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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER.  December  20,  1900. 
house  at  Christmas,  would  create  quite  a  furore.  Most  of  the  new 
seedlings  yet  to  be  put  in  commerce  were  remarkable  for  their  size  and 
substance,  while  the  most  conspicuous  of  the  named  varieties  were 
General  Buller,  Lord  Roberts,  The  Sirdar,  Barbara  Hope,  Sir  John 
Llewelyn,  Mary  Pelton,  Dorothy  Burroughes,  and  Lady  E.  Malet 
{silver  Flora  medal). 
Mr.  E.  Beckett,  gardener  to  Lord  Aldenham,  Elstree,  staged  a  good 
table  of  decorative  Chrysanthemums  ;  most  of  the  bunches  were  fresh 
and  bright,  though  a  few  were  obviously  past  their  best.  The  most 
conspicuous  were  Jessica,  white ;  Princess  Victoria,  creamy  white ; 
Golden  Gem,  yellow,  shaded  buff  ;  King  of  the  Plumes,  a  good  golden 
yellow  ;  Red  L.  Canning,  a  chestnut  red ;  Mrs.  D.  B.  Crane,  a  rosy 
lilac,  single  variety  ;  Gold  Thread,  yellow  and  red  ;  Mrs.  Filkins,  canary 
yellow ;  and  the  well-known  W.  H.  Lincoln  (silver  Flora  medal). 
Messrs.  F.  Sander,  St.  Albans,  arranged  a  group  of  Coleus  thyrsoideus  in 
pots  on  the  floor.  The  colour  being  bright  blue,  and  the  leaves  a  dull 
green  colour,  it  will  evidently  make  a  good  winter  blooming  plant  for 
the  conservatory  (bronze  Flora  medal).  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd., 
Chelsea,  staged  a  large  table  of  their  winter  flowering  Begonias,  the 
group  of  Winter  Cheer  being  especially  attractive ;  Ensign,  though  not 
so  bright  in  colour,  is  distinct  and  very  free  flowering  ;  also  a  group  of 
the  blue  Coleus  thyrsoidens  from  Central  Africa,  and  a  box  of  their 
well  known  hybrid  Rhododendrons,  which  were  very  attractive  (silver 
Flora  medal). 
Messrs.  W.  Wells  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  sent  stands  of  Chrysanthemums 
Golden  Princess  Victoria,  a  good  clear  yellow  sport  from  the  well- 
known  Princess  Victoria;  the  colour  should  be  welcome  for  its  lateness; 
and  Letrier,  a  good  white  that  has  been  frequently  described.  Prom 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  came  a  basket  of  rosy  red  Carnations  in 
pots  called  America  ;  the  flowers  were  of  good  substance  and  very 
fragrant ;  also  a  basket  of  Holly  Marnocki,  which  were  well  berried.  ■ 
Mr.  Wm.  Bain,  gardener  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Dorking, 
exhibited  sprays  of  Lapageria  rosea.  The  Knoll  variety.  The  flowers 
were  large,  bright  in  colour,  and  thickly  studded  on  the  stems,  a 
grand  variety.  Mr.  J.  Butler,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Ancaster, 
Stamford,  sent  a  collection  of  Violets,  which  included  good  bunches  of 
Princess  of  Wales,  California,  Marie  Louise,  Lady  Campbell,  Amiral 
Avellan,  and  a  few  stems  of  Chimonanthus  fragrans,  beautifully 
flowered  and  delightfully  fragrant.  The  same  exhibitor  also  staged  a 
collection  of  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  in  fine  form.  Cocos  Wed- 
deliana  was  employed  as  a  background,  and  Lygodium  soandens  formed 
a  good  front  (silver  Banksian  medal). 
Orchid  Committee. 
Present;  Harry  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair);  and  Messrs.  J. 
O’Brien,  de  B.  Crawshay,  H.  M.  Pollett,  H.  Ballantine,  H.  Little,  P. 
Sander,  H.  J.  Chapman,  W.  H.  Young,  H.  A.  Tracy,  F.  J.  Thorne, 
E.  Hill,  Jas.  Douglas,  and  J.  Colman. 
Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  sent  a  small  group  of  Orchids, 
comprising  Cypripediums  and  Lselio-Cattleyas  in  variety  as  the  main 
features ;  Epidendrums  were  also  represented  (silver  Flora  medal) . 
Mr.  H.  Grogan,  Worthing,  showed  Lselio-Cattleya  Lucasiana,  and  Mens. 
Ch.  Maron,  Brunoy,  Cattleya  Dowiana  Rosita.  Messrs.  P.  Sander  and 
Co.,  St.  Albans,  contributed  plants  of  Epidendrum  Endresio-Wallisi. 
Numerous  exhibits  of  single  plants  of  Orchids  were  sent  by  Messrs.  C. 
Davis,  C.  H.  Peilding,  H.  Little,  R.  I.  Measures,  and  Norman  C. 
Cookson.  Mr.  Morris,  gardener  to  J.  W.  Moore,  Esq.,,  Bourton-on- 
Water,  exhibited  a  very  interesting  collection  of  Cypripediums.  (silver 
Flora  medal). 
Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 
Cattleya  Dowiana  Bosita  (C.  Maron). — This  is  a  superb  variety. 
The  petals  are  cream  almost  wholly  obscured  with  rich  rosy  red  ;  the 
sepals  are  cream  with  rosy  red  at  the  tips.  The  magnificent  lip  is 
velvety  crimson  with  golden  lines  in  the  throat  (first-class  certificate). 
Chrysanthemum  Jessica  (E.  Beckett). — A  pure  white  variety  that 
will  be  valuable  for  late  use  (award  of  merit). 
Coleus  thyrsoideus  (P.  Sander  &  Co.  and  J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This 
green-leaved  Coleus  has  long  spikes  of  bright  blue  flowers  (award  of 
merit.) 
Lwlia  Mrs.  M.  Gratrite  grandis  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This  is  a  superb 
variety ;  it  is  larger  and  better  in  every  respect  than  the  type  (first- 
class  certificate). 
Lcslio- Cattleya  Cassiope  major  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This  bigener 
is  from  a  cross  between  Laelio-Cattleya  exoniensis  and  L.  pnmila.  The 
broad  sepals  and  stout  petals  are  delicate  rose,  and  the  fine  lip  crimson 
with  a  purple  suffusion  (award  of  merit). 
Lcelio-Cattleya  Lucasiana  (H.  J.  Grogan). — This  is  from  a  cross 
between  Cattleya  labiata  flammea  and  Lselia  grandis  tenebrosa.  The 
most  pronounced  colour  is  rich  purple  rose  with  deep  velvety  crimson  in 
in  the  centre  of  the  lip  (award  of  merit). 
Pear  Olivier  des  Serres  (W.  Bain). — An  excellent  variety  that  is  too 
well  known  to  call  for  description  (award  of  merit). 
Chiswick,  December  11th. 
A  meeting  of  the  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee  was  held  on  this 
unusually  late  date,  eight  members  being  present,  and  comprised  Mr. 
W.  Bates  (chairman),  and  Messrs.  W.  Pope,  W.  Poupart,  G.  Keif,  S. 
Mortimer,  A.  Dean,  G.  Reynolds,  and  H.  Esling.  The  committee  was 
first  engaged  in  examining  several  stocks  of  Celeriac,  but  not  one  gave 
good  results,  the  edible  portion  being  imperfectly  developed.  This  was 
thought  to  be  due  to  the  exceptional  porosity  or  lightness  of  the  soil. 
A  dozen  or  so  diversely  named  Celeries,  all  excellently  moulded, 
were  then  seen  ;  condition  was  excellent,  but  none  were  large.  In  every 
case  the  stems  were  solid  and  crisp.  Of  reds,  the  best  were  Market  Red, 
Ivery’s  Pink,  Standard  Bearer,  and  Veitch’s  Rose.  The  last-named  was 
particularly  sweet,  but  all  were  exceptionally  good.  Three  marks  were 
awarded  to  each  variety.  Of  whites  the  best  were  those  named  Bibby’s 
White,  Superb  White,  and  Champion  Solid  White,  but  here  all  were 
practically  alike.  Three  marks  were  awarded.  White  Plume  and 
White  Plume  Celeriac  were  of  no  use  here,  whatever  they  may  be  like 
elsewhere. 
At  a  preceding  meeting,  when  late  Potatoes  were  seen,  the  tubers 
generally  being  too  unripe  for  a  proper  cooking  test,  it  was  agreed  they 
be  cooked  and  tasted  in  December.  Eight  varieties  were  thus  selected. 
The  best  in  table  quality,  and  also  a  good  cropper,  was  a  white  round 
named  Dumfries  Model,  which  quite  reminded  of  the  old  Scotch  Regent. 
Sir  J.  Llewelyn,  also  tried,  had  its  former  award  of  merit  confirmed. 
It  is  a  marvellous  cropper;  none  of  the  others  was  good  enough — 
indeed,  two  or  three  were  quite  watery.  There  seems  to  be  ample  room 
yet  in  raising  new  Potatoes  to  largely  improve  on  table  quality — a  great 
desideratum.  , 
- - 
Plants  for  Indoor  Decoration. 
Foliage  and  flowering  plants  are  indispensable,  as  well  as  cut 
blooms,  for  the  embellishment  of  rooms,  corridors,  halls,  and  windows. 
Foliage  plants  are  in  large  demand  nearly  all  the  year  round,  because 
if  the  right  sort  of  plants  are  employed  they  do  not  suffer  from  the 
confinement  and  position  as  much  as  flowering  plants  do.  In  a  fairly 
light  position  and  not  subjected  to  cold  draughts  of  air  many  foliage 
plants  remain  a  considerable  time  in  an  attractive  and  healthy 
condition.  The  chief  point  in  maintaining  them  for  a  length  of  time 
in  a  presentable  condition  is  in  watering,  or  rather  affording  regular 
attention  to  see  that  the  soil  is  kept  healthfully  moist.  There  is  no 
harm  in  the  soil  drying  out  to  a  certain  extent,  but  it  must  not  long 
remain  in  that  state,  or  deterioration  will  set  in  in  the  shape  of  lost 
vigour,  as  indicated  by  yellow  leaves  at  the  base  of  the  plant,  and  a 
loose  flabby  condition  of  the  younger  and  greener  foliage. 
Daily  examination  of  the  plants  should  be  made,  especially  of  those 
which  are  situated  in  rooms  where  a  fire  may  be  used  regularly  or 
occasionally.  In  such  apartments  the  atmosphere  is  dry,  consequently 
the  loss  of  watery  vapour  from  the  leaves  is  great,  and,  as  the  moisture 
is  obtained  from  the  soil  in  the  pots  by  the  roots,  it  is  of  great 
importance  that  the  soil  moisture  be  maintained.  The  water  given 
ought  to  be  soft,  and  of  the  same  temperature  as  the  room  or  place 
in  which  the  plant  is  growing.  If  dust  accumulate  on  the  leaves,  light 
spongings  with  soapy  water  is  the  best  plan  of  removing  it. 
Ferns  are  specially  susceptible  to  dryness  at  the  roots  and  the 
drying  influences  of  the  air,  hence  their  requirements  must  be  carefully 
attended  to,  when  Pterises,  Aspleniums,  Neph  role  pises,  Cyrtomiums, 
and  Scolopendriums  will  remain  fresh  and  uninjured.  Even  Adiantum 
cuneatum  with  good  treatment  in  these  respects  does  well,  and  is  an 
excellent  Fern  for  indoor  use.  If,  however,  subjected  to  irregular 
treatment  it  is,  like  many  others  would  be,  unsuitable.  The  green¬ 
leaved  Dracaenas  and  Aspidistras  are  the  best  of  plants  for  endurance, 
but  it  is  not  wise  to  subject  them  to  wilful  neglect  for  an  indefinite 
period. 
Palms,  especially  Kentias,  are  first-class  indoor  plants.  With 
frequent  changes — that  is,  not  keeping  them  too  long  in  semi-dark 
positions — they  remain  attractive.  With  neglect,  the  points  of  the 
leaves  decay,  and  the  leaves  quickly  assume  a  rusty  hue.  Corypha 
australis,  Latania  borbonica,  and  Seaforthia  elegans  may  be  frequently 
employed  in  the  same  manner.  Cocos  Weddeliana  is  a  beautiful  Palm, 
but  being  somewhat  tender  is  only  suitable  for  temporary  use,  and 
not  for'extended  periods. 
Flowering  plants  should  not  be  kept  too  long,  and  ought,  if 
possible,  to  have  the  benefit  of  light.  The  flowers  are  liable  to  drop 
of  such  plants  as  Primulas  and  Azaleas.  The  Calla  or  Arum  Lily  is  a 
splendid  plant  for  a  room  for  a  brief  period,  maintaining  the  soil  moist. 
Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  and  B.  Moonlight,  with  a  few  pots  of 
Roman  Hyacinths,  or  early  Narcissi,  would  form  a  very  pleasing 
group  intermixed  with  a  few  light  Ferns. 
Cinerarias,  Genistas,  Lily  of  the  Valley,  Deutzia  gracilis, 
CyclamenS;  Dutch  Hyacinths,  and  Spiraeas  can  all  be  used  for 
indoor  decoration  in  their  season  of  flowering.  The  steadier  they  can 
be  grown  and  developed  into  bloom  the  better  they  will  withstand  the 
change  to  rooms  and  other  positions,  especially  if  preliminary  cool 
treatment  can  be  afforded.  Healthy  roots,  thoroughly  moist  and 
maintained  so,  will  render  the  plants  able  to  endure  the  rather  adverse 
conditions  to  which  they  have  hitherto  been  accustomed. — E.  D.  S. 
