April  6,  1899. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
2S7 
The  Narcissus  (^Inquirer), — By  far  the  finest  work  is  Burbidge’s,  “  The 
Narcissus,  its  History  and  Culture,”  which  includes  also  a  scientific 
review  of  the  genus  by  Mr.  Baker,  of  Kcw.  It  was  published  by  Lovell 
Reeve,  &  Co.,  London,  in  1875,  and  a  secondhand  copy  ma}-,  perhaps,  be 
obtained  for  about  20s.  It  contains  forty-ci<rnt  coloured  plates.  Try  to 
procure  it  through  a  local  bookseller.  “  Ye  Narcissus  or  Daffodil,” 
subsequently  produced  by  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  12,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden  (Is*),  is  also  worth  having.  We  do  not  remember  any'  later 
works,  but  modern  varieties  are  described  in  catalogues. 
Tubular  Boilers  {E.  D.'). — Tubular  boilers  are  probably  the  quickest 
in  heating  of  all  the  varied  forms,  because  so  much  of  the  water  is  brought 
in  immediate  contact  with  the  fire.  The  illustrated  sheet  you  send  contains 
both  forms— uprisht  and  saddle  tubular  as  manufactured  by  Me.ssrs  J. 
Weeks  &  Co.  We  know  of  an  upright  tubular  that  has  been  used  for 
more  than  forty  years,  and  it  does  its  work  as  well  as  ever.  The  saddle 
tubular  of  the  firm  is.  we  think,  comparatively  new,  and  we  have  had  no 
actual  e.xperience  with  it,  but  judging  by  the  illustration,  which  shows  its 
character  clearly,  we  have  not  the  slightest  doubt  it  is  a  quick,  powerful, 
and  efficient  boiler.  The  work  of  the  best  of  boilers  may,  however,  be 
frustrated  or  seriously  impeded  by  the  defective  arrangements  of  connected 
pipes. 
Pelargoniums  from  Eyes  {Bradford). — Take  the  cuttings  from  the 
plant,  cut  transversely  below  the  lowest  leaf,  and  then,  placing  the 
knife  about  half  an  inch  above  the  eye,  cut  the  stalk  in  a  sloping  direction 
towards  the  base  of  the  shoot.  The  large  leaves  only  are  av."ilable  for 
forming  leaf  cuttings.  The  extremities  of  the  shoots  should  be  inserted, 
like  ordinary  cuttings,  with  one  joint  in  the  soil,  and  the  growing  point 
above.  The  cuttings  being  made  as  described,  drain  the  cutting  pots 
effectually,  and  fill  them  to  within  half  an  inch  of  the  rim  with  sandy 
loam,  leaf  mould,  and  silver  sand  in  equal  parts.  A  little  silver  sand  is 
then  placed  in  the  pot,  a  quarter  of  an  inch  or  so,  and  the  cuttings  inserted 
about  half  an  inch  deep,  each  leaf  being  tied  to  a  small  stick,  with  matting 
round  the  footstalk,  to  maintain  it  in  an  erect  position.  A  slight  watering 
is  then  given,  and  thepots  plunged  in  a  bottom  heat  of  75°,  a  top  heat  of 
<10’’  or  70°  being  afforded.  The  frame  having  a  moist  atmosphere,  there 
is  little  necessity  to  water ;  none  should  be  given  so  long  as  the  soil 
remains  moist,  and  the  less  water  needed  the  better,  as  the  great  evil  is 
the  liability  of  the  footstalk  of  tho  leaf  to  decay',  and  tho  consequent  de¬ 
struction  of  the  eye  before  a  callus  is  formed.  Shade  is  given  for  a  few 
days,  until  the  leaves  are  able  to  bear  the  sun  ;  and  in  this  position  they 
remain  until  the  shoot  from  the  eye  appears,  when  they  are  gradually 
hardened,  and  finally  potted  singly  in  small  pots. 
Tuberous  Rooted  Begonias  (  W.  Baby'). — The  old  tubers  should  be  kept 
steadily  growing  till  wanted  for  the  flower  beds.  They  ought  never  to 
bo  subjected  to  much  heat,  or  see  the  inside  of  small  flower  pots.  Start 
them  either  in  a  frame  over  a  nearly  exhausted  hotbed,  or  in  boxes  and 
<ieep  pans  in  a  warm  pit,  newly  started  vinery  or  Peach  house.  Use  a 
fairly  rich  compost,  and  be  careful  not  to  over- water  and  sour  this  at  the 
outset.  They  may  be  placed  rather  thickly'  together,  and  be  given  more 
room  when  growing  strongly,  or  be  kept  well  apart  from  the  first,  and  all 
can  then  be  eventually  transplanted  to  the  beds  with  a  good  ball  of  soil  and 
roots  attached.  When  the  young  shoots  are  about  1  inch  in  length  the 
tubers  may  be  safely  split  up  into  as  many  pieces  as  there  are  well-divided 
shoots.  Surround  these  divisions  with  sharp  sand  and  a  light  loamy 
compost,  place  in  gentle  heat,  and  water  sparingly  at  first.  All  will  soon 
develop  into  strong  plants,  and  do  well  for  the  centre  of  beds,  this  year’s 
seedlings  it  need  be  occupying  the  front  rows.  The  latter  should  also  be 
kept  out  of  pots,  as  they  rarely  move  well  from  these.  When  they  are 
getting  too  largo  for  the  pans  in  which  they  are  thickly  pricked  out  shift 
them  into  other  pans  or  boxes,  and  from  these  to  abed  of  soil  over  a  mild 
hotbed.  Gentle  rather  than  a  strong  dry  iheat  best  suits  seedlings  as  well 
as  old  plants  ;  shade  from  bright  sunshine  must  be  afforded. 
Stopping  Vines  (Nemo). — When  tho  growths  have  advanced  one  or  two 
joints  beyond  the  show  for  fruit,  and  there  is  space,  stop  so  as  to  appor¬ 
tion  the  leafage  for  <lue  exposure.  Where  there  is  space  it  is  better  to 
allow  shoots  with  fruit  to  extend  three  or  four  leaves  beyond  the  bunches 
before  taking  out  their  points,  then  there  must  be  space  for  lateral  growth, 
it  being  preferable  to  allow  the  laterals  to  make  two  or  three  leaves  before 
stopping,  afterwards  pinching  as  space  permits.  This  applies  to  growths 
above  or  level  with  the  bunch,  the  object  being  to  secure  abundant  sup¬ 
plies  of  nutriment  to  the  clusters.  The  laterals  from  the  leaves  below 
the  bunches  may  be  pinched  to  one  first  joint  and  to  one  leaf  afterwards 
as  growth  is  made.  This  secures  good  results  in  the  current  season  with¬ 
out  prejudice  to  tho  prospect  for  another  year.  Where  the  space,  on  the 
other  hand,  is  limited,  it  not  being  possible  to  carry  out  the  process 
without  crowding,  the  boarirg  shoots  may  bo  stopped  when  the  leaf  at  the 
point  determined  on  is  the  size  of  a  halfpenny,  one  or  two  joints  being 
allowed  beyond  the  bunch.  The  lateral,  level  with  or  above  the  fruit, 
must  be  pinched  to  oneleat  as  growth  is  made,  and  those  below  the  bunch 
can  be  dealt  with  in  a  similar  manner.  This  will  secure  plump  basal 
buds  and  admit  of  close  pruning,  while  the  principal  leaves  have  full 
exposure  to  light,  and  there  is  some  amount  of  lateral  growth  for  sustain¬ 
ing  root  activity  and  a  fair  amount  of  nourishment  and  stored  matter  for 
meeting  contingencies. 
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 
u  fresh  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 
to  remain  unmoved  by  shaking.  No  specimens  should  be  sent  to  rest  in 
the  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 
when  the  paper  is  damp.  (R,L.). — 1,  Kuonymus  latifolius  variegatus; 
2,  Veronica  Anderseniana  variegata  ;  3,  Iresine  llerbsti  ;  4,  Zebrina 
pendula  (Tradescantia  zebrina)  ;  5,  Cydonia  (Pyrus)  japonica.  (/.  T.). — 
Billbergia  nutans.  {R.  A.). — 1,  Platycerium  alcicorne  ;  2,  Selaginella 
AVildenovi  ;  3,  Odontoglossum  luteo-purpureum.  {H.  P.) — 1,  Allium 
neapolitanum  ;  2,  Ueutzia  crenata  flore-pleno  ;  3,  Lendrobium  nobile, 
good  dark  form  ;  4,  Cyprijiedium  barbatiim  ;  5,  Odontoglossum 
Sanderianum.  ((?.  C.  T.). — 1,  Dondrobium  nobile  ;  2,  D.  Wardianum  ; 
3,  Odontoglossum  crispum.  (A.  J.  M.). — 1,  Daphne  Mezereum  ;  2,  Acacia 
cordata  ;  3,  Rhododendron  fragrantissimum  ;  4,  Acacia  Drummondi. 
{B.  H.  W.). — 1,  Polypodium  pedatum  ;  2,  Nephrolepis  exaltata  ;  3,  Cyr- 
toraium  lalcatum  ;  4,  Pteris  umbrosa  ;  5,  Asplenium  bulbiferum  ;  6, 
D  avail  ia  Moorei. 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— April  5th. 
FRUIT. 
B.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
Apples,  J  sieve . 
1  3  to  3  6 
Lemons,  case  . 
30  OtoGO  0 
Grapes,  lb . 
... 
1  0 
2  G 
St.  Michael’s  Pines,  each 
2  6 
5  0 
VEGETABLES. 
B.  d. 
s.  d. 
B.  d. 
8.  d. 
Asparagus,  per  100  ... 
0  0  to  0  0 
Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 
0  2  to  0  4 
Beans,  J  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 
Carrots,  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,  i  sieve  . 
1  6 
1  9 
Lettuce,  doz . 
... 
1  3 
0  0 
Tomatoes,  lb . 
0  4 
0  9 
Mushrooms,  lb . 
... 
0  6 
0  8 
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 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  12  sprays 
0  6  to  010 
Asparagus,  Fern,  bunch... 
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,  single  yellow. 
Orchids,  var.,  doz.  blooms 
1  6 
9  0 
bch.  12  blooms  ... 
•  «  . 
0  6 
0  8 
Pelargoniums,  doz.  bnchs. 
6  0 
10  0 
Daffodils,  double,  bunches 
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.  bnchs. 
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 . 
... 
4  0 
6  0 
Smilax,  bunch . 
2  0 
3  0 
Hyacinths,  Roman,  bunch 
0  6 
0  8 
Tulips,  bunch . 
0  6 
0  8 
Lilium  Harris!,  12  blooms 
6  0 
8  0 
Violets  doz.  bunches  ... 
0  6 
1  6 
„  longiflorum,  12  blooms 
6  0 
8  0 
„  Parme,  bunch 
2  6 
3  0 
Lilac,  bunch  . 
... 
3  0 
4  0 
PLANTS 
IN  POTS. 
B.  d. 
8.  d. 
B.  d. 
8.  d. 
Arbor  Vitae,  var.,  doz. 
•  •• 
6  0to36  0 
Ficus  elastica,  each . 
1  0  to  7  0 
Aspidistra,  doz. 
... 
18  0 
36  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.,  each 
1  0 
5  0 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
... 
5  0 
10  6 
Lilium  Harris!,  doz. 
24  0 
36  0 
Crotons,  doz . 
«*» 
18  0 
24  0 
Lycopodiums,  doz . 
3  0 
4  0 
Dracaena,  var.,  doz.... 
... 
12  0 
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. 
8  0 
12  0 
Ferns,  var.,  doz. 
... 
4  0 
18  0 
Solanums,  doz . 
6  0 
12  0 
„  small,  100 
... 
4  0 
8  0 
CONDENSED  MILK. 
It  is  all  very  well  to  prepare  a  Bill — to  take  infinite  pains  witii 
every  section  and  clause,  to  study  the  pros  and  cons,  to  make  the 
thing  80  pat,  and  even  so  that  it  may  injure  the  interests  of  no  one. 
All  this,  we  say,  is  comparatively  easy — the  initial  step  in  fact.  The 
tug  of  war  comes  when  the  Bill  has  taken  shape  and  is  presented  before 
Parliament  and  the  general  public.  Then  opposition  becomes  rife. 
