The Scientific Notebooks of German Orchidologist Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Kränzlin

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

210 L. Wittmack: Aërides expansum Leoniae Rchb. fil.

Rändern." - Die typische Art hat spitze und sehr zurückgebogene Seitenlappen an der Lippe. Es giebt aber eine Varietät, bei der diese Seitenlappen stumpf abgeschnitten, selbst beilförmig sind und diese ist von R. zu Ehren der Entdeckerin Frau LEONIE ALLAN GOSS, var. Leoniae genannt.

LEONIE ALLAN GOSS entdeckte, wie C. D'ANCONA im Bull. di Toscana l. c. berichtet, die Pflanze 1878 in British Birmah (Ostindien); im Frühjahr 1879 erhielt der grösste Orchideen-Liebhaber Italiens, Komm. H. Y. ROSS in Castagnolo (Lastra a Signa) bei Florenz einige Pflanzen von Dr. CLEMENT WILLIAMS in Mandalay. Bald nachher sandte letzterer durch Vermittelung von Frau LEONIE GOSS getrocknete Blumen an Herrn ROSS, die dann Prof. REICHENBACH zur Bestimmung übergeben wurden.

C. D'ANCONA bemerkt: die Pflanze ist sehr kräftig, die Luftwurzeln erreichen 1 m Länge und das Blattwerk ist sehr schön. Die Blumen, die im Juni und Juli erscheinen, sind ausserordentlich wohlriechend (wie fast alle Aërides), variieren aber von einem Exemplar zum anderen in Bezug auf die Intensität der Färbung; sie halten sich mindestens 3 Wochen. - Von Insekten wird diese Pflanze wenig angegriffen.

B. S. WILLIAMS giebt im Orchid-Album l. c. einige Winke über die Kultur der Aërides im allgemeinen, die wir hier folgen lassen.

In der Heimat wachsen diese Pflanzen auf Bäumen, meist am Rande oder in der Nahe von Strömen; in solchen Gegenden erhalten sie durch ihre Luftwurzeln, die eine grosse Länge erreichen, alle die Feuchtigkeit, die durch Verdunstung und durch den starken Tau entsteht. Ein Teil dieser Wurzeln hängt frei in der Luft, während andere sich an die Stämme und Äste der Bäume klammern, und auf diese Weise auch von den heftigen Regengüssen Nutzen ziehen, die während der Zeit ihres Haupttriebes, welche auch ihre Blütezeit ist, eintreten. Die Aërides wachsen fast das ganze Jahr hindurch, aber viel weniger, wenn die Regenzeit vorüber ist, da sie dann nur den Tau und die Luftfeuchtigkeit erhalten. - Sie erfordern nur eine leichte Ruheperiode; da sie keine fleischigen Knollen haben, die sie während starker Trockenheit mit Wasser versehen könnten, so hat die Natur für sie durch den Standort gesorgt; der Schatten der Waldbäume erhält sie mit in kräftiger Gesundheit. Übrigens findet man sie im Freien selten so schön wie in unseren Häusern.

In der Kultur gedeihen sie über Sommer gut in einem feucht-warmen Hause, über Winter muss die Temperatur erniedrigt und das Laub trocken gehalten werden. Es gewährt einen hübschen Anblick, wenn sie in Körben gezogen und unter dem Dache aufgehängt werden, wo die Luftwurzeln dann den vollen Nutzen aus der Feuchtigkeit, mit der die Luft beladen werden sollte, ziehen können. Sie wachsen aber ebenso gut in Töpfen und ist lebendes Sphagnum das beste Pflanzmaterial, aber mit guter Drainage, da sie im Sommer häufiges Bewässern erfordern. Im Winter muss das Moos mässig feucht erhalten werden. Die Blätter der Aërides sollte man niemals schrumpfen lassen, da denn die unteren gelb werden und abfallen, sodass ein nackter unansehnlicher Stengel zurückbleibt. Auch sollten sie nicht der vollen Sonne während der heissesten Stunden des Tages ausgesetzt werden, sondern einen sehr leichten Schatten erhalten.

Herr GODEMANN schreibt uns: Die Kultur ist wie bei allen Aërides; sie müssen

Aerides

Aerid. cylindricam [3 pencil sketches] fleshy midlobe

[3 pencil sketches] Aer. longicornu H. f.

[1 pencil sketch] Aer. Emericu Leppe von inen Lamelle in Sporn

[2 pencil sketches] Aer. pallidu Bl. Philippi [?] N2143 Lamelle in Sporn

[3 pencil sketches] wohl lesses Aerides. Sa Vanda parviflora

[6 pencil sketches] Aerid. Sanderianum Skizze Loherr zu N. 6015

342 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [MARCH 11, 1882.

refer Limatodes rosea to the genus Calanthe, hence, if this view be correct, a hybrid between the former and C. vestita is no very extraordinary phenomenon. In these instances it appears to have been proved that the supposed differences in the pollen did not exist, therefore there can be no justification for establishing new genera, and placing them in different places in the system. But now with reference to the value of vegetative characters in classification it seems pretty clear that, although the great divisions of flowering plants (dicotyledons and monocotyledons) are with some few exceptions distinguishable from each other by evident vegetative characters, yet generally speaking vegetative characters cannot be employed in teh successive divisions until we come to the subdivision of genera. Judging from Dr. Pfitzer's results this holds good for Orchids, as well as other families of plants. We are not losing sight of the fact that certain orders, sub-orders, and tribes are characterised by habit as well as floral affinities. But very little investigation teaches us that certain vegetative types—physiognomical types, they might be designated—are repeated in numberous natural orders of teh most distant affinities, showing that they are the outcomes of external conditions, such as climate, medium, and associations. We must, however, be careful to distinguish between purely physiognomical modifications of vegetative organs, and those that coincide with or accompany the genetic affinities. Dr. Pfitzer recognises the fact that certain vegetative Orchid types are repeated in genera possessing widely different floral structure; but he also states that his primary vegetative characters are genetic rather than physiognomical. He primarily divides Orchids into those which grow continuously in one direction (monopodial), and those in w hich the growth is arrested at one point and continued from another (sympodial). These definitions, if not absolutely exact, are sufficiently so for all practical purposes. Monopodial Orchids have stems which lengthen indefinitely at the tip, season after season, and bear lateral inflorescences, as in Aërides Schrœderi (see fig. 51). In sympodial Orchids the growth of the main axis soon ceases, usually at the end of the growing period, and a lateral shoot continues the further development. The first is a comparatively small group, comprising, as far as at present known, most of Bentham's sub-tribe Sarcantheæm the American genus Dichæa, of the sub-tribe Maxillarieæ, and the widely-spread Neottineous genus Vanilla. The genera Vanda, Renanthera, Sarcanthus, Aërides, and Phalænopsis, belong here, and mostly inhabit Africa and Asia. The sympodial Orchids are again divided into two groups, the Pleuranthæ, and the Acanthæ—in other words, into those having lateral inflorescences, ad Dendrobium, Oncidium, and Angræcum Scottianum (fig. 52), but not in other Angræcums, and those in which the inflorescence terminates the stems, as in Epidendrum, Cypripedium, and Cattleya (fig. 53). For further particulars we must again refer the reader to the abstract, ante, vol xiv, n.s., p. 750. That abstract, or key, has a somewhat formidable appearance, but it is very simple when we know that the plan of its construction is a succession of contrasted characters. Thus, in tracing out the affinity of a plant, supposing it has not the character of I., we pass on to II., and under that, if it has not a lateral inflorescence, as defined under A., we pass to B., and so on. Incomplete as it is, the key contains a vast deal of information respecting the vegetative organs of Orchids in a spall space; and, although in no case do the primary and secondary divisions correspond to the whole of a tribe or trives, yet the ternary division leads us to the Ophrydeæ and the Neottineæ, and, what is of more importance, to large genera. But, as we have already stated, we anticipate greater usefulness from the characters afforded by the vegetative organs inthe subdivision of genera and in the description of species. Practised nurserymen are able to distinguish species and varieties of shrubs and trees by their vegetative characters to an extent that seems unattainable to the beginner, but such knowledge could never be learnt from a book, even if it could be put into words, and it is not likely that descriptive vegetative characters alone will lead to the identification of Orchids. We have little space left to notice Dr. Pfitzer's concluding chapters on the habitats and mode of life, &c., of Orchids, &c., but it may be mentioned that one of the points upon which he most strongly insists is, that Orchids, with comparatively few exceptions, love the sun, and would

thrive better under cultivation were they not shaded so much. In the circumscription of teh genera Dr. Pfitzer follows Mr. Bentham, but it would have been better in the references to have cited the names employed in the places to which reference is made. Thus at p. 21 we are referred to the Gard. Chron., n.s., i., p. 478, for the dimensions of a plant of Stauropsis lissochiloides, Benth., which is very perplexing, if the reader has overlooked the fact, recorded at p. 14, that Vanda Batemani (Fieldia lissochiloides) is a synonym as that is the name used in the place referred to. In the same way Vanda Cathcartii becomes Arachnanthe Cathcartii; and in the index Blume's genus Arachnanthe is inadvertently attributed to Reichenbach. Vanda Lowei )Renanthera Lowei) should also have been referred to Arachnanthe. One word with regard to the title of the book. As it stands it is misleading, and needs the qualification expressed by the words "of the vegetative organs." The work is copiously illustrated with woodcuts, most of which have appeared in these columns, and of which due acknowledgement is made. W. B. Hemsley.

FIG. 52.—ANGRÆCUM SCOTTIANUM. An example of a sympodial Orchid; the main stem here ends in an inflorescence which bends downwards, and so appears opposite to a leaf (not in the axil), while the originally side-shoot becomes terminal, and continues to grow in the direction of the main stem.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

Continental Express Parcel Post.—Some of us have been looking forward to this as likely to give long-desired facilities for getting a rapid delivery of parcels of fresh plants from distant parts of Europe. I may say that it is an arrangement concerted between the cheife European Continental states, by which parcels under 10 lb. in weight should be carried at a cheap rate as quickly as letters, and that it came into operation on the first day of this year. But nothing seems to have been done in England to enable us to derive any advantage from the arrangement. A parcel stated on the addres to be plants, and requiring immediate delivery, was sent to me from Erfurt last week. It seems that the English agents for the Continental Parcel Post are not, as one would hope, the Post-office authorities, nor any large railway company, but a firm of private carriers. The parcel was handed over to them fully and very legibly addressed to me; it was then forwarded to the local agent of these private carriers, a woman who keeps a small fancy shop at a country town 9 miles distant from me. She wrote to me by post saying a parcel had arrived for me from Germany which I might

have by sending for it and paying the carriage. I finally got it when it had been in her keeping for three days. C. Wolley Dod, Edge Hall, Malpas, March 2.

Stephanotis in Fruit.—We have a plant of Stephanotis floribunda that has been planted out for several years, and has always flowered freely, but never till now has borne fruit. It has one about the size of a turkey's egg, and like a Plum in shape. I shall be glad to know whether any of your correspondents have ever fruited it. [Yes; many of them. ED.] J. Baylis, Leiston Old Abbey, Suffolk.

To Prevent Birds from Eating Fruit-Buds. —Reading Mr. Grieve's excellent article on the Gooseberry in your last issue it occurred to me to make known to you the plan I adopt here to preserve the buds of Gooseberries, Currants, and Plums from the depredations of birds. As soon as the attack on the buds begins the whole of teh bushes and trees are at once pruned, and a large quantity of limewash is prepared sufficiently thin to admit of its passing through a course syringe. With this a man follows the pruners, squirty it plentifully over both bushes and trees. If done on a dry day it dries in two hours, and no

amount of rain will the wash it off, neither will any bird even perch on bush or tree. Four years ago this winter I walked about gun in hand from morn till eve day after day to keep the bullfinches in check, as I had planted a great many young bushes and Plum trees; but the birds, in spite of me, cleared every bush, so that they were only skeletons when spring came. Ever since I have used limewash, as stated above, and have no trouble in securing immunity from birds. W. Armstrong, Ford Manor.

Pendell Court.—Amongst the many novelties in the houses at Pendell Court Sir. G. Macleay's), Bletchingley, worthy of notice now, is a fine specimen of Coffea arabica, about 9 feet high and 6 feet through, which is bearing a fine crop of berries, some of the shoots having over fifty berries, which come in threes and fours from the axils of the leaves. Also a grand specimen of the noble Platycerium grande, which measures over 5 feet in diameter, and is in splendid condition. The lovely Canna iridiflora, var. Ehemanni, is still in flower; it is nearly 10 feet high, and has fine spikes of its bright crimson flowers; it has been in bloom over seven months. The rare and beautiful fine cut-leaved Anemone capensis is just opening its flowers; a new Asplenium pterioides is very distinct, and will prove to be a lovely greenhouse