The Scientific Notebooks of German Orchidologist Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Kränzlin

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

716 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [December 2, 1882.

(which has a good hard bright gravel walk in front of it, with massive Ivy-covered arches at intervals) contains the stouter growing plants. It is well arranged to present a bright aspect at all times by planting the evergreen and deciduous plants so as to be mingled in something like order, some old-fashioned Roses being very lovely; one (Rosa Stanwellii?), which bore many heads of irregularly formed double blush flowers, pleased me much better than any of the new hybrid-perpetuals. In addition to the ordinary herbaceous plants in these large borders are fine Rhododendrons, Sedums, Andromedas, Gaultherias, Vacciniums, Pernettyas, Hypericums, Berberis, and a great quantity of other rare shrubs, the foliage of many of the Berberis being as bright as flowers.

The lower rockery is devoted to mossy Saxifrages, and plants of a like habit, each of which by its own arrangement displays a wonderful piece of Nature. The shrubbery and pinetum are well stocked with a good collection of principally rare things, mingled with Pampas-grass, the Hollies being especially fine, a grand Libocedrus decurrens 20 feet high, perfect; and another of Podocarpus koraiana, lovely. In front of the house is the variegated plant garden, which contains many grand foliage plants I had never seen before, the whole forming a most interesting place, and one from which the owner and his family seem to get a great deal of pleasure.

The garden-house, covered with that little known Hedera algierienses variegata, and its porch with Travellers' Joy, is very picturesque and beautiful. James O'Brien, Harrow-on-the-Hill.

The Arboretum.

CORNUS CANADENSIS.—In reference to your interesting notice of Cornus canadensis in the Gardeners' Chronicle for Oct. 28 (p. 565), it may be well to state that the name of "Baked Apples and Pears," applied to it in Collinson's note, is probably an error. "Bake Apple" is the common name used here to designate the fruit of Rubus chamæmorus, which grows abundantly down to the sea-level in several parts of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, and fruits freely. The "berries" are brought to the Halifax market, and sold as "Bake Apple"—the only name, indeed, by which they are known here. In the highlands of Scotland they are called Avrons, and in books Dewberries. The Cornus canadensis is very abundant in Nova Scotia, often covering roadside banks, and producing plentifully its clusters of bright coral-red fruit; but the fruit is not edible. It is called "Pigeon Berry," and is commonly used for personal decoration, for which purpose it is not excelled by any fruit known to me. I should be glad to know the date, actual or probable, of the note in which Collinson refers to the Cornus canadensis growing "all about Halifax," &c.; also when and where Collinson probably got his first plant or seeds of C. canadensis. George Lawson, Dalhousie College, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Nov. 15.

CASTANEA CHRYSOPHYLLA.—At p. 435 of vol. xiv. may be found a notice of this most interesting Californian tree, along with many others that flourish in the beautiful grounds at Tortworth Court. This Chestnut is unquestionably one of the most distinct and handsome evergreen trees that has been introduced during the present century. Not attaining more than what may be described as a small or medium height, it is essentially a species that admits of being introduced to the lawns or shrubberies of gardens of limited extent, as well as where the grounds are extensive, and on this account is the more valuable. It has small handsome foliage, bright green on the upper surface, and almost as yellow beneath as the best varieties of the golden Fern (Gymnogramma chrysophylla). the noble owner of Tortworth—who, we understand, is an enthusiastic lover of trees—may be congratulated upon possessing what we suppose to be the finest specimen in Europe, and, so far as we know, the first that has borne fruit in England. The seeds, excepting those so kindly forwarded to us, have, we believe, all been sown, and with Mr. Shingles' care and experience will stand an excellent chance of growing, and in this way being the first of a race raised from English raised seeds, representing a species likely to become a favourite with

all who take an interest in arboriculture. Accompanying are Mr. Shingles' remarks upon it. T.B.

"Amongst the evergreen trees and shrubs that have been introduced into this country this is one of the handsomest; and the fact that it has stood uninjured through the late severe winters much enhances its value as a decorative tree. The specimen growing in the arboretum here, in a somewhat sheltered position in a sandy loam resting on the Old Red Sandstone, is possibly the finest to be found in Great Britain; it is 22 feet high, and 15 feet through. It has annually borne quantities of sterile burrs, with a miniature Chestnut about the size of a very small Pea. But this year, and for the first time, it has produced fertile burrs with perfect fruit. The leaves are dark green above, with a rich golden powder beneath, and when moved with a gentle breeze produce a most charming effect rarely seen. It inhabits California and Oregon, where it is seldom found more than 6 feet high, but in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, it is said to attain a height of from 30 to 50 feet. It will be most interesting if any of your readers will report through the medium of your columns their acquaintance with this beautiful

[black and white illustration] W.J.W-Sc. Fig. 126—CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE, VAR. MAULEI. (SEE P. 717)

tree; also, if this is the first instance known to them of its having produced fertile fruit in this country. I may add that the plant in question was purchased from the Messrs. Veitch directly after its introduction into this country. Thomas Shingles, Tortworth Court, Gloucester." [We have seen it in fruit at Combe Wood, but whether the seeds ripened we do not know. Perhaps Messrs. Veitch will oblige by telling us. ED.]

CRATÆGUS CARRIEREI.—This tree was raised from seed of C. mexicana, which it surpasses in vigour, foliage, and flowers. The latter expand in spring, are at first white, subsequently flesh-coloured. The fruits resemble Cherries in form, size and colouring (bright red), but the principal merit is its persistence throughout the winter. A leafless tree laden with orange or crimson fruit is certainly a first-class decorative plant. The tree is very hardy, since it endured the winter of 1879-80 unhurt. It is grafted on the Hawthorn, and is introduced into commerce by MM. Baltet, of Troyes.

AMARYLLIS AUTUMN BEAUTY.—One of the most beautiful of the Amaryllid family. We lately saw a nice plant of it in flower in Messsrs. Veitch's nursery, with from four to five flowers upon a spike. The flowers are of a crimson hue, deeply veined with lilac.

Orchid Notes and Gleanings.

WORK IN THE HOUSES.—Some of the spring- flowering Denrobiums that finished up their growths early in the season, and have been at rest for a couple of months, will now be commencing to show their flower-buds up the sides of the bulbs, and if the pseudobulbs are strong, and have been well ripened, they ought to produce flowers from every joint. When these plants arrive at this stage they require to be very carefuly watered; in fact, very little, if any, will be required for another month, as a sudden saturation at the root just at this stage of development would most likely turn many of the embryo flowers into growths. Later batches of this section, and also the raceme-flowering kinds, such as D. thyrsiflorum, must be kept as quitely at rest as possible in a temperature of 50[degrees] to 55[degrees] with a dry atmosphere. There are not that many Dendrobes that flower during

the winter season, but D. bigibbum and D. superbiens —though not first-rate kinds—are worth growing for late autumn flowering, and these will be succeeded by D. macrophyllum, which is well worth growing. The next two months are the most critical in the year for any plants that are in growth, and any that are now in this state should be grown as quickly as is consistent with maintaining them in health. It is not difficult to detect at this season of the year whether a plant is getting attenuated through being subjected to too much heat and moisture. Where this is seen to be the case a slight reduction in the temperature should take place, which will produce better ripened growth. These remarks apply to such plants as Sobralias and the few Dendrobes that make their growth during the winter months. They are also applicable to imported Orchids of any kind that were started at the end of summer or early in autumn, and are now just getting into growth. These, in additon to being kept moving as quietly as possible, must be very carefully watered, otherwise some of the tender growths may get rotted, and thus throw the plants back for a couple of seasons. All the Aërides and Vandas will need close attention in the matter of watering during the dull season. Avoid keeping them either too wet or too dry at the root. The former