October  7,  1897. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
347 
^Ir,  H.  Broomhead  had  the  lightest-coloured  foliage  in  the  collection,  and 
the  latter  will  be  rather  late  in  blooming),  V an  den  Heede,  Chas.  Davis, 
E.  Molyneux,  J.  Shrimpton,  Viviand  Morel,  and  President  Boreh 
— E.  D.  S. 
The  Chrysanthemum  Era. 
Has  “  Traveller  ”  (page  308)  had  a  bad  journey  ?  Can  it  be  that 
because  modern  gardeners  did  not  respond  liberally  to  his  blandishments 
he  penned  that  finely  rounded  sentence  for  the  information  of  his 
House  ”  : — “  They  are  imbued  with  one  impression,  that  the  universe 
was  designed  specially  for  Chrysanthemum  growers,  and  will  revolve 
round  them  to  the  end  of  time.”  A  fine  burst  of  eloquence,  truly.  So 
well  rounded,  indeed,  as  to  have  no  point. 
This  puerile  tilting  at  the  Chrysanthemum  has  been  indulged  in  ever 
since  the  modern  gardener  discovered  that  by  its  aid  the  conservatory  is 
the  brightest  at  the  season  of  the  year  when  it  was  the  dullest  and 
dreariest  in  the  good  old  times.  The  modern  gardener  is  enabled,  also,  to 
keep  the  supply  of  cut  flowers  to  the  highest  pitch  of  abundance,  and  this 
notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  demand  now,  at  the  lowest  estimate,  is 
in  the  proportion  of  twenty-five  to  one  of  that  in  former  times.  There 
are  very  few  nurseries  where  the  Chrysanthemum  is  not  largely  grown 
and  its  merits  duly  appreciated.  “Traveller’s”  condemnation  of  it  can 
•only  be  ascribed  to  the  fact  that  in  the  gardener’s  hand  a  sufficient  home 
stock  is  raised  without  troubling  the  order  seeker.  In  that  case  the 
sensible  course  would  be  a  change  in  methods,  for  the  Chrysanthemum  is 
gathering  strength  as  it  goes  along  in  its  brilliant  career. 
“  Traveller’s  "  attempt  to  attribute  Chrysanthemum  culture  as  a  cause 
of  his  alleged  decadence  (forsooth !)  of  gardening  is  a  trifle  amusing. 
He  does  not  seem  to  know  that  successful  Chrysanthemum  culture 
necessitates  the  highest  cultural  knowledge.  The  gardener  who  succeeds 
in  producing  high-class  flowers  need  have  no  fear  of  his  abilities  failing 
him  in  dealing  with  other  subjects.  A  single  day’s  drive  to  the  different 
growers  in  well-known  Chrysanthemum  centres  similar  to  Hessle  or 
Liverpool  will  easily  convince  all  who  know  good  work  when  they  see 
it,  that  the  most  successful  Chrysanthemum  growers  pay  no  less  atten¬ 
tion  to  all  the  other  important  branches  of  gardening  which  they 
practise  with  equal  success.  These  men  will  show  as  perfectly  finished 
crops  of  Muscat  and  late  Grapes,  as  sensibly  managed  Peach  and  other 
frmt  trees,  as  good  collections  of  decorative  plants,  and  as  useful  supplies 
of  vegetables,  as  any  coming  within  a  similar  area  to  which  “  Traveller” 
may  be  able  to  refer  to  in  times  previous  to  the  advent  of  his  special  hete 
noirf  the  Chry'santhemum. 
Perhaps  it  would  be  well  to  remind  this  “  new  star  ”  that  a  declaration 
of  war  on  his  part  involves  the  possibility  of  an  invasion  of  his  own  terri¬ 
tories.  Like  himself,  I  can  remember  the  time  when  there  were  fewer 
“  Travellers”  than  there  are  at  present,  and  some  of  them  may  be  unable 
to  get  the  usual  “  line.”  In  spite  of  all  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from 
and  by  these  “  gentlemen  of  the  road,”  we  draw  the  line  at  lectures  on  our 
incompetence,  and  beg  to  remind  “Traveller”  that  times,  tastes,  and 
requirements  have  changed  in  a  wide  degree  from  those  of  the  past ;  also 
that  he  will  not  find  himself  equal  to  stopping  the  clock,  nor  even  set  the 
hands  back  a  minute,  as  it  marks  time  in  the  progress  of  gardening, 
including  Chrysanthemums. — Cedo  Nulli, 
WATERPROOF  AQUATIC  PLANTS. 
This  may  perhaps  seem  an  anomalous  title,  for  few  people  compara¬ 
tively  are  aware  that  the  numerous  forms  of  vegetation  seen  floating  on 
the  surface  of  lakes,  rivers,  and  streams,  or  whose  green  form  is  visible 
below  the  water,  are  clothed  in  waterproof  garments.  This,  though,  is 
certainly  the  case,  and  it  is  altogether  a  great  mistake  to  suppose  that 
floating  or  even  submerged  plants  are  soaking  with  water.  The  surfaces 
of  aqueous  plants  are  covered  with  a  thin  cuticle  or  film  of  the  nature  of 
a  super-glaucous  bloom  over  the  ordinary  epidermis  or  porous  skin,  which 
effectually  prevents  them  absorl)ing  the  wet,  acting,  in  fact,  as  a  perfect 
waterproof,  so  that  the  watery  element  they  inhabit  does  not  enter  their 
tissues  save  and  only  when  required  by  their  organism,  and  in  accordance 
with  the  same  laws  which  regulate  the  absorption  of  water  by  land  plants. 
Any  persons  desirous  of  verifying  this  interesting  fact,  can  do  so  by 
examining  the  water  plants  in  their  neighbourhood.  Take,  for  instance, 
the  Water  Lily  ;  they  will  find  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaves  is  covered 
with  this  cuticle  or  varnXsh,  and  that  water  poured  thereon  collects  into 
silvery  globules,  and  rolls  off  without  actually  wetting  them.  The  exist¬ 
ence  of  this  cuticle  on  the  epidermis  of  water  plants,  as  a  perfectly  dis¬ 
tinct  slight  membrane,  was  first  discovered  by  the  eminent  botanist,  De 
Saussure.  nearly  a  century  and  a  half  ago.  Subsequently  this  discovery 
was  confirmed  by  Hedgwiz  in  1793,  and,  later  on,  in  1834,  by  Brongniart, 
who  alludes  to  it  in  his  most  interesting  article  on  the  structure  of  leaves. 
The  exclusion  of  superfluous  water  from  the  inside  of  aquatic  plants  is 
further  promoted  by  the  numerous  air  cells  in  their  interior,  for  these  are 
more  abundant  than  in  land  plants. 
This  can  easily  be  demonstrated  by  cutting  the  stem  across  of  one  of 
the  former  and  examining  the  section  with  the  aid  of  a  small  microscope. 
It  is  thought  that  in  certain  cases  the  formation  of  these  air  cells  is 
accidental,  the  result  of  a  slight  rupture  of  the  interior  tissues  ;  but 
generally  they  are  due  to  the  ordinary  operation  of  a  general  law,  and 
they  assume  in  cases  a  very  beautiful  appearance.  There  appear  firstly 
triangular  openings  between  the  adjacent  polyhedral  cellules,  these 
then  enlarge  at  the  expense  of  the  area  enclosed  by  their  walls  until  they 
take  the  form  of  a  six-rayed  star.  This  is  easily  seen  by  taking  a 
section  of  the  pith  of  a  common  Rush,  which,  examined  through  the 
microscope,  reveals  a  very  beautiful  object.  It  is  in  this  way  the  large 
air  receptacles  in  the  interior  of  most  water  plants  are  formed. 
So  much,  then,  for  the  anatomy  of  the  subject ;  as  to  their  physiology, 
most  of  us  know  that  the  leaves  of  ordinary  plants  are  a  sort  of  filte 
through  which  the  impure  air  is  filtered  of  its  carbonic  acid  and  rendered 
again  fit  for  respiration — that  is,  aerial  leaves  remove  carbonic  acid  from 
the  atmosphere.  All  plants  do  this,  from  the  forest  tree  to  the  smallest 
blade  of  grass.  Even  poisonous  species  in  this  respect  are  public 
benefactors,  transforming  the  pestilent  air  into  a  pure  vivifying  atmosphere. 
The  same  law  prevails  in  aquatic  vegetation.  All  animals  which  inhabit 
the  waters  are  ever  poisoning  the  element  in  which  they  live  with 
carbonic  gas  ;  and  all  aquatic  plants,  from  their  queen,  the  noble  Victoria 
Regia,  floating  on  the  majestic  Amazon  or  in  a*lake  or  tank  here,  down 
to  the  smallest  and  most  insignificant  weed  in  a  stagnant  pool  with  its 
scum-like  vegetation,  are  engaged  in  the  grand  work  of  absorbing  the 
carbonic  acid,  and  then  oxygenating  their  native  element,  thus  restoring 
its  pristine  purity  and  rendering  it  wholesome. 
This  is  especially  the  function  of  those  plants  which  grow  wholly 
under  water,  for  it  is  apparent  that  a  great  deal  of  the  oxygen  of  floating 
vegetation  passes  at  once  into  the  atmosphere  without  producing  much 
effect  on  the  water.  With  submerged  plants  the  case  is  different.  Water 
always  contains  a  certain  amount  of  carbonic  acid  in  solution,  which  of 
course  enters  the  submerged  tissues.  Under  the  influence  of  light  this 
carbonic  acid  decomposes  —  the  carbon  is  left  in  the  parts  which  grow 
green,  and  the  oxygen  is  exhaled.  This  exhalation  from  the  leaves  of 
aquatic  plants  is  beautifully  seen  in  those  submerged  species  cultivated 
in  aquariums  in  order  to  preserve  the  health  of  the  denizen  fish.  The 
oxygen  collects  on  the  leaves  in  the  form  of  air  bells,  and  a  continuous 
succession  of  them  may  be  seen  to  rise  by  the  observer  through  the  water 
and  burst  on  arriving  at  its  surface.  These  keep  the  water  pure,  and 
show  that  the  chemistry  of  Nature  is  at  work,  and  the  carbon  of  the 
carbonic  acid  is  being  assimilated  by  the  plants. 
It  is  thus  aquatic  plants  purify  the  water,  removing  its  objectionable 
poisonous  element.  Air  in  the  interior  of  these  plants  not  only  excludes 
the  water,  but  gives  them  the  buoyancy'they  require.  When,  therefore, 
observing  the  different  forms  of  aquatic  vegetation  in  the  pond,  stream,  or 
lake,  whether  floating  or  wholly  submerged,  my  readers  should  hear  in 
mind  how  wisely  and  well  the  organisation  of  these  water  plants  is 
constructed,  both  without  and  within,  so  that  the  water  in  which  they 
live  shall  be  kept  out  of  them,  being  admitted  only  in  proportion  as 
necessary  to  carry  on  the  changes  connected  with  the  progress  of  their 
existence  and  development  to  maturity. — Wm.  Norman  Brown. 
THE  YOUNG  GARDENERS’  DOMAIN. 
Schizanthus. 
These  plants  can  be  thoroughly  recommended  to  anyone  requiring  an 
effective  display  of  bloom  with  little  trouble  or  expenditure.  For  the 
conservatory,  dwelling  house,  or  greenhouse  they  are  extremely  effective. 
It  can  also  be  used  for  vases  and  the  decoration  of  the  dining-room  table 
with  admirable  effect.  For  ordinary  purposes  we  find  sowing  the  seed  in 
6-inch  pots  the  best  method.  The  seeds  should  be  sown  very  thinly  and 
covered  with  fine  sand.  Germination  is  rapid,  and  when  large  enough 
the  young  plants  must  be  thinned,  leaving  five  or  six  to  a  pot.  Any 
ordinary  soil  will  suffice  to  grow  them  in,  although  the  best  results  we 
find  are  obtained  by  using  two  parts  of  good  loam  and  one  of  leaf 
soil,  with  road  grit  or  sand.  Do  not  fill  the  pots  half  full  of  crocks,  one 
large  piece  sufficing,  over  which  place  a  good  handful  of  half-decayed 
cow  or  horse  manure.  The  soil  should  be  made  moderately  firm,  leaving 
ample  room  for  watering,  as  they  require  copious  supplies  when  growing, 
which  should  be  given  alternately  with  some  kind  of  manure  water. 
Red  spiders  are  very  troublesome  to  Schizanthus  in  the  summer 
months,  and  if  not  destroyed  soon  spoil  the  plants  ;  but  if  grown  in  partial 
shade  and  kept  well  syringed  they  are  comparatively  free  from  these 
pests.  They  can  be  had  in  flower  nearly  the  whole  year  by  frequent 
sowings,  but  are  more  serviceable  in  the  spring  and  autumn,  as  the  flowers 
last  longer  then.  The  tall  varieties— viz.,  pinnatus,  p.  roseus,  p.  candi- 
dissimus,  appear  to  be  the  best  adapted  for  pot  culture,  and  are  more 
effective  if  mixed  when  sown.  Being  half-hardy  annuals  plenty  of  air 
should  be  given  on  all  favourable  occasions. — J.  L.  G. 
Asparagus  Culture. 
Plants  belonging  to  this  genus  have  during  late  years  attracted 
considerable  attention,  and  this,  no  doubt,  is  due  to  their  usefulness.  The 
graceful  foliage  is  admirably  adapted  for  cutting  and  mixing  with  flowers 
in  glasses,  for  making  streamers  for  bouquets,  and  for  laying  on  the 
dining  table.  The^dwarf  varieties  make  elegant  table  plants,  being  just 
what  is  required  to  relieve  such  specimens  as  Crotons  and  Dracaenas  of 
their  sometimes  too  bright  appearance  when  placed  on  the  table.  They 
are  very  useful  for  the  embellishment  of  the  stove,  greenhouse,  or 
conservatory,  whilst  the  tall-growing  varieties  are  useful  as  climbing 
plants  for  covering  pillars  and  bare  walls. 
Propagation  may  be  effected  by  the  aid  of  seeds  or  division  of  the 
root.  Sow  the  seeds  in  January  or  February  in  pans  of  light  sandy  soil, 
and  cover  over  with  a  piece  of  glass.  Remove  the  glass  as  soon  as  the 
seedlings  appear,  and  when  large  enough  to  handle,  pot  into  60’s,  using 
a  compost  of  fibrous  loam,  peat,  and  silver  sand  in  equal  parts.  Place  as 
near  the  glass  as  possible  in  a  moist  atmosphere,  where  there  is  a 
temperature  ranging  about  70°.  When  these  pots  are  full  of  roots 
transfer  them  into  5  or  6-inch,  using  a  compost  of  two  parts  fibrous  loam. 
