  oil,  the  crude  naphthalene  is  redistilled, 
and  the  result  is  “  cake.”  This  melted  in  basins,  covered  with  paper  so 
as  to  sublime,  and  then  set  aside  to  cool,  colourless  hexagonal  crystals  of 
naphthalene  are  found  between  the  paper  and  cake  in  the  basin.  This 
pure  naphthalene  has  the  formula  CioHg  =  ten  atoms  of  carbon  and 
eight  of  hydrogen,  or  its  rational  formula  may  be  expressed  as 
C4H4(C2)C4H2.  It  melts  at  about  80°  and  boils  at  218°,  sublimes — 
that  is,  wastes  away,  as  camphor  even  at  low  temperature,  and  rotates 
upon  water  somewhat  like  camphor.  Both,  it  is  needless  to  say,  are 
excellent  germicides,  and  have  been  used  a  long  time — camphor  in 
rooms  and  naphthalene,  as  naphthal  beta,  in  bee  hives  against  foul  brood 
germs,  “  bacteria.” 
Some  time  ago  I  drew  attention  to  aniline  as  a  safe  and  very  cleanly 
insecticide  for  destroying  aphides,  thripa,  and  similar  pests,  briefly  also 
alluding  to  naphthalene  as  a  “  cure-all  ”  for  the  diseases  to  which  useful 
plants  are  liable.  Aniline  (CgH,N)  is  obtained  from  benzole  or  benzene, 
discovered  by  Faraday  in  1825,  consisting  of  hydrogen  and  carbon 
(CjHj).  This  acted  on  by  nitric  acid  produces  nitro-benzole  (CgHsNOa), 
and  tnis  probably  would  tell  more  quickly  as  a  fungicide  and  insecticide 
than  aniline,  which  is  obtained  by  treatment  with  nascent  hydrogen,  as 
the  oxygen  means  burning  up  the  “hides”  of  the  vermin  more  quickly. 
When  soluble,  as  it  may  by  treating  the  derivative  oil  with  potash  and 
amalgamating,  there  would  not  be  any  harm  to  vegetable  life  of  the 
higher  forms  either  on  the  foliage  or  at  the  roots  when  used  in  modera¬ 
tion,  and  I  am  not  certain  whether  this  would  not  be  better  than 
naphthalene  for  the  well-doing  of  the  plant — that  is,  as  a  manure.  Even 
aniline  is  a  better  substance  as  food  than  naphthalene,  as  in  aniline 
(CgHjN)  there  is  the  nitrogen  already;  but  in  naphthalene  (C^oHg) 
the  nitrogen  does  not  come  in  until  we  produce  the  analogous  substance, 
naphthylamine  (C^qHjN).  Thus  aniline  and  naphthylamine  place  the 
two  substances  on  an  equality,  and  both  are  very  safe  fungicides  or 
insecticides — aniline,  1  in  20  parts  water;  and  naphthylamine,  1  in 
30  parts  water.  To  place  aniline  on  a  level  with  naphthalene  as  a  keen 
fungicide  or  insecticide  we  must  pass  the  first  back  to  benzene  (CgHg), 
but  naphthalene  (CmH,)  is  the  stronger. 
Might  is,  as  it  always  has  been,  the  great  thing  in  these  days.  The 
“  big  battalion,”  however,  does  not  always  win,  and  strength  is  a  very 
bad  thing  for  plants  in  the  way  of  eelwormicide,  fungicide,  germicide, 
insecticide,  and  miticide,  some  of  the  prescriptions,  either  in  themselves 
or  in  the  manner  of  administration,  being  more  harmful  than  the 
diseases  produced  by  the  infesting  pests.  I  therefore  go  in  for  safety 
first  and  preventive  or  remedy  afterwards,  for  the  plant  will  aid  itself 
to  the  best  of  its  power  and  opportunities  ;  hence  the  cultivator  throws 
in  pathological  measures  on  the  side  of  the  plant,  and  this  secured 
the  killing  of  pests  is  a  comparatively  easy  matter.  Indeed,  some 
cultivators  so  manage  to  grow  things  as  to  have  very  few  pests  of 
any  kind,  which  may  be  due  to  particular  conditions  quite  unassociated 
with  the  procedures  of  cultivation.  But  growers  need  no  reminder 
of  these  things.  What  all  aim  at  is  the  “  big  battalion  ”  on  their  side 
and  the  little  one  on  the  opposite.  The  ca,se  is  reversed  when  a  strong 
fungicide  or  insecticide  is  requisitioned,  hence  naphthalene  is  preferred 
to  benzene,  naphthylamine  to  aniline,  and  naphthaline  red  (C30H21N3) 
to  rosalene  (G20H19N3).  The  two  latter  substances  are  used  as  dyes, 
and  the  refuse  of  the  carpet  manufacturer  used  as  manure,  and  as 
such  have  been  found  extremely  valuable  for  the  freeing  of  the  land 
from  pests. 
Make  no  mistake,  there  exists  a  relationship  between  naphthalene 
and  benzene.  Thus  we  have  nitrobenzene  and  nitronaphthalene 
related  to  the  parent  substance  in  the  same  way,  and  from  these  nitro 
compounds  reducing  agents  give  rise  to  aniline  and  naphthalamlne, 
from  which  again  are  obtained  rosalene  or  base  of  the  aniline  colours, 
and  on  the  other  hand  naphthalene  red.  The  naphthalene  is  the  stronger 
as  a  destroyer  of  pests,  and  the  benzene  the  weaker  as  expressed  by  the 
formulas.  If  we  look  at  the  manurialor  benefit  to  the  plant  side,  nitro¬ 
benzene  and  nitronaphthalene  are  both  manures  of  no  mean  order,  as 
also  are  aniline  and  naphthylamine,  and  rosanilene  and  naphthaline 
red.  The  “kill”  properties  are  more  pronounced  in  the  naphthalene 
than  benzene,  and  this  made  soluble  gives  naphthalene  superiority 
both  ways,  as  the  power  to  reduce  organic  matter  in  the  soil  is  greater. 
Thus  the  weight  of  evidence  is  in  favour  of  naphthalene,  and  when 
this  is  made  soluble  we  get  something  corresponding  to  soluble  phenyle 
(CgHj) — namely,  soluble  naphthalene  (Cj^qH,),  and  with  soluble  ben¬ 
zene  (CgHj).  So  much  for  the  “  killing  ”  power — soluble  naphthalene 
tops  the  lot,  and  to  it  I  will  now  confine  my  remarks,  and  may  say  that 
to  get  full  value  out  of  it  we  must  go  a  few  stages  further  ;  but  I  am  not 
going  to  bother  the  reader  with  any  more  chemical  equivalents,  only  to 
