May  11,  1899. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
397 
Eed  Spider  on  Violets  in  Frames  (^Worcester').— ThQ  best  remedy  is 
plenty  of  water  at  the  roots  and  a  moist  genial  atmosphere.  Drought  is  the 
element  in  which  the  pest  thrives.  Syringe  the  plants  with  clour  soot 
water  made  by  placing  a  half  peck  in  a  bag  and  this  in  a  tub  with 
30  gallons  of  water,  stirring  well  once  or  twice  daily  for  a  week,  then 
use  the  clear  liquid  only  for  syringing  the  plants.  The  Violet  plants 
should  be  grown  outdoors  in  the  summer,  and  with  proper  attention 
in  mulching  and  watering,  they  will  not  be  affected  wi;h  red  spider  when 
lifted  and  placed  in  the  frames. 
Tulips  Diseased  (Tulip). — The  bulb  partially  decayed  is  affected  by 
the  Tulip  mould  fungus  (Penicillium  glaucum),  which,  though  generally 
a  saprophyte,  sometimes  develops  a  parasitic  mode  of  life.  It  most 
commonly  affects  the  Tulips  that  have  been  grown  in  the  same  place  for 
a  number  of  years.  We  have  found  that  careful  removal  of  all  the  eld 
bulbs,  on  which  it  develops  most  rapidly,  and  whence  it  spreads  to  newly 
planted,  even  imported  bulbs,  very  important.  Of  course  a  change  of  soil 
is  desirable,  but  not  often  feasible,  hence  dress  with  quicklime,  |  cwt.  per 
rod,  and  apply  during  a  dry  time  some  few  weeks  in  advance  of  planting, 
pointing-in  lightly.  It  helps  to  destroy  dead  bulb  scales  and  to  kill  the 
fungus.  But  give  the  land  also  a  dressing  of  fertiliser,  such  as  three 
parts  of  bone  superphosphate  and  two  parts  of  double  sulphate  of  potash 
and  magnesia  mixe  using  4  ozs.  per  square  yard.  The  other  bulbs  are 
“  touched  ”  with  Botrytis  galanthina  and  the  Penicillium,  and  will  develop 
more  or  less  when  they  are  placed  in  moist  soil.  Dress  the  bulbs  with 
quicklime,  or  even  Bordeaux  mixture,  before  planting  ;  but  the  thing  is 
to  disinfect  the  land  and  remove  i  ll  diseased  bulbs. 
Pear  Growths  Diseased  (/.  S.) — Yes,  the  young  growths  are  infested 
by  two,  and  even  three  diseases.  One  is  the  Pear-leaf  mite,  Phytoptus 
pyri,  which  produces  the  disease  known  as  the  Pear-leaf  blister,  the  spots 
being  reddish,  sometimes  quite  crimson,  and  in  other  parts  of  the  leaf 
whitish  green.  In  bad  cases  the  leaves  turn  black,  and  then  brown, 
dying ;  and  sometimes  the  wood  is  affected.  The  damage  is  caused  b^’ 
the  mites  biting  the  tender  tissues  and  depositing  eggs  in  them,  which 
soon  hatch  into  minute  whitish  creatures  that  give  rise  to  the  blisters. 
The  second  parasite  is  the  Pear-leaf  blight  fungus,  Entomosporium 
maculatum,  which  gives  rise  to  dull  reddish  spots  on  the  upper  surface  of 
the  leaf,  and  later  on  the  under  side,  and  finally  the  leaf,  or  part,  becomes 
brown  and  dead.  Very  young  leaves  curl,  and  the  young  shoots  die 
at  the  points  in  consequence  of  the  attack.  The  third  disease  is  the 
Pear  blight,  or  “  fire  blight,”  which  attacks  the  young  shoots,  leaves,  and 
even  blossoms.  It  ii  a  Schizomycetes,  or  bacterial  body,  named  Micro¬ 
coccus  amylovorus.  Spraying  with  petroleum  emulsion — the  soluble 
petroleum  insecticide  advertised — acts  effectively  if  applied  in  time.  It 
may  be  used  as  a  check  in  summer,  directing  the  spray  against  the  under 
side  of  the  leaves,  and  thoroughly  in  the  winter.  In  pruning  remove  the 
affected  parts,  cutting  to  sound  wood  below,  and  burn  them.  After  this 
is  done,  and  the  petroleum  emulsion  is  used  early  and  occasionally,  the 
insidious  foes  make  little  or  no  headway. 
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.  Eloweriug  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering 
plants,  and  Fern  fronds  should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in 
a  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  shalung.  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.  (It,  L.). — 1,  Anemone  appennina  ;  3,  despite 
excellent  packing  the  flowers  had  fallen  on  arrival,  perhaps  you  could 
send  some  more  in  the  early  bud  stage  ;  3,  Pteris  cretica  var. ;  4,  Begonia 
Meyselliana ;  5,  Calathea  (Maranta)  zebrina  ;  6,  Cyperus  alternifolius. 
(Z.D.R.). — 1,  Dendrobium  densiflorum  ;  2,  D.  thyrsiflorum  ;  3,  Oncidium 
flexuosum.  (J.  McC.). — 1,  Anthericum  variegatum  ;  2,  Agapanthus  um- 
bellatus  variegatus  ;  3,  probably  a  Hymenocallis,  but  flowers  are  necessary 
for  positive  identification  ;  4,  Kerria  japonica  fl.-pl.  (A.  E,  D,,  Canwell), 
— Cryptomeria  japonica.  (A.  L.  S.). — A  varietal  form  of  Olivia  (Imanto- 
phyllum)  miniata.  (P.  J.  P.). — The  Cypripedium  is  a  small  flower  of 
barbatum.  The  Zonal  Pelargonium  is  very  fine,  but  we  cannot  give  its 
varietal  name.  Send  it  to  Pearsons  of  Chilwell  or  Cannells  of  Swanley, 
with  a  stamped  envelope  for  a  reply,  and  they  will  assist  you.  (E.  0.  E  ). 
— 1,  a  form  of  Selaginella  Martensi ;  2,  Davallia  imm^rsa  ;  3,  undeveloped 
frond,  possibly  Lastrea  patens ;  4,  Cyrtomium  falcatum  ;  6,  Pellma 
bastata  ;  6,  Selaginella  uncinata.  (A  W.  /.). — Lycaste  (Maxillaria) 
Harrisonm. 
GARDENERS’  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 
INSTITUTIONS 
The  Gakdenees’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — Secretary, 
Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram,  175,  Victoria  Street,  S.W. 
United  Hoeticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society. — 
Secretary,  Mr.  W.  Collins,  9,  Martindale  Road,  Balham,  London,  S.W. 
Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund.— S’ecrciari',  Mr.  Brian  Wynne, 
8,  Danes  Inn, 
COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— May  IOih. 
FRUIT. 
P.d. 
8.  d. 
8.  d. 
s.  d. 
Apples,  §  sieve . 
...  1  3  to  3  6 
Lemons,  case  ...  ... 
•  •• 
30  OtoGO  0 
Grapes,  lb . 
...  1  6 
2  6 
St.  Michael’s  Pines,  each 
2  6 
5  0 
VEGETABLES. 
s.d. 
s.  d. 
s.  d. 
s.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  . 
2  0  to  3  0 
Lily  of  the  Valley,  12  sprays 
0  4  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. 
Camellias,  per  doz . 
1  0 
2  0 
bnchs . 
6  0 
8  0 
Carnations,  12  blooms  ... 
1  6 
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. 
4  0 
6  0 
Daffodils,  double,  bunches 
0  4 
0  6 
Roses  (indoor),  doz . 
2  0 
3  0 
Eucharis,  doz . 
2  0 
3  0 
,,  Red,  doz . 
2  0 
4  0 
Freesia,  Lz.  bnchs. 
2  0 
3  0 
„  Tea,  white,  doz.  ... 
2  0 
3  0 
Gardenias,  doz . 
1  0 
2  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  4 
0  6 
Tulips,  bunch . 
0  4 
0  6 
Lilium  Harrisi,  12  blooms 
3  0 
4  0 
Violets  doz.  bunches  ... 
0  6 
1  6 
„  longiflorum,  12  blooms 
4  0 
6  0 
„  Parme,  bunch 
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 
Aspidistra,  doz . 
18  0 
36  0 
Foliage  plants,  var.,  each 
1  0 
5  0 
Aspidistra,  specimen 
6  0 
10  6 
Lilium  Harrisi,  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 
TWO  FEATHERED  FRIENDS. 
Ignorance  is  always  to  be  deplored.  The  ignorant  are  shut  off 
from  so  much  pleasure  and  culture  (rather  we  should  put  culture  first). 
Of  course  the  caviller  will  argue  that  what  a  man  does  not  know  of  he 
never  craves  lor.  True;  but  there  are  at  times,  in  the  most  ignorant 
soul,  vague  longings  and  yearnings  after  better  things.  It  is  curious  we 
should  be  so  blind  to  the  many  workings  of  Nature  on  every  side.  If 
we  knew  a  little  more  of  her  methods,  we  could  help  rather  than 
hinder  her  useful  and  valuable  processes. 
It  is  astonishing,  for  instance,  how  few  of  us,  whose  lives  have  been 
passed  in  the  country,  have  taken  up  or  studied,  in  its  varied  aspects, 
bird  life.  Our  bird  life  is  so  abundant  and  varied.  This  temperate 
clime  is  so  favourable  to  incubation — our  varieties  of  soil  afford  every 
kind  of  food — the  face  of  the  country  is  so  varied,  that  there  are  suit¬ 
able  haunts  for  all  manner  of  birds.  We  are  rich  in  the  home  product, 
so  to  speak ;  we  are  rich  in  the  migratory  species,  and  once  in  a  century 
arises  a  man  like  Gilbert  White  or  Charles  Warterton.  We  do  not 
expect  every  countryman  to  be  a  born  naturalist,  but  we  might 
reasonably  have  expected  to  find  a  little  more  general  knowledge 
relating  to  the  habits  of  our  leathered  friends.  We  take  foes  for 
