Marth  23.  IP'.O. 
247 
JOURNAL 
OF  HOnriCULTURE 
AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
Improving  the  Colour  of  Ferns  (F.  E.  E.). — It  is  usual  for  plants  that 
“  have  been  wintered  in  a  low  temperature  at  rest”  to  become  pale  in  the 
Ironds,  as  they  have  not  developed  any  chlorophyll.  With  fresh  growth 
the  plants  would  no  doubt  improve  in  colour  or  become  greener,  but  you 
may  probably  secure  more  colour  in  the  present  fronds  by  using  clear, 
weak  soot  water,  about  a  tablespoonlul  of  scot  to  a  gallon  of  water, 
allowed  to  settle  before  use,  say  for  three  or  four  days  after  mixing. 
Sulphate  of  iron  or  green  vitriol.  J  oz.  to  a  gallon  of  water,  has  a  good 
elfect  on  the  development  of  the  chlorophyll,  but  must  be  used  judiciously. 
Monkshood  Poisonous  (Veritas'). — The  statement  that  “persons  have 
swooned  and  lost  their  sight  for  some  days  through  inhaling  the  odour  of 
the  flowers”  of  Aconituin  napellus  is  not  without  foundation,  as  the  cir¬ 
cumstance  is  recorded  in  Dr.  Hogg’s  ‘‘Vegetable  Kingdom;”  it  is  also 
ifiere  stated  that  four  gentlemen  were  poisoned  at  Dingwall  through  a 
servant  ignorantly  digging  a  root  of  Monkshood  and  serving  it  at  dinner 
for  Horseradish,  The  leaves  of  the  plant  are  also  poisonous,  though 
goats  and  horses  are  said  not  to  be  injured  by  eating  them.  Having 
regard  to  the  facts  recorded,  we  should  not  consider  it  prudent  to  grow 
the  plants,  as  in  your  case,  cb  se  tt>  a  dwelling,  where  children  might 
innocently  eat  the  leaves  or  take  a  strong  smell  of  the  flowers.  Wo  have 
grown  the  plant  lor  years  without  any  accident  occurring,  but  they’  were 
not  in  positions  to  which  children  had  free  or  ready  access,  or  near  beds 
of  Horseradish,  where  the  roots  might  be  accidentally  dug  up  and  used. 
Temperature  for  Maidenhair  Ferns  (S.  B.). — The  term  “Maidenhair 
Ferns  ”  embraces  the  whole  of  the  species  and  varieties  of  the  genus 
Adiantum,  but  is  frequently  applied  to  the  common  Maidenhair,  Adiaiitum 
capillus  Veneris,  with  its  varieties,  which  is  a  native  of  Great  Britain. 
It  succeeds  in  a  greenhouse  or  even  a  frame,  hence  would  thrive  in  the 
position  you  describe,  but  is  not  nearly  as  useful  for  decorative  and  cut 
purposes  as  that  more  generally  grown — namely,  A.  cuneatum  and  its 
charming  form,  A.  gracillimum.  A.  cuneatum  will  succeed  in  a  greenhouse, 
better  in  a  warm  one  or  cool  stove,  and  is  a  native  of  Brazil.  By  keeping 
comparatively  dry  in  winter  the  plants  might  be  grow'n  in  the  greenhouse, 
but  they  would  then  bo  at  rest,  for  which  they  are  all  the  better,  and  would 
give  very  useful  specimens  for  decorative  purposes  and  fronds  for  cutting  ; 
yet,  as  you  say,  in  the  summer  months  only.  To  have  fronds  in  winter 
time  it  requires  a  temperature  of  .55°  to  f)U°  at  night,  and  60°  to  65°  by 
day,  with  5°  to  10°  more  Irom  sun  heat.  In  summer  time  the  temperature 
rules  5°  to  10°  more  all  round  in  a  cool  stove. 
Artificial  Manure  for  a  Lawn  (A.  B.). — The  advertised  lawn  manures 
nre  excellent,  and  save  the  trouble  of  procuring  separately  and  mixing  the 
articles.  If  the  latter,  there  is  probably  no  better  t'  an  Sir  J.  B.  Lawes’ 
and  Sir  J.  Gilbert’s  mixture  :  Sulphate  of  ammonia,  eight  parts  ;  kainit, 
five  parts  ;  sodium  silicate,  tour  parts  ;  superphosphate,  four  parts  ; 
sodium  sulphate,  one  part  ;  and  magnesium  sulphate,  one  part,  mixed, 
using  7  lbs.  per  rod  on  a  rough  lawn,  and  half  that  quantity  on  a  lawn 
neither  coarse  in  grass  nor  very  mossy.  If  the  latter,  add  a  part  of 
sulphate  of  iron  to  the  mixture,  thus  making  twenty-four  parts,  aud  still 
use  at  the  rates  named.  The  fertiliser  should  be  applied  in  advance  of 
sowing  the  renovating  mixture  of  lawn  grasses,  so  as  to  allow  the  salts  to 
pass  into  the  ground— say  sow  themixtureof  manure  a  fortnight  previously. 
For  the  new  lawn  we  should  use  the  lesser  quantity  of  the  mixture,  or 
3^  lbs.,  adding  this  amount  of  native  guano,  mixing,  and  sowing  a  few 
days  before  the  grass  seeds,  and  raking  in.  Or  use  a  similar  quantity 
of  rape  meal  instead  of  the  native  guano,  especially  if  likely  to  be  troubled 
with  wireworm. 
Spotted  Pelargonium  Leaves  (  W.  TV.  B.). — The  sickly  spotted  appear¬ 
ance  of  the  Zonal  Pelargonium  leaves  is  caused  by  the  fungus,  liamularia 
gerunii,  which  is  assisted  in  germination  and  development  from  spores  by 
a  wet  condition  of  the  soil  and  a  somewhat  cold  damp  atmosphere.  Thete 
is  no  remedy,  as  the  growth  of  the  parasite  is  endophytic,  the  mycelial 
hyphte  being  situated  in  the  interior  of  the  leaf  tissues.  Very  lightly 
dusting  the  plants  on  the  under  side  of  the  leaves  with  a  preparation  of 
sulphate  of  copper  in  powder,  such  as  fostite,  which  has  been  advertised 
in  our  columns,  arrests  the  spread  of  the  disease,  but  the  main  points  to 
attend  to  are  a  drier  condition  at  the  roots  and  in  the  atmosphere.  No 
more  water  must  be  given  than  suflBces  to  keep  the  foliage  from  flagging, 
and  the  ventilation  should  be  free,  so  as  to  dissipate  moisture  before  the 
sun  acta  powerfully  on  the  foliage.  With  finer  weather  or  the  season 
more  advanced  the  plan's  will,  at  least  they  usually  do,  grow  out  of  the 
disease.  The  worst  infested  leaves  should  be  removed  and  burnt,  but  do 
not  practise  extreme  defoliation.  A  gentle  warmth,  about  50°,  by  day, 
would  be  an  advantage  to  the  plants. 
Exhibiting  Ehubarb  {Secretary). — You  are  quite  right.  There  was 
a  slight  mistake  in  the  hurry  for  press  in  the  reply  to  “Young  Gardener  ” 
on  page  226  last  week.  It  would  have  been  more  correct  to  have  stated 
that  Rhubarb  is  exhibited  as  a  vegetable,  but  used  as  a  fruit  in  the  form 
tliere  mentioned,  and  sweetened  with  sugar.  For  the  purpose  of  exhibi¬ 
tion  Rhubarb  is  properly  classed  as  a  vegetable  in  the  R.H.S.  “  Rules  for 
Judging.”  It  18  there  stated  that  the  “stalks  should  be  fresh  and  well 
coloured,  straight,  uniform,  and  of  medium  size  also  that  if  included  in 
a  collection  of  vegetables  to  be  judged  by  points  4  shall  be  the  maximum — 
2  for  size  and  unitormity,  and  2  for  colour  and  freshness.  If  lacking  in 
any  of  the  four  qualifications — size,  uniformity,  colour,  or  freshness — 
points,  or  half  points,  would  be  deducted  accordingly.  We  have  said 
that  Ithubarb  when  shown  is  “properly  ”  classed  as  a  vegetable,  because 
there  cannot  be  a  fruit  without  a  flower  to  produce  it,  and  flowers  are 
not  seen  on  the  leaves  or  stalks  of  this  useful  culinary  plant.  The  late 
Dr.  Hogg’s  definition  was  concise  and  sensible— namely,  “Rhubarb  is  a 
vegetable  used  as  a  fruit.”  It  is  said  that  our  American  cousins  com- 
jiromise  the  matter  by  referring  to  Rhubarb  as  the  ‘‘pie  plant.” 
Tho  Shamrock  {Ireland). — The  plant  sent  (Trifolium  minus)  is  the 
generally  accepted  Shamrock  of  Ireland,  but  old  authorities  believe  that 
the  original  Shamrock  is  the  Wood  Sorrel  (Oxalis  acetosella)  An  early 
writer  (Sir  Henry  Fiers)  says,  “  Between  May  Day  and  harvest,  butter, 
new  cheese,  curds,  and  Shamrocks  are  the  food  of  tlio  meaner  sorts.” 
Now  Wood  Sorrel  is  an  agreeable  salad  herb,  whereas  Clover  or  Trefoil, 
which  is  usually  con.sidercd  as  the  Shamrock,  is  anything  but  palat¬ 
able.  Then  Fynes  Morrison  writes  of  his  countrymen,  “  They  w  illingly 
eate  the  herbe  Shamrocke,  being  of  a  sharpe  taste.”  A  descrirtiou 
applicable  to  the  Wood  Sorrel,  but  not  lo  any  species  of  Trifolium. 
Moreover,  the  Clovers  never  grow  in  woods,  whereas  the  Wood  Sorrel  has 
there  its  native  place,  and  coincident  with  this  the  “Irish  Hudibrus”  states  : 
“  Within  a  wood  near  to  this  place 
There  grows  a  bunch  of  three- leaved  grass, 
Called  by  the  boglanders  Sbainrogues, 
A  prreent  from  the  (iueen  of  Shoges  (spirits).” 
Those  authorities,  we  think,  justify  the  conclusion  that  originally  the 
Wood  Sorrel  was  the  Shamrock  of  ancient  times. 
Names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  cultivated 
plants,  not  wild  flowers,  or  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seeds  and 
termed  florists’  flowers.  Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering 
plants,  and  Fern  fronds  should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in 
I  tresh  state  in  securely  tied  firm  boxes.  Thin  paper  boxes  arrive  in  a 
flattened  state.  Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass,  or  leaves  form  the 
best  packing,  dry  wool  or  paper  the  worst.  Those  arrive  in  the  best 
Condition  that  are  so  closely  or  firmly  packed  in  soft  green  fresh  grass,  as 
lo  remain  unmoved  by  shaking.  No  specimens  should  be  sent  to  rest  in 
tne  post  office  over  Sunday,  on  which  day  there  is  no  delivery  of  postal 
matter  in  London.  Specimens  in  partially  filled  boxes  are  invariably 
injured  or  spoiled  by  being  dashed  to  and  fro  in  transit.  Not  more  than 
six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible 
without  untying  the  ligatures,  it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them 
wtien  the  paper  is  damp,  (C.  S.). — 1,  Folystichum  viviparum;  2,  Pteris 
creiica  albo-lincata  ;  3,  P.  tremula  ;  4,  Adiantum  Farleyense  ;  5,  Pteris 
longifolia.  (P.  If.  B.). — 1,  Forsvthia  suspensa  ;  2,  Rivina  hiimibs  ;  8, 
Erythronium  dens-canis.  (D.  T.). —  1,  Mahnnia  aquifolia  ;  2.  Andrc- 
meda  floribunda  ;  3,  Cotoncaster  inicrophylla  ;  4,  dead.  (j.  C.  C.). — 1, 
Adiantum  pedatum  ;  2.  Aspleniuin  liicidurn  ;  3,  Folypodiiim  aiigii.sti- 
folium  ;  4,  Nephrodium  molle  ;  5,  Nephrolepis  davallioides  lurcans  ; 
6,  Davallia  canariensis.  (A). — Marica  (()ypella)  gracilis. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— March  22nd. 
FRUIT. 
B.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
Apples,  i  sieve . 
...  1  3  to  8  6 
Lemons,  case  . 
3J  OtoGO  0 
Drapes,  lb . 
...  1  6 
2  6 
St.  Michael’s  Pines,  each 
2  6 
6  0 
VEGETABLES. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
8.  d. 
Asparagus,  per  100  ... 
...  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 
C  trrots,  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 
Salsafy,  bundle . 
1  0 
0  0 
Coleworts,  doz.  bnchs. 
...  2  0 
4  0 
Scorzonera,  bundle . 
1  6 
0  0 
Cucumbers . 
...  0  4 
0  8 
Seakale,  basket . 
1  6 
1  0 
Endive,  doz . 
...  1  3 
1  6 
Shallots,  lb . 
0  3 
0  0 
Herbs,  bunch  . 
...  0  3 
0  0 
Spinach,  pad  . 
0  0 
0  0 
Leeks,  bunch  . 
...  0  2 
0  0 
Sprouts,  J  sieve  . 
1  6 
1  9 
Lettuce,  doz . 
...  1  3 
0  0 
Tomatoes,  lb . 
0  4 
0  9 
Muohrooms,  lb . 
...  0  6 
0  ' 
Turnips,  bunch .  .. 
0  3 
0  4 
AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— CUT  FLOWERS. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
Arums  . 
...  3  0  to  4  0 
LilyoftbeValIey,12  spravs 
0  6  to  i  0 
Asparagus,  Fern,  biincb...  2  0 
2  6 
Marguerites,  doz.  bnchs. 
4  0 
5  0 
Azalea,  white,  doz. bnchs.  3  0 
4  0 
Maidenhair  Fern,  doz. 
Bouvardias,  bunch  ... 
...  0  4 
0  6 
bnchs . 
6  0 
8  0 
Carnations,  12  blooms 
...  2  0 
3  0 
Narcissus,  doz.  bnchs.  ... 
1  0 
2  0 
Daffodils,  sinale  yellow. 
Orchids,  var.,  doz.  blooms 
1  6 
9  0 
bch.  12  blooms  ... 
...  0  4 
0  8 
Pelargoniums,  doz.  bnchs. 
6  0 
10  0 
Daffodils,  double,  bun 
L'hes  0  4 
0  6 
Roses  (indoor),  doz . 
2  0 
3  0 
Eucharis,  doz . 
...  2  0 
3  0 
,,  Red,  doz . 
4  0 
6  0 
Freesia,  doz.  biiclis. 
...  2  0 
4  0 
,,  Tea,  white,  doz. 
2  0 
3  0 
Gardenias,  doz. 
...  4  0 
6  0 
„  Yellow,  doz.  (Perles) 
2  0 
3  0 
Geranium,  scarlet, 
doz. 
,.  Safrano,  doz . 
2  0 
2  6 
bnchs . 
...  6  0 
8  0 
Srailax,  bunch . 
2  0 
3  0 
Hyacinths,  Roman,  hunch  (•  6 
0  8 
Tulips,  bunch . 
0  4 
0  8 
Lilium  Harris!,  12  blooiiH  4  0 
0  0 
Violets  doz.  hunches  ... 
0  6 
1  6 
,,  longitiorum,  12  blooms  i>  0 
8  0 
„  Parme,  buiicli 
2  6 
3  0 
Lilac,  bunch  . 
...  3  0 
4  0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
Arbor  Vitae,  var.,  doz. 
...  6  0to36  0 
Ficus  elastica,  each . 
1  0  to  7  0 
A-pidistra,  doz. 
...  ]8  0 
36  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.,  each 
1  0 
5  0 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
...  5  0 
10  6 
Lilium  Harris!,  doz. 
24  0 
36  0 
C>-oton8,  doz . 
...  18  0 
24  0 
Lycopodiums,  doz . 
8  0 
4  0 
D'acaena,  var.,  doz.... 
...  12  I) 
30  0 
Marguerite  Daisy,  doz.  ... 
6  0 
8  0 
Dracaena  viridis,  doz. 
...  9  0 
18  0 
Myrtles,  doz . 
6  0 
9  0 
Erica  various,  doz.  ... 
...  9  0 
24  0 
Palms,  in  var..  each 
1  0 
15  0 
Euonymus,  var.,  doz. 
...  6  0 
18  0 
,,  specimens  . 
21  0 
63  0 
Evergreens,  var.,  doz. 
...  4  0 
18  0 
Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 
»  0 
12  0 
terns,  var.,  doz. 
...  4  0 
18  0 
Sol  an  urns,  doz . 
6  0 
12  0 
„  email,  lOO 
...  4  0 
8  0 
