Augilst  1897. 
JOtimAL  OP  nORTIGULPtinP  AND  COTTAgP  OAkDENPk 
135 
Cucumber  Stem  Diseased  (ZT.  W.  P.) — We  were  unable  to  find 
any  insects  in  the  stem,  or  anything  In  the  shape  of  an  organism,  visible 
or  microscopic,  likely  to  cause  the  stem  to  decay.  This  appears  due  to 
what  is  known  as  “canker,”  the  tissues  being  quite  brown  and  destroyed. 
The  roots,  as  you  say,  appear  all  right — at  least,  there  was  no 
micro-organism  in  them  that  we  could  discover.  There  may  have  been 
minute  insects  on  the  affected  part  when  it  was  sent  off,  but  if  so  they 
had  been  so  smashed  in  transit  as  to  be  altogether  undistinguishable. 
Oftentimes  a  minute  insect  affects  the  collar  of  the  plant,  and  so  rasps 
the  bark  as  to  cause  decay,  the  remedy  for  which,  and  canker,  is  a  drier 
condition  about  the  stem  and  rubbing  quicklime  into  the  affected  parts. 
The  lime  will  also  destroy  the  small  insects  if  dusted  upon  them. 
“  Fysal  Hemp”  (5.  J.  — Yon  wrote  “  Henry”  so  plainly  last 
week  that  we  were  misled.  We  are  now  inclined  to  think  the  word  is 
Hemp,  though  there  is  scarcely  the  ghost  of  a  “  p  ”  in  it.  Please  do  not 
regard  this  as  a  reproach,  as  we  much  fear  we  write  hundreds  of  words 
without  a  good,  plain,  sensible  alphabetical  in  them,  though  the  com¬ 
positors  seem  in  some  mysterious  way  to  know  what  we  mean.  We  do 
not  know  the  particular  kind  of  Hemp,  if  Hemp  it  is,  that  you 
mention ;  nor  do  we  know  of  any  other  kind  of  Hemp  that  we  could 
advise  to  be  grown  as  profitable  for  its  fibre  in  the  average  summers 
of  this  country.  If  any  of  our  readers  can  speak  from  experience  on 
the  point  and  help  you  we  shall  be  pleased  to  hear  from  them.  As  to 
procuring  seed,  and  the  quantity  to  sow,  we  know  of  no  firm  more  likely 
to  supply  it,  with  the  requisite  information,  than  Messrs.  Vilmorin 
Andrieux  &  Co.,  Quai  de  la  Megisserie,  Paris  ;  but  we  doubt  very  much 
the  realisation  of  a  fortune  from  an  acre  of  “  Fysal  Hemp,”  or  whatever 
the  supposed  lucrative  plant  may  be.  We  have  heard  of  a  Sisal  Hemp, 
information  about  which  might  be  procured  from  Kew. 
Cncumbera  Falling'  (6*.  R.). — The  turning  yellow  of  the  embryo 
fruits  when  an  inch  long  may  be  the  result  of  (1)  Dryness  of  the  soil, 
not  on  or  near  the  surface,  but  where  it  is  contact  with  the  beating 
chamber  (if  the  bed  is  over  hot-water  pipes),  (2)  An  attack  of  minute 
nematoid  worms  (which  is  more  serions)>  (3)  Something  unfavourable 
in  temperature  or  atmospheric  conditions.  We  have  known  incipient 
fruits  to  collapse  under  all  these  causer.  If  yon  will  send  specimeos  as 
soon  as  yon  read  this  reply,  not  to  Fleet  Street,  bat  to  the  address  at  the 
head  of  this  column,  they  shall  be  carefully  examined.  It  may  be 
advantageous  to  give  fuller  particulars  of  the  case  and  treatment  than 
can  be  conveyed  on  a  postcard.  Microscopical  examinations  cannot  be 
made  in  a  day  or  two,  and  that  is  why  we  like  to  receive  specimens  with 
as  little  delay  as  possible  with  the  object,  if  practicable,  of  publishing  a 
reply  next  week.  Delay  is  inevitable  when  editorial  communications 
are  not  sent  to  the  address  that  is  prominently  given  at  the  head  of  the 
first  article  in  each  issue  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  and  of  the 
“  Correspondent’s  ”  column. 
A  Igew  Pea  (iS.  H.  Wrighf). — We  have  received  the  Pets  you 
have  sent,  as  the  result  of  a  cross  between  Sharpe’s  Triumph  (pollen 
bearer),  and  Carter’s  Stratagem  (seed  bearer).  We  also  note  that  the 
reverse  crosses  proved  worthless.  We  have  no  doubt  your  description  of 
the  variety  as  to  habit  is  correct — namely,  height  3  to  3J  feet,  sturdy, 
short-jointed,  foliage  bluish  green.  The  tops  sent  are  certainly  stout, 
short-jointed,  and  generally  the  very  fine  full  pods  are  produced  in  pairs. 
The  peas,  of  which  most  pods  contained  nine,  and  several  ten,  are  large 
and  as  good  in  colour  as  could  be  desired,  and  hence  the  name  you  have 
given,  “  Wright’s  Emerald.”  We  believe  there  is  an  “  Emerald  Gem  ” 
Pea  in  cultivation,  and  hence  the  similarity  of  names  is  close.  You 
state  the  Peas  sent  had  been  in  a  “  shop  window  for  two  days  in  the 
broiling  sun,”  and  you  ask  us,  therefore,  to  “  make  allowances.”  More¬ 
over,  through  having  been  misdirected  (see  instructions  at  the  head 
of  this  column)  another  day  was  lost.  As  to  “  allowances,”  they  are 
never  made  by  judges  or  examiners.  Products  are  appraised  by  their 
condition  at  the  time  of  inspection.  Making  “allowances”  would  lead 
to  nothing  but  confusion.  The  Pea,  judging  by  the  sample,  is  a  very 
fine  one.  We  have  seen  no  finer  this  year.  As  to  quality,  when  cooked, 
we  can  only  say  it  had  been  prejudiced  by  the  drying  and  delay.  We 
may  say  of  the  Pea  that  if  it  would  grow  as  well  in  gardens  generally  as 
it  has  done  in  the  place  of  its  nativity,  it  is  a  promising  acquisition,  and 
should  be  grown  in  the  gardens  of  the  Eoyal  Horticultural  Society  with 
other  old  and  new  varieties,  and  if  it  pass  the  ordeal  with  honours  yon 
will  not  regret  having  sent  it  there. 
Border  Carnations  (F,  A.  S.,  Somersef), — The  southern  slope  of 
sandy  soil  may  be  too  dry  for  the  well-being  of  the  plants,  especially 
during  prolonged  hot  weather,  though  the  effects  of  drought  may  be 
mitigated  by  deep  culture'  and  mulching  with  short  manure  in  May. 
Some  of  the  choice  florists’  Carnations  are  too  delicate  in  constitution 
for  border  cultivation,  but  there  are  plenty  of  varieties  sufidciently 
robust  to  succeed  in  the  open  ground  without  any  protection  in  winter. 
It  is  important  to  have  Eound  healthy  plants  to  begin  with,  and  plant 
soon  enough  in  late  summer  or  early  autumn  for  them  to  take  good  root- 
hold  and  become  well  established  before  winter.  The  sooner  the 
planting  is  done  the  better  when  the  ground  is  in  favourable  condition, 
or,  in  other  words,  moist,  not  cn  the  surface  alone,  but  down  to  ind  in 
the  subsoil,  and  the  days  are  not  hot  and  bright;  if  such  should  occur 
after  planting  it  may  be  prudent  to  shade  for  a  few  hours  with  inverted 
fiower  pots,  removing  them  long  before  nightfall.  The  slightly  northern 
slope  would  probably  be  better  for  the  plants,  and  if  you  could 
incorporate  with  it  some  dried  and  pounded  clay,  spreading  an  inch  or 
two  in  thickness  on  the  surface,  and  mixing  it  through  the  mass  by 
careful  digging  with  a  fork,  it  would  greatly  improve  its  texture.  The 
subsoil  should  also  be  well  broken  up  and  enriched  with  manure,  and 
ja  all  probability  ^  lb,  of  basic  slag  powder  and  2  or  3  ozs,  of  kainit  per 
square  yard  blended  with  the  soil  before  planting  would  have  a 
beneficial  effect ;  and  on  the  approach  of  dry  weather  in  spring  we  have 
found  a  dressing  or  two  of  salt,  1  to  2  ozs.  per  square  yard,  and  hoed  in  of 
service  to  the  plants,  subsequently  mulching  as  above  advised.  We 
have  not  found  any  advantage  in  covering  the  plants  as  protection 
against  frost — in  fact,  well  constitutioned  varieties,  well  established 
before  winter,  need  no  protection.  When  the  blooms  are  opening  canvas 
or  other  appropriate  shading  preserves  their  purity  and  prolongs  their 
season  of  beauty.  As  to  slugs,  no  doubt  occasional  dustings  of  soot  are 
repugnant  to  them  and  beneficial  to  the  plants,  taking  care  not  to  use  it 
in  excess ;  but  we  have  not  found  anything  so  effectual  as  clear  lime 
water  applied  through  a  rosed  can  an  hour  after  nightfall,  as  if  giving 
the  plants  a  good  watering.  The  pests  are  then  caught  feasting.  Day¬ 
time  applications  of  anything  are  of  comparatively  small  use,  as  the 
slugs  are  resting  beyond  their  reach.  Many  Carnation  plants  fail 
through  being  planted  on  the  eve  of  winter  and  very  late  in  the  spring, 
XTames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seeds  and  termed  fiorists’  fiowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  fiowering  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  diflScult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp, 
(il/”.  Davison'). — Though  your  letter  was  wrongly  addressed  it  has  reached 
us,  but  no  specimens  have  come  to  hand.  Read  the  instructions  given 
above,  after  which  send  fresh  fiowers,  and  we  will  endeavour  to  assist 
you.  (F.  V.  C.). — 1,  Epilobium  angustissimum  ;  2,  Veronica  rupestris  ; 
3,  Cassinea  fulvida  ;  4,  Lilium  croceum  ;  6,  Anchusa  sempervirens  ; 
6,  dead.  (Z.  A.  W.). — 1,  Clematis  coccinea  ;  2,  Agrosterama  coronaria  ; 
3,  Veronica  decussata  ;  4,  Leycesteria  formosa.  (S.  dZ  M,). — Cactus 
Dahlias  are  recognised  as  florists’  flowers,  which  can  only  be  named  by 
comparison  in  a  large  collection. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.- 
FRUIT. 
-  August  4th. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
Apples,  1  sieve . 
•  •• 
1  9to3  0 
Lemons,  case  . 
•  »» 
11  0tol4  0 
Currants,  Black,  half 
7  6 
0  0 
Raspberries,  tub,  £34  to  £35 
„  Red,  half  ... 
•  •• 
3  6 
4  0 
St.  Michael’s  Pines, 
each 
3  0 
8  0 
Filberts  and  Cobs,  100 
lb's. 
0  0 
0  0 
Strawberries,  per  lb.... 
•  •• 
0  0 
0  0 
Grapes,  lb . 
•  «  • 
0  8 
2  0 
VEGETABLES. 
s.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
Asparagus,  per  lOO  ... 
0  0  to  0  0 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
0  2  to  0  4 
Beans,  ^  sieve  . 
0  0 
0  0 
Onions,  bushel . 
•  •• 
3  6 
4  0 
Beet,  Red,  doz  . 
1  0 
0  0 
Parsley,  doz.  bnchs  ... 
•  •• 
2  0 
3  0 
Carrots,  bunch . 
0  3 
0  4 
Parsnips,  doz  . 
1  0 
0  0 
Cauliflowers,  doz. 
•  •  • 
2  0 
3  0 
Potatoes,  cwt . 
2  0 
4  0 
Celery,  bundle . 
1  0 
0  0 
Salsafv,  bundle . 
1  0 
0  0 
Coleworts,  doz.  bnchs. 
2  0 
4  0 
Seakaie,  basket . 
•  •• 
1  6 
1  9 
Cucumbers . 
•  •  • 
0  4 
0  8 
Scorzonera,  bundle  ... 
1  6 
0  0 
Endive,  doz . 
1  3 
1  6 
Shallots,  lb . 
•  •• 
0  3 
0  0 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
•  •• 
0  3 
0  0 
Spinach,  pad  . 
0  0 
0  4 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
0  2 
0  0 
Sprouts,  1  sieve . 
•  •• 
1  6 
1  9 
Lettuce,  doz . 
1  3 
0  0 
Tomatoes,  lb . 
0  4 
0  0 
Mushrooms,  lb . 
•  •• 
0  6 
0  8 
Turnips,  bunch . 
... 
0  3 
0  0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
8.  d 
Arbor  Vitse,  var.  doz. 
•  •• 
6  0to36  0 
Fuchsias,  doz . 
... 
4  0  to  6  0 
Aspidistra,  doz . 
•  •• 
18  0 
16  0 
Heliotropes,  per  doz. 
... 
3  0 
5  U 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
•  •• 
5  0 
10  6 
Hydrangeas,  doz. 
... 
8  0 
10  0 
Calceolarias,  doz.  ... 
... 
3  0 
6  0 
Lilium  Harrisi,  doz.... 
12  0 
18  0 
Campanula,  per  doz... 
4  0 
9  0 
Lobelias,  doz . 
... 
2  6 
4  0 
Cockscombs,  per  doz... 
3  0 
5  0 
Lycopodiums,  doz.  ... 
... 
3  0 
4  0 
Coleus,  doz . 
2  6 
4  0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  doz. 
... 
4  0 
9  0 
Dracaena,  var.,  doz.  ... 
... 
12  0 
30  0 
Mignonette,  doz. 
... 
4  0 
6  0 
Dracaena,  viridis,  doz. 
•  •• 
9  0 
18  0 
Myrtles,  doz . 
... 
6  0 
9  0 
Euonymus,  var.,  dozen 
... 
6  0 
18  0 
Palms,  in  var.,  each... 
... 
1  0 
15  0 
Evergreens,  var.,  doz. 
•  •  * 
4  0 
18  0 
,,  specimens 
... 
21  0 
63  0 
Ferns,  var.,  doz. 
4  0 
18  0 
Pelargoniums,  doz.  ... 
... 
8  0 
12  0 
Ferns,  small,  100 
4  0 
6  0 
,,  Scarlet, 
doz. 
2  0 
4  0 
Ficus  elastica,  each  ... 
•  •• 
1  0 
7  0 
Rhodanthe,  doz. 
... 
4  0 
6  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.,  each 
1  0 
5  O' 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.- 
CUT  FLOWERS.— Orchid  Blooms  in 
variety. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
rum  Lilies,  12  blooms  ...  2  0  to  4  0 
sparagus  Fern,  bunch  ...  2  0  3  0 
sters  (French)  per  buch.  0  6  10 
ouvardias,  bunch  .  0  4  0  6 
arnations,  12  blooms  ...  10  .3  0 
,,  doz.  bnchs.  ...  3  0  0  0 
ornflower,  doz.  bnchs.  ...  1  0  2  0 
ucharis,  doz .  2  0  3  0 
ardenias,  doz .  2  0  4  0 
cranium,  scarlet,  doz. 
bnchs .  3  0  4  0 
ladioli,  doz.  bnchs.  ...  4  0  8  0 
avender,  doz.  bnchs.  ...  6  0  8  0 
ilium  longiflorum,  12 
blooms  .  2  0  4  0 
ily  of  the  Valley,  12  sprays  10  2  0 
^  V.  - - -  --- 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz. 
bnchs . 
Jlignonette,  doz.  bnchs.  ... 
Orchids,  var.  doz.  blooms. 
Pelargoniums,  12  bnchs. ... 
Pyrethrum,  doz.  bnchs  .... 
Roses  (indoor),  doz . 
,,  Tea,  white,  doz. 
„  Yellow,  doz.  (Niels) 
„  Red,  doz.  blooms  ... 
„  Safrano  (English)  doz. 
,,  Pink,  doz....  ...  ... 
,,  outdoor,  doz.  bnchs. 
Smilax,  bunch . 
Tuberoses,  12  blooms 
2  0  to  3  0 
1  0 
1  6 
1  0 
1  0 
1  0 
2  0 
2  0 
0  3 
8  0 
4  0 
12  0 
6  0 
3  0 
1  0 
2  0 
4  0 
2  0 
2  0 
2  6 
6  0 
3  6 
0  4 
