August  5,  1897. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER.  131 
competition.  Mr.  B.  Ladhama  was  an  easy  winner  of  tbe  premier 
place  with  a  handsome  collection — Rudbeckia  purpurea,  Tritoma 
glaucescens,  Gaillardia  and  Phygelins  capensis.  Mr.  Wilcox,  gardener 
to  Col.  Sinkins,  Aldermoor,  Shirley,  second.  Cactus  and  other  Dahlias 
were  well  shown.  For  twelve  Cactus  varieties,  Messrs.  Keynes, 
Williams  &  Co.,  Salisbury,  first,  as  also  were  they  for  twelve  bunches 
Pompon  varieties. 
Fruit  made  a  fine  display.  For  six  dishes.  Pines  excluded,  there  were 
five  competitors;  Mr.  G.  A.  Inglefield,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  Kelk,  Bart., 
Tedworth,  Marlborough,  won  first  prize  with  dishes  of  good  quality. 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  Hero  of  Lockinge 
Melon,  and  excellent  Pineapple  Nectarines  were  the  principal  dishes ; 
Mr.  A.  Henbest,  gardener  to  A.  Kennard,  Esq.,  Crawley  Court,  Win¬ 
chester,  second  ;  Mr.  W.  Mitchell,  gardener  to  J.  W.  Fleming,  Esq., 
Chilworth  Manor,  third.  Grapes  were  extensively  staged.  For  three 
bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh  five  competed.  Mr.  Mitchell,  with  bunches 
weighing  4  lbs.  each,  was  easily  first ;  Mr.  G.  Newman,  gardener  to 
Captain  Gaussen,  Twyford  Lodge,  Winchester,  second  ;  Mr.  Inglefield 
third,  all  staging  extremely  well.  For  the  same  number  any  other 
black  variety  Mr.  Mitchell  was  again  successful  with  Madresfield  Court 
in  splendid  condition  ;  Mr.  Chester,  gardener  to  Sir  W.  Pink,  Shrover 
Hall,  Cosham,  second  with  the  same  variety  ;  Mr.  G.  Hall  was  third. 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  was  fairly  well  represented.  For  three  bunches 
Mr.  Inglefield  was  first.  Mr.  G.  Hall  had  the  best  any  other  white 
variety  with  Buckland  Sweetwater,  Mr.  Chester  second.  Mr.  Wilcox 
won  for  two  bunches  black,  with  creditable  examples  of  Black  Ham¬ 
burgh.  Mr.  Hygate,  gardener  to  S.  P.  Munford,  Esq.,  The  Briary, 
Cowes,  took  a  similar  position  for  any  white  variety.  Mr.  Mitchell, 
with  Sutton’s  Imperial  Green  Melon,  was  the  most  snccessful  in  a  strong 
class.  Mr.  Mitchell  also  had  tbe  best  dish  of  Peaches — Dymond. 
Mr.  J.  Budd,  gardener  to  R.  F.  Dalgety,  Esq.,  Lockerby  Hall,  Romsey, 
staged  fine  Klruge  Nectarines,  for  which  he  was  awarded  premier 
position.  Hardy  fruit  in  six  dishes  was  a  strong  classj  Mr.  Budd,  with 
July  Gage  Plum,  Cherries,  Gooseberries  and  Apricots  was  first,  Mr. 
West  second.  Vegetables  were  staged  in  large  numbers  and  of  good 
quality.  In  the  special  classes  provided  by  Messrs.  Toogood,  Webb, 
and  Sutton,  Mr.  T,  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady  Theodore  Guest,  Inwood 
House,  Henstridge,  secured  all-  the  premier  awards  with  excellent 
examples  of  well  known  varieties 
Mr.  W.  H.  Rogers,  Red  Lodge  Nurseries,  Southampton,  bad  an  excel¬ 
lent  assortment  of  shrubs  in  pots  ;  Mr,  Ladhams  a  charming  collection 
of  cut  herbaceous  flowers,  making  a  bright,  varied,  and  pleasing  display. 
Both  of  these  exhibits  were  “  not  for  competition.”  Mr.  Poster,  Brock- 
hamptoD,  staged  a  large  collection  of  Sweet  Peas  in  bunches  tastefully 
arranged,  and  which  were  a  conspicuous  feature  of  the  show. 
THE  YOUNG  GARDENERS’  DOMAIN. 
Cue  Wild  Flowers. 
On  the  chalk  hills  of  North  Herts  we  are  especially  favoured  with  a 
great  variety  of  wild  flowers.  This  is  observable  by  the  admirers  of 
these  flowers  who  have  the  privilege  to  dwell  here  and  observe  them. 
At  the  south  end  of  our  village  the  chalk  forms  the  subsoil,  and  the  top 
layer  is  of  a  stiff  loamy  nature.  Here  the  flowers  appear  to  be  absent 
that  abound  at  the  north  end,  where  the  chalk  rises  to  the  surface  and 
forms  the  upper  layer,  so  that  the  fields  have  quite  a  white  appearance. 
Not  only  are  flowers  found  by  the  wayside,  but  we  have  woodlands 
where  acres  of  Primroses  and  Bluebells  appear  in  their  season,  as  well  as 
Orchis  and  other  flowers. 
In  walking  distance  we  have  the  bleak  hills  of  Royston  Heath, 
where  I  have  gathered  the  Pasqueflower,  Anemone  pulsatilla,  in  early 
spring.  The  main  road  which  runs  through  our  village  is  an  old  Roman 
road,  through  which  in  times  gone  by  tbe  stage  coach  used  to  travel  on 
its  way  from  London  to  Cambridge,  now  much  frequented  by  cyclists. 
The  keeping  of  this  splendid  road  is  under  the  care  of  the  C.O,,  who 
also  keep  the  waysides  neat  and  trim.  It  is  here  we  miss  the  nodding 
heads  of  our  favourites,  and  mourn  their  absence.  How  different  is  it 
when  we  turn  into  a  byway  over  which  the  O.C.  have  no  control.  Here 
we  find  the  waysides  bedecked  with  various  kinds  of  flowers,  in  diverse 
forms  and  colours.  We  linger  amongst  them,  gathering  a  few  here  and 
there  to  take  home  for  further  thought  and  admiration.  We  are  between 
banks  from  6  to  7  feet  high,  the  whole  a  mass  of  flowers,  and  as  asso¬ 
ciated  with  various  kinds  of  grasses  present  a  most  pleasing  appearance. 
Many  practical  lessons  might  with  advantage  be  learnt  from  some  of 
these  flowers  by  introducing  them  into  our  herbaceous  borders.  I  often 
feel  ashamed  of  my  ignorance  concerning  the  names  of  these  flowers, 
but  I  mention  those  of  a  few  I  remember  as  growing  there.  Knapweeds, 
Agrimony,  Yarrow  or  Milfoil,  Sainfoin,  Kidney  Vetch,  yellow  and 
white  Bedstraws,  Ragworts,  Wild  Thyme.  Resth arrow,  Wild  Carrot  and 
Parsnip,  Harebells,  with  other  Campanulas.  All  the  above  with  many 
others  adorn  the  banks  in  question. 
We  had  this  past  week  twelve  children  in  the  village  from  the  great 
metropolis  for  a  breath  of  fresh  air.  Their  liberty  was  not  long  obtained 
before  their  hands  became  filled  with  wild  flowers,  grasping  them  with 
such  delight  that  is  never  seen  amongst  our  native  children  ;  their  small 
white  hands  forming  a  striking  contrast  to  the  glowing  colours  of  the 
Poppies.  The  old  people  with  whom  these  children  lodge  are  often  put  to 
difficulty  where  to  place  tbe  flowers  now  being  constantly  brought  home. 
I  notice  by  the  schedules  of  our  local  flower  shows  that  prizes  are 
offered  for  the  best  correctly  named  collection  of  wild  flowers  ;  this  is  a 
good  sign,  at  least  so  thinks — Nil  Despeeandum. 
Luculia  geatissima. 
Luculia  geatissima  deservedly  holds  a  foremost  place  amongst 
wall  and  pillar  plants  in  greenhouses  suitable  for  its  cultivation,  the 
fragrant  blooms  of  delicate  colour  coming  into  full  beauty  in  autumn. 
Although  this  plant  will  succeed  to  some  extent  under  pot  culture,  it 
very  much  prefers  a  border,  rather  shallow,  well  drained,  and  composed 
of  turfy  loam,  peat,  and  sand.  By  allowing  three  or  four  leads  to  run 
up  the  required  height,  and  working  upon  the  spur  system,  abundance 
of  flowers  are  obtained,  which,  however,  do  not  lend  themselves  readily 
for  house  decoration,  as  they  do  not  long  remain  fresh  after  being  cut. 
Propagation  is  difficult  to  effect,  as  the  seeds  are  seldom,  if  ever, 
produced  in  this  country,  and  cuttings  are  often  very  shy  in  rooting. 
Only  the  young  tips  of  the  shoots,  not  more  than  an  inch  in  length,  seem 
to  have  any  chance  at  all.  These  must  be  inserted  in  sandy  compost 
under  a  bell-glass,  with  gentle  bottom  heat,  taking  care  not  to  allow 
much  moisture  to  accumulate  upon  the  leaves,  as  they  are  very  liable  to 
damp  off.  Three  or  four  weeks  should  see  the  successful  ones  rooting, 
and  these  may  be  potted  very  carefully,  and  kept  in  a  close  shady 
atmosphere  until  thoroughly  established. 
There  is  another  variety,  L.  Pinceana,  which  blooms  in  the  summer, 
flowers  white  and  even  more  fragrant  than  L.  gratissima,  but  it  does  not 
appear  to  be  so  popular,  probably  because  there  are  plenty  of  attractive 
objects  at  the  same  time. — R.  A.  Andeeson,  Alnwick. 
[We  are  much  obliged  to  our  correspondent  for  allowing  three- 
fourths  of  an  inch  of  space  between  tbe  lines.  It  is  very  convenient  to 
editors  and  compositors  who  spend  their  days  and  half  their  nights  in 
poring  over  MSS.] 
Manuees  foe  Vines. 
The  query  of  “  W.  H.  T.”  on  Madresfield  Court  Grape  not  colouring 
in  your  issue  of  July  22  nd  has  suggested  to  me  the  writing  of  this  note. 
In  the  vineries,  in  which  1  am  specially  interested,  black  Grapes 
were  always  wanting  in  colour  (Cooper’s  Black  excepted),  though  the 
bunches  and  berries  were  above  the  average  in  size.  The  borders  are 
outside  and  cemented  at  the  bottom  and  sides,  so  the  roots  cannot 
ramble. 
The  staple  article  used  in  their  formation  is  the  top  spit  of  a  deer 
park  cut  into  lumps  3  or  4  inches  square,  adding  a  good  sprinkling  of 
bonemeal  and  half-inch  bones  as  the  border  is  made.  Leaf  mould  is 
sparingly  used.  We  add  a  section  from  4  to  6  feet  each  year  till  the 
border  is  completed  if  the  Vines  have  grown  freely,  otherwise  only  a 
fresh  piece  is  added  every  second  year.  The  loam  is  supposed  to  be  over 
limestone,  which  is  plentiful.  White  Grapes  do  well  in  such  a  border. 
Muscats  finishing  admirably,  and  are  extra  large  in  bunch  and  berry. 
Buckland  Sweetwater,  Foster’s  Seedling,  and  Golden  Queen  also  succeed 
well,  the  last  named  being  nearly  free  from  that  muddy  appearance  it 
so  often  shows  after  hanging  for  some  time. 
Wanting  the  bunches  for  exhibition  made  me  anxious  to  colour  the 
black  Grapes,  and  so  I  experimented  with  some  artificial  manures,  also 
farmyard  manure.  A  couple  of  years  ago  I  tried  dressings  of  nitrate  of 
soda,  superphosphate  of  lime,  and  kainit  mixed,  fortnightly,  watering  in 
with  clear  water,  but  with  no  good  results  as  regards  colour.  Last  year 
I  added  muriate  of  potash  in  place  of  kainit,  and  gave  a  light  dressing 
every  week,  and  the  season  being  dry  watered  well  in  with  liquid  cow 
and  sheep  manure,  with  a  little  soot  added  occasionally. 
It  was  interesting  to  watch  the  results  of  such  high  feeding  on  several 
varieties,  Mrs.  Pearson  was  small  in  berry,  and  of  a  dirty  green  colour ; 
Appley  Towers  small  and  not  well  coloured  ;  Buckland  Sweetwater 
swelled  very  large  berries,  some  of  which  cracked,  but  of  a  beautiful 
amber  colour  ;  Madresfield  Court  had  fine  bunches  and  berries,  but  there 
was  no  improvement  in  the  colour,  few  of  the  berries  finishing  to  the 
footstalks  ;  Mrs.  Pince  and  Black  Hamburgh  were  worse  in  colour,  a 
like  remark  applying  to  Alicante,  Gros  Colman,  and  Black  Morocco. 
Knowing  that  Vines  must  have  a  good  supply  of  nitrogen  and  potash 
in  the  soil  to  colour  the  fruit,  I  next  tried  manures  rich  in  such.  Last 
autumn  I  top-dressed  with  sulphate  of  lime  (gypsum)  at  the  rate  of 
three-quarters  of  a  pound  per  yard,  forking  it  in  lightly,  the  roots  being 
close  to  the  surface.  Though  lime  may  be  in  the  loam,  it  may  still  not 
be  in  available  condition  as  plant  food  till  rendered  so  by  some  alkaloid. 
Afterwards  a  dressing  of  dissolved  bones  and  sulphate  of  potash  was 
given.  When  the  buds  started  I  top-dressed  with  a  mixture  composed  of 
superphosphate  five  parts,  nitrate  of  potash  three  parts,  sulphate  of  iron 
and  sulphate  of  magnesia  one  part  each,  repeating  after  setting,  and 
again  after  stoning,  and  the  season  being  showery  little  watering  was 
required,  and  clear  water  only  used. 
All  the  black  varieties  now  ripe  are  decidedly  better  in  colour  and 
finish.  Mrs.  Pearson  is  also  much  improved  in  size  of  berry  and  colour. 
Appley  Towers  and  Black  Hamburgh  are  very  large,  and  as  black  as 
Damsons,  Mrs.  Pince,  Gros  Colman,  Gros  Guillaume,  and  Alicante  are 
colouring  fast,  and  looked  like  finishing  well.  No  fault  can  be  found 
with  Madresfield  Court,  except  an  odd  berry  cracking,  which  must  be 
expected  when  the  house  is  used  for  plants,  and  the  fruit  is  now  nearly 
coloured  to  the  footstalks. 
I  will  write  again  when  all  are  finished,  and  also  give  the 
results  of  different  stocks  I  have  tried  for  varieties  which  are  difficult 
to  finish,  or  are  shy  setters.  The  White  Muscats  all  seem  to  have  been 
improved,  colouring  earlier  than  other  years.  No  leaves  are  turning 
brown  around  the  edges,  as  sometimes  happens,  but  are  deep  green  and 
large,  though  no  shade  is  ever  applied,  and  the  Vines  are  cropped 
heavily. — W.  T,,  Ireland. 
[Not  young  gardeners  only  will  be  obliged  to  our  correspondent  for 
tbe  records  of  his  experiments.] 
