October  21,  1897. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
883 
formed.  It  is  well  known  to  growers  that  the  second  crown  buds  and  the 
terminals  open  more  freely  and  form  more  perfect  flowers  than  do  the 
first  crown,  yet  the  wood  forming  the  last  instalment  of  growth  in  this 
case  is  cruder  and  softer  than  in  the  other  case. 
Although  we  state  that  ripeness  of  growth  is  a  necessary  condition  in 
the  production  of  high-class  flowers,  we  have  also  to  consider  that  in  the 
ordinary  acceptance  of  the  term  the  Chrysanthemum  in  habit  is  an 
herbaceous  plant,  flowering  on  the  current  year’s  growth  ;  but  tinlike 
most  other  herbaceous  plants,  which  usually  bloom,  in  accordance  with  a 
fixed  principle,  at  the  point  terminating  the  current  season’s  growth,  the 
Chrysanthemum  has  inherited  or  adopted  a  more  erratic  principle  of 
forming  incipient  riower  buds,  terminating  several  instalments  of  growth 
instead  of  only  one,  as  in  the  case  of  the  herbaceous  Phlox.  Whether 
the  incipient  (lower  buds  of  the  Chrysanthemum  develop  into  flowers  or 
give  place  to  another  wood  developing  into  growth,  is  dependent  upon  the 
condition  of  the  plant  at  the  time,  or  of  the  requirement  of  the  cultivator. 
The  action  of  wood  and  root  growth  are  reciprocally  dependent  each 
on  the  other,  but  as  the  wot^d  and  leaves  also  ripen  as  the  season  advances, 
the  extension  of  top  growth  is  checked  with  the  inevitable  check  to  root 
action  following,  and  this  is  the  critical  stage  from  which  the  over-ripe 
condition  of  the  plant  begins  producing  the  inferior  flowers  due  to  this 
condition  of  the  plant,  brought  about  by  too  early  bud  formation. 
Reverting  to  the  second  crown  and  terminal  buds,  their  freer  develop-* 
ment  and  better  quality  may  be  traced  to  the  later  growth  and  the 
resultant  vigorous  root  action  when  most  required  in  the  development  of 
the  flower  and  best  suiting  the  exhibitor’s  requirements.  In  this  case, 
although  the  growth  immediately  below  the  bud  is  not  ripened,  we  may 
conclude  the  necessary  food  supply  in  the  development  of  the  flower  is 
drawn  on  from  below,  where  the  products  of'elaboration  have  been  stored 
by  in  the  earlier  part  of  the  season. — A  Yorkshiee  Grower. 
ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 
October  12th. 
Scientific  Committee. —Present :  Dr.  M.  T.  Masters  (in  the 
chair)  ;  Mr.  Veitch,  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Dr.  Russell,  and  the  Rev.  G.  Henslow, 
Hon.  Sec. 
Acorn  Gaps  Malformed. — Mr.  French  of  Felstead  sent  specimens  of 
this  not  uncommon  phenomenon.  It  appears  to  be  due  to  an  arrest  of 
the  flower,  probably  by  some  insect  attack,  when  the  scales  of  the  cup 
become  enlarged  and  free. 
Melons  with  New  Disease. — Specimens  were  received  from  IVIr.  .T.  Fraser 
Smith  of  the  Gardens,  Cullen  House,  N.B.,  who  writes  as  follows  : — 
“  The  disease  attacked  my  crop  last  year,  and  has  again  this,  in  both  a 
sudden  and  deadly  manner.  An  entire  crop  of  twenty  plants  has  perished 
in  a  few  days.  The  disease  first  shows  a  spot  on  the  leaf,  then  a  part  of 
the  stem  gets  affected,  and  in  two  or  three  days  the  whole  plant  collapses. 
It  is  only  at  a  certain  time  of  the  year,  for  the  first  crop  in  both  years, 
which  was  grown  in  the  same  house,  finished  without  any  signs  of  it — 
i.e.,  about  the  early  part  of  August ;  while  the  second  crop,  about  half- 
grown  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  path,  has  all  gone,  as  also  a  later  batch 
planted  on  the  same  side  as  the  first  ones.  Out  of  thirteen  plants  ten 
went  off  in  one  day.  Two  young  Cucumber  plants  have  also  died  in  the 
same  way,  after  they  were  4  feet  high.’  The  following  report  has  been 
received  from  Kew  : — “  The  IMelon  disease  is  caused  by  Scolecotrichum 
melophthorum.  Prill.,  a  parasitic  fungus.  The  disease  is  common  in 
France,  but  I  am  not  aware  of  its  having  previously  been  observed  in 
Britain.  Burn  all  diseased  plants,  as  if  they  be  allowed  to  rot  on  the 
ground  a  recurrence  of  the  disease  would  be  almost  certain  next  season. 
Under  any  circumstances  it  would  be  advisable  not  to  use  the  same  ground 
for  IMelon-growing  for  at  least  two  years,  as  the  fungus  spores  are 
probably  abundant  in  the  soil.” 
Parrot  Tulips  Seedim/. — ^Ir.  Wilks  brought  ripe  pods,  and  seeds  of  this 
variety,  which  he  had  crossed  with  the  pollen  from  other  kinds  of  Tulips 
growing  in  his  garden.  It  had  been  stated  by  growers  that  the  Parrot 
Tulip  had  not  been  known  to  bear  seed  at  all,  and  Mr.  Henslow  observed 
that  of  some  bulbs  received  from  ]\Ir.  Barr,  in  every  case  the  pistil  was 
abortive.  It  is  proposed  to  raise  plants  from  the  seed  thus  obtained. 
Abies  hracteata  Cones.  —  Fine  specimens  were  received  from  Mr. 
A.  Harding,  The  Gardens,  Orton  Longueville,  Peterboro’.  It  is 
believed  to  be  the  first  occasion  of  its  fruiting  in  this  country.  They 
were  borne  by  one  of  the  finest  specimens  of  this  species  in  England. 
The  tree  is  a  native  of  South  Cali^nia,  growing  at  one  place  only,  in 
Santa  Lucia,  and  is  in  danger  of  becoming  e.xtinct.  The  cones  are 
remarkable  for  their  long  linear  bracts. 
Gedrela  tooma?  Fasciafed.—A  remarkable  specimen,  consisting  of  a 
spirally-coiled,  flattened  branch,  two  of  the  coils  being  welded  together, 
was  exhibited  by  Dr.  Masters.  The  tree  is  a  native  of  Santa  Barbara 
of  South  California. 
Abies  balsamea,  Tuber.— A  specimen  was  received  from  IMr.  Noble  of  a 
young  plant  which  had  developed  a  globular  tuber-like  excrescence  below 
the  soil.  Similar  cases  had  occurred  some  years  ago  in  the  same  grounds, 
but  the  cause  is  not  traceable  at  the  present  state  of  growth,  though  it 
might  possibly  be  due  to  some  injury  by  insects  at  a  very  early  stage. 
Juniper  Berries,  Gymnospermous. — Dr.  ^Masters  exhibited  some  berries  of 
the  common  .Tuniper,  received  from  Dr.  Schroter  of  Zurich,  remarkable 
for  the  three  coherent  bracts  not  having  become  fleshy  enough  to  close  in 
upon  the  seeds,  so  that  the  latter  remained  visible,  free,  and  strictly 
“  gymnospermous,”  as  in  the  previous  condition  of  the  ovules. 
Trapa  natans,  Fruit.— also  showed  specimens  of  the  Water  Chestnut 
from  a  particular  Italian  lake  having  four  knobs  upon  them,  which  do  not 
occur  on  the  ordinary  form  of  this  fruit. 
8prw;c  Fir-cone,  rac.-Ile  also  showed  cones  having  smooth-rounded 
scales,  instead  of  the  usual  form.  Dr.  Schroter,  who  obtained  it  from 
Switzerland,  referred  it  to  Abies  medioxyma;  but  Dr.  IMasters  observed 
that_  this  species  is  a  dwarf  Alpine  or  Arctic  species,  and  regarded  the 
specimen  as  a  variety  only  of  the  Spruce. 
Anthurvim  Spathe,  Monstrous. — Col,  Beddome  sent  a  specimen  having 
three  spathes  and  the  spadix  commencing  to  branch,  exhibiting  a  semi- 
proliferous  condition. 
Plants  Exhibited.— Lemoine  sent  a  spray  of  Tamaris  Kashgarica, 
interesting  as  being  a  late-flowering  species,  from  Central  Asia  ;  I’anax’ 
sessiliflorum,  with  large,  dense  bunches  of  black  berries,  probably  from 
•lapan  ;  the  Begonia,  odorant,  having  a  delicate  but  very  evanescent 
odour  of  lemon,  and  double  and  semi-double  sports  of  B.  semperflorens. 
G<dls  on  Foots  of  Oak.— Mr.  Wilks  brought  remarkable  galls,  forming 
a  large  mass  on  the  roots  of  Oak  or  Chestnut.  They  are  also  found  on 
the  roots  of  the  Tieodar.  The  galls  are  polygonal  and  wedge-like,  so 
forming  together  a  globular  cluster  about  the  root.  They  are  produced 
by  Cynips  aptera  (see  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  1841,  p.  732,  and  187^. 
CIRAPES  AT  TEWKESBURY  LODGE. 
For  several  years  past  Tewkesbury  Lodge,  Forest  Hill,  the  residence 
of  C.  Bayer,  Esq.,  has  acquired  more  than  local  fame  for  the  excellence  of 
its  Grapes.  Having  often  seen  them  in  good  competitions,  I  took  a  recent 
opportunity  when  in  the  neighbourhood  of  inspecting  them  under  natural 
conditions,  and  these  are  what  many  a  gardener  might  envy.  Structures 
of  the  very  best  construction,  perfectly  heated,  borders  well  made,  and, 
what  is  more,  the  crop  and  Vines  were  in  the  best  possible  condition, 
providing  amply  for  home  and  exhibition  purposes. 
The  vinery,  which  is  span-roofed,  measures  some  75  feet  in  length  by 
24  feet  in  width,  divided  by  a  partition  in  its  centre  ;  one  division  being 
planted  with  a  mixed  collection  consisting  of  Black  Hamburgh,  Buck- 
land  Sweetwater,  Madresfield  Court,  Lady  Downe  s,  Gros  Maroc, 
Alicante,  Gros  Colman,  Foster’s  Seedling,  and  Groa  Guillaume.  The 
Muscat  house  is  not  strictly  devoted  to  the  Alexandrian  variety,  but 
shares  one  side  of  the  house  with  Mrs.  Fince,  Alnwick  Seedling,  Treb- 
biano,  Mrs.  Pearson,  and  Golden  Champion.  The  only  Vine  that  fails 
to  give  entire  satisfaction  is  INIrs.  Pince. 
As  showing  the  vigorous  condition  of  the  Vines,  a  young  rod  taken 
through  the  partition  in  the  spring,  and  this  carrying  a  heavy  bunch  at 
its  base,  has  covered  the  whole  length  of  the  trellis,  and  apparently  in  a 
perfectly  ripe  state  throughout.  Being  a  cooler  compartment  it  is  hoped  the 
desired  colour  may  be  obtained  on  the  young  rod.  Spanning  the  path  at 
each  end  are  strong  wire  trellises,  which  are  well  furnished  with  useful 
bunches  of  Gros  Maroc,  constituting  quite  an  object  lesson  in  perfect 
culture,  strict  utility,  and  an  ornamental  aspect  in  the  house. 
The  borders  are  confined  inside,  and  are  2  feet  6  inches  in  depth,  the 
turf  for  which  was  obtained  from  a  meadow  closely  adjoining.  The 
houses  were  planted  nearly  seven  years  since  by  the  gardener  then  in 
charge,  and  are  now  under  the  care  of  Mr.  W.  Taylor.  Other  handsome 
structures  have  been  erected,  and  still  more  are  in  contemplation  for 
extended  fruit  growing,  including  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Plums,  Pears, 
Figs,  and  Apricots.  One  house  planted  with  Peaches  and  Nectarines  on 
cross-trellises  have  made  a  wonderful  growth,  and  there  are  healthy  pot 
trees  standing  outside,  sufficient  to  fnrnish  another  large  house  erected 
for  that  popular  phase  in  fruit  culture. 
Beside  the  houses  under  notice  there  is  an  old  range,  which  includes 
the  vinery  that  did  duty  for  some  years  previous  to  the  erection  of  the 
handsome  new  ones.  This  is  a  lofty  structure,  35  feet  in  length,  and 
contains  Madresfield  Court,  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  Alnwick  Seedling,  Gros 
Colman,  Black  Hamburgh,  Foster’s  Seedling,  and  IMuscat  of  Alexandria. 
In  this  case  the  border  is  outside,  but  IVlr.  Taylor  takes  the  precaution  to 
protect  it  from  the  heavy  autumn  and  winter  storms  by  fixing  pit-lights 
over  to  keep  it  dry  and  warm. 
In  a  small  lean-to  house  12  feet  in  length,  8  feet  in  width,  height  at 
back  10  feet,  front  5  feet,  facing  south,  without  fire  heat,  are  Black 
Hamburghs.  Three  Vines  were  planted  in  1891  in  a  small  border  inside. 
For  the  past  five  years  well-finished  Grapes  have  been  cut  from  this  small 
house,  which  has  been  quite  a  feature  here.  This  year  forty-three  bunches 
have  been  taken,  the  heaviest  weighing  If  lb.  No  provision  was  made 
for  bottom  ventilation,  and  the  top  ventilators  have  not  been  closed  since 
the  Vines  were  in  flower.  [IMr.  Taylor  has  sent  us  a  specimen  bunch  of 
the  fruit  from  one  of  these  Vines.  It  is  a  model  in  shape,  and  the  berries 
fine  in  colour  and  size.] 
The  quality  of  the  Grapes  is  so  good  in  the  newer  vineries  that  it 
seems  almost  superfluous  to  particularise,  but  Madresfield  Court  and 
Gros  Colman  may  be  specially  mentioned  as  doing  remarkably  well. 
Records  gained  during  the  present  season  support  this  view  in  respect  to 
the  first  named  ;  time  and  opportunity  will  prove  what  are  the  condition 
of  the  “  Colmans.”  It  may  be  interesting  to  note  that  during  the  past 
three  seasons  ilr.  Taylor  has  won  twenty-five  first  prizes,  fifteen  seconds, 
and  eight  thirds,  in  addition  to  three  silver  and  one  silver-gilt  medals,  and 
a  cultural  commendation  from  the  E.H.S.  for  Grape  Madresfield  Court. 
ISIr.  Bayer  has  a  very  keen  interest  in  fruit  growing,  and  his  gardener 
spares  no  pains  to  produce  the  very  best  in  season. — W.  S. 
