April  4,  1901. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
289 
Rev.  H.  Kingsmill  Moore,  Dublin.  It  is  an  unique  variety  in  having  all 
the  fronds  evenly  sinuous  at  short  intervals  in  the  plane  of  the  frond.  In 
this  respect  it  is  quite  distinct  from  the  several  flexuose  forms  already 
found,  they  being  generally  distorted,  a  fact  which  in  pressed  herbarium 
specimens  is  masked  by  pressure.  The  fronds  exhibited  were  unpressed, 
as  received.  The  Fern  was  found  wild  many  years  ago  in  Ireland  by 
Mr.  Davey. 
Hybrid  Orchids. — Mr.  Douglas  brought  some  hybrids  “  for  the 
purpose  of  showing  that  Orchids  which  flower  naturally  at  the  same 
period  of  the  year  produce  satisfactory  results,  whereas  if  crosses  are 
effected  between  species  that  do  not  naturally  flower  at  the  same 
period,  the  results  are  unsatisfactory.”  As  an  example  of  the  latter 
he  referred  to  Lselia  X  Briseis,  a  cross  between  Laslia  purpurata 
(pollen  parent)  and  L.  harpophylla  (seed  parent).  He  observes,  “The 
seed  did  not  germinate  freely ;  two  plants  only  were  obtained  from 
what  seemed  a  very  satisfactory  capsule.  The  Orchid  Committee 
thought  it  worthy  of  an  award  of  merit.  Both  plants  are  natives  of 
Southern  Brazil.  L.  harpophylla  produces  its  flowers  under  cultivation 
in  February  and  March  ;  its  flowers  are  small,  2  to  3  inches  across,  of 
a  bright  cinnabar-red  colour,  and  altogether  unlike  the  gorgeous 
L.  purpurata,  with  coriaceous  leaves  12  to  15  inches  long,  having 
flowers  6  to  8  inches  diameter  of  an  amethyst  purple  colour.  The 
only  trace  of  this  colour  in  the  progeny  is  a  slight  tinge  on  the  lip, 
and  in  no  respect  is  there  anything  to  lead  one  to  the  conclusion  that 
L.  purpurata  was  the  parent.  The  plant  is  very  much  larger  in  all  its 
parts  than  L.  harpophylla,  but  not  nearly  approaching  even  the 
intermediate  size  of  L.  purpurata,  either  in  flower,  leaf,  or  pseudo¬ 
bulbs.  Can  any  reason  (other  than  the  fact  that  the  two  species  do 
not  flower  at  the  same  season  of  the  year)  be  shown  that  the  seedling 
is  not  intermediate  between  the  two  parents  ?  ”  He  also  exhibited 
flowers  of  Cymbidium  eburneo-Lowianum,  with  flowers  of  the  seed 
parent,  C.  Lowianum,  and  of  the  pollen  parent,  C.  eburneum.  “  In 
this  case  the  two  parents  naturally  produce  their  flowers  at  the  same 
time,  and  the  result  of  hybridisation  is  entirely  satisfactory.  The 
pseudo-bulbs  and  leaves  are  as  intermediate  as  are  the  flowers.  The 
flower  spikes  are  longer  than  those  of  C.  eburneum,  but  not  so  long  as 
in  C.  Lowianum.  In  the  one  case  the  result  was  disappointing,  in  the 
other  very  satisfactory ;  moreover,  it  has  been  asserted  that  such 
results  are  to  be  expected.  May  I  ask  why  ?  ” 
Dendrobivm  leaves  spotted. — Mr.  Douglas  remarks  : — “  The  leaves  of 
Dendrobium,  freely  covered  with  black  decayed  spots  and  blotches,  have 
puzzled  me  greatly.  I  bad  a  few  plants  sent  here  which  developed  the 
disease,  and  it  speedily  spread  to  my  own  plants,  which  were  quite 
healthy.  I  lost  several  altogether,  as  it  is  also  developed  on  the  stems. 
There  does  not  seem  to  be  any  fungus  on  the  diseased  parts,  and  yet  by 
no  manner  of  treatment  can  I  get  rid  of  this  pest.” 
Cattleya  Trianae,  monstrous. — Mr.  Douglas  observes  : — “  The  flower 
of  Cattleya  Trianaa  was  sent  to  me  by  the  Rev.  Francis  D.  Horner.  It 
is  abnormal  as  regards  colour,  but  it  has  been  constant  for  six  years.” 
Turmeric  tubers. — Mr.  Holmes  exhibited  fresh  specimens,  an  unusual 
condition,  as  a  marketable  product  they  always  arrive  dried.  They 
are  the  old  tubers  of  Curcuma  longa ;  the  young  ones  are  white,  and 
contain  starch. 
Plants  Jrom  Botanic  Gardens,  Cambridge. — Mr.  Lynch  sent  the 
following  interesting  species  :  Arctotus,  sp.  n.,  a  fine  plant,  sent  to 
Cambridge  by  Mr.  Gumbleton.  It  somewhat  resembles  A.  glauco- 
phylla  ;  Melasphaerula  graminea,  a  curious  and  graceful  Irid, 
charming  among  bolder  flowers.  There  are  two  forms,  one  having  pale 
yellow  flowers  and  is  rare ;  the  other  with  darker  tinted  blossoms. 
Hybrid  Sarracenias. — These  showed  variations  of  colour,  according  to 
those  of  the  parent  species  as  follows  :  S.  purpurea  X  S.  flava 
™  Stevensi ;  S.  rubra  X  S.  purpurea  =  Chelsoni;  flava  X  Stevensi 
=  illustrata ;  Chelsoni  x  illustrata  =  hybrids  sent.  Laportea  moroides. 
— ThiB  plant  had  a  large  bunch  of  Mulberry-like  fruit,  but  paler  in  tint. 
It  bore  numerous  stinging  hairs,  the  leaf  also  resembled  that  of  the 
Mulberry  tree.  It  belongs  to  the  tribe  Urticeae  of  Urticaceae.  It 
is  figured,  “  Bot.  Mag.,”  1889,  t.  7057,  and  is  a  native  of  N.  Queensland, 
where  it  is  said  to  cause  the  death  of  horses.  Deberainia  smaragdina. 
— A  native  of  Mexico;  a  tree  of  the  order  Myrsineaa,  remarkable  for  its 
dark  green  flowers,  the  corolla  having  chlorophyll.  There  are 
foliaceous,  rudimentary  stamens  alternating  with  the  petals,  as  in 
Brookweed  (Samolus)  of  the  allied  order  Primulacete.  The  anthers 
are  extrorse,  dehiscing,  while  forming  a  central,  erect  column,  but 
spreading  on  the  petals  subsequently.  It  is  figured  in  “  Bot.  Mag.,” 
t.  6373.  Fungi.— Mr.  Lynch  also  sent  some  specimens  of  Peziza 
lanuginosa  (described  as  Sepultaria  Sumneriana  in  Massee’s  “  Fungus 
Flora”),  growing  in  the  grounds  of  the  Botanic  Garden. 
Bog  Oak  Find  In  the  Fens. — An  interesting  and  very  fine 
specimen  of  bog  Oak  jias  been  brought  to  light,  as  reported  by  a 
daily  paper,  on  Yaxley  Fen,  near  Peterborough.  Its  stem  is  about 
80  feet  long,  38  feet  of  which  is  without  a  branch.  The  tree  is 
remarkably  sound  and  perfect.  The  spot  where  the  discovery  was 
made  was  the  site  of  the  famous  Whittlesea  Mere,  which  covered 
15C0  acres,  and  was  artificially  reclaimed  to  agricultural  purposes  half 
a  century  ago. 
Liverpool  Spring  Sliow, 
The  fifteenth  show  of  this  association  opened  most  favourably  as 
regards  weather,  and  also  from  the  fact  that  the  financial  state  is  in  a 
much  more  flourishing  condition  than  has  been  the  case  for  many  years. 
St.  George’s  Hall  presented  a  scene  of  varied  colour,  with  superbly 
cultured  plants,  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  most  critical  amongst  the 
distinguished  company  present.  Amongst  the  visitors  were  the  Lord 
Mayor  and  lady",  Arthur  Crosth  waite,  Esq.,  and  Mrs.  Croath waite,  and 
many  leading  inhabitants  of  the  district. 
The  show  was  one  of  the  best  held  for  many  years,  the  groups  of 
plants  staged  by  Messrs.  Cromwell  and  Bracegirdle  and  the  hardy 
forced  plants  from  various  sources  being  quite  an  advance  on  what  one 
usually  finds.  Nor  would  it  be  wise  to  .omit  mention  of  the  four 
magnificent  exotic  Ferns  staged  by  Mr.  Cromwell,  the  finest  effort  he 
has  ever  made,  of  the  wonderful  plant  of  Angraacum  sesquipedale  from 
Mr.  Bracegirdle,  the  gorgeous  Hippeastrums  (Amaryllis)  from  Mr. 
Johnson,  gardener  to  Mrs.  G.  W.  Moss,  Aigburth ;  and  the  grand 
Cyclamen  from  Mr.  T.  Ankers,  gardener  to  Alderman  W.  B.  Bowring, 
J.P.,  Aigburth,  all  of  which  stood  out  in  bold  relief.  Messrs.  R.  P.  Ker 
and  Sons  of  Aigburth  had  a  special  table  of  their  well-known 
Hippeastrums,  many  novelties  being  amongst  them. 
Messrs.  Dickson,  Ltd.,  Chester,  gave  one  of  their  feasts  of  Daffodils, 
exquisite  in  every  way ;  while  Messrs.  John  Cowan  &  Co.,  Gateacre, 
staged  the  cream  of  Orchids;  Messrs.  Rowlands,  West  Derby,  a  large 
display  of  well  grown  Hyacinths,  &c. ;  Messrs.  T.  Davis  &  Co., 
Wavertree,  a  good  stand  of  seasonable  flowering  plants  and  bulbs; 
Messrs.  Isaac  House  &  Sons,  novelties  in  Violets ;  and  Mr.  Edwards  of 
Nottingham  with  his  table  decorations.  All  the  trade  received  certificates, 
as  did  Mrs.  Stevenson  of  Pembroke  Place  for  plants  grown  in  a  green¬ 
house  ensconced  among  the  chimney  pots  on  the  roof.  Mr.  C.  A.  Young, 
West  Derby,  also  for  group  of  the  great  American  Carnation,  Mrs.  T.  W. 
Lawson. 
Competitive  Exhibits. 
For  twelve  Hyacinths  Mr.  T.  Hitchman,  gardener  to  Arthur  Earle, 
Esq.,  J.P.,  Childwall  Lodge,  had  a  stand  so  superior  as  to  require  little 
judging.  Galatea,  Captain  Boyton,  Lady  Derby,  Grand  Maitre,  Electra, 
Mountain  of  Snow,  Lord  Roberts,  La  Grandesse,  Cardinal  Wiseman, 
King  of  the  Yellows,  King  of  the  Blues,  and  Esperanza  were  all  splendid. 
Mr.  E.  R.  Finch,  gardener  to  Jos.  Smith,  Esq ,  Newstead,  Wavertree,. 
was  a  very  fiue  second ;  and  Mr.  F.  C.  Keightley,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Duncan  Prizett,  Grassendale,  a  good  third.  The  entries  for  six  Hyacinths, 
three  in  a  pot,  was  a  distinct  gain  for  Mr.  Finch,  with  dwarf,  heavy 
spikes.  Mr.  Holford,  gardener  to  B.  Arkle,  Esq.,  West  Derby,  followed 
with  taller  spikes  of  first  quality.  Mr.  J.  Heaton,  gardener  to  R.  P. 
Houston,  Esq.,  M.  P.,  The  Lawn,  Aigburth,  had  the  best  six  distinct. 
For  twelve  pots  Tulips  Mr.  Keightley  staged  a  superb  lot,  including 
Keizers  Kroon  (two),  white  Joost  Van  Vondel,  Proserpine  (two), 
Ophir  d’Or  (two),  R  se  Luisante,  Vermillion  Brilliant,  Duchesse  de 
Parme  ;  Mr.  E.  R.  Finch  was  a  close  second,  and  Mr.  Hitchman  third. 
For  six  pots  Mr.  E.  R.  Finch  staged  a  very  choice  selection,  Mr.  Keightley 
being  second.  A  good  competition  ensued  for  six  pots  double  Tulips,  the 
award  going  to  Mr.  W.  Bustard,  gardener  to  J.  McClelland,  Esq.,  being 
an  undoubted  first  with  Tournesol,  Golden  Tournesol,  and  Murillo, 
Mr.  Finch  being  second.  The  latter  won  with  a  very  heavy  stand  of 
Polyanthus  Narcissi. 
For  a  group  of  miscellaneous  foliage  and  flowering  plants  an  old 
exhibitor  was  gladly  welcomed  in  the  person  of  Mr.  B.  Cromwell, 
gardener  to  T.  Sutton  Timmis,  Esq  ,  Cleveley,  Allerton,  and  in  praise  of 
such  excellent  work,  it  was  acknowledged  on  all  sides  that  rarely,  if 
ever,  has  better  grouping  been  seen.  Every  plant  appeared  with 
telling  effeot,  a  canopy  of  charming  red  and  yellow  Roses  being 
admirably  introduced  over  dwarf  well-flowered  Callas,  the  necessary 
Palms  forming  a  grand  background,  aud  smaller  plants  worked  to  the 
front.  Quite  beautiful,  too,  was  the  close  second  prize,  one  from  Mr. 
Bracegirdle,  gardener  to  Alderman  Watts,  Elm  Hall,  Wavertree,  the 
best  skill  being  brought  to  bear  on  the  work.  More  of  colour  was  the 
third  prize,  one  from  Mr.  Bustard,  gardener  to  J.  McClelland,  Esq., 
St.  Ann’s  Road,  Aigburth.  Stove  and  greenhouse  plants  were  splendidly 
shown  by  Messrs.  Bracegirdle  and  Cromwell.  For  a  single  Fern,  two 
Palm  classes,  three  Orchids,  a  single  Orchid,  and  greenhouse  Rhodo¬ 
dendrons,  Mr.  Bracegirdle  made  a  great  display,  taking  every  prize. 
The  remaining  Rhododendron  classes  fell  to  Mr.  E.  R.  Finch,  who  also 
had  extra  good  Callas,  Mignonette  (trained),  and  superior  greenhouse 
Azaleas.  The  class  for  six  forced  hardy  plants  was  particularly  good, 
Mr.  Cromwell  having  a  set  so  well  staged  and  grown  as  to  fully  entitle 
him  to  premier  honours.  Messrs.  Hitchman  and  Bustard  were  extra 
good  for  remaining  places.  Azalea  mollis  from  the  latter  were  superb, 
and  Freesias  from  Mr.  Heaton  were  literally  wreathed  with  flower. 
Cinerarias  and  Primulas  from  Mr.  Lyon,  gardener,  to  A.  Mackenzie 
Smith,  Esq.,  Bolton  Hey,  Roby,  were  perfection.  Lily  of  the  Valley 
(good),  from  Mr.  J.  Wilson;  table  plants,  &o.,  and  fine  specimen 
Azaleas  from  Mr.  Cromwell,  were  all  of  them  most  telling. 
Two  only  entered  for  the  table  of  miscellaneous  bulbs  and  foliage 
plants,  and  the  greatest  praise  is  due  to  Messrs.  C.  Osborne  (gardener 
