544 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AXD  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
June  23,  1904 
be  carried  at  an  even  heiglit.  The  ))loonis  must  be  early  and 
continnous,  and  tlie  florets  be  shed  as  fast  as  they  witlier. 
ISloreover,  it  must  pi’oduce  a  healthy  tuber,  or  rhizome,  that 
can  be  carried  over  Avithout  loss.  That  these  various  cha¬ 
racteristics  can  be  combined,  together  with  an  extended  range 
of  colour,  from  almost  white,  through  every  shade  of  yellow, 
pink,  scarlet,  crimson,  to  darkest  maroon,  and  even  shades- of 
purple,  with  an  infinite  range  of  markings,  we  have  ample 
evidence  in  some  of  the  iieAV  varieties  produced  by  A.  Wintzer, 
of  West  Grove,  Pa.  It  has  been  an  accepted  idea  that  the  best 
Gannas  for  American  planting  are  and  will  continue  to  be  pro¬ 
duced  in  this  country,  and  it  is  possible  that  a  further  com¬ 
bination  of  the  vai'ious  useful  types  now  in  cultivation  will 
result  in  varieties  of  nndreamed-of  value. — W.  Van  Fleet  (in 
“  American  Florist.”) 
Societies, 
ScientiHc  Committee,  June  14th. 
Present;  Dr.  Masters,  F.E.S.  (in  the  chair);  Messrs.  Shea, 
Worsdell,  Saunders ;  Drs.  Cooke  and  Eendle ;  Eevs.  W.  Wilks  and 
G.  Henslow,  Hon.  Sec. 
Death  of  R.  Me  Lachlan,  Esq.,  F.R.S. — Dr.  Masters  made  a  few 
remarks  upon  the  loss  to  science  occasioned  by  the  death  of  this 
eminent  member  of  the  Scientific  Committee.  He  was  one  of  the 
very  few  left  of  the  earliest  members  of  it ;  and  until  failing  health 
prevented  him  from  being  so,  he  was  a  most  regular  attendant  at  its 
meetings.  He  was  ahvays  most  courteous  and  willing  to  give  his 
assistance  whenever  questions  arose  in  the  department  of  entomology, 
in  Avhich  he  Avas  an  expert ;  the  suggestions  he  made  for  the  treatment 
of  insect  attacks  Avei’e  marked  by  caution  and  sound  Judgment. 
Oal'-tree  “Spangles.” — To  an  enquiry  from  Dr.  P.  Parnell, 
Streatham  Hill,  as  to  the  origin  of  these  galls.  Mr.  Saunders  supplied 
the  following  life  history  : — “  These  are  formed  by  the  grubs  of  one 
of  the  many  kinds  of  gall-flies  which  infest  the  Oak.  Most  of  the 
species,  this  one  (Spathegastei'  baccarum)  among  the  number,  do  not 
complete  their  life  cycle  until  they  have  gone  through  two  genera-  ■ 
tions ;  this  peculiarity  is  generally  spoken  of  as  ‘  the  alternation  of 
generations.  In  the  case  of  the  species  AAdiich  forms  the  galls  sent, 
the  flies  Avhich  are  hatched  from  them  are  of  both  sexes  ;  "  and  after 
pairing,  the  females  pierce  the  under  sides  of  the  leaves  and  lay  their 
beloAv  the  surface.  The  grubs  hatched  from  these  do  not 
form  spherical  galls,  as  tlie  grubs  of  the  last  generation  did,  but  make 
the  little  flat  brown  galls  Avhich  are  so  common  on  the  under  sides  of 
Oak  leaves  and  Avhich  are  commonly  knoAvn  as  ‘spangles.’  The  flies 
from  these  galls  emerge  in  the  folloAving  spring,  but,  strange  to  say, 
they  are  quite  unlike  the  flies  of  the  previous  generation  Avhich  laid 
the  eggs,  in  appearance ;  and  there  are  no  males,  only  females.  These 
‘ parthenogenitic  females’  for  many  years  were  knoAvn  as  Neuroterus 
lenticularis,  and  Avero  considered  to  be  a  distinct  species  ;  they  lay 
their  eggs  more  commonly  on  the  male  floAvers  of  the  Oak,  when  they 
are  knoAvn  as  “  currant  galls  ”  on  account  of  their  resemblance  to  a 
small  bunch  of  Currants ;  but  they  often  lay  them  on  the  leaves. 
The  life  cycle  is  now  complete,  and  begins  again  as  soon  as  the 
flies  emerge.  In  some  species  the  life  history  of  the  two  generations 
is  even  more  different  than  that  Just  described;  the  sexva  genera¬ 
tion  laying'  its  eggs  on  the  roots  of  the  trees,  and  in  due  time  galls 
are  formed.  The  asexual  generation  which  emerg'es  from  these  galls 
are  wingless,  craAvl  up  the  stems  and  branches  of  the  trees,  and  lay 
their  eggs  generally  in  the  terminal  bud  of  the  shoots ;  the  galls 
there  formed  are  the  Avell  knoAvn  ''  Oak-apples”  the  flies  from  Avhich 
are  of  both  sexes ;  the  males  are  Avinged,  but  the  females  have  only 
rudimentary  ones,  or  are  Avingless.  The  only  means  Avhich  I  can 
suggest  for  preventing  the  Oaks  from  being  attacked  by  the  Spathe- 
gaster  baccarum,  is  by  destroying  the  galls,  this  Avould  be  almost 
impossible  in  the  case  of  the  galls  formed  in  the  sjiring ;  but  the 
second  generation  of  galls  Avhich  remain  on  the  leaves  till  after  they 
have  fallen,  may  easily  be  destroyed  by  collecting  the  fallen  leaves 
and  burning  them.  If  tliis  Avas  done  thoroughly,  there  would  be  a 
Avholesale  destruction  of  this  insect,  and  you  would  find  that  very  feAv 
attacked  the  leaves  the  folloAving  spring'.” 
■Carrots  destroyed  hy  iasecG'.— In  reply  to  a  letter  from  Mr.  Bullock, 
Godaiming,  Mr.  Saunders  Avrites  as  follows The  Carrots  are 
attacked  by  the  millipedes  (PolydesiuAis  complanatus),  ‘the 
flatten^  millipede.  It  is  a  A'ery  annoying  pest  and  one  Avhich  is 
yeiy  aiificult  to  destroy,  as  these  creatures  Avhen  feeding  at  the  roots 
or  a^ plant  cannot  be  killed  by  means  of  an  insecticide,  Avithout  using 
it  of  such  a  strength  that  it  Avould  injure  the  latter  ;  but  Avatering 
copiously  with  a  strong  solution  of  nitrate  of  soda  or  common  salt 
be  often  caught  by  burying  small  slices 
of  iurmps.  Mangolds,  or  Vegetable  Marroiv  near  the  plant  Just  beloAv 
the  surface  of  the  soil.  A  small  skeiver  of  wood  should  be  stuck  into 
each  slice  this  will  shoAv  Avhere  each  bait  is  buried,  and  also  render 
handling  them  easier.  These  traps  should  be  examined  every  morn¬ 
ing  and  any  millipedes  feeding  on  them  picked  off,  and  the  traps 
replaced.”  Another  method  described  by  Mr.  Shea,  is  to  make  a 
funnel-shaped  vessel  Avith  perforations,  filling  this  Avith  pieces  of 
vegetables  and  burying  it.  It  can  then  be  lifted  and  the  contents 
throAvn  out  and  the  grubs  killed. 
Hybrid  Carnations. — Mr.  Douglas  sent  fine  specimens  with  dark 
crimson  floAvers  of  a  hybrid  betiveen  the  Uriah  Pike  Carnation  and 
Sweet  William  ;  also  the  Pink,  hybridus  floribundus,  suggesting 
that  it  may  be  identical  Avith  the  first  hybrid  artificially  made  that 
is  knoAA'n,  by  Mr.  Fairchild.  (See  Journal  of  E.H.S.,  xxiv.,  page  56). 
Sawdust. — An  enquiry  from  Mr.  Allen,  Putney  Hill,  as  to  whether 
it  can  be  utilised,  the  general  opinion  Avas  that  it  is  Avorse  than 
useless,  but  it  becomes  valuable  if  burnt.  It  Avas  suggested  to  burn 
it  mixed  Avith  vegetable  rubbish,  then  to  sift  the  ashes  and  mix 
them  with  sifted  earth.  This  has  been  proved  by  experience  to  be 
a  very  valuable  top-dressing. 
Scotch  Firs  diseased. — Specimens  received  from  Mrs.  E.D.  Turner, 
Ightham,  Kent,  Avere  examined  by  Mr.  KeAvstead,  who  reports .- — 
“  The  insect  is  Chermes  pini,  an  aphis ;  the  Avhite  flocculent  matter 
covers  the  adult  apterous  female,  and  her  yellowish  broAvn  pedun- 
cixlated  eggs.  Softsoap  and  quassia  is  a  very  good  insecticide  for 
this  pest;  but  the  paraffin  emulsion  will  give  the  best  results  if 
applied  before  the  trees  hav'e  made  young  growths.” 
Picea  aganensis. — Dr.  Masters  exhibited  specimens  sent  by  Mr. 
Moore  of  GlasneAun,  shoAving  the  apex  of  the  yellow  male  flower 
occupied  by  bracts  and  ovuliferous  scales  of  the  usual  purple  colour. 
The  foliage,  leaA'es,  perular  scales,  and  stamens  Avere  seen  to  be  in 
continuous  sequence,  and  the  bracts  of  the  female  portion  Avere-also 
continuous  Avith  the  foliage  leaves.  The  ovules  Avere  not  fully 
developed. 
Hybrid  Clematis. — Dr.  Masters  also  shoAved  floAvers  of  a  hybrid 
Clematis  raised  betAveen  C.  coccinea  AAdiich  has  ovoid  tubular  scarlet 
flowers,  and  C.  lanuginosa,  Avhich  bears  much  larger,  flat,  lavender- 
coloured  floAvers.  The  flowers,  though  in  a  dishevelled  condition, 
shoAved  clear  indications  of  their  mixed  parentage  both  in  colour 
and  form.  They  Avere  received  from  Prof.  Francesco  Marchi  of 
Mantua. 
Grand  Yorkshire  Gala. 
(Continued  from  page  523.) 
Miscellaneous  and  Trade  Exhibits. 
Messrs.  Clibran  and  Son,  of  Altrincham  and  Manchester, 
Avere  I'epreseuted  by  a  group  chiefly  composed  of  novelties. 
These  comprised  the  “  (hvarf  Crimson  Rambler,”  that  is, 
IMadame  LevaA'asseur,  aa  Inch  is  given  the  foregoing  popular  name; 
for  its  descriptive  ixirpose.  This  Rose  only  groAvs  l^ft  to  2ft 
high,  and  beai's  rich  crimson  clusters  like  C.  Rambler.  They 
also  had  the  ucaa'  Xephrolepis  Piensoni,  AA'hich  Ave  thoroughly 
commend  for  its  decoi'ative  effectiveness.  It  came  from  the 
United  States,  and  to  maintain  it  in  character  requires  rich 
feeding  and  a  AA  arm  temperature.  We.Avould  also  name  Ficus 
Parcelli,  Clerodendron  fallax,  Diacmna  Mayi,  Cyperus  alterni- 
folius  variegata  (creamy  coloured  throughout),  Dracfena 
Doucetti,  of  A\liich  Clibrans  hai^e  the  largest  collection  in  the 
country.  It  is  a  fine  thing,  and  Avill  stand  draughts  and  the 
vicissitudes  of  a  dAvelling  house  or  lobbies.  iMalmaison  Carna¬ 
tions  Avere  also  Avell  staged. 
Messrs.  Kent  and  Brydon,  Darlington,  Avere  forAvard  Avith 
hardy  Rhododendrons,  Nandina  domestica  (a  graceful  hardy 
shrub),  standai'd  SAAeet  Bays.  Hydi'angea  paniculata  grandi- 
flora,  Liliums,  ^’erbena  iMiss  Willmott  and  V.  King  of  Scarlets, 
Crassula  coccinea,  “  Geranium  ”  Achievement — Ix^y-leaved  x 
zonal — A\  ith  Avarm  rose-salmon  floAx  ers.  Their  Aucuba  limbata, 
Abies  pygma,  Aralia  variegata,  and  Abies  pungens  glauca  Kos- 
teri  Aveie  each  excellent,  and  AA'ell  deserve  attention. 
A  group  of  Carnations,  Gloxinias,  Ac.,  came  from  Messrs. 
Alack  and  Miln,  of  Darlington  ;  and  Air.  George  Bo.yes,  of  Ayl- 
stone  Nurseries,  Leice.ster,  had  a  group  of  his  pot  tree  Carna¬ 
tions  in  many  varieties.  He  also  had  a  table  of  their  floAAers 
arranged  in  glasses  over  a  Avhite  ground. 
Air.  A.  F.  Dutton,  The  Nunseries,  Bexley  Heath,  London, 
Avas  very  strong  in  tree  Carnations,  of  Avhich  he  has  noAv  a  large 
stock,  yet  Ave  believe  his  energies  are  taxed  to  produce  sufficient 
plants  to  meet  the  constant  demand.  AVithout  a  doubt  he 
understands  the  culture  to  perfection,  for  finer  floAA'ers  AA'ould 
i)e  hard  to  find.  AVe  Avould  name  Royalty,  Floriana,  Airs.  T.  AA’. 
IvaAvson,  Fair  Alaid,  Enchantress,  and  Alelba  as  his  best  car¬ 
mines  and  pinks;  Harry  Fenn  as  a  I'icli  dark  crimson,-  and 
Noi'Avay  as  a  Avhite. 
Ale.ssrs.  Cutl)ush  and  Son,  Highgate,  N.,  staged  Carnations 
and  hardy  herbaceous  and  alpine  ixlauts,  Avith  AA’ater  Lilies — 
in  trays.  Their  hardy  plant  department  is  noAv  exten.sive,  and 
they  have  an  excellent  head  of  the  department,  .so  that  novelties 
as  AA-elJ  as  the  older  favourites  are  to  be  seen  here.  Dianthus 
Napoleon  III.  aa  us  very  good  ;  the  neAA-  Conandron  ramondioides 
ought  not  to  be  missed  by  lovers  of  alpines;  Cypripedium  spec- 
tabile.  Orchis  foliosa,  C.  acaule,  and  Sarracenia  rubra  are  not 
too  common  in  gardens  ;  and  aa  hat  is  statelier  or  deserves  more 
