366 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
October  14,  1897. 
but  little  evidence  as  to  relative  abundance  or  scarcity.  .Vs  regards  the 
quality,  in  far  too  many  instances  there  could,  however,  be  no  mistake. 
Hundreds  of  baskets  of  various  sizes,  bushels,  and  sieves,  in  all  their 
complications  of  varying  dimensions  and  weights,  were  exposed  for  sale, 
displaying  unsorted,  inferior,  bruised,  and  damaged  fruits  that  could  not 
be  regarded  without  a  shudder.  Yet  this  was  all  British  produce.  Side 
by  side,  in  some  cases,  were  neat  boxes  of  Pears  or  barrels  of  sound,  even 
Apples,  all  affording  evidence  of  the  greatest  care  and  thought.  This 
was  the  foreign  produce.  Is  it  surprising  that  the  purchaser  should 
prefer  the  latter  1  and  would  it  not  be  wiser  to  take  a  lesson  from  our 
foi-eign  competitors  than  to  sigh  over  the  difficulties  of  obtaining  good 
prices,  when  the  contrast  under  present  circumstances  is  often  so  much 
against  our  own  produce  I  am  aware  that  certain  salesmen  will  deal  in 
nothing  but  the  best  British  fruit,  properly  sorted  and  packed,  wherein 
they  have  done  great  service  to  many  cultivators,  who  have  been  forced 
to  learn  better  methods.  But  the  majority,  unfortunately,  are  not  so 
considerate,  or  they  do  not  occupy  such  an  independent  position  that  they 
can  refuse  business  of  an  unsuitable  character. 
These  matters  have  been  dwelt  upon  rejieatedly  in  the  pages  of  the 
.lournal,  but  my  excuse  for  referring  to  them  must  be  found  in  the  fact 
that,  visiting  the  greatest  market  of  its  kind  in  the  kingdom  after  a  con¬ 
siderable  la]>se  of  time,  T  was  much  struck  with  the  evidence,  so  startlingly 
plain,  that  British  cultivators  have  yet  much  to  learn  besides  the  art  of 
growing  good  produce.  The  contrast,  too,  was  all  the  more  remarkable 
because  within  an  hour  the  display  of  handsome  fruits  at  the  Crystal 
Palace  could  be  reached,  and  there  the  credit  of  our  brethren  was  well 
maintained,  proving  yet  again  what  has  been  so  often  proved  before  - 
namely,  that  the  British  cultivator  at  his  best  is  second  to  none  in  the 
essentials  of  his  art  as  a  grower  pure  and  simple.  Why'  some  should  fail 
so  deplorably  in  other  respects  is  consequently  the  more  regrettable. 
Perhaps  the  ladies  will  teach  us  a  lesson,  for  now  they  ai’e  entering 
the  ranks  as  horticulturists  we  must  try'  to  recognise  them  as  fiiends,  and 
not  necessarily  as  rivals.  In  what  may  )ie  termed  the  “fine  arts” 
depirtment  of  gardening,  wherever  taste,  neatness,  and  methodical  care 
will  tell,  they  may  be  able  to  teach  by  force  of  example  what  many  seem 
slow  to  learn.  The  young  gardeners  of  the  future  will  have  a  rather 
agreeable  time  if  they  are  to  be  instructed  by  some  of  the  fascinating 
feminine  horticulturists  now  being  trained  at  certain  establishments. 
Royal  Kew  has  found  employment  for  some  of  the  ladies,  and  several.  I 
know,  are  already  in  charge  of  establishments  in  various  parts  of  the 
country.  There  is  no  question  that  women  and  girls  can  render  substantial 
service  in  many  departments.  In  the  gathering,  sorting,  and  packing  of 
fruits,  and  such  vegetables  as  Peas  and  Beans,  for  instance,  many  market 
growers  have  found  their  labour  more  economical  and  efficient  than  that 
of  men  and  boys  ;  and  when  it  comes  to  flower  gathering  and  packing 
the  females  have  all  the  advantage.  These  thoughts  were  mostly 
suggested  by  two  observations  on  the  occasion  of  my  visit.  One  was 
that  in  a  certain  well-known  old  Strand  restaurant,  where  hundreds  of 
horticulturists  have  foregathered  at  different  times  to  refresh  themselves, 
and  where  the  same  men  waiters  had  attended  to  the  wants  of  their 
customers  from  time  immemorial,  1  found  the  whole  system  revolutionised. 
Our  ancient  waiters  had  entirely  disappeared,  their  places  being  taken  by 
“neat-handed  Phy'llises,”  and  “Hebes.”  The  other  matter  was  the 
exhibit  at  the  Palace  from  a  horticultural  college,  where  so  many  ladies 
have  been  trained,  which  displayed  a  tastefulness  and  neatness  that 
seemed  to  be  the  effects  of  their  presence. 
Into  the  details  of  the  great  show  I  shall  not  attempt  to  enter,  your 
able  reporters  have  done  that  most  thoroughly,  as  they  always  do  ;  but  I 
shall  touch  upon  a  few  outside  matters  that  attracted  my  attention.  Pirst, 
it  occurred  to  me  how  imperfectly  all  the  fine  fruit  shown  conveyed  any 
idea  of  the  cropping  qualities  of  the  different  varieties,  especially  in  a 
season  like  the  present.  It  is  possible  by  going  over  a  couple  of  dozen 
Apple  or  Pear  trees  to  select  twelve  extremely  fine  fruits,  even  in  a  bad 
season  ;  but  whether  it  is  worth  growing  twenty-four  trees  to  get  twelve 
fruits  of  a  pound  or  a  pound  and  a  half,  such  is  a  matter  of  opinion.  If 
one  has  to  supply  a  large  household,  or  sell  the  produce,  we  can  soon 
decide  the  point,  I  should  like  to  see  a  class  or  classes  introduced  for  the 
entire  produce  of  a  young  tree,  say  from  three  to  six  years  old  ;  this 
would  convey  some  valuable  information  which  all  would  be  able  to  under¬ 
stand  and  appreciate.  The  prizes  should  be  substantial,  and  the  crop 
certified  by  a  witness.  In  a  series  of  years  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  would  accumulate  a  number  of  facts  illustrating  the  bearing 
qualities  of  different  varieties  under  varying  conditions  that  would  be  of 
great  service. 
With  regard  to  varieties  of  special  interest,  I  fear  my  notes  would 
take  too  much  space  if  transcribed  now,  therefore  I  will  trouble  the 
Editor  with  them  for  another  issue,  if  he  will  allow  roe  to  do  so.  (Ine 
more  observation,  however,  I  should  like  to  make.  I  missed,  liecause  I 
did  not  know  of,  the  Conference.  I  saw  no  bills.  Can  it  be  that  the 
R.II.S.  does  not  care  whether  visitors  attend  or  not,  so  long  as  matter  is 
obtained  for  its  official  JournaU — A  Couxteyman. 
SC'HIZANTHUS  PINNATUS. 
This  is  one  of  the  freest  flowering  annuals  we  have  for  pot  culture. 
It  is  usually  employed  for  the  spring  decoration  of  the  greenhouse,  where 
it  blooms  for  a  considerable  period.  A  few  plants  in  6-inch  pots,  when 
well  grown,  afford  numbers  of  useful  sprays  of  butterfly  shaped  flowers, 
chiefly  lilac  or  rose  coloured.  Some  are  beautifully  spotted. 
The  plants  grow  to  about  the  height  of  2  feet.  They  may  be  allowed 
to  form  one  main  stem,  which  branches  laterally,  and  forms  a  pyramidal 
specimen.  The  culture  is  simple.  Seeds  should  be  sown  thinly  in 
pots  or  pans  in  August  or  September.  When  germination  has  taken 
place,  the  seedlings  must  have  light  and  free  ventilation  on  an  airy  shelf 
in  a  cold  greenhouse  or  in  a  frame.  Pi’event  the  seedlings  touching 
each  other  while  in  the  young  state,  so  as  to  induce  them  to  advance 
slowly  and  sturdily.  When  about  2  inches  high  each  plant  will  be  ready 
for  placing  singly  in  a  3-inch  pot.  Employ  a  compost  of  loam,  leaf  soil, 
sand,  and  a  little  charcoal  crushed  fine.  In  potting  place  the  plant  low 
down,  the  bottom  leaves  being  allowed  to  touch  the  soil.  Pot  firmly,  but 
in  proportion  to  the  amount  of  roots  each  plant  has.  Those  with  few 
roots  should  be  potted  more  loosely,  and  if  necessary  in  smaller  pots. 
Place  a  light  neat  stake  to  each,  so  that  the  plants  may  be  maintained 
upright. 
Undoubtedly  the  best  position  for  the  plants  from  the  time  of  potting 
is  on  a  shelf  close  to  the  glass,  where  unobstructed  light  reaches  them, 
and  cool  air  circulates  about  them.  Growth  will  be  carried  on  slowly. 
This  is  of  more  advantage  for  the  later  culture  than  encoui’aging  a  tall 
rapid  growth  early  in  their  career. 
Watering  must  be  managed  so  that  the  soil  continues  moist  but  not 
unduly  wet.  It  is  more  desirable  that  the  soil  becomes  slightly  drier 
than  otherwise  during  the  dull  dark  period  of  November  and  December. 
The  best  temperature  for  them  is  one  45°  to  55°,  the  latter  being  the 
highest  advisable,  in  order  to  prevent  drawing  or  weakening. 
.Tanuary  is  the  best  period  to  i>ot  the  plants  finally  into  blooming  pots. 
The  advantage  of  having  plants  with  good  balls  of  roots  and  a  limited 
extent  of  growth  above  the  soil  will  now  be  obvious.  Rooting  power 
once  secured,  the  vigorous  advance  of  the  plants  afterwards  will  ])roceed. 
A  similar  compost  as  before  recoramendeffi  with  the  addition  of  a  fourth 
of  decayed  manure,  will  prove  suitable.  Six  or  7-inch  pots  are  large 
enough.  Crock  them  moderately  and  carefully,  jdacing  over  the  crocks 
a  little  moss  or  fibre,  with  a  slight  dusting  of  soot.  Cover  that  with  a 
layer  of  compost,  and  then  introduce  the  plant.  Work  in  more  soil,  and 
press  firmly  round  the  ball  of  roots,  using  a  blunt  stick  for  the  purpose. 
This  being  the  final  potting,  it  is  important  to  comjjress  a  fair  share  of 
rich  compost  within  reach  of  the  roots.  Firmness  induces  the  multi¬ 
plication  of  fine  rootlets,  and  these  are  essential  to  a  continued  healthy 
condition. 
Still  give  the  plants  a  light  j)Osition,  but  it  may  be  necessary  for  them 
to  be  at  a  greater  distance  from  the  glass,  owing  to  the  introduction  of 
longer  stakes.  Should  it  be  necessary,  however,  to  keep  the  plants  from 
becoming  unduly  drawn,  it  would  be  no  great  difficulty  to  give  a  fresh 
stick  as  the  plant  required,  withdrawing  the  old  one,  and  inserting  the 
longer  one  in  the  same  hole. 
Soon  after  the  plants  have  bec  ome  established  in  their  final  pots,  side 
shoots  will  commence  to  develop.  Plenty  of  room  must  then  be  afforded 
to  each  so  as  to  induce  a  regular  and  even  shape.  If  strict  attention  can 
be  given  and  continued,  it  would  pay  to  neatly  tie  out  the  lower  shoots 
close  to  the  rim  of  the  pot.  Other  shoots  might  be  trained  at  regular 
intervals  above,  the  whole  forming  a  pleasing  pyramidal  shape  and  an 
attractive  object  when  in  bloom.  Those  who  object  to  stiffness  and  for¬ 
mality  may  sim])ly  insert  one  stake  in  the  centre  of  the  pot,  train  the 
main  stem  to  this,  and  allow  the  side  shoots  to  develop  in  a  free  natural 
manner. 
As  the  season  advances  and  the  time  for  flowering  approaches,  the 
plants,  pot-bound  with  active  roots  as  they  will  be,  must  receive  assistance 
from  applications  of  liquid  manure.  Clay’s  fertiliser,  or  similar  artificial 
compound.  Stood  among  other  plants  in  the  greenhouse  or  conservatory 
in  spring,  the  Schizanthus  has  a  light  and  elegant  appearance.  Whether 
for  rendering  useful  sprays  for  cutting  or  adding  to  the  attractions  of  a 
group  of  flowering  plants  it  is  w'orthy  of  culture.— E.,  Gravesend, 
One  notable  improvement  is  observable  at  these  shows,  and  that  is  in 
the  arrangement  of  fruit  exhibits  for  e"ect.  Very  tasteful  displays  are 
now  produced,  very  different  from  the  formal  array  of  plates  which  has 
prevailed  for  so  long  at  most  exhibitions.  Mr.  Owen  Thomas  has  set 
^veral  admirable  examples  in  this  direction,  and  his  collection  at  the 
a  ace  well  showed  how  the  attractions  of  an  exhibition  can  l>e  increased  in 
this  w^.  Groups  of  fruiting  trees  are  also  very  beautiful,  and  the 
hawbridgeworth  specimens  were  strongly  in  evidence.  This  is  a  feature  of 
extended  with  advantage  ;  but  except  where 
orchard  houses  exist  few  private  gardens  include  collections  of  Apples  or 
LkonosrofVffit8on%hrtay.  *'*“''* 
Oeat.^GUS  Pyeacantha  Ljblaxdi. — The  various  forms  in  which 
this  superb  berried  shrub  can  be  grown  gives  it  special  value  to  the 
jilanter.  As  a  climlier,  or  rather  trained  against  a  building  of  almost 
any  description,  it  is  in  berry  very  attractive  and  beautiful.  Grafted  on 
tall  stems  of  any  common  variety  it  makes  singularly  effective  standards. 
It  can  be  trained,  by  using  the  pruning  knife,  into  pyramidal  form,  thus 
when  in  full  fruit  becoming  on  a  lawn  as  a  specimen  a  brilliant  object. 
1 1  can  be  planted  on  the  crest  of  a  mound  and  then  allowed  to  branch  out 
freely  and  somewhat  drooping,  for  the  great  weight  of  fruit  carried  will  bring 
the  branches  down.  Probably  there  is  no  berry-producing  shrub,  not 
even  the  Holly,  that  is  so  effective  when  in  fruit  as  is  this  evergreen 
Cratfegus. — A.  D. 
