June  6,  1901. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
487 
Feltham,  for  hardy  flowers  ;  to  Messrs.  F.  Cant  &  Co.,  Colchester,  for 
garden  Roses  ;  to  Mr.  M.  Pritchard,  Christchurch,  for  hardy  flowers. 
Silver  Barksian  to  Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate,  for  Spiiseas  and 
Eremurus ;  to  Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  for  cut  Rhodo¬ 
dendrons  ;  to  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Sons,  Langport,  for  Paeonies ;  to 
Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  Covent  Garden,  for  hardy  flowers.  Bronze  Flora 
to  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  for  Sweet  Peas,  Petunias,  &c. 
Lily  Show  and  Conference. 
The  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  hold  an  exhibition  of  Lilies  at 
their  Chiswick  garden  on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  July  16th  and  17th, 
1901.  The  gates  open  at  2  p.m.  on  Tuesday,  closing  at  8  p.m.,  and  at 
11  a.m.  on  Wednesday,  closing  at  6  p.m.  A  large  silver  medal,  kindly 
presented  to  the  Society  by  the  Williams’  Memorial  Trustees,  will  be 
awarded  to  the  amateur  exhibiting  the  best  collection  of  Lilies.  Other 
medals  and  awards  will  be  made  by  the  Council  as  they  shall  think  fit. 
Note.- — The  Fruit,  Floral,  and  Orchid  Committees  of  the  Society  will  sit 
at  Chiswick  on  Tuesday,  16th,  at  11  a.m.,  instead  of  at  12.  All  plants, 
&c.,  sent  for  certificate  must  consequently  be  ready  by  10.30  at  latest. 
On  Tuesday,  July  16th,  a  conference  on  Lilies  will  also  take  place  in 
the  garden.  The  chair  will  be  taken  at  2  p.m.,  or  as  soon  after  as 
possible,  by  Mr.  H.  J.  Elwes,  F.R.S.,  Y.M.H.,  who  will  deliver  an 
opening  address  on  Lilies  discovered  or  brought  into  cultivation  since 
the  issue  of  his  monograph  on  the  subject.  The  following  have  also 
been  asked,  and  for  the  most  part  have  already  kindly  consented,  to 
contribute  papers  or  notes  to  the  Conference  : — Mr.  J.  G.  Baker, 
F.R.S.,  V.M.H.,  Kew ;  Dr.  Bonavia,  Worthing,  Sussex;  Mr.  Luther 
Burbank,  California;  Mr.  F.  W.  Burbidge,  M.A.,  V.M.H.,  Dublin; 
Mr.  W.  Goldring,  Kew ;  Dr.  Henry,  China  ;  Mr.  H.  Jonas,  Whyteleaf, 
Surrey ;  Heer  Ernst  Krelage,  Haarlem,  Holland  ;  Mr.  J.  Carrington 
Ley,  East  Farleigh,  Kent ;  Mr.  George  Massee,  Kew  ;  Mr.  G.  L.  Patey, 
Newton  Abbot,  Devon;  Mr.  Carl  Purdy,  California;  Captain  Savile 
Reid,  Yalding,  Kent;  Mr.  R.  Wallace,  Colchester;  Mr.  G.  F.  Wilson, 
F.R.S.,  V.M.H.,  Wey bridge  Heath,  Surrey  ;  Mr.  George  Yeld,  M.A., 
York.  Anyone  interested  in  Lilies  and  willing  to  contribute  a  short 
paper  or  note  is  requested  to  communicate  with  the  Secretary, 
R.H.S.  Office,  117,  Victoria  Street,  Westminster,  S.W.  It  is  hoped 
that  everyone  having  Lilies  in  bloom  at  the  time  will  be  kind  enough  to 
send  them  for  exhibition  at  Chiswick. — By  order  of  Council,  W.  Wilks, 
Secretary. 
- — - - 
Croydon  and  District  Mutual  Improvement. 
The  usual  meeting  was  held  in  the  Society’s  room  at  the  Sunflower 
Temperance  Hotel  on  Tuesday  evening  last.  Mr.  W.  J.  Simpson 
occupied  the  chair.  There  was  a  very  good  attendance  of  members. 
The  secretary,  Mr.  J.  Gregory,  gave  an  interesting  discourse  on 
“  Aquatic  Plants,”  dealing  principally  with  the  newer  varieties  of 
Nymphasas,  and  their  cultivation  in  tanks,  tubs,  &c.  The  lecturer,  at 
the  commencement,  treated  upon  the  preparation  and  formation  of  the 
lakes,  tanks,  tubs,  &c;  the  planting  and  after  management  of  the 
plants,  a  list  of  the  best  and  most  useful  sorts  for  various  purposes,  was 
given.  Attention  was  called  to  the  enemies  of  aquatic  plants,  suoh  as 
the  rat  and  vole,  coarse  rank  weeds,  and  Confervas.  The  lecture  was 
illustrated  with  a  series  of  photographs.  A  brief  discussion  followed 
the  lecture,  and  on  the  proposition  of  the  chairman  an  unanimous  vote  of 
thanks  was  accorded  Mr.  Gregory.  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Son  exhibited  a 
collection  of  named  Pyrethrum,  also  a  beautiful  collection  of  alpine 
plants  on  rockery.  The  next  meeting  will  be  held  on  June  18th. 
Subject  :  “  Vegetables  for  Exhibition,  &o.” 
Scottish  Horticultural  Association. 
The  monthly  meeting  of  this  Association  was  held  at  5,  St.  Andrews 
Square  on  Tuesday  evening,  the  4th  inst.,  Mr.  Comfort,  president,  in 
the  chair.  The  paper  for  the  evening  was  by  Mr.  Cunnison,  of 
Morningside  Park  Nurseries,  on  “  Pear  Culture  in  Scotland.”  Mr. 
Cunnison’s  paper  was  of  an  interesting  nature,  with  many  happy  and 
apropos  hints  as  to  the  Pears  that  succeed  best  in  Scotland,  with 
instructions  as  to  culture  and  prevention  of  disease.  A  spirited  discussion 
followed,  and  Mr.  Cunnison  was  awarded  a  very  hearty  vote  of  thanks. 
The  table  was  gay  with  exhibits,  including  a  handsome  vase  of  cut 
Orchids  from  Mr.  G.  Wood,  Oswald  House,  with  a  number  of  beautiful 
things,  including  Momodes,  a  splendid  collection  of  cut  Rhododendrons 
from  Mr.  Fordyce,  Bonally,  a  vase  of  very  fine  Spiraea  astilboides,  and 
May-flowering  Tulips,  amongst  which  were  Bouton  d’Or,  Golden  Crown, 
and  Picotee  from  Mr.  M.  Todd,  Stoneybank,  Musselburgh,  who  also 
exhibited  a  very  fine  plant,  in  most  luxurious  bloom,  of  White  Viola 
Marchioness,  probably  the  best  white  in  cultivation,  one  of  Mr.  Grieve’s 
many  contributions  to  Violas.  Messrs.  Methven  &  Sons  exhibited  a  very 
handsome  sample  of  their  celebrated  Vanack  Cabbage,  also  of  their 
June  Broccoli.  Mr.  J.  Grieve,  Red  Braes  Nurseries,  contributed.  It  was 
intimated  to  the  meeting  that  the  annual  excursion  of  the  members 
would  take  place  on  Saturday,  the  22nd  June,  to  the  gardens  at  Fordel, 
Fifeshire.  It  was  also  agreed  to  hold  the  now  established  summer 
meeting  for  the  exhibition  of  Strawberries,  RoseF,  Sweet  Peas,  and 
other  midsummer  flowers  on  Friday,  the  12th  July,  when  growers  are 
invited  to  contribute. 
Fruit  Forcing, 
Vines. — Early  House. — As  soon  as  the  Grapes  are  cleared  give  the 
inside  borders  a  thorough  supply  of  liquid  manure,  or  a  top-dressing  of 
fertilisers  washed  in  moderately.  This  will  assist  the  Vines  in 
recuperating  from  the  taxed  energies  consequent  on  early  forcing,  and 
help  plump  the  buds  by  contributing  to  the  health  of  the  foliage.  Keep 
the  ventilators  open  constantly,  even  in  cold  weather.  Syringe 
thoroughly  to  cleanse  the  foliage,  and  repeat  occasionally  to  keep  the 
old  leaves  healthy.  Fresh  laterals  will  soon  be  produced,  and  cultivators 
should  maintain  an  even  growth  all  over  the  Vines,  pinching  the  gross 
laterals  and  encouraging  the  weak.  The  mulching  or  covering  having 
been  removed  from  the  outside  border,  with  just  enough  of  the  lighter 
part  left  to  protect  the  roots,  a  good  watering  with  liquid  manure  may 
be  given,  but  this  will  only  be  needed  where  no  rain  has  fallen.  Avoid 
heavy  mulching,  as  it  deprives  the  borders  of  the  essential  atmospheric 
influences. 
Second  Early  House. — Vines  started  at  the  new  year  have  the 
Grapes  ripening,  but  there  is  fully  a  fortnight  to  three  weeks  difference 
in  the  time  of  ripening  between  Vines  carrying  light  crops  and 
those  with  heavy  burdens.  Maintain  a  circulation  of  warm  rather  dry 
air  constantly,  increasing  the  ventilation  early.  Keep  the  floors  well 
damped  on  hot  days  with  a  view  to  check  excessive  evaporation, 
allowing  the  temperature  to  fall  to  60°  at  night  when  cold,  or  65°  when 
warm,  with  sufficient  warmth  in  the  hot-water  pipes  to  prevent 
atmospheric  moisture  condensing  on  the  Grapes.  If  there  is  likely  to 
be  any  want  of  finish  allow  the  Vines  time  by  giving  as  long  a  rest 
at  night  as  possible.  If  there  is  any  doubt  about  the  roots  lacking 
moisture  examine  the  border,  and  if  found  necessary  give  a  thorough 
soaking  of  water  or  clear  liquid  manure  in  the  morning  of  a  fine  day, 
and  when  soaked  in  mulch  with  a  little  light  material.  Moderate 
moisture  is  essential  to  the  health  of  the  foliage,  hence  damping  the 
floors  must  be  resorted  to  occasionally,  as  there  is  no  fear  of  damaging 
ripening  or  even  ripe  Grapes  at  this  season  if  only  it  is  accompanied 
with  air  ;  besides,  the  moisture  will  assist  in  finishing  and  keeping  the 
Grapes,  and  to  prevent  colour  being  taken  out  of  Hamburghs  a  double 
thickness  of  herring  net  should  be  drawn  over  the  roof-lights.  Allow  a 
moderate  extension  of  the  laterals  to  eucourage  root  action. 
Early  Muscat  House. — The  fruit  ripening  will  need  a  dry  condition 
of  the  atmosphere  as  compared  with  Black  Hamburghs,  but  avoid  great 
aridity,  or  the  foliage  will  fall  a  prey  to  red  spider.  Muscats  must  have 
a  time  longer  than  most  other  Grapes  to  acquire  that  rioh  amber  colour 
and  the  rioh  flavour  so  much  prized.  Do  not  allow  any  deficiency  of 
moisture  in  the  border,  for  Muscats  are  gross  feeders,  but  give  tepid 
liquid  manure,  or  water  through  a  surface  mulching.  The  supply  of 
water  to  the  roots  will  to  some  extent  compensate  for  the  drier  condition 
of  the  atmosphere.  Provide  a  circulation  of  air  constantly,  preventing 
the  moisture  condensing  on  the  berries  by  sufficient  warmth  in  the  pipes 
to  insure  a  changing  atmosphere.  This  is  imperative  to  prevent  “  spot.” 
Lateral  extension  is  the  best  safeguard  against  shanking  at  this  stage, 
along  with  a  steady  temperature.  Avoid  sudden  fluctuations  and 
depressions.  Keep  the  night  temperature  at  65°  to  70°,  80°  to  85°  by 
day,  with  a  little  sun,  and  90°  to  95°  with  it  in  full  force.  Ventilate 
early,  and  regulate  by  the  sun’s  increase,  and  so  with  its  decline  reduoe 
early,  securing  as  long  a  day  of  ripening  from  sun  heat  as  possible. 
The  old  leaves  of  Musoats  are  liable  to  be  scorched  under  powerful  sun 
after  a  period  of  dull  cold  weather.  In  very  bright  weather  draw  a 
single  thickness  of  tanned  netting  over  the  roof-lights,  which,  without 
impeding  too  much  light,  will  prevent  the  Grapes  from  soalding  and  the 
scorching  of  the  foliage. 
Newly  Planted  Vines. — Every  encouragement  should  be  given  these 
to  make  a  sturdy  growth.  The  borders  will  need  copious  supplies  of 
water,  yet  there  must  be  no  excess.  A  light  mulching  around  the 
stems  will  encourage  roots  from  the  collar.  Syringe  on  fine  afternoons, 
and  close  early.  Let  the  canes  extend  to  a  length  of  9  to  10  feet 
before  stopping,  then  continue  a  growth  from  the  extremity,  and  let  it 
grow  with  whatever  laterals  it  may  until  September,  then  shorten 
them  by  degrees  so  as  to  have  them  entirely  removed  by  the  time 
the  principal  leaves  are  maturing.  Pinch  these  late-growth  laterals 
back  to  the  extremity  of  the  cane.  This  growth  will  cause  the  stem 
to  thicken  and  form  free  channels,  through  which  the  sap  can  be  rapidly 
transmitted.  Cut  the  oane  down  to  the  lowest  wire  at  the  winter 
pruning,  and  then  the  Vines  will  push  sturdy  growth  the  following 
year.  Supernumeraries  should  have  the  laterals  pinched  to  one  leaf  as 
produced,  and  the  primary  growth  at  6  to  9  feet.  The  laterals  must  not 
be  cut  off  close  to  the  cane  until  growth  has  ceased,  and  the  principal 
leaves  should  be  left  on  the  cane  as  long  as  possible. 
