JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
September  27,  1900. 
HOO 
Mayor  Tuppenny,  Viscountess  Sherbrooke,  Mrs.  Jowett,  Lord  Roberts, 
Uncle  Torn,  J.  Weir  Fyfe,  and  Chas.  Woodbridge.  The  Pompons  were  a 
trifle  too  large,  according  to  general  taste  at  the  present  day.  Messrs. 
Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.,  Salisbury,  had  six  boxes  of  Cactus  Dahlias  of 
excellent  quality.  The  chief  were  Mrs.  Carter  Page,  Loyalty,  Britannia, 
Wm.  Treseder,  Innovation,  Mrs.  J.  J.  Crowe,  Magnificent,  Ajax,  Elsie, 
Chas.  Woodbridge,  Countess  of  Lonsdale,  Starfish,  and  Radiance.  Mr. 
Chas.  Turner,  Slough,  staged  some  good  sprays  of  Pompon  Dahlias  of 
excellent  type,  which  included  Zerlina,  Sybil,  Vara,  Galatea,  Fosco,  and 
Imogene  ;  also  a  Show  variety  Gracchus,  which  is  briefly  described 
below. 
Medals. — Floral  Committee. 
ri"|Gold  medals  to  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons;  silver  ..gilt  Flora  medals  to 
Messrs.  J.  Green  and  W.  Paul  &  Son;  silver  Flora  medals  to  Messrs. 
J.  T.  West,  Paul  &  Son,  and  A.  Perry  ;  silver-gilt  Banksian  medals  to 
Messrs.  N.  Davis  and  J.  H.  Witty  ;  silver  Banksian  medals  to  Messrs. 
B.  R.  Cant,  H.  B.  May,  J.  Stredwick,  J.  Russell,  and  M.  V.  Seale;  and 
bronze  Banksian  medals  to  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  W.  Wells,  and  Keynes, 
Williams  &  Co. 
Orchid  Committee. 
Present  :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair);  with  Messrs.  J.  O’Brien, 
de  B.  Crawshay,  A.  H.  Sniee,  J.  Colman,  H.  Little,  J.  T.  Gabriel,  H.  J. 
Chapman,  W.  H.  Young,  H.  A.  Tracy,  E.  Hill,  T.  W.  Bond,  J.  Jaques, 
C.  Winn,  T.  Rochford,  H.  M.  Pollett,  and  H.  Ballantine. 
The  only  group  of  Orchids  was  that  arranged  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch 
and  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nurseries,  Chelsea.  It  comprised  numerous 
finely  grown  plants  carrying  well  formed,  brightly  coloured  flowers. 
Amongst  the  most  conspicuous  were  Lmlio-Cattleyas  Nysa,  Wellsiana, 
Isis,  Epicasta,  Callistoglossa,  Bryan,  Ingram,  and  Parysatis;  Laelias 
splendens  and  Novelty ;  Cattlevas  porphyrophebia,  Mantini,  Mrs. 
J.  W.  Whiteley,  and  Chloe,  with  several  Cypripediums  (silver  Flora 
medal). 
Oichids  were  also  contributed  by  Messrs.  H.  Low  &  Co.,  Upper 
Clapton;  H.  Little,  Twickenham;  J.  Murray,  Wylam-on-Tyne ;  J. 
Hamilton,  Duns,  N.B.  ;  W.  Walters,  Chiswick  ;  R.  Morris,  Gypsy  Hill, 
and  W.  H.  Young,  gardener  to  Sir  F.  Wigan,  Bart.,  East  Sheen. 
Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 
Dahlia  Prince  of  Wales  (S.  Mortimer). — A  magnificent  yellow  Cactus 
variety  that  must  become  popular  (award  of  merit). 
Dahlia  Shamrock  (J.  Cheal  &  Sons). — A  charming  single.  The 
centre  is  velvety  crimson  and  the  margin  lake  (award  of  merit). 
Dahlia  Venus  (J.  Cheal  &  Sons). — This  belongs  to  the  new  Pompon 
Cactus  section  ;  the  colour  is  almost  pure  white  (award  of  merit). 
Dahlia  Mrs.  Joxvett  (J.  Stredwick). — This  handsome  Cactus  variety 
has  already  been  described  in  our  columns  (award  of  merit). 
Dahlia  General  French  (J.  Stredwick). — A  beautiful  warm  terra¬ 
cotta  variety  of  the  Cactus  section  (award  of  merit). 
Dahlia  Lord  Boherts  (J.  Stredwick).^ — A  Cactus  variety  with  cream 
<3olonred  flowers  of  good  type  (award  of  merit). 
Dahlia  Kathleen  (F.  W.  Sharp). — A  Cactus  variety  with  red  flowers 
of  good  form;  there  is  a  faint  orange  tinge  (award  of  merit). 
Dahlia  Gracchus  (C.  Turner). — A  buff  orange  Show  variety  of  good 
substance  (award  of  merit). 
Dahlia  Doris  (M.  V.  Seale). — A  pale  lavender  Pompon  variety 
with  a  cream  centre  (award  of  merit). 
Dahlia  Thalia  (M.  V.  Seale). — A  Pompon  variety  with  deep  rose 
coloured  flowers  (award  of  merit). 
Helianthus  rigidus  Mr.  H.  Q.  Moon  (Barr  &  Sons). — A  fine  variety 
-of  the  well-known  Helianthus  rigidus ;  the  flowers  are  large,  and  the 
colour  bright  (award  of  merit). 
Rose  Mrs.  B.  E.  Cant  (B.  R.  Cant). — This  is  an  extremely  floriferous 
variety,  with  silvery  rose  fragrant  flowers  (award  of  merit). 
Sternhergia  macrantha  (J.  Hudson). — A  brilliant  golden  yellow 
flower,  of  the  first  size  and  substance  (first-class  certificate). 
Colchicum  speciosum  album  (J.  Hudson). — A  magnificent  variety 
with  pure  white  flowers  (first-class  certificate). 
Grape  Prince  of  Wales  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — A  sport  from  Mrs.  Pince. 
The  berry  is  very  fine  in  size,  of  good  colour,  and  has  some  of  the 
flavour  of  Mrs.  Pince.  It  is  said  to  be  a  most  excellent  keeper  (award 
of  merit). 
Nepenthes  Chelsoni  Excellens  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — A  magnificent 
variety  of  the  well-known  Chelsoni.  The  ground  colour  is  light  green 
almost  obscured  by  crimson-brown.  It  is  of  large  size  (first-class 
certificate.) 
National  Dahlia  Society. 
At  a  committee  meeting  held  on  September  25th,  at  the  Drill  Hall, 
Westminster,  S.W.,  first-class  certificates  were  awarded  to  Show  Dahlias 
Duchess  from  Mr.  G.  St.  P.  Harris,  and  Gracchus  from  Mr.  C.  Turner  ; 
Cacius  Dahlias  Prince  of  Yellows  from  Mr.  S.  Mortimer  ;  Major  Hobbs 
and  Floradora  from  Mr.  Humphries ;  Jealousy,  Bessie  Mitchell,  and 
Lord  Brassey  from  Mr.  Stredwick;  Cheal’s  White  from  Messrs.  Cheal 
and  Son  ;  Bernice  from  Burrell  &  Co.,  and  Kathleen  from  Mr.  F.  W. 
Sharp ;  Pompon  Cactus  Dahlia  Venus  from  Messrs.  Cheal  &  Son  ; 
Pompon  Dahlias  Violet  from  Mr.  West,  Thalia  from  Mr.  Seale. — 
J.  F.  Hudson,  Hon.  Secretary. 
Fruit  Forcing. 
Cucumbers.  —  Autumn  Fruiters.  —  Maintain  healthy  and  vigorous 
growth  by  a  genial  condition  of  the  atmosphere.  Avoid  a  close,  moist 
air  by  judicious  ventilation,  and  do  not  admit  cold  drying  currents. 
Keep  the  growths  fairly  thin,  going  over  the  plants  twice  a  week  for 
stopping  and  removing  superfluous  growths,  being  careful  not  to 
overcrop  the  plants.  Be  sparing  in  the  use  of  water,  especially  over  the 
foliage,  but  damp  the  floors  and  walls  in  the  morning  and  afternoon, 
gradually,  however,  reducing  the  moisture  as  the  days  shorten  and  the 
son  heat  declines.  Add  a  little  fresh  soil  about  once  a  fortnight  to  the 
hillocks  or  ridges  previously  warmed,  applying  tepid  liquid  manure  once 
or  twice  a  week  as  may  be  necessary.  Vapourise  or  fumigate  if  aphides 
or  thrips  appear,  and  be  careful  not  to  give  too  much.  In  case  of  attack 
by  red  spider,  white  fly,  or  mildew,  dress  the  hot-water  pipes  lightly 
with  a  cream  formed  of  skim  milk  and  flowers  of  sulphur.  For  canker 
promptly  rub  quicklime  into  the  affected  parts  until  quite  dry,  and 
repeat  as  necessary. 
The  plauts  for  winter  fruiting  should  be  placed  out  as  soon  as  they 
are  ready,  a  good  bottom  heat  being  essential  to  insure  success,  whether 
it  be  obtained  by  the  aid  of  fermenting  material  or  hot- water  pipes,  but 
a  somewhat  higher  temperature  is  required  to  commence  with  if 
fermenting  materials  are  employed,  as  the  heat  will  decline,  and  there 
should  be  hot-water  pipes  in  the  bed  to  keep  up  the  bottom  heat  when 
that  of  the  fermenting  material  declines.  The  soil  may  consist  of  turfy 
loam,  light  rather  than  heavy,  with  a  third  of  fibrous  peat,  a  sixth  of  old 
morfar  rubbish,  and  a  tenth  of  charcoal,  the  whole  well  incorporated. 
For  imparting  vigour  later  rely  on  liquid  manure  and  surface  dressings 
in  preference  to  employing  manure  in  the  compost. 
Peaches  and  Nectarines. — Trees  Ripening  the  Fruit  in  July. — The 
midseason  varieties  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  started  in  February  will 
be  approaching  the  resting  period,  and  the  foliage  becoming  sere.  This 
must  not  be  forcibly  removed,  but  the  trees  or  trellis  may  be  shaken 
and  the  leaves  cleared  away  as  a  means  of  riddance  of  fungi  and 
insects.  Supply  water  to  the  border  as  required  to  keep  the  soil 
moistened  through  to  the  drainage.  If  the  wood  is  thoroughly  ripened 
and  the  roof-lights  are  movable,  the  trees  will  derive  great  benefit  from 
exposure  until  the  time  arrives  for  starting  and  the  need  for  watering 
will  be  done  away  with,  whilst  there  is  lessened  danger  of  the  buds 
dropping,  but  if  the  wood  is  not  ripe  it  is  unwise  to  expose  the  trees  to 
heavy  rains,  snows,  and  frosts.  When  the  wood  is  strong  and  the 
points  of  the  shoots  are  soft  and  retain  the  leaves  in  a  green  condition, 
form  a  trench  about  one-third  the  height  of  the  trees  from  the  stem  and 
detach  all  roots  down  to  the  drainage,  leaving  the  trench  open  for  ten 
days  or  a  fortnight,  when  it  may  be  filled  firmly.  Young  trees  only 
require  this,  but  older  trees  that  have  the  wood  very  strong  may  be 
root-pruned,  and  roots  wholly  or  partially  lifted  before  the  leaves  have 
fallen.  In  the  case  of  weakly  trees  remove  the  old  soil  from  amongst 
as  well  as  over  the  roots,  supplying  fresh  rather  strong  loam,  with  an 
addition  of  calcareous  matter  where  the  loam  is  not  of  that  nature, 
making  it  firm,  and  following  with  a  good  soaking  of  liquid  manure. 
Trees  Ripening  the  Fruit  in  August  and  September. — The  foliage 
must  be  kept  free  from  red  spider  and  other  insect  pests  in  order  to 
obtain  proper  maturation  cf  the  wood  and  buds,  an  occasional  forcible 
syringing  being  all  that  is  needed  in  most  cases.  If  there  is  scale 
promptly  apply  an  inseoticicle,  also  against  brown  aphides,  which 
sometimes  attack  the  younger  parts  of  the  wood  in  autumn,  and  can 
be  destroyed  by  diluted  tobacco  juice.  There  must  not  be  any  lack  of 
moisture  ac  the  roots,  therefore  apply  water  to  the  inside  borders  as 
necessary  to  prevent  their  becoming  too  dry.  Afford  abundant  venti¬ 
lation,  and  if  the  wood  is  not  ripening  well  keep  the  house  rather  warm 
by  day,  and  throw  the  ventilators  open  at  night,  but  a  close,  moist 
atmosphere  must  be  avoided,  as  that  would  be  more  injurious  than 
otherwise. 
Late  Trees. — When  the  fruit  is  gathered  the  trees  will  need  to  have 
the  shoots  thinned  where  too  crowded,  and  those  which  have  borne  fruit 
and  are  not  required  for  extension  can  be  cut  out  to  a  successional  shoot 
at  the  base ;  this,  with  free  ventilation,  will  assist  in  ripening  the  growths, 
which  is  of  primary  importance  as  regards  next  year’s  bearing.  In  cold 
localities  and  the  wood  strong  it  may  be  necessary  to  employ  gentle  fire 
heat  in  dull  weather.  Avoid  a  dry  condition  of  the  border.  The  trees 
must  not  lack  water  at  the  roots,  and  yet  drier  condition  of  the  soil  is 
advisable  whilst  the  fruit  is  ripening,  but  anything  like  distress  to  the 
foliage  interferes  with  the  formation  and  maturation  of  the  buds,  and 
may  seriously  prejudice  their  retention  by  the  trees,  which  simply  cast 
them  because  imperfect,  or  impaired  in  vitality  from  various  causes. 
Strawberries  in  Pots. — The  earliest  stock  of  this  summer’s  runners 
intended  for  early  forcing  should  now  be  selected,  taking  those  with  the 
most  promising  crowns,  w-ell  developed  and  plumped,  giving  them  ample 
