The Scientific Notebooks of German Orchidologist Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Kränzlin

242 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1892.

native of the mountains of Java, at an elevation of from 8,000 to 9,000 feet, and may be serviceable for hybridising purposes.

Hydnophytum Forbesi, t. 7218, is one of those curious plants whose tuberous root-stocks afford a home for ants. The plant does not seem to be injured by the ants, which repay their obligations by keeping off undesirable visitors. The plant in question is cultivated in the Royal Gardens, Kew, where it flowered in 1889 and again in 1891.

Begonia glaucophylla, t. 7219.—A plant of unknown origin—possibly a garden hybrid. In any case, a very beautiful form, with spotted stem, oblong-lanceolate leaves, and pendulous short-jointed clusters of pink flowers. Grown as a basket plant it is very handsome. Kew.

Vicia narbonensis, tab. 7220.—The chief interest attaching to this species is that it has been supposed to be the origin of the common field Bean (Vicia Faba). Judging from the figure here given, those who indulged in that supposition must have had an extraordinarily vivid imagination, for it is scarcely possible to have imagined two plants of the same genus more different in appearance.

Neo-Benthamia gracilis, t. 7221.—A coloured figure of the very singular terrestrial Orchid, described and figured by Mr. Rolfe in our columns in 1891, vol. x., p. 272. It is a native of Zanzibar.

FORESTRY LECTURES: UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH. —The Council of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society announce to the members and others interested, that the course of lectures on "Forestry" is about to be resumed in the University by COLONEL BAILEY, R.E., a distinguished forest officer. The Council urge landowners, foresters, and all interested in forest education to take advantage of these lectures, which began on the 10th inst. Landowners would do well to send one or more foresters to attend the course, and they would thus derive immediate benefit by the employment of men instructed both in the art and science of forestry. The Council point out the excellent opportunity which these lectures provide to intelligent youths for acquiring a thorough scientific knowledge of their profession. To enable them to take advantage of the lectures, the Council have arranged that young men who desire employment while attending the course can obtain it in the nurseries, or elsewhere, near Edinburgh, on applying by letter to W. J. MOFFAT, Esq., Secretary and Treasurer, 5, St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh.

GHENT HORTICULTURAL MEETING.—Certificates of merit were awarded at the last meeting for the following plants:—1st, Odontoglossum pulcherrinum ×, a new hybrid of the Alexandræ type, shown for the first time; the form is beautifully rounded, the colour white, the edges slightly yellowish, and the entire flower evenly spotted with brown. 2nd, Odontoglossum Holfordianum leopterum, a rare variety with large flowers, the ground golden yellow with large brown spots. 3rd, Masdevallia ignea perfecta, an entirely new variety, imported from Columbia and flowering for the first time; it has never before been shown. The flower is exceedingly beautiful and very large, in colour purplish flushed with dark blue; this is one of the most beautiful forms of ignea. 4th, Masdevallia ignea aurora, another novelty from Columbia, and flowering for the first time; the habit is very distinctive, the colour flame-orange. 5th, Amaryllis flammea ×, a new hybrid remarkable in habit and form, deep red with very fine wavy lines of white. These five fine novelties were from M. CH. VUYLSTEKE, of Loochristy. 6th, a species of Odontoglossum from M. JULES HYE; a magnificent flower, the ground pink, the sepals and petals fringed, bordered with white, the mid-rib whitish, each sepal and petal having a large brownish-red spot surrounded and underlined with smaller spots of the same shade; the lip has a golden-yellow ground, with tiny spots, the edge white, very finely fringed—the flower is robust. 7th, Odontoglossum Pescatorei album, from the same Orchicist, the flowers very fine, pure white, numerous and very fresh. 8th, Odontoglossum sulphureum,

also from M. J. HYE, flowers sulphur-yellow and very distinctive, the several parts of the flower have a small circular spot of brownish-red, which is repeated on the lip. 9th, Pteris Wallichianum, from MM. DURIEZ FRÈRES, of Wondelghem, a plant interesting among the many novelties recently introduced. Certificates of Merit were awarded for:—1st, Adiantum venustum, to M. SPAE, Vandermeulen, a very pretty species in vigorous health; 2nd, Nephthytis picturata, from the Congo, to M. L. DESMET DUVIVIER, a dwarf plant, with fine leaves of unusual size; 3rd, to MM. E. VERVAET ET CIE, for Cattleya Masereelii, a white-flowered variety. Honorable mention was awarded for:—1st, Cattleya Trianæ, to MM. VERVAET ET CIE., the lip very dark in colour; 2nd, Cattleya Trianæ, to the same exhibitors, the lip fringed—very pretty; 3rd, Miltonia vexillaria, to M. ALF. VAN IMSHOOT, flowers large and dark; 4th, Microlepia hirta cristata, to MM. DURIEZ FRÈRES; 5th, Cœlogyne Lemoniana ? delicata, to M. J. HYE.

ACREAGE OF FRUIT IN GREAT BRITAIN.— Prominent attention has lately been called to the extending cultivation of fruit in different forms in Great Britain. A relatively large advance is now reported in the Agricultural Returns of Great Britain for 1891. The area under small fruits now exceeds that used for Hops, 58,700 acres being returned, compared with 46,200 acres in 1890, and 36,700 acres in 1888, the last year when this form of cultivation was first separately recorded. By the introduction of a newly-arranged table this particular area has been more closely analysed than has hither been possible, and it will be seen that on 23,416 acres small fruit is grown in plots already returned as orchards—that is doubtless under the larger fruit trees; while 22,510 acres in market gardens, and 12,778 acres of ordinary farm land are now returned as carrying Gooseberries, Strawberries, Currants, and other small fruit. The small fruit area has increased in every county of England and Wales, and in some counties by a remarkable percentage, although nearly a third of the English small fruit area is still to be found in Kent. The changes are not so uniform in Scotland, although there also a larger fruit acreage is reported. The ordinary orchard surface in Great Britain in likewise greater, covering, in round numbers, 210,000 acres. The area, ten years back, was given as under 185,000 aceres. A still larger advance appears in the returns of land used by market gardners for the growth of vegetables, and other garden produce. These were reported as covering 46,604 acres in 1881, while the figures for 1891 make the market garden area 81,368 acres.

TOOPE'S FOG-ELIMINATING PLANT-HOUSE.— As suggested in our issue for November 28, p. 650, when making mention and giving a small illustration of Mr. Toope's invention for mitigating, if not altogether eliminating, the injurious effects of London fog on plants, we have made two visits, and on both occasions have had our previously-formed favourable opinion verified. Situated in the corner of his factory-yard, in one of the foggiest districts in London, viz., Stepney Green, Mr. Toope has erected his experimental house in two divisions. Heated on his own plan, fitted with his chemically-charged air-filters, his charcoal-filters for the water used, and a new and perfect plan of ventilation, it must be said that the plants in the houses, which, it will readily be supposed, could not exist under ordinary circumstances, are in the best health, and progressing well, although the experimenter has fairly enough only begun with small, and in many cases, weak specimens, Orchids being the plants chiefly grown. The evidence of the production and duration of the flowers is a great point; and both in November and December a good show for so small a collection was found. Last week we found some Cattleya Trianæ in bloom, C. citrina, showing flower strongly; several Dendrobium Wardianum, a fine D. crassinode, Cœlogyne flaccida, Zygopetalum Mackayii, Odontoglossum Rossi majus, with seven blooms; a fine O. maculatum, which to our certain knowledge,

has been in bloom since the middle of December, and in one corner was a small case in which were plants of Anæctochilus petola and Goodyera discolor, besides others. If regarded only as a system of perfect ventilation, the invention is a good one, and deserves a trial by those who try to grow plants in large cities and smoky manufacturing districts.

SHREWSBURY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.— At the annual meeting on the 11th inst., the Mayor presiding, a balance-sheet was produced, showing the income of the society for the past year to have been £3334 10s., as compared with £2963 in 1890— the highest amount ever reached by the Society in one year. The subscriptions for the year amounted to £428 7s., and the receipts at the exhibition in August last were £2796. The amount of prize-money was £428 7s. 6d.; amusements and fireworks cost £421; bands, £253; and the profits on the year's exhibition was £970. A sum of £500 has been added to the invested capital, which now amounts to £3500. Since the Society started, the annual balances have been expended in the improvement of the public grounds in the Quarry, the Free Library, and some money has been given to the charitable institutions of the town, last year £753 being so expended. The balance in the banker's hands amounts to £747.

BIRMINGHAM GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.—At the last meeting, and admirable paper on "The Gloxinia, 1739 to 1892", was read by Mr. J. MARTIN (Messrs. SUTTON & SONS), in which the history of its introduction and improvements were sketched, and instructions given as to culture. Anyone who has visited Messrs. SUTTON & SONS' nurseries when the Gloxinias are in flower, will know full well that Mr. MARTIN is an excellent cultivator and crossbreeder of them. On the following evening, the second annual social meeting of members and their wives took place at one of the largest hotels, and about 140 persons were present, Mr. W.B. LATHAM, of the Botanical Gardens, presiding.

THE WEATHER IN THE MIDLANDS.—Mr. J. W. WOODFORD, Atherstone, says that "On February 15, it was snowing hard all day, with gale from north-east, thermometer 26[degrees]; altogether, the most winterly day we have had."

A VENERABLE CAMELLIA.—Probably there is no exotic tree or shrub in West Cornwall with a more interesting pedigree than the Camellia at Penalvern, Penzance, writes the Western Morning News; and, like so many other things with a glorious past, its future is an unknown quantity, except in the rapidity of its decay. It is but a wreck of its former self, and the merest imitation of the blizzard of last March will completely settle it. Half-a-century ago there were scarcely any Camellia trees in West Cornwall, and for a very long period, up to last year, the one in question maintained its reputation as being the largest in the county. When in full bloom, its magnificence could not have been excelled by any single specimen in its native country, Japan. It reached an altitude of nearly 20 feet, and possessed a circumference of nearly three times its height. It was, at its prime, so densely covered with flowers that to photograph it was impossible. The young tree was brought about half-a-century ago by the late Mr. T. S. Bolitho from the gardens of his father-in-law, in North Cornwall, and the vigour with which it grew and thrived in the genial locality of Penzance was little short of marvellous.

"NATURAL SCIENCE."—Messrs. MACMILLAN & Co. announce the publication of a new monthly scientific review—Natural Science—devoted more especially to the interests of biology and geology. The first part of Natural Science will be published on March 1, 1892.

BRUSSELS BOTANIC GARDEN.—A member of the Belgian Parliament has denounced as excessive the sum expended on the Botanic Garden, which sum we believe is ridiculously small. He pro-

20 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE [January 6, 1883.

the circumstances that many of the appointments and fixtures for the new year are not made till some weeks or months have elapsed, we have not been able to insert many of the dates of the smaller provincial exhibitions. The dates of all the more important exhibitions, whether in London or the provinces, have been included, as well as the usual Calendar information. The table of mean temperatures is taken from Mr. GLAISHER'S reduction of the Chiswick observations, and, representing the average of forty years, may be taken as an indication of the probable temperature in the vicinity of London. In the Southern Counties, and by the sea, the winter temperature is usually a little higher, in the North a little lower, than that of London and its vicinity. In spring, especially on the eastern side of the island, the temperature rules lower than about London.

— PALM SEEDS.—We hear from Mr. JOSEPH STEVENSON, Honorary Secretary, Agri-Horticultural Society's Garden, Madras, that he experiences great difficulty in making exchanges of Palm seeds. At the present time the garden authorities possess qualities of seeds of the following Palms:—Corypha umbraculifera, Livistona mauritania, Elæis guineensis, Caryota urens, Areca catechu, and several varities of Phœnix, and would be glad to receive offers in exchange from some of our readers.

— THE ROYAL GARDENS, KEW.—The total number of visitors to the Royal Gardens, Kew, for the year 1882 was 1,244,167. This is 407,491 in excess of the number for 1881, which in its turn was greater by 111,254 than the number of visitors in any previous year. As in 1881 the Sunday visitors (606,935) were about equal in number to those on all the other days of the week put together (637,232).

— INDIRECT EVIDENCE.—The fact that the American Vines resist or do not succumb to the Phylloxera is being acted on in a large scale in France, the American Vines being used as stocks whereon to graft the better Vines of France. At first there was some doubt as to the real efficacy of the process for practical purposes, but that doubt is now settled, and, as if to prove it, thefts of American Vines from nursuries have become frequent. Thus, near Montpellier one night 850 plants were stolen, and from another nursery a number of cuttings, valued at £200. The variety most affected by the marauders is one namked Othello.

— — JAPANESE VINES.—In view of the everincreasing losses caused by the Phylloxera it is said that the French Government have despatched a Commission to studty the Vines of Japan, and which are cultivated in that country up to the snow line. M. PLANCHON is about to publish a description of the species, of which several are known in herbaria, and some are in cultivation.

— — ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.— The following is a summary of the privileges of Fellows and members for the current year:— A Fellow paying four guineas a year is entitled:— I. To two tickets, both of which are transferable, and will admit the Fellow or the bearer without payment to the Gardens and to the Great International Fisheries Exhibition to be held therein, and to all shows in connection therewith. Each ticket will also entitle the bearer to a season ticket holder's place at the opening ceremony of the Fisheries Exhibition, to be held in the Royal Albert Hall, for the reduced payment of 5s. 2. To admit daily (Sundays excepted) eight friends by written order to the garden at Chiswick. 3. To visit the shows at 12 o'clock, being an hour earlier than the general public. 4. To receive forty orders giving free admission on all occasions until April 15, from which date till May 1 the Gardens will be closed, except to Fellows. These orders will be available on the payment of 6d, during the Fisheries Exhibition on all shilling days. 5. To a share of such seeds, plants, and cuttings of Vines and fruit trees as the Society may have in sufficient numbers for distribution by ballot or otherwise. 6. To purchase the flowers, fruit, and vegetables grown at Chiswick, which may not be required for scientific purposes by the Scientific, Fruit and Floral Committees. 7. To receive a copy of the publications of the Society. 8. To the right of voting at all meetings. 9. To be relieved (on giving previous notice in writing) from the payment of subscriptions while resident abroad. 10. To free admission to the reading room and Lindley

Library. A fellow paying two guineas a year is entitled to one ticket giving the same privileges of admission as in No. I; half the privileges mentioned in Nos. 2, 4, and 5; the same as Nos. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Present guinea members are entitled to one ticket, not transferable, giving the owner admission on all ordinary occasions, and to all shows at Chiswick and South Kensington, but not to the annual or special general meetings or fêtes or conversazione of the Society, and which does not entitle the member to vote on any matters relating to the affairs of the Society. Entrance fees of new Fellows joing are suspended for the present.

— TITHE COMMUTATION: SEPTENNIAL AVERAGES. — Mr. MONTAGUE MARRIOTT, Editor of Willich's Tithe Commutation Tables, writes:—As the result of the corn averages for the seven years to Christmas, 1882, published in the London Gazette of this evening—viz., Wheat, 5s. 10 1/4d. per imperial bushel; Barley, 4s. 4 1/2 d. per imperial bushel; Oats, 2s. 11 1/4d. per imperial bushel—I beg to state that each £100 of the tithe-rent charge will, for the year 1883 amount to £100 4s. 9 3/4d., or about 2 1/2 per cent. less than last year. The following shows the worth of £100 tithe-rent charge for the last seven years:—For the year 1877, £109 16s. 11 1/2d.; 1878 £112 7s. 5 1/4d.; 1879, £111 15s. 1 1/2d.; 1880, £109 17s. 9 1/2d.; 1881, £107 2s. 10 1/2d.; 1882, £102 16s. 2d.; 1883, £100 4s. 9 3/4d. The average of £100 tithe-rent charge for the forty-seven years elapsed since the passing of the Tithe Commutation Act is £103 2s. 0 1/2d.

— ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND. —The dates of this Society's exhibitions for 1883 are as follows:—Spring exhibitions, Thursday, April 19, and Thursday, May 17; Summer show, Thursday July 5; Autumn show, Thursday, Sept. 6; Winter show, Thursday, Nov. 22.

—THE FLORA OF BRITISH INDIA.—We are glad to welcome another instalment (the ninth) of this very serviceable work, published by Sir JOSEPH HOOKER, with the assistance of other botanists (REEVE & CO.) The present part contains, among other orders, the Ericaceæ, Sapotaceæ, Oleaceæ (Jasminum) and various other orders elaborated by Mr. CLARKE, while Sir JOSEPH enumerates the Primulaceæ and Apocynaceæ. Rhododendrum lovers will be interested to see the latest revision of the Indian species by Mr. CLARKE, who has had the advantage of Sir JOSEPH's materials and co-operation, in addition to his own extensive collections and personal experience. The Malayan species (from which originate the so-called greenhouse species of gardens) are grouped together under the sub-genus, Vireya, characterised by the thin walls of the capsule twisting after dehiscence, and with very long-tailed seeds. Here come R. malayanum, jasminiflorum, javanicum. The true Rhodendrons are distinguished by a woody capsule, the valves of which do not twist, and by wingless seeds; here are placed R. arboreum and all the Sikkim species. The R. argenteum of gardens is referred to R. grande of Wight. R. æruginosum is reduced to R. campanulatum, R. Aucklandi to R. Griffithianum. Of the Primroses we have already spoken, but we add that P. imperialis is referred to R. prolifera. We may add that this part concludes the third volume, and as it has brought the record as far as Apocynaceæ it may be presumed that the work is now about half finished. The work comprises an immense geographical area, including the whole of India and Malaya.

— LONICERA STANDISHI.—A fine specimen of this—probably the earliest flowering of all the Honeysuckles —trained to the front of Museum No. 1 at Kew is now bearing numbers of its creamy-white very fragrant flowers. Though perfectly hardy it delights in such positions as the one just noticed, and although not a climber produces longer growths and flowers more freely against a wall than in the open. This species (figured in Bot. Mag., tab. 5709, and in Gard. Chron. 1878, vol. ix., p. 106) is sometimes confounded with the similarly fragrant L. fragrantissima and L. brachypoda. The two former were sent from Shanghai to the Horticultural Society by FORTUNE.

—BILBERGIA NUTANS.—A considerable number of Bromeliads are highly ornamental and desirable stove plants; but, in this country at least, the whole order is comparatively neglected, except in a few establishments. On the Continent the case is to a considerable extent reversed, and private collections of these interesting plants are not uncommon. Heat and moisture are the principal requirements of most of the showy species—where these can be given the cultivation is remarkably easy. Bilbergia nutans is not by any means one of the handsomest species, but its narrow bright green leaves, the central peduncle clothed with the large bright red bracts, the drooping flowers with bright green ovaries, sepals flushed pink, and petals green with deep blue margin, form a peculiarly pleasing combination. It is now in flower at Kew, and a good figure from Kew specimens is given in the Botanical Magazine, vol. 105, tab. 6423.

— TREATMENT OF FROZEN PLANTS.—In a climate like that of Britain, where in winter one week may be summer-like in its mildness, and the next almost arctic in character, bundles of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants sent by goods train must sometimes fare rather badly. As some of our readers might be puzzled how best to treat a frozen mass of vegetation, the following extract from vol. xvi. of the Iowa Horticultural Society may prove of interest:— "Two or three years ago I received, about the 1st of April, a bale of choice plants from Painesville, Ohio. The last of March had been summer-like, and all promised so fair, my order was packed and sent. By some mishap, I did not find the goods until they had been in the express office three or four days. The day they came the express man set the bale in an open coal-shed. That night a new winter came on. I received the package and brought it home as solid as a boulder. These were the choicest of plants: Strawberries, Raspberries, Roses, Peaches, flowering shrubs, &c. They had been nicely packed in wet moss. When I opened the bundle it was with difficulty I could break the packages apart. The ground was frozen 4 inches thick, so that nothing could be set out. I dug a pit and buried the plants in the earth. When the ground was fit for setting-out, I found the plants in the pit in good order; and setting them out I never lost a plant. A. D. Field, Indianola, Iowa."

— VEGETABLE PESTS.—As an instance of the rapidity and thoroughness in which several of the Cactaceæ naturalise themselves in many countries, the following clipping from a leading daily affords striking evidence:—"A Bill has been introduced into the New South Wales Legislative Assem- bly for the purpose of empowering the Government to devote a certain sum to the eradication of the wild Cactus plant, popularly known as the 'Prickly Pear.' So rapid has been the spread of this vegetable pest that whereas, according to the statement of one member, £50 would have sufficed thirty years ago to rid the colony of it, a million sterling will, before many years, be required for such a purpose. It was stated that one proprietor of land in the colony had spent £1000 on his property in trying to destroy this mischievously prolific plant, but had not yet succeeded."

— THE PHYLOXERA IN SOUTH-WEST FRANCE.—The Vigne Américaine gives the following statistics for the Department of Hérault, which may suffice to give our readers some notion of the extent of the disaster in one Department only. The number of hectares destroyed annually (a hectare = rather less than 2 1/2 acres) was as follows:—In 1880, 19,000; in 1881, 20,427; in 1882, 26,267. The number of hectares treated by submersion during the same years was respectively, 1588, 1626, and 2283. The number of hectares treated by carbon sulphide for the same period was 1875, 4632 and 3541 respectively. The number of hectares treated by sulfo-carbonate of potash was 868, 1578, and 751 for the years before mentioned. The number of American Vines used as stocks whereon to engraft the finer Vines has increased from 2624 in 1880 to 10,918 in 1882 in the Department in question.

— SENECIO MACROGLOSSUS.—Of the enormous genus to which it belongs this is, probably, with the single exception of the handsome New World species, S. pulcher, the largest flowered one. It is a striking plant with evergreen Ivy-like glossy leaves borne on long slender twining stems. Its large pale yellow flower-heads are produced in midwinter, and afford a fine contrast to the dark shining foliage. The plant is admirably adapted for trellis-work and well fitted for dwelling-room culture. At Kew a fine specimen trained to one of the rafters is, at present,

December 2, 1882.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 715

or Tudor style, and without being pretentious, is large, and in admirable accord with the surroundings.

Just on the margin of the ornamental water, and evidently enjoying greatly the abundant moisture for its roots, is a grand cut-leaved Alder, the branches of which spread to a diameter of some 80 feet. Beech, white Poplar, and Elms, are vary fine indeed, whilst shrubs of many kinds, Rhododendrons especially, grow luxuriantly. The bedding display which decorates the lawn in front of the house is marked by gaiety and brightness, yellow Calceolarias, Lobelias, and bedding Pelargoniums thriving and blooming luxuriantly. Seen under the heavy and continuous rain which so sadly marred the pleasure of our visit two combinations stood out as singularly pleasing. One was a mixture of the old silver bedding Pelargonium Lady Plymouth, and a capital blue Viola, well named by Mr. Herrin, the gardener, Chalfont Beauty; the other was Marshal McMahon bronze Pelargonium set in a carpet of dwarf blue Ageratum. This latter gave one of the most pleasing effects we have seen for a long time. A few carpet beds were looking in the rain clean, fresh, and pleasing; their flatness and formality more than recompensed in the ever bright smiles they reflect under dismal weather aspects. It would not be right to pass from the pleasure-grounds without making allusion to the charming appearance presented by the large quadrangular courtyard, round which stand the servants' offices. Here—unwonted sight!—may be seen not only groups of plants in pots, effectively arranged, but also many large plants. Still farther, all available wall space is covered by climbers of some sort, even Vines being used to hide from view some unsightly roofing.

The kitchen gardens adjoin the pleasure-grounds, and are very conveniently placed in reference to the kitchen department. At the farther end, embowered in luxuriant shrubs, stands the gardener's cottage, approached from the park by an independent entrance; behind, however, it opens into a roomy plant-house, from which, on either side, run the fruit-houses. Coming from out this plant-house there is seen on either hand an old-fashioned flower-garden, and from the centre runs right through the kitchen garden a broad pathway bordered on either side by flowers in various forms, and backed by espalier fruit trees, not a few of which seem of considerable age. Some are yet fruitful, but others are well-nigh spent. Existing conditions allow gardening to be done under the reverse of high-pressure. It is of a useful, plodding, satisfying kind, keeping pace with the wants and needs of an establishment that is not exacting. None the less we see evidence of good cultivation all round, and of plenty.

In the vineries were hanging many capital bunches of Grapes; and as not a few readers will perchance regard the condition of a man's Grapes as the highest test of his gardening abilities (a point about which there may be two opinions) it may not be uninteresting to state that Mr. Herrin exhibited not a few of the capital bunches we saw hanging in the Chalfont vineries with excellent results at the Crystal Palace in September last. Amongst kinds not at all common was fruiting a rod of Abercairney Seedling, a fine well-coloured black Grape that seems to be intermediate between Black Hamburgh and Alicante. The berry is rather oval, and of rich brisk flavour that, allied to its evidently good fruiting qualities, should make it a popular variety. Of better known kinds Hamburgh, Alicante, Lady Downe's, and Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat, were all good, the bunches large and well-finished. Golden Queen, also fruiting, was not in such good condition as was Muscat of Alexandria, although these latter Vines had been only recently lifted and replanted with capital results.

Peach-houses newly planted were promising well, the trees making fine growth. Of Strawberries in pots the favoured sorts are Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, President, and Keens' Seedling. These are in first rate condition.

In plant-houses there is a good collection of useful furnishing stuff, and not a few good specimens; and upon a roof Passiflora racemosa is blooming finely. Mr. Herrin is a successful grower of large-flowered Chrysanthemums for exhibition, and some 250 plants in pots, tall, robust, and carrying, even so early, large plump buds, testify that the conditions of culture which lead to success are being largely complied with. D.

SARRACENIA ALBA.—A specimen of this charming novelty may now be seen in Messrs. Veitch's nursery, Chelsea, bearing three fine ptchers of remarkable size, beautifully variegated towards the top, and nearly 2 feet in length.

FORESTRY.

FOREST WORK FOR DECEMBER: PLANTING.— The mild open weather that we have experienced during November has been in every way favourable for planting operations, which in most districts should now be in an advanced state. Where the soil consists of stiff clay, or a peat-bog which retains a large quantity of water by capillary attraction, planting had better be deferred till spring, as we have found the antiseptic properties of peat to be very injurious to the roots when allowed to lie for any considerable time on the cold bog before commencing to grow. Drain, pit, and otherwise prepare ground intended for spring planting, also see that the fences are in a good state of repair, so that the inroads of cattle and sheep may be averted, nothing being more injurious to newly planted trees than having their leaders or branches nibbled off by sheep or hares. Where the latter are numerous, it is well to provide against their attacks by the timely use of wire-netting around the plantations, which will also be a guard against rabbits, the ravages of these during severe weather being quite as much to be dreaded as that of either sheep or hares. It is advisable when a home nursery is on the estate, only to lift at one time sufficient plants for a couple of days' work, as by this means the roots never become dry—a matter of much importance for the future welfare of the trees; but, of course, on this a great deal must depend upon the distance the nursery and plantations are apart, as well as on the number of men employed.

THINNING.—The thinning of all hardwood plantations (Oak excepted) should now go on, but however anxious the forester may be to prosecute this work, he will probably have to give way to game preservation. Hedgerow timber should now be grubbed or felled, and cut into convenient lengths, advantage being taken of the first dry frosty weather to have it removed, so that the fields may be as little cut up by cartage as possible. Dead or dying trees on the lawn, pleasureground, or park, may be removed during suitable weather. Prune off all dead branches or those that have become broken by the wind, and either have them carted away or burned. Plantation drives and rides should be gone carefuly over, and any protruding branches cut back so that the sportsman may have an uninterrupted view; also see that rabbits have not undermined the roads, leaving holes alike dangerous to horses or foot passengers. Scour out and deepen plantation drains, leaving them of such a width at the bottom that a spade can be conveniently used in cleaning. Cut new drains where such are needed to remove stagnant surface water, and see that the gratings of all closed drains do not become choked by an accumulation of leaves, which at this season give no little amount of trouble.

NURSERY.—During open weather the transplanting of strong seedlings may be proceeded with, more especially where vacant ground of a suitable quality is at hand. In some cases, however, this is better left over till spring, for, should hard frost succeed, the young plants are apt to get thrown out of the ground, but by a little attention this may to a great extent be averted. Turn compost heaps, and during suitable weather wheel on manures, road-scrapings, lime, &c.; also trench or ridge up vacant patches to receive the full benefit of frosts during winter. It is advisable to have a portion of the nursery under green crop every year, as it not only cleans the ground but leaves it in prime condition for being planted with seedling forest stuff. All seeds recently collected should be examined, especially those in the rot-heap. Collect tree seeds as they become ripe, and have them stored away in a dry and airy situation until required for use.

ROADS.—All roads and drives should now be put in thorough repair, when they will become settled and solid by traffic before spring. In repairing them avoid using boulders, as they are both disagreeable and unsatisfactory. The formation of new roads may also be carried out, in which thorough drainage, a sound bottom, and finely broken surface metalling are the main requisites. Collect leaves on lawns and drives, and have them conveyed at once to the rubbish heap.

HEDGES.—Where not already finished, the trimming of hedges should be prosecuted and speedily brought to a close. Now is a good time to form new hedges or to fill up gaps in old ones by planting young quicks. The ground alongside existing hedges should be cleaned at least once during the season, which will much enhance the value of such fences by promoting strong, healthy growth. The hoe and rake we find best for this purpose. A. D. Webster, Penrhyn Castle, North Wales.

The Herbaceous Border.

HARDY PLANTS AT GRASMERE, BYFLEET.—So much has been said about the pleasure to be derived from the cultivation of hardy herbaceous plants and shrubs that I resolved to pay Mr. Joseph Stevens a visit at this dull season of the year, knowing that his choice collection of over 10,000 distinct species and varieties would afford a fair opportunity of forming a correct opinion. I am bound to say that I was quite unprepared for the treat that was in store for me, as I was under the impression that I had delayed my visit a little too long, and that the recent heavy frost or two must have destroyed everything in the shape of bloom. Such was not the case, however, as a fair sprinkling of flowers remained, and the immense dried stems of Lilies on the edges of the shrubberies needed only to be clothed by the eye to form subjects to wonder at. I never saw anything like the growth of these Lilies. On a single stem of L. Dalmaticum 5 feet in height I counted fifty-two flower-scars, and many of the clumps of L. auratum bore a score of stems each from 6 to 8 feet in height. Other plants exhibit here equally amazing proportions, such as Delphiniums 8 feet in height, with stems as large as a broomstick, and Polygonum cuspidatum 10 feet in height and 12 feet across. Such plants as these, and many others seen in perfection at Grasmere, cause the hardy plantsmen to rave about them so, and well may they be excused.

Years of pleasant care have been given by Mr. Stevens to his hardy plant collection, and their present condition compensates him for his systematic method of labelling, arranging, and proving all the plants of which it is composed. Never is a plant planted without having a neat oval zinc label bearing its number corresponding to that in the book being placed to it. Had this important matter been neglected (as it too often is) a great part of the interest of the collection would have been lost, and quite one- half of the plants would be subjects of doubt and useless speculation, so far as their names go, at various times throughout the year. The plan of the garden is also well conceived; first, near the house, comes the large rockery, then a broad border runs around the lawn and pinetum, supplemented by occasional beds for distinct classes of plants; and another sunk rockery for dwarf plants is constructed at the further end of the garden; add to this the large trial ground, at present containing small specimens of all the rarest Coniferæ, &c., and we have a garden well arranged both for the plants and for those who wish to admire them. Beside the rockery is a bed containing all the varieties of Laurel, many of them being very distinct, the variety Cerasus lusitanica azorica having thick blackish-green leaves; C. camelliæfolia, curious curled foliage; and C. latifolia, resembling the Indiarubber plant in growth more than the common Laurel.

On the rockery we find Bambusa aurea 10 feet in height greener than in summer; B. Ragamowski, broad and solid-looking; B. Maximowiczii, and B. Fortunei, beautifully variegated; a few Hepaticas still in bloom. The evergreen British Ferns, such as the varities of Scolopendrium (one beautifully crimped mass of S. vulgare crispum 3 feet across), Polystichum, Polypodium, Lomaria spicant looking as clean and bright as ever, while Helleborus orientalis, H. abchasicus multiflorus, and many others, had already flowers open, and were somthered with well advanced buds, which will probably receive a check before long as a punishment for their precocity. Still bearing its pretty Marigold-like flowers is Tagetes Parryi, and near it Iberis Pruiti, 2 feet across, covered with pale lilac flowers, and Myosotis elegantissima, beautiful with its coloured leaves. Crowning one of the peaks is a fine purple form of Veronica Andersoni, while still displaying flowers are several varieties of Menziesia, Erica, Calamintha alpina, Alyssum argenteum, A. saxatile, Aster Reevesii and other Asters, Diplopappus Parryi, Veronica spicata, Potentilla colorata with the most brilliant carmine flowers, mule Pinks, and Rubus rosæfolius coronarius.

Noticeable in the rockery for their beautiful foliage are large tufts of Stobea purpurea var. alba, Thymus corsica, T. montana, T. stricta, dwarf Veronicas, patches of Draba, Saxifraga valdensis}Saxifraga Valdensis, Linaria genistifolia, and many other beauties, all looking very happy in their comfortable nooks. The broad border