^  64 
JOUUXAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
Weather  in  London. — Sunshine,  rain,  and  wind  have  held  sway 
during  the  past  week  in  the  metropolis.  On  Thursday  last  some  rain 
fell,  as  did  it  heavily  on  Friday  and  Saturday.  Sunday  was  very  bright 
a  ;d  pleasant,  and  Monday  turned  colder  with  a  slight  night  frost. 
Tuesday  was  dull,  followed  by  a  sharp  white  frost,  while  Wednesda}’ 
opened  bright  and  bracing. 
-  Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next  Fruit  and  Floral 
meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  be  held  on  Tuesday’, 
January  31st,  in  the  Diill  Hall,  James  Street,  Westminster,  1  to  4  P.M. 
This  will  be  the  last  meeting  of  the  1898-99  Committees,  the  new  ones 
coming  into  office  on  February  14th.  A  lecture  on  “Twelve  Months 
Among  the  Orchards  of  Ni’va  Scotia”  will  be  given  by  ilr.  Cecil  H. 
Hooper,  F.R.H.S.,  at  throe  o’clock. 
-  DIV.4RFISM  IN  Pinep. — A  curious  instance  of  dwarfism  in 
Pines  is  recorded  by  Mr.  C.  E,  Beesey  of  the  Univers’ty  of  Nebraska 
On  Green  Mountain,  near  Boulder,  Col.,  he  found  in  a  crevice  of  the  rock 
at  the  summit  a  Pino  tree  (Pinus  albicaulis,  JFnye/m)  only  13  centimeters 
(under  3  inches)  high,  and  5  millimeters  (one  fifth  inch)  in  diameter.  It 
had  no  branches,  and  bore  a  single  tuft  of  needles  at  the  top.  Neverthe¬ 
less,  says  the  “  American  Cultivator,”  it  showed  twenty-five  distinct 
annual  rings,  and  was  therefore  twenty-five  years  of  age. 
-  Bournemouth  and  District  Gapdeners’  Association.— 
At  the  meeting  of  the  above  Society  held  on  Tuesday,  January  17tb,  and 
presided  over  by  IMr.  G.  Omer  Cooper  of  Reading  and  Boscombe,  Mr. 
H.  J.  Jones  of  Lewisham  gave  a  “Chat  on  the  Chrysanthemum.”  This 
proved  most  excellent  and  up  to  date,  and  dealt  with  their  culture  from 
the  cutting  to  the  exhibition  table,  and  occupied  upwards  of  ninety 
minutes  in  delivery.  Mr.  Jones  received  a  most  cordial  welcome  on  his 
first  visit  to  Bournemouth.  After  a  short  discussion  he  was  accorded  a 
hearty  vote  of  thanks.  The  lecture  was  repeated  before  the  members  of 
the  Parkstone  Society  on  the  following  evening. 
-  Liverpool  Horticultural  Association.— On  Saturday 
evening  the  twelfth  annual  diinar  and  social  evening  was  held,  when 
some  110  members  and  friends  sat  down  to  an  excellent  repast.  After 
dinner  the  chair  was  occupied  by  W.  Fletcher  Rogers,  Esq.,  the  esteemed 
Hon.  Treasurer,  the  following  firms  being  worthily  represented  and 
adding  much  to  the  enjoyment  of  all  present— viz.,  Messrs.  R.  P.  Ker 
and  Sons,  Aigburth  ;  Messrs.  T.  Davies  cfc  Co.,  Wavertree  ;  Mr.  H. 
Middlehurst,  Manchester  Street  ;  and  Messrs.  W.  Rowlands  &  Son?, 
West  Derby.  The  usual  loyal  toasts  having  been  duly  honoured  a 
capital  musical  programme  was  enjoyed.  A  vote  of  thanks  to  the 
artistes  was  suitably  proposed  by  Mr.  R.  W.  Ker,  and  a  similar  vote  to 
the  Chairman  by  Mr.  A.  G.  Davies.  It  was  admitted  by  all  present  to 
have  been  one  of  the  most  successful  evenings  ever  held  by  members  of 
the  Association. — R.  P.  R. 
-  Royal  Meteorological  Society. — The  annual  meeting  cf 
this  Society  was  held  on  Wednesday  evening,  the  18th  inst.,  at  the 
Institute  of  Civil  Engineers,  Westminster,  Mr.  F.  C.  Bayard,  L.L.M., 
President,  in  the  chair.  The  Council,  in  their  report,  stated  that  owing 
to  the  premises  now  occupied  by  the  Society  at  22,  Great  George  Street 
being  required  by  the  Government,  they  had  been  obliged  to  seek  accom¬ 
modation  elsewhere,  but  not  being  able  to  secure  offices  in  the  immediate 
neighbourhood  they  had  taken  a  suite  of  rooms  at  70,  Victoria  Street. 
iMr.  Bayard,  in  his  presidential  address,  gave  an  account  of  the  Govern¬ 
ment  meteorological  organisations  in  various  parts  of  the  world.  He 
first  briefly  described  the  founding  of  each  system,  and  mentioned  the 
names  of  the  various  directors,  and  thin  enumerated  the  number  of 
observing  stations  associated  with  each  organisation.  In  most  countries 
forecasts  of  the  weather  are  issued,  and  Mr.  Bayard  gave  some  interesting 
particulars  as  to  the  success  attained  by  each  office.  The  amount  of 
money  voted  by  the  various  governments  for  the  support  of  meteorology 
showed  what  a  very  small  portion  of  the  revenue  of  the  different  countries 
goes  towards  the  promotion  of  this  science.  In  the  British  Isles  it  is 
2s.  6d.  per  square  mile,  but  only  about  one-third  of  a  farthing  per  head.* 
The  address  was  illustrated  by  a  large  number  of  lantern  slides,  showing 
views  of  the  various  observatories  and  portraits  of  the  directors.  Mr. 
Bayard  was  re-elected  President  for  the  ensuing  year. 
Janu.ary  20,  1899. 
-  The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — I 
have  pleasure  in  announcing  that  the  late  Mr.  John  Lee  has  left  the 
Institution  a  legacy  cf  £I  JO,  free  of  legacy  duty. — George  J.  Ingram^ 
Secretary, 
— -  Gardening  Arpointments. — Mr.  A.  Young,  who  for  nearly 
five  years  has  been  head  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Cork,  Marsten,  Frome, 
has  been  engaged  by  Sir  J.  Heathcotc  .\mory,  Bart.,  Knightshayes  Court,. 
Tiverton,  Devon,  in  a  similar  capacitj’,  and  enters  his  duties  there  oiv 
February  9th  next.  Mr.  G.  D,  Chisholm,  for  the  last  six  3  ears  gardener 
to  Major  Middleton,  Acacia,  Roundhaj’,  Leeds,  has  been  appointed' 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Illingworth,  Thornton-le-Strcet,  Thirsk,  Yorkshire. 
-  Arsenic  and  Vegetation. — In  connection  with  the  modern 
use  of  arsenical  insecticides  it  is  important  to  take  note  of  such  researches 
as  have  been  made  by  Herr  J,  Stoklcss.  He  has  ascertained  that  both 
arsenious  and  arsenic  acids  are  highly  poisonous  to  the  bulk  of  plant-!. 
He  finds  no  truth  in  the  assertion  that  arsenic  may  be  drawn  into  vege¬ 
table  tissues  with  advantage  and  serve  the  purpose  of  jhosphorus.  On. 
the  other  hand,  compounds  containing  iron  are  very  important;  they 
help  in  the  growth  of  young  organs,  stimulating  the  formation  of  cells. — 
J.  R.  S.  C.  ’ 
-  A  Lost  Chord. — If  there  is  no  blight  on  Mr.  Fonn’s  plants 
there  is  assuredly  none  about  himself  when  he  can  still  pen  an  article 
so  brecz}’  ns  his  latest,  and,  I  fondly  hope,  not  his  last,  in  the  Journal. 
I  wonder  if  his  favouiite  anti-blight  has  anything  to  do  with  his  owir 
wonderful  vitality.  Docs  he  give  himself  a  dusting  occasionally  by  way 
of  a  preventive  against  human  ailments  ?  One  who  would  like  to  meet 
him  sends  him  a  hearty  greeting  which,  it  is  hoped,  he  will  accept,  iven 
if  it  comes  from  one  guilty  of  “long  drawn  out  phrases,”  in  contrast 
with  the  brevity  of  the  veteran.— S. 
-  The  Development  of  the  TVest  Indies. — AVith  a  view  to 
relieving  the  depression  in  the  West  Indies,  Mr.  Chamberlain  has  bee  a 
promoting  a  scheme  for  the  development  of  fruit  cultivation  and  exporta¬ 
tion  for  the  English  market.  The  climate  of  the  islands  is  admirably 
suited  for  the  growing  of  Bananas,  Pine  Apples,  Oranges,  and  other 
tropical  fruits,  and  a  large  trade  in  these  fruits  has  grown  up  cf  recent 
years  with  the  United  States.  It  is  thought  that  by  the  establishment  of 
a  quick  service  of  steamers  under  a  Government  subsidy  large  quantities 
of  these  fruits  might  be  placed  on  the  English  market  at  prices  which 
would  render  them  within  the  reach  of  the  poorest.  With  this  object  !Mr.. 
Chamberlain  has  been  in  communication  with  Messrs.  Elder,  Dempster 
and  Co.  of  Liverpool  and  London,  who  propose  to  establish  a  fortnightly 
service  of  steamers  to  and  from  Liverpool,  the  voyage  to  occupy  about 
thirteen  days.  It  is  intended,  also,  to  develop  the  islands  as  a  health 
resort. 
-  Grand  Yorkshire  Gala. — The  annual  meeting  of  the  life 
members  and  guarantors  of  the  Grand  Yorkshire  Gala  was  held  recently 
at  Marker’s  Hotel,  Sir  Christopher  Milward  presiding.  In  the  course  op 
his  introductory  address  the  Chairman  said  he  had  to  congratulate  them 
on  one  of  the  most  successful  years  experienced  in  the  history  of  the 
Grand  Yorkshire  Gala.  Proceeding,  Sir  Christopher  proposed  the 
election  of  the  Lord  Mayor  as  President  for  the  ensuing  year.  Since  the 
establishment  of  the  Gala  they  had  had  the  honour  of  the  co  operation 
both  of  the  Lord  Mayor  and  Sheriff,  but  it  w  as  seldom  that  they  were 
able  to  elect  to  the  presidency  one  so  closel}’  associated  with  the  manage¬ 
ment  of  the  Gala  as  the  present  Lord  IMayor,  who  had  served  them  as 
vice-chairman.  The  motion,  seconded  by  Jlr.  Alderman  Foster,  was 
carried  by  acclamation.  The  re-election  of  Sir  Christopher  Milward  as 
Chairman  of  the  Council  was  moved  by  the  Lord  Mayor,  who  referred  to 
the  excellent  manner  in  which  Sir  Christopher  had  discharged  the  dutief» 
adding  that  there  was  no  member  of  the  Council  so  capable  of  filling  the 
position,  or  who  possessed  such  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  working  of 
the  various  Ccramittees.  The  Sheriff,  in  seconding  the  nomination,, 
hoped  he  would  live  long  to  serve  them  in  that  position.  The  resolution 
was  adopted  unanimously.  The  Chairman  appropriately  acknowledged 
his  re-election.  Mr.  Joseph  AVilkinson  was  unanimously  re-elected 
Treasurer,  Mr.  C.  AV.  Simmons  Secretary,  and  Messrs.  Pearson  and 
Taylor  Auditors.  Mr.  T.  G.  Hodgson  proposed  that  the  sum  of  £650 
be  granted  to  the  Floral  Committee.  The  amount  was  the  same  as  that 
granted  last  year,  but  he  understood  that  the  Committee  contemplated  a 
revision  of  the  schedule,  whjch  was  not  up  to  date.  The  sum  of  £230 
was  granted  for  the  musical  arrangements,  £120  for  the  firework  displays* 
£60  for  balloon  ascents,  and  £175  for  the  entertainments.  Mr.  Hugh 
Low,  of  the  firm  of  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co,,  London,  was  elected  a  life 
member. 
