/^ . . . ( '# m4- 'i^^ .1/ a ■ ^^^^ XJ .^9/^ ^ENEWrORKBOTANmOARpli rmu \ii^t; ■-^^':^*M immm-^ 04"^ ?''.^Witos^' mkkJt-M ;^&sm THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE, COTTAGE GARDENER, ^ AND COUNTRY aENTLEM^N. A CHRONICLE OF THE HOMESTEAD, POULTRY-YARD, APIARY, & DOVECOTE. CONDUCTED BY GEORGE W. JOHNSON, F.R.H.S,, and ROBERT HOGG, LL.D. THE FRUIT AND KITCHEN GARDENS, by Mr. J. Robson, Gardonor to Visconnt Hohnesdiilp, M.P., Lintou Park; and Mr. J. Douglas, The Gardens, Loxford Hall, Essox. THE FLOWER GARDEN, by Mr. G. Abbey ; Mr. T. Record, Gardonor to tbo Marquis of Salisbury, HatHcId House ; aud Mr. E. Luck- burst, Old Lauds, Bu3:tcd, Sussex. GARDENING C.UI-ENDAR, by Mr. William Keane. POULTRY-KEEPING, by Mr. J. Baily ; E. Hewitt, Eaq. L. Wrigbt, Esq. PIGF.ONS, AVIARY BIEDS, &c., by "Willsliiro Rector;" Bhikstou, Esq., and others. BEE-ICEEPING, by "B. &W.j" and Mr, S. Bovan Foi. ; and W. A. tlBRARY NEW YORK BOTANICAL CiMiOEN. VOLUISIE XXII., NEW SERIES. VOL. XLVii., OLn SEraES. LONDON: PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS, 171, FLEET STREET. /V) ^ ma. LONDON : PRINTED AT THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE, 171, FLEKT STREET. JOUENAL OP iHOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. TO OUR READERS. (From an unpublished ivork.) " George, how many years have you driven ' The Success ?' " " More than twenty, my Lady." " Are you not tired of the occupation ? " " Not a bit, my Lady. You see, Kobert is always about the coach, and when I and my little woman want a holiday, he takes the ribbons. There is no end of change in coaching. Although we never turn off the old horses, and we drive steadily, yet they die off, and then we have to draft in new sound ones. Then opposition coaches start, and it 's pleasant to see how they sometimes are trying to run before us, and sometimes running behind us." •■■ But, George, they must take some passengers from you." " I daresay they do sometimes, my Lady, but we never miss 'em, for we are always full, thank God, and the old passengers come back after a time, and say they are sorry they ever left us. Some- times a new start, to make a show, takes passengers for nothing ; but that, my Lady, you know, won't fill the corn bin." " Your horses, George, go as well as ever ?" " Yes, my Lady, they are a well-bred lot, and plenty of 'em ; and they know who handles 'em ; and W€ give 'em a few beans occasionally, and the passengers know 'em and pat 'em, and horses like that. \Vh}-, my Lady, some of 'em have been leaders ever since the coach started, and go over then- ground as fresh as the first day they put their shoulders to the collar. Everyone says how fresh and gay ' old Bob ' and the ' Kentish Cob ' are still. "Wonderful horses they are. And the young uus, my Lady, how steadily they keep the pace ! Why, the box is as easy as an armchair. Neither Kobert nor I ever used the whip sLuce we mounted that box. Besides, my Lady, the team has travelled so long together, that they are used to one another, and Eobert and I made up our minds years ago never willingly to change 'em so long as we held the ribbons of ' The Success.' " lalj 18, 1871 ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. INDEX. ABnTILOS TEXILLAXIL'U ilARMOBA- TUM GBAFTINO.aiO Acacias, new, 249 Accrintfton Poultry Show, 433 Acor Necrmido propagation. 220 Achimencs, and their culture, i08 ; potting. 177 Acrozamia sclerocarpa, 286 Adiantum farleyense and culture, 508 .T^schjTianthus. 227 Agalmyla staminea. 327 Agave Bessenana, 62 Af;ri<-"iil'ural returns, 202 Air-gifinK and tirintf, 277 Alocasias, select, 389 Aloe suckers, 430 '■Alpine Plants," 203 Aniaranthus salicifolias seed germi- uatiDf?, 316 Amaryllis, bulbs plantinir. 155 ; cul- ture, 95; Belladonna culture, 300 Ammonia, appljing sulphate, 448 ; liquid manure, 2i0; r. red spider, Ammoniacal liquor for grass, 315 Andalusians. 492 ; -with iSrabmas, 320 ; chickens, 532 , with bedding plants, 261 ; .425 Annuals, hardy, 155; for clumps. 156; for early flowerins?, 156: select half- hardy. 109 ; for exhibition, 301 ; for late flowering. 90 Anthomyia Lactucre. 121 Anthnrium Scherzerianum culture, seeding, 523 Ants, exterminating, 372 Aphides, 385; and ihe-r enemies, 445; destroying. 177. 419; in conserva- tory, 352 ; on fruit trees, 31S, 468 Apples— Belgian. 316 ; for espaliers, 261 ; leaves blotched, 412 ; spurs, 384; pruning, 384; shoots pinching, S53, 430; fboot'* mildewed, 46S ; se- lection, 316; tree diseased, 110 ; Beauty of Hants, 198; Graveontein and Duchess of OldenbttTgh, 460 Apprentice, 893 Apricots, scale on. 431 ; training, 449, 468 Aquile^ia glandulosa, 498; culture, 483 ; hardy, 525 Arabis not thriving, 261 Araucaria imbricata.TO Arbor-Vitw, Chinese, dying, hedge treament, 261 Arbutus, removing old, 530 Areca, for greenhouse, 198 ; rubra, 78 ArisEEma speciosum,383 sal em, 448 Artillery plant, 4P7 vVrums, 48G Ashes, trees on subsoil of, 64; on- leached, 177 Asparagus, Amcricm. 431; planting, 431 ; slugs on, Sd:i : as a decorative plant, 439; bed-making, 41; forcing out of doors, 109; salt for, 177; Eale. 430; liquid manure for. 468; our first dish, 346 ; cutting small, 352 Asterostigma Luscbnathianum, 480 Astrocaryum mexicanum culture, 171 Aubrietia deltoidea cuttings, 317 Aucubas, licrried, 261; pollen, 220, 372, presor\-io'r. 316; frame. 373; seeds. 337. nut germinating, 353 ^^ Auricula gossip. 118 ^—^ Auriculas, Alpme,322: spring culture, ^Zr 208,269; shadmg. 392 22 Australia, February-blooming plants I South, 828; advice for South, 347 ; vO BeedB from, 179 ; adventure i .193 405 Aviary, birds dying, 378, 416; tempe- rature of, 116 Azaleas, after flowering, 109 ; flowers small, 64; propagation, 852; repot- ting, 316; sporting. 358 J35; Black, 262.301; pullets roupy, 304 ; Brown Red Game, 318 ; classes, 320; breeding Wheaten, 116: eega for sitting, 22f) ; breeding Duckwing Game, 226 ; Blacks' legs. 226 ; Game, 266:pri7es for. 374; Game cock's hackle. 396 ; prize for Black, 513 Barley after Potatoes, 300 Barometrical fall. 106 Barrow Poultry Show. 113 Basket, making, 290; plants for stove, 227,327.365,399,465 Baskets for poultry, 4S Bath and West of England Poultry Show, 305, 470 ; in rain and sun- shine. 488, 511 Bathgate Ornithological Show, 91 Bats, 472 Battle Abbey, 193 Beaucamea recurvata culture, 213 Beaudesert, 387 Keddinfr-plant house, 16 Bedding plants for autumn exhibition, Bedlington Poultry Show, 434, 450, 469, 489 Beech, 139 Bees—ants robbers, 4*32; apiary in 1871, 69 ; at Camberwell. 140 ; Con- vention of German keepers, 181 ; disturbed. 532; driving. 378: drones, number, 532 ; rearing, 435 ; slaughter, 532; what do they do? 265: dying 140; dysentery, 138; fighting, 340; fragments from hive, 304; adaptin'? frames to box, 320 : Hives, 471 ; de- serted. 378; large versus small, 163, 205, 377, 454 ; moving, 140. 320 ; queen- less, 340 : Sherrington bar, 47, 93 ; simplest, 266 ; straw, painting, 203 ; three-box collateral, 472 ; Woodbury, 206; wooden, 266; ventilation, 224: commencing keeping, 2'i6; Ligu- for, 374; management, 184; Meli- lotus for, 94 ; Mexican, 319 ; net for feeder. 454; notes on, 183; perish- ing, 184 ; pollen, earl^ gathering. 138: Queens, Are artificial inferior? 25 ; dead, 184 ; lenving, 115 ; Ligu- rian, adriing, 378 ; sellmg produce, 532; shading. 25,415; starting Ligu- rians, 206; starving, 378; stocks, removing, 378; sugar, brown, bad for, 245 : supers, adding, 266 ; leav- ing super, 532 ; swarms in chimney, 532 ; early, 357 ; strong, 4i5 ; third, 472; unitmg, 139; swarming threat- ened, 492 : unhealthy, 94 : unions, autumnal, 377; uniting stocks, 284; wintering, 24, 245; not working, 436; Woodbury, Mr., 138 Beet, Chilian, 220; for ribbon-borders, 90; in flower gardens, 269, 323; planting Red, 316 Begnnias, gossip, 296; damping, 156; after flowermg. 353 Berries. sowingVarious, 90 ' Pertholletia excelsa, 345 " Bible, Natural History of," 236 Bidens atropurpurea, 40 Birds, attacking buds". 19 ; frightening, 411; varying their notes, 489 Birmingham Columbarian Society's Show, 23 ; Philoperistcron Show, 223 ; Poultry Show, 163 ; Summer Poultry Show, 414. 531 Black beetles, destroying, 454 Blackburn Horticultural Show, 461 Blandfordias and culture, 403 BliEht in the air, 373 Boilpra, in9, 199, 200, 509; elevated, 4S7 : setting, 89, 300 Boiade Boulogne, 37 Bolbophyllum lemniscatum, 328 Bones, dissolving. 146, 177 Border flowers. 199 "Botany for Beginners," 4"il Bottom heat, excessive, 353 ; to out- door plants, 189 ; from pipes, 199 Bouquets, button-hole, 346 Bowood, 32 Box, edging, cutting, 509 ; edging and tree. 169 Bradford Ornithological Show, 223 Brahmas, as layers, and Cochins, 226 ; Light, 262; feathers, 266; keeping, 280: light cocks' points, 284; hens dying, 377; out of order, pullet lame, 378; marks of Light, 396 ; comb of cock, 416; points of Light, 48; pullet dead, 70; plumage of Dark. 358 ; Light, good and ill-shaped, 133; weight at Birmingham, hens, 139 ; roosts for, hen's abdomen swollen, dark and light, stock, 164 ; cock wheezing, 183 ; cock's defects, 206; Light, crop-bound, 304: pullet precocious, 514; washing Light, I weight, cross with Dorkings, 492; cross with Turkey, 531 ; keeping, 532 Brazil nut, 345 Breeds, pure versus cross, 511, 512 Bridges, rustic, 426 Bristol Poultry Show. 41,66 Broccoli, Cornish, 72 ; succession of, 98; Wall's Excelsior. 381 Bromeliaceous plants, 71 Bromelias, 198 Brompton Stocks spring sown, 430 Broods, uniting, 340 Buda Kale. 430 Bulbine Mackenii, 209 Bulbs from Italy, 178 Bullfinch diarrhceaed, 804 Burghley House, 11 Cabbages, scccessios of, 223; ta- BIETIES. 117 Cactus, culture, 509; not flowering, 392 ; propagation, 430 ; speciosus not flowering, -^61 Calceolarias, for bedding, &c., 279 ; culture, 240, 336; cuttings, 336 ; dis- eased, 530 ; seed, 261 Calico for Cucumber frame covering, 317 Californian fruit ranch, profitable, 497 Callas not flowering, 41 Camellias — buds falling, 41; buds not opening, 221 ; and culture, 230, 285; buds black and falling, 279; propagatine, 109 ; as hardy shrubs, 156; select, 193: repotting, 316; leaves spotted, 317 Canaries— among Clear Jonques, 357. 377: throats diseased, 378; and Mules. 395: evenly-marked, 803,318, 339, 355, 395, 415, 491, 513; Jonque. Canaeibb— Continued, ing and sneezing, 416; one-mandi- bled, 416; and Mules, 318, 339, 355; hen celibate, 320; food for young, 353 ; not mating with Goldfinch. 532 ; continually moulting, 492 ; mocking, 113: parasites oa, 138; matching, head unfeathered, 140; dead, 140 ; cannibal, 184 ; teaching to pipe, 184 ; classing Mules, 204 ; room for, 225 ; nesting, 225 ; wash- ing, 226; feeding, 226; breeding, 326: exhibiting, 244; Show, waiting for the Judge, 263 ; teaching to pipe, 69 ; characteristics, 48 ; Mule-breed- ing, 48; Goldfinch Mules, 94; un- well, 94 ; eye-blind, 94 ; husk in, 94 Canarj-'s song ceasing, 453 Canker in fowl's mouth. 531 Cannas, planting, 240, S72 Cannibalism in fowls. 26 Capillary attraction of soils, 497 Capunismg, 116 Capsicum culture, 249, 293 Carnation propagation, 352 Carrot, forcing, 6 ; manures for, 172 ; for showing, 155 Carter's & Co.'s seed farms, 334, 346 ; prizes, 34; challenge cup, 55 Carton, 405, 419 Caryota excelsa culture, 125 Castle Bromwich, 497 Caterpillars, destrojing, 262 Cats, eating chickens, 436; the Popa's, 45.1; new use of, 479 Cauliflowers, 508; forcing, 289; notes on, 33 ; succession of, 97 Celeriac culture, 321 Celery, for exhibition, 132 ; lifting, 89 ; for market, 221 ; storing, 99 ; suc- of, 248 Chamrerops excelsa culture, 108 Charcoal ashes, 109 Cheilanthes fronds browned, 316 Cherries, Kentish and MoreUo, 229; leaves blistered, 467 ; tree overluxu- riant, 4 • Chickens, deformed, 377; cramped, young, 320 Chinese fowls, 48, 140 Christmas Rose after flowering, 336 Chrysanthemums, noi fiowerinR, 155 ; select, 240 Cineraria, culture. 240; seed, 261; dying, 261; drooping, 177 Classes of poultry, regulating, 135 bouse, 509 ; for stove, 261 ; for north wall, 193 Closets, di-y earth, 109 Coccinellffi, 146 Coccus Adonidum, 271 Cochin- Chin as, ceck, 355; bens, 116; legs swollen, 436 ; points ofPifrtridge, 454 : weight of White, 358 ; winter- laying, 116 ; puUets ceasing laying, • 246 : hen lame, 246; washing Bufi", 26 : not laying, 70 ; Black, 90 Cocks, and hens, proportion of, 94 spur nail torn off, 454; breeding from wry-breaated, 454 Cockscomb culture, 841 Cocos campestris, 309 Coelogj-ne leutiginosa, 210 Colchester Poultry Show. 203. 222 Cold by radiation, &c., 73 Colour, ita influence, 529 Columbarian societies amalgamating, Bnff, and Mealy defined, 416 ; wheez- i Comb wounded, 164 JOtRNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. i July 18, 1872. Conifers, amonji the, 6, IS. 17'), 272 ; raised at Bicton and mode, 77 ; leader restorine, 252, 316 Conoclinium ianthinum for table de- coration, 883 Conservatory arrangement, 89, 132 : plants failing. 40 ; plants for cold. 157; climtcrs, 430; plants, 468; not thriving, 509 Coolayna, 368 Cordon trees, 156 Cork Poultry Show, 44 Corynostylis Hybanthus, 828 Cotinns americanua. 497 Covent Garden Market, 26, 48, 70. 94, 116, m, 164. 184, 206, 226, 246, 266, 284, 80i, 320, 340, 358, 878, 396, 414, 436, 454, 472.492,514 Covent Garden measures, 220, 284 Cows, fodder for, 472 Cramp in chickens, 266 Crates. 373 Creeping plant. 487 CrOve-Cceura, combs, 246: leg3 downy, 436; pointa, 320; cock's tail, 353 Crickets, destroving, 392; poisoning. Crocus stigma promment, 199 Cropping, continuous, 530 Croquet lawn lufty, 3^6 Cross-breeds always moulting, 514 Crotalaria He>-neana, 481 Croionfl, leaves falling, 40; green, 109 Crowing and cackling not a nuisance, 435 Crystal Palace, 269; Bird Show. 159, 181, 204; Cat Show, 414; Flower Show. 431 ; Game ami BantLtm Show,357.374; Fa'.il'^ T":..^. -) ■■■.v, 111 Cucumber, and M' I' ■ ' '<-■ 109; aphides on v' "-• 107,299; culture'. 11. , . . . . '-''■: leaves, 530 : houb',:.:; m. i/^' -n, 35-2: heat, 317; plant^i failin-. 372; with Melons, 372; planting Stock- wood Ridge, 411; seedy. 430; Mar- quis of Lome, 4i0 : culture of frame, 448 : Snoly-Qua culture, 220, 2lj2, 272 Cunningharoia sinensis, 57 CupressuB, heading, 89; Lawsoniana Currants, summer-pruning. 431 Cutbush's show of spring flowers, 251 Cuttings, hotbed for, 199 ; shading, 332 Cyclamen, after flowering. 261; not 'flowering, 27S; faiUng, 317; persi- cum culture. 367 ; seed sowing. 531 ; seed not vegetating, 178 ; not thriv- ing, 109 Cypripedium longifolium, 480 Dahlia, impehialis culttjee, 431; time for planting out, 435 Daphne indica, heading, 371 Dealf-rs exhibiting, 2i; with ama- teurs, 111 Dendrobium, amethystoglos8um,384; Dalhousianum, 495; tetragonum, 209 ; Lo-\vii. 498 Deodorising sewage, 109 Depreesaria depressella, 234 Dentzia propagation, 352 Devon and Exeter Poultry Show, 450 Dianthuses, 316 Diarrhoea in fowls, 48, 206, 353 Dielyira spectabilis culture, 171 Dinner-table decoratir.nB, 419,459 Dipladenia insignis, 329 Disbudding fruit trees, 276 "Dog, The," 319 Dorkings, chickens drooping, 358 ; deaf ear of "White, 320 ; early-laying pullet, 452; four-clawed, 226; hen's comb, 266 ; weight at Birmingham, 139; dving, 183; Cuckoo, 93 Dover Poultry Show, 394, 5J1 ; rule at, 242 Draining, a garden, 109; horticultu- Draias, depth of, 261 Dublin Poultry Show, 92. 112,158 Ducklings, eyes discharging, 514; for market, 473 Duck's egg abnormal, 164 Ducks— fgffs, not hatching, 304; un- fertile, 357 J moved, 340; fattening. __.; trespassing, 530; |Carolina, 94. 47i; Mandarin. 472; Kouen versus Avlesbury, 415 Dundee Poultry Show, 136 EaELT SOWIKG AND FHOST. 299 Eccentricities of plants. 475 Edging plants grub-eaten, 487 Edgings, iron, 391 Edwardsia grandiflora,442 Egg-pouch hard, 93 Egg. eating fowls, 64. 93 ; production, 858. 432. increasing, 432; exit end of, 414, S5S; producers, 265 Eegs— addled. 164; exhibiting, 353; chickens' exit from, 874; hens carrying, 377 ; home production of, 413; "by rail, 416; imported, 130; age for sitting. 454; shelMess, 116; keeping for sitting, 532 ; preserving. 246, 472 ; notes on, 279 ; duration of Titaiity, 284 ; weight of, 435 Entomological Society's Meeting, 80, 188. 211. 297, 363. 505 Epacrises, and culture, 333; after flowering, 178 Epworlh Poultry Show, 394 Espaliers, planting, 64 Eucbaris amazonica culture, 221, 273 Euphorbias, dwarf, 221 Evergreens, on grass. 317; pruning, 431 : for a screen, 509 ; under trees, 40, 260, 430 Exanthemnm palatiferum.209 Exhibitions, managemont of poultry at, 512 Explanation needed, 254, 269. 296 Exton Hall, 311 ; flower garden, 330 FiKEjmAM Poultry Snow, 223, 242 Falkirk Poultry Show. 137 Farms, profitable small, 28 ; to make small answer. 83 " Farms, Small," 365 Feather-eating fowls, 140, 164, 396, 514 Feathers plucked out, brittle, 26 Fermenting material in vineries, &c., 448 Fernery ventilation, 261 Ferns -for cases, 316, 397. 442: greenhouse, &c., 316; hardy and exotic, 207 : under yellow glass. 486 ; culture, 431 ; notes on. 165, 325, 360; not thriving, 65 ; for wall, 300 Ficus elastica, not thriving, 109 ; cul- ture. 198 Fi^s. pot-culture, 247 ; on vinery wall, 337 Flower, beds, 353, preparing, 261 ; gar- den, 147, additions to, 147, beauty of form in plants, 433, hints, 228 ; its parts, 402 Floweriuir trees and shrubs. 510 Flowers, obtaining double. 481 " Flowers of the Field,"' 425 Flue, beating, defective, 40, 109; iron pipe lor, 19.278 Foliaged (fine) greenhouse plants, 316 Forcing pit, 198 " Forest trees of Britain,"' 143 Fountain, self-acting, 421, 460; for poultry, 532 ountaine's fi i owl-house rOv-» ^.^^^^. — Fowls— dung, 89 ; dying mystenouslv, 396; which breed is best? 412,487; separating pullets from cockerels, 454; exhibiting, 221; catarrhed, 225 : at shows, 242 ; management. 242 ; for profit, 110. 200, 262, 281, 301, 469 ; feed- ing at shows. Ill ; breeding pure, 116; management at sbows, pure versus cross-bred. 157 : in confined space, 184; desired, 206: treatment md befo] --i-;>-;'-- "Or.. , 11 space, -king, 472 Frames, covering for, 110 ; glazing, 372; vi'rsus pits, 219; use of small, Freezing, plants endui-ing, 494 Fr jtiilaria tulipifolia. 384 Frost, late, 441; in D-eland in May, dressing, 177, 178, pruning newiv-planted, 279. newly-planted, 392, new -way to make, 34, training miniature, 486. buds. 431. insects on, 431, leaves pinching. 364. 871 ; pro- tecting, 41; in heated greenhouse, 530 Fruits, select list, 40 Fuchsias. 128; for bedding, &c,279; old and new, 81 Fungi, edible. 11 Fumigating. 177, 326, 363 Furze, derivation of names, 278 Game— COCK cross-bred, 94; fo'rxs, breeding Pile, legs of. 26; cock's eyes, ?58; fowls, age of stock, 189 ; hen not laying. 1^^3,225; birds and Bantams Show, 242 Gapes, curing, 472 Garden, labour, 393: letting, 220; levelling and plottinr.'. 53; nomen- clature, 344 Gardeners— examinations, 199; Gene- ral Association. 479 ; Benevolent In- stitution, 505 ; Unions, the best, 515 ; Self-supporting Society, :^28 Garrya, elliptica, 190, 194, 275 ; female, 314 Geese, keeping, 531 Genista propagation, 4r>.'^ Geraniums— colour of Tiii'lnr. 4'^iV select bedding, 510: cin;ir. _'j > ii n^ , 336: leaves spotted. •2r.i, :.., : nut if doors, 371 : gradation f <-m| nn , .n , : planting beddine. 3 198 : cuttings. 157 : room, 109; in vi-inter, 133; double- flowered, 156; scarlet bedding, 278 India, plants from, 372, 373; seed Gladiolus, culture, 15: disease, 494; does it degenerate ? 227 ; compost, 261 ; purpureo-auratus. 61 Glass, imitation of ground, 115 Glazingwithoutlaps, 90. 317 Gleichenia rupestris, 151 ; culture, 93 Goat feeding, 532 Gold fish in aquarium, 70 Gooseberries— caterpillars, 431, 510; showy-flowered, 353; summer-prun- ing, 431; for gathering green, 448; tree aphis, 392 Gorse. propagating double. 468 Grafting, 96. 120, 190, 2C9, 211, 252, 268, 310; splice, 480 Grape-room at Beltou, 86 393 ; why they fall, 95 : rusted, 411 ; shanked, 40; size of, 220; spotted. 411, 448; succession and merit of late, 59: supply of late, 172; thin- ning. 410; Hamburgh or Hambra? 188; Gros Colman. 102, 125: Royal Ascot, 10; Mrs. PincG Black Muscat, 17. 33, 106. 118, 273, 308. 430 ; Madi" Grass under Chestnut trees, 467 Grasses, twelve hardy, 155 Gravel walks, grass on. 352 Greenhouse— cheap. 5io ; climbers, 392. for f-hading, '■■■', . n- u ng, 166; culture, 63: ' ;■ ' ' iT- ing a sTian-roofeil. ■ i'- small, 156: paintiir.'. _ . ^ . ii;':;:-.H ; ; rafters, 156; Tem-'Sni-^, o-jo , ioof, 27S : small. 467 : small elevaied. 495 ; stove for, 502 ; a useful. 214 Grevillea rosmarinifolia, 480 Guano, 3C0 Guemsev Lily, not flowering, 240 ; planting, 392 Guinea Fowls, detecting sex, 94 Guinea pigs versus rats, 492 Gnm picking, 193 Gwydyr's, Lady, poultry establish- ment, 224, 264 .. .■: ^ 125 Cattk\:i . ii ; III . 31 Char.iitHNl.ik. 129 Chestnut avenue ul Minimes S3 Coccus Adomdom 271 Coolayna flower garden Creve-CiBurs' combs Cunninghr Cypripedium Lowii . Duck house . Edwardsia grandiflora Elaphoglosfium eonforme Exton Hall, pleasure grounds and chureh, 312, flower garden Ferniehurst cool Orchid house Fountain, self-acting 424, ,, poultry Fruit-tree leaves, pinching Garrya elliptica Gooseberry Sawfly buttress-i ching \ I bud I branch 97, „ English „ variousmodes 120, ,. Walnut Grapes, keeping in water 86, 212, Greenhouse shading Ground levelling and garden plotting .. 53, 54, G5Ticrium argenteum Hamwood 994, Hawkesyard Heating sp.an-roof ed greenhouse Hemionitea palmata Heracleum giganteum Ice storing Inarching 97, 120, Ingcbtric Hall „ gardener's lodge Jetd'eau July Lamport Hall flower garden Land measuring 54, Larix enroprea pendula Lilium Thonipsonianuni Lime-tree avenue at Minimes Lindsi-ea trapezifonnis ISIaidstone cemetery Maze ; Meniacium palustre Mouse traps 199,232, 370, PAOB. Muaa rosacea 9 Niphobolus lingua 8G0 rdontogloBsum citrosmum 30 Olfersia cervina 360 Oncidium hfematochilum SI Orchid-house, cool at Ferniehurst 100 Otiorhynchus Bulcatus 506 „ tenebricosna 506 Pea hurdles 468 Fears, Benedictine S „ Beurri- de Biseau 811 „ Edgarley Foundling 8 „ Esperine 8 Pear spups, pruning S64 Phalseonopsis amabilis 8U tigeon, Archangel 46 „ Magpie SS6 „ Nun 161 „ Trumpeter 451 „ Urallce 283 Pine Apple, seedling 101 „ „ houses and pita 456 Pipes, proportion of 329, 365 Poles 52T Pond-making 379 Poultry house. 281 Primula japonica 427 Protectors. Lloyd's wall and plant 46S Putteridgebury 444, 445 Ralegh. Sir Walter's birthplace 175 Sandringham, old house 6) „ church path— 61 „ flower garden 104 „ new house 10* Shading 74 Sirex gigaa 271 Solannm macranthum 148 Stoke Park poultry yard 225 eggroom 264 Stove, Amott's 510 Thermometer stand 4, 5 Transplanting 236,237,274, 275 Traps, flgure4 199 „ formice 232 Vale Royal 158 „ ,. flower garden 15S Vandasuavis 31 Vanessa Autiopa 52S Vulture hocks 26 Walnut grafting 170 Willow, male and female flow* rs 402 Window garden design 174 Woodstock 462, 482 Jaunary 4, 1872. ] .JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day Clook 1 Day J before of P Sun. 1 Year. 1 Montb Week. JANUARY 4—10, 1872. tnre near London. 43 years. Sises. Sets. Rises. sets. Age, Nigbt. Mean.' Days. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. h. Days. m. a. 4 Th 42.2 WR 35.4 17 8af8 3af4 17af 19 af 6 23 5 F 41.4 27.3 34.4 16 8 8 3 4 33 1 6 7 24 6 28 5 6 S 41.1 28.6 34.8 14 7 8 4 4 66 2 57 7 25 5 65 7 Sun 41.7 29.1 35.4 17 7 8 6 4 19 4 53 8 8 M 41.0 30.1 36.5 14 7 8 7 4 45 5 51 9 27 e 47 8 9 Tn 41.2 30.8 36.0 15 6 8 9 4 6 7 66 10 28 7 13 9 10 W 42.0 80.3 36.1 18 6 8 10 4 15 8 after. • 7 38 10 Fi'om observations taken near London during forty-three years, the averafce day temperature of the week iB 41.5®; and its Qight temperature 29.2°. The KTCatest heat was 54% on the 7th, 1846, and 9th, 1852; and the lowest cold 11^ below zero , on the 4th, 1867. The greatest fall of ram was | 1.00 inch. 1 IBRAS kewYC 0OTANI QARUi THE NEW YEAE'S PROMISE. ID yon ever tlirouf;;h an open door overliear a little cliild saying its lessons ? I do not mean one so far gi'own as to be dignified with the name of boy or girl, but a child, a httle child, a tnisting, fully-confiding httle tiling, such as the Great Master took on His knee and declared that " of such was the kingdom of heaven" — one that as yet its mother could not on any account allow any other one to teach ; and as to its lessons they are but half play, a httle verse or two, a merry run- ning i-hyme which is repeated and acted as well. Now, if through an open door, or window, you, unseen, have overheard such a httle one so doing, you have stood, and paused, and hstened with dehght unfeigned to the silvery voice so new, so clear, so young, and you have thought, ■Wliat a sweet beginning of hfe ! No child this cuffed by cruel hands ; no dirty, ragged, gutter-child, but all that should be. AVliat a sweet beginning of hfe ! what a fair promise of a bright and happy future ! Now such-like is the beginning of this year, not as last year, with war near us. No cruel siege of a gi-eat city, no stars-atiou within of woman and cliild, but all pleasant, all promising ; peace at home and abroad ; the nation's love roused to the nation's Sovereign and her son ; the old Enghsh Oak shown to be sound at heart stiU, the old herethtai-y in- stincts true as ever, and the national heart still human and hmnane. The year opens with all Englishmen having felt and feared together, and so now bound clo.ser together. The new year comes to us, and it seems to give a fan- promise of happiness, and like the httle child's voice, it is young, and new, and sweet. What it may prove none can know until its end, but this we may say, it promises well. Now let me note some current or recently ciurent matters which bear, or have borne, upon us as readers of " oiu' Jom-ual." There is said to be a tendency in this age for wealth to become centred in a comparatively few, and, on the contrary, the many to become very poor, so that rich men will grow richer, and poor men poorer. Of many som-ces of wealth I will not speak ; but of one, the old source — land, I wiU speak briefly. Thirty years ago, and fm-ther back, the poor man had a better chance, because commons were not enclosed, and each resident had " a common right." In the part of England I hved in when a boy (the fens of Cambridgeshire), commons were accorcUng to their name, common in number and in character, and on them the poor man could graze his flock of geese, and let his sow and her pigs take their nm. Commons are now tilings of the past, and the poor man is a loser. Tliis should be remembered by those who have landed property ; and if the best of the poor are to be kept either from emigration or from removuig to large towns, laud must be attached to each cottage. In Ed- ward IV.'s reign no cottage was without its fom- acres, and in Ehzabeth's reign no cottage had less than a rood of land attached to it. The owners of land are doing No. 662.-VOL. XXII., Nbw Sfiues, well, occupiers are doing well, for if a faixa be vacant there are a dozen who want it. I speak of my own neigh- bom-hood, where it is impossible to get a farm unless by interest or favom- of some kind, and often have I been asked for a recommendation. Tliis being so with owners and occupiers, I want to see the deserving among the lower class favom-ed with a few acres here and there, and a good garden always, and the land not let at what is called " accommodation price." These are times when mucli is done, in sickness especially, for the poor ; but charity lowers self-respect, and is apt to injm-e, whereas help a man to help hunself, and you benefit his pm-se and his character too. Of one pleasant day connected with benefit to the poor which I spent last year I must briefly prattle. The late Prince Consoi-t foimded an association for improving the condition of laboiu-ers and others Uving in Windsor and twelve sun-oimtling parishes. It helps in this way : Prizes of £1, £2, or £B to the labourer, or artisan, "or his wife who has brought up a family in sober, honest, and industrious habits, without parish relief, except in cases of sickness ; also to the widows of such. Prizes- of a similar kind to families distinguished for cleanliness: and tidiness of house and person ; also to weU-conducted servants who have hved longest in the same place. To- young persons who have kept their first place of service for the longest period (not less than tliree years). Prizes,, too, to the best cultivators of the gardens and allotments,, being persons of honest, sober, and good moral character. Prizes, also, for exliibitors of the best collection of vege- tables, or the best specimen of needlework, cottage handi- craft, and economy. Now, it so chanced that I was ia- vited by one who takes great dehght in " our Journal," and reads its pages evei-y week, to be present last July at the annual meeting of this Society, held in the Home Park, Windsor. No pleasanter and more ti-uly joyous scene can be imagined. The Home Park, which lies just beneath the grand old Castle and its ten-ace, was opened to aU. Crowds of healthy Berkshh-e labom-ers, thek wives and daughters, were present ; crowds, too, of ladies and gentlemen, mihtary uniforms, so Windsor-hie, and' music and tents fiUed with flowers and fraits, and works of needle, and knife, and tool. Right pleasant was it to see the prizetakers — 226 in all — receive the rewards of their good conduct, thi-ift, or skill from the hands of one of oiu- Piincesses, who gi-aciously stepped down fi-om the platform on which she stood, when an old woman of eighty-tlu-ee and another of seventy-seven received piizes for then- needlework, so thoughtfully spaiing their totter- ing steps. Then there were thi-ee huge Guardsmen who received prizes for their — mark it ! — needlework — bed- covers and patchwork tablecovers ! Wlien I saw all this, princes, nobles, clergy, mihtary men, all busy and happy ■svith doing good to the poor, I had two thoughts — one. Such tilings make England strong ; the other. Why should not such associations be in evei-y neighbom-hood ? There is also another matter connected with conferiing benefit on the poor which I must mention. I have noticed during the year the Children's Flower Show at No. 1211.- Vol. XL-Vn., Old Sekieb. JOT'ENAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ JannaiT 4. 1872. the Victoria Docks, and Mr. E. Fish followed soon after with ail admirable article cnlitletl " Importaiice of an Interest in Gardening and Natural History to the Young." If that paper hapiienod to escape the eye of anyone interested in the im- prov.nu'ut of children, let "me fitate that Mr. Fish's remarks are to Ijc found in the number of our Journal for July '27th. But yet the other matter I was alluding to, I mean another Bcheme for tlie good of poor cliildren. It seems that Mr. Euskiii, England's great art critic, who has aho-wn in liis writing how marvellously pliant and powerful is the English huiguage, has given a small space of ground for a play-place. Our forefathers would have called it a pleystow, or' plestor, locHs luiluruin, for the poor children in one of the densely- peopled parts of London. It is but a small space, but when it had been cleared of rubbish in came the London children and, with as keen enjoyment as our rural ones, mounted the sea- saws, and held on at the swings ; and we ai-e told that gi-adu- ally the tone of the children was improved ; the maimers, bad indeed at first, grew better. The presence of ladies among them began to tell. Miss Hill says, "We took them flowers, acornt?, seaweed, pictures, beads, all marvellous new things to be seen and handed round. We taught them games, and they played them. Many an houi- have I spent teaching them to make dai.sy-chauis, or to thread beads. Our ground was in one of the worst courts of the neighbourhood, and the dirtiest, wildest children flocked in without restriction. Now, gi'adually, in- stead of destroying all that comes in their way, they actually dehght to watch and water our five trees which we have planted, and our creepers. The civihsing influence has partly been from the fact that the children are withdi'awn from the terrible influence of the streets and courts, and partly from the fact that they are gi-aduaUy placed amongst pretty things that want care." Miss HUl goes on to state that they have one annual gathering, on May-day, and a Maypole, and many friends are there to meet about four hundred cliildren. Here, surely, is a blessed work. Here are " sweetness and light " for poor things brought up in the midst of filthiness and darkness. Would that there were many such playgrounds scattered over London. The Parks are too far for many. Childien must play. John Wesley, good man as he was, made yet a great mistake in his arranging each hour's work for each day in his institution for children, and yet not to aUow a play hour. This may be excused in him, for he was a childless man. Children must play. Last summer I saw ragged urchins playing horses in St. James's Park, and if such have no whole- some play they become precocious, impish, little things, look- ing upon all people as their natural enemies, full of thief's slang, mocking in gesture, and filthy in converse. Whence aU the wUd ideas of the Communists? from the fact of their working all then' days in town workshops, shut out from the pure air of heaven, and from the sight of tree and flower. If we cannot take the town children to i)lay in the country, then the n.xt best thing is to provide, as Mr. Euskin has, play-places for them in the town. He has done a patriotic act, and a christian act as well. As to gardeners and gardening, and I hope gardeners are prospering, man's first trade is among his best still, so far as enjoyment goes, if there be in a gardener a true and loyal love for his profession. I have sometimes thought when passing through show tents of beautiful flowers, and fruit, and vegetables, that there is a higher aspect in regard to tak- ing prizes, which is, perhaps, too often forgotten. Not alone is there a wholesome rivalry, not alone do prizes keep men up to the mark, and striving beyond their present mark, but think of the patience needed to obtain a prize. Think of the care and forethought, as well as pains and patience ; and all these improve and raise a man's character. Look at that prize flower; it grew not like the Buttercups, without any tend- ing. Look at those Grapes, amazing in .size of bunch and berry, and rich and beautifiil in colour. TMiik of the hom-s out of bed in the cold frosty nights that the gardener had, and the skill he has shown, aud if sho^vn, the skill he is possessed of. In regai-d to prize birds it is the same. No idle, no imskiUed man takes the cup and the money. What patience a breeder has ! what management in crossing ! what disappointments, often at the produce being so different to what was hoped for ! Now, all this patience, . the outside of the thermometer, to which a cotton wick is to be attached to connect it with the water, and at about the same ■elevation as the ball of the thermometer, in order that the evaporation from the vessel of water may not influence the thermometer on the other side, which is to be the dry-baU thermometer ; for, in some careful experiments which I made •with a vessel placed beneath the balls, it was found that the dry ball was lowered from 0.2' to 0.3°, which, though ap- parently a small error, is a serious amount in the main dif- ference between the readings of the dry and wet-ball ther- mometers. " Fig. 3 is the view of the south side of the stand. No. 3 is iin index mercuriiU thermometer, with a black ball to give the greatest solar heat, r Is a rain gauge on Glaisher's con- struction ; and B is a measure into which rain is to be poured for measurement." For ascertaining the temperature of the soil at various depths, we recommend three tin tubes to be sunk in it in a place fully exposed to the sun, but far from a wall or other shelter ; each tube to be about 2 inches in (hameter, and of the respective depths of 2J feet, IJ foot, and 9 inches. These tubes should have in each a thermometer with the shank lengthened so as to correspond with the depth of the tube in which it is placed. These tubes should be covered over by a hand-hght glazed only on the top to exclude rain from entering the tubes, but entirely open at the .sides to allow of the free admission of the air. The thermometers should be well packed into the tubes with cotton to exclude the atmospheric temperature. The importance of ascertaining for a certainty that the soil is of a temperature correctly relative to that of the air above it is demonstrated by the fact, that naturally its average tem- perature is always higher than that of the au-. In other words, the roots on the average are kept warmer than the branches. From observations made at Chismck during six years (1833— 1847), Mr. Robert Thompson gave the following epitome of results : — " The hottest year as regards the temperature of the earth, 1846, afforded a mean temperature of 52.32" at 1 foot deep ; and 52.85° at 2 feet deep. In the coldest year, 1845, the mean temperature at 1 foot deep was 48.95° ; and at 2 feet deep 49.44°. The respective differences of the two thermome- ters in these hottest and coldest years were 3.37° at 1 foot JOUENAIi OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jft mmrv 4, 1872. deep, and 3.41= at 2 feet. The mean temperature of the air was 51.45° in 1846, and 47.92" in 1845 ; the difJerenco l^^mg 3.53 " On the average of the Bis years the earth i« ''olJ'^^/ '"^/j" hrtiary, and warmest in July. The mean temperature " *•>« a^ is also highest in .July, but it is lowest in January. Through- out the nfonths the gradations of temperature are not uniform. The monthly progiessiou is as follows :— " Temperature increases. Feb. March. April. May -Ttma .Tuly^ 1 foot de^....(Lo*»Bt» 3.10^ 6.01^ 7.^= 'f/ ^^ iii°f.'!!^::::."'S:^a'"l.§ 5.I0 ?:S i:S I'S, " Temperature decreases. An» Sent Oct. Nov. Dec Jan. Feb. FOECING VEGETABLES.— Xo. 5. THE C.\RKOT. Cabbots must not he omitted from the Ust of the various sorts of vegetables that require forcing, as they are quite as much sought after in the spiing for making-up certain dishes as anv other vegetable sent to table. They are pai-ticukrly sweet: and have a tender transparent flesh, with a flavour peculiar to themselves, so that it is surpnsmg they are not more frequently cultivated. A crop of them can be easily grown by artificial means, since they do not require so much space as'many other sorts of vegetables. A large crop can be produced under a two or three-Ught garden frame, and will last a considerable time, as it is not, like the Potato, an every- day vegetable. To grow them successfuUy a mild temperature only is required, consequently there is much less trouble m applying dung linings to keep-up the necessary temperature. Unlike many other sorts of vegetables, the Carrot does not admit of being forced in a vaiiety of ways. The old method practised for so many years has not been improved upon, nor do I think it ever can be. By it we are most certain of pro- ducing what is requu-ed as inexpeusively as by any other plan. It is tliis : Make with dung or leaves, or both together, a hotbed of moderate thickness, and sweeten it in the usual way ; select an open, airy position for the bed, and place the frame upon it when the lieat begins to rise ; if the weather be frosty at the time, cover the bed with G or 8 inches of soil, which should be moderately warmed, or else it will so diminish the heat as to prevent it rismg again. I would advise that, after the frame is put on, sufficient manure be placed inside so as to bring the soil rather close to the glass ; this soil should be of moderate richness and not too Ught. Be certain that the heat is not likely to become too strong, then sow the seed, cover it with finely-sifted soil, and press the whole firmly with the back of the sipade. After the lights are on regulate the heat by ventilation, and when the heat deeUnes apply external linings of moderate heating capacity. WTien the plants show themselves admit air in favourable weather to prevent drawing, and continue this system of ventUatiou throughout the growth of the crop. As tlie plants grow, frequent thinnings wih be necessary, until, at the end of the final one, the plants wiU remaui not less than B inches apart. Water, of course, must be applied, but moderately at first. If the seed is sown hi the first week in January, which is, I think, the usual time, by the begimimg of March the lights of the frame may be removed entirely in the daytime and placed on at night; but if they are wanted for other purposes, a mat or canvas protection, properly constructed, will answer the purpose of the Ughts remarkably well. There is not a great choice of varieties for forcing, but those we have are really very good. They are the Early Short Horn and the French forcing Carrot. The latter, I find, comes in a httle earUer than the former, though the Short Horn is a better colour, and, I think, better in flavour. The Short Horn is the one I use, and it gives satisfaction. — Thomas Recohd. AMONG THE CONIFERS.— Ko. 1. Is no class of hardy ornamental trees is there so much real utility and elegance combined as in the Conifers. From the time they are a foot high until the time they attain to lai'ge proportions, they are as useful as ornamental. It is in some measure owing to the very early age at which young plants of this order can be turned tp account, that tliey are so much esteemed. A choice selection of young Conifers tastefully disposed about a flower garden m winter has an exceedingly agreeable effect, and offers many pomts worthy of study. Used for such a puri'ose, planted on lawns in smgle specimens or mised groups, distributed in wUd woodlands and over ex- tensive landscapes, thev arc equally satisfactoiy. There can be no doubt but that all the varieties worth grow- ing appear to the greatest advantage when cai-efully arrangei in a pinetum. This, however, can rarely be well done, as a. pinetum, to be worthy of the name, sliould he spacious, and. every part kept in tasteful order. Rather than a form^ pmetum in small gardens, I should like to see the Umited. number of Conifers either associated with other shnibs, or arranged in pleasing groups tending to alleviate the formal aspect of those Primrose-lined turf plats not unusually to be seen. My own idea of a thoroughly enjoyable pinetum is the total absence of all formality of arrangement, and the mter- spersion of groups of Rhododendrons, Roses, Azaleas, Heaths, Kalmias, Ledums, Crataegus, Cytisus, Cercis, Escallonia, Hy- drangea, Maguoha, Pceonia, Philadelphus, Ribes, Spuwa, Sy- ringa, Weigela, or Pyrus. In contrast with the best varieties of these species, the "Couif era; afiord a far more pleasing aspect than when seen alone, as the floweiing shrubs not only con- duce to enliven the scene with their blossoms, but impart greater charm to the " dark-hued Pines." The contrast presented by Conifers of the same kind growing in different soils, is very striking and worthy of attention- Even such hardy and common kinds as the Spruce and the Larch, exhibit tlie influence of soil and situation upon then- general appearance in a remarkable manner. Let the soil be light and sandy, or so close as to merge upon clay, but at the same time we'U drained, and the trees will flourish. The Spruces sending forth then- pendant branches in graceful curves, tasseUed with a profusion of luxuriant laterals, and tapermg in all the stateliuess granted them by Nature, compel our ad- miration and care. I have occasionally met with such trees, —notably at Maresfield Park— but perfect specimens are by no means common. A remarkable difference is frequently visible in large plantations, the Larch appealing to flourish much more vigorously upon slopes and elevated positions than it does m low-lying damp soU, where it is not at all a free grower. Its hardy nature does certainly enable it to mature a shght annual growth, even in such a position, but stunted moss-clad trees are an unpleasant sight. It is, therefore, highly important that those who plant such trees should possess a thorough knowledge of the soil and situation they require. The Welliugtonia mav be taken as an instance. It is a tree that should never be planted in a permanent position without an especial preparation of the soU. What it evidently re- quires is a very deep, cool, and tolerably rich soU, and without this it cannot be depended upon as a lasting ornamental tree. It is, consequently, not a desirable plant for poor or shallow soils, owing to the very considerable outlay that must be in- curred in preparing the stations. The many interesting ac- counts puhhshed during the last few years about the appear- ance of this forest giant in the woods of Cahfomia, have created a sort of rage for it, so that there is hardly a garden to be seen that does not hold a few plants. They are generaUy^ handsome and thriving, but it is very probable that as the trees gain size, instances of failure and bad health will mul- tiply among them, owing to the exhaustion of the too shaUow soil by the strong quick growth. It may be useful to give a few select varieties worthy of associatiiig with the Welliugtonia in its yonng state. Of the Piceas, the ver%- distinct and beautiful Pinsapo, one of the most hardy Conifers, stands first, and the elegant Nordman- niaua and nobiUs deserve to follow. Among Eetinosporas, pisifera is very beautiful when laden with its seed ; leptoclada, very symmetrical and distinct ; and the dense purple ericoides, so useful for combining with the various green varieties. The Pinuses afford us the striking macrocarpa, monticola, and Cembra, all distinct and good. Then there are the Thujas, of which Lobii and aurea are the best ; gigantea, or Libocedrus decurrens, is also valuable for its pleasing shade of green, but its pecuUar rounded top give it a somewhat squat and clumsy appearance. Thujopsis borealis is a great beauty, very elegant and symmetrical. Of other desirable varieties I may select the Deodar, the red and white Cedai's, Cupressus Lawsouiana, Abies canadensis, the Hemlock Spruce, increasing in beauty as it gains size, of which there are some noble specimens at Alton Towers, the elegant Taxodinm distichum, and Araucaria imbricata. There are, of course, numerous other varieties worthy of a place, but my object is to give a few very distinct Januaiy 4, 1872. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. kinds for the guidance of amateurs, to wliom a long list is often puzzling and of very little service. — Edwakd Luckhukst. OLD PEABS WITH NEW NAMES. '' In your last number I was pleased to see au article from *' T. R." on " Old Pears and New Names," and that he has been able to fix the name of the Glastonbury Pear, which I hope will be retained, if it is sent out by the trade, as I beUeve it is stm mentioned in the French catalogues. In this neigh- bourhood it is first-class in every respect, both from pyramids and the wall, and where it succeeds should be extensively planted, as out of many varieties it is the best that I have grown. I have no doubt the Pear sent out the last two years by Mr. Sampson, of the Yeovil Nurseries, under the name of the Benedictine, stated to be a seedling and raised at Glaston- bury, is the long-forgotten Esperione. To prove the correct- ness of " T. B.'s" remark, "the great change brought on some Pears by the soft mild cUmate of the west of England," and the necessity of trying many sorts before you plant many trees of one kind, I wiU state that with me Louise Bonne of Jersey, which appears to be a great favourite, is almost worth- less, and does not even deserve that limited space which Mr. Bivers, iu his " Miniature Fruit Garden," recommends. — I. A. P. EsPEKiNE, of Van Mons (Esperione, Rivers ? Grosse Louise •dii, Nord, Decaisne). First to second size. First quaUty. Ripe November 6th, 1870, at Merriott, Somerset. ' Form obtuse pj-riform, drawn-in near the top, much bossed, irregular iu outline, and knobbed at the summit. Stalk strong, about an inch long, somewhat curved, and set a Uttle obliquely, some- times suuk or mserted level with the surface. Eye large and lialf closed, set in a wide and rather shallow basin. Skin very thin, greyish yellow, covered with small greenish dots, and spotted and netted with cinnamon-coloured russet, which becomes on the sunny side of a pale rose tint. Flesh wliito, rather fine, and somewhat melting. Juice very abundant, refreshing, sugary and vinous, with a nice deUcate perfume. The above description was made from fruit produced here iu 1870, and the following description was made from fruit pre- sented to me by Mr. Sampson, of Houudstone, near Yeovil, in November, 1871 , and No. 2 is a sectional figure of one of the fruits. Benedictine, Sampson {Doctor, of the Glastonbury gardens). First size. First quality. November. Pyriform, rather re- gular but somewhat one-sided, even and smooth on the sur- face. Skin very thin, yellow, suffused or nearly covered with Ijright cinnamon-coloured russet, which is brightest on the sunny side, pitted with brownish dots, and strewn with brownish specks in the shade. Stalk about 1 inch long, set in a narrow knobbed cavity by the side of a fleshy lip. Eye half closed, and set in an uneven, knobbed, and rather deep basin. Flesh white, fine, excessively melting, and somewhat gritty at the core. Juice very abundant, acidulated and aromatic, with a nice slight astringency and piquant flavour. A beautiful and delicious fruit, with somewhat of the appearance of Marie Louise, and much of the flavour and quahty of that sort. As above, I have given a true and faithful description of the fruit sent to me under the name of the Benedictine by Mr. Sampson who said that he obtained his grafts from a Mr. Lovel, of Glastonbury, and that the original tree grows in a garden, which had at some time belonged to the religious order caUed Benedictines. How old the tree is I have not been able to ascertain ; its age would help to determine whether or not it is or could be referred to the Esperiue, which was raised by Van Mons between the year 1820 and 1830, and was dedicated by him to Major Esperen. The fruit was figured by Bivort, in his " Album de Pomologie," in 18-19, and later by M. De- •caisne, of Paris, inliis beautiful work the " Jardin Fruitier," in 1865. M. Jules Liron d'Airoles iu his " Notice Pomologique," both figures and describes it. Neither M. Bivort's, M. De- caisne's, nor M. Liron d'Airoles' figures or descriptions agree with those of the Benedictine as made by me, nor do the fruit presented to me by Mr. Sampson under that name resemble the fruit of the Esperiue produced here in 1870, and of which I had about half a bushel, so that I had a fair view of the sort, and I made my figure from a medium-sized one. Mr. Rivers, at page 503, thinks the Glastonbury Pear the same }is the " Esperione." I suppose he means the Esporme? as I do not know a Pear caUed Esperione, nor can I find the name in any book or catalogue, not even in Mr. Rivers's own catalogues from 1843 to 1871, although it may be in them and has escaped my notice. I, therefore, from what Mr. Rivers lias written, and from what I know of the two Pears, must with- hold my decision until both sorts begin to show their leaves, a thing that wUl very soon decide whether the two sorts are the same or not. As to the Brockworth Park, I have compared its wood and leaves with many sorts, but have as yet been unable to identify it, neither do I know another Pear like it iu form and size, although the fruits I saw exhibited at the Inter- national Fruit Show in October were, no doubt, produced under advantageous circumstances. I doubted the Pear being a new one at the time it was sent out, and expressed myself so ; yet I have not yet been able to identify it with any other. I bought it when it was offered for sale, and have multiplied it considerably ; and I may state, as it takes well upon the Quince, a few years will sufiice to show whether I and others have paid our guineas for something that is something else. — John Scott. P.S. — The Brockworth Park was certainly amongst the finest if not the finest, of the specimens of Pears shown on October 4th. As most of our own pomologists and some of the best continental ones were at the Show, it is surprising that none of them recognised the Brockworth under its proper name, if it has another. The basket and splendid Pears were con- spicuous enough. [There is clearly some confusion or misapprehension iu regard to the Pear referred to in the above communications and the " Esperiue." On the 16th of November, 1865, we received from Mr. Porch, of Edgarley, a very handsome Pear with a communication, from which the following is an extract : — " Making inquiries from the oldest inhabitants concerning the tree, I can learn but very httle. From the situation one would fancy the tree must have been a wild one, as it is grow- ing in a hedge, north aspect, surrounded by Elms. From its great age I cannot find out whether it has been grafted." Be- lieving it to be a new variety, we named it in our notes " Ed- garley Foundling," and made the following drawing and de- scription of it : — Edgabley FonsDLiNG. — This handsome Pear was sent by J. A. Porch, Esq., of -Edgarley, Glastonbury. The fruit is very narrow towards the stalk, which is slender and woody. The eye is bold, stout, and open. Skin entirely covered with warm, pale brown russet, which has numerous rough scales of russet on its surface ; it is also speckled with grey and green dots, particularly on the shaded side. Flesh white, firm, but smooth and fine-grained, very buttery and melting, with a fine brisk, sweet, and very rich flavour, and delicate perfume. Ripe in the middle of November. On the 18th of October, 1864, we received from Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, a fruit of the Esperine Pear, of which the following are a drawing and description : — EsPEBiNE. — A handsome fruit, even and regularly shaped. Skin smooth, of a beautiful golden yellow colour, with streaks and a very pale crimson cheek on the side next the sun ; and round the crown, there are also some sprinklings of thin cinnamon russet here and there. Eye quite open, set in a considerable depression. Flesh coarse-grained, crisp, juicy, sweet, and half-melting, but without any merit. A second- rate Pear, ripe in the middle of October. Can it be possible that these two Pears are the same ? Much of the e\-ideuce for or against their identity will rest on the age of the tree at Edgarley. The Esperine Pear, which was raised by Van Mons at Louvain in 1823, does not appear to have been one of those sent by him to the Horticultural Society of London, and distributed at any period ; nor is it mentioned in any of the editions of the " Catalogue" up to 1842 as being in the collection at Chiswick. It has never appeared in any nurseryman's catalogue in this country, with the exception of Mr. Eivers's, and there for the first time only in 1855 and again in 1859, and there does not appear to be any evidence of its having been distributed among us. These facts and the age of the tree are against the probability of the Edgarley Pear being identical with the Esperine. So far we should have had no difficulty in the matter, and would have been disposed to pronounce them distinct, had we not received on the 7th of November last, from Mr. Sampson, of Yeovil, a fruit of Benedictine Pear, which is said to be identical with the Edgarley, but which appears to us to be distinct from what we have seen of that variety. The figure and description we made at the time, are as follows : — Benedictine. — This handsome Pear very much resembles Brown Beurre in form and colour. The eye is open, the stalk short and stout, and the flesh is very juicy, but also very JOURNAL OF HOETICTLTUEE AND COTTAGE GABD EKEB. [ ^-"""t 4, 1872. Edgarley Foundling. Jimuarj- 4, 1872. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAUDENEIl. Riitty, with a brisk, acidulous, refreshing flavour, ^ritbout I possible that the fruit we received may not have been a richness or aroma. | characteristic specimen, and the inferior quality may have Our own opnuon is that the Edtrailey Pear and Esperine aie I been due to the season. There can bo uo doubt whatever that (juite distinct ; and as regards the Benedictine, it is quite | the Edgarley Pear is a very excellent one.— Eds.] MUSA ROSACEA. This species is a native of the Mauritius, and is veij oina- I >oung pot them in about equiJ parts mental in the stove, but I am not aware that it has been tned decompnseil manuie, and leaf mould, ill the open air duriug the summer mouths, noi do I thmk the | oi sihti s.iud added'. After they hav result would bo " ' ' ' satisfactory if it were so used. M. rosacea, like the beautiful M. coc- ciuea, does not belong to that sec- tion of this genus which is prized for its fruit-bear- ing qualities. Its estimable features are a noble port, handsome flowers, and a growth from 10 to 15 feet in height. These plants are stem- less, although they are generally described by the majority of people as having stout and taU stems, which in reality are composed of the very long and compact sheath- ing bases of the loaves. The blade of the leaf in the species hero figured is dark green and oblong, with a prominent midrib. The bracts of the flowers — the special ob- jects of attraction ill this plant, are a beautiful, long- lasting, ro.sy pink, and, combined with the noble appearance of its leaves, produce a splendid effect in any group of lilants with which it may be ar- ranged. I would strongly urge upon every grower of stove plants jluiu who does not al- ready possess tliis Musa, to add it at once to his collection, if sufficient height can be allowed for its accommodation. The cultivation of these plants is extremely simple. When great quantity of the chignons which the fair sex are also derived from this terial being used for ships' ropes, itc— of good rich loam, well- with a Uttle sharp river e attained to some size a little less ma- nure should be given, for as frait is not expected of them, the with- holding of a little nutriment will only induce them to flower eai'lier. They enjoy copi- ous waterings, and in the case of the fruiting varieties liquid manure is extremely bene- ficial, though I have never used it for tins species. In a young state M. rosacea forms a beautiful object for the decoration of apartments, and even when it grows too large for vases in the drawing-room, it may be used with advantage for halls or staircases, or when any special decora- tions for grand parties are re- quired. I am not aware that the species here fig- ured is used eco- nomically in any way, but several of this genus ai-e extremely useful. One m particulai-, M. textiUs, yields what is known as the MauUla Hemp, and is largely cultivated in the Philippine and other islands for its fibre. The finest portion of this is used for shawls, and I am informed that a adorn (?| the heads of ■ource, the coarser ma- EXPEIIIO CHEDE. STEAWBEEKY CULTUEE. You have had several papers on the cultivation of Straw- berries, and about these I think there is still much to be learnt, especially with regard to the soils and localities suitable to the different sorts. Some years since the variety Dr. Hogg was so much praised for quality and hardiness that I discarded British Queen hi its f.ivour, and have been grievously disappointed. Last season, having planted it freely, I expected to gather a full crop, and a more ragged, miserable result surely never vexed the heart of a .;anguine cultivator. From a row of nearly ?0 yards in length I do not thmk I gathered a quait of Strawberries, and the plants are poor stai'ved specimens which merely exist. I thought this might be owing to the soil bemg too Ught and calcai-eons, but the crop and the plants are no better where the soU is more loamy and free from lime. La Constante is very httle better ; the plants seem more hardy, but the crop is very indifferent. I think if some uiteUigent cultivators were to publish in JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ January 4, 187i your Journal their experiences the information would be of great value, siiecifying at the same tune the character of the soil as regards the clay, the lime, and the iron, the sorts that grow best, and those tliey cannot gi-ow satisfactorily. In this way the ordinai-y grower would eventually ul.taiii -oine guide which would save liini much tunc and many disapjioiiitmcnts. The soil in mv garden varies from a hght allu\iiil to a stiff clay; in the fuiiuer 1 lia\-e found Eivers's Eliza, Eclipse, Keens" Seedling. !Sii- Jo>cph Paxton, and Due de Malakoff suc- ceed well. In the heavier soil the Roseberry, British Queen, Yates's Seedling, and the Vicomtesse Hcricart de Thuiy do tolerably well. Mimy years ago, in consequence of some iuformatiou {but whence derived I have forgotten), I dressed a worn-out Straw- berry bed with the refuse of a brick-ldhi, and the birrnt eaith and fragments of bricks were put ou rather thickly between the rows. The effect was very good, and the blooms and fruit exceeduigly tine. Eecollcct that this was a worn-out bed. Not ha\-iug access now to the same material, I have not repeated the experiment. — T. G. MADAME CHIRAED AND OTHER EOSES. 1 EECEIVED the following from Mr. AV. Paul : — " lu my judgment you ai'e right in recommending Madame Ghii'ai'd. With mo it is quite first-class ; and everyone who sees it pronounces it so. I first met with it iu the um-sery of Pemet at Lyons, the same year that I saw Baronne de Rothschild in the same uiusery, and I find that I marked them both as ' first-rate.' As I journeyed northwards I found at Orleans Madame Alice Dureau ; and this I also marked first-rate [It is so here — TV. F. E.j , with the additional note that I rather prefen-ed Madame Chuard." I do not think it equal to Per- fection de Lyon or Madame Ghirai'd, two grand Eoses, of ex- cellent growth and general good attributes ; but it is still a first-class Rose iu the line of Reiue du Midi, which does not bloom freely here. Reine du Midi is spherical and fine when it opens freely. There is no Rose hi the line of rose-coloiu' equal to Louise Peyronny alin^ Lielia, but it is not very strong iu constitution, although derived from La Reine. I thank Mr. Peach and the electors much. Their selections of Roses are good ou the whole ; but, as far as my experience goes, iu this exposed place, I make out two reluctant bloomers, six /»•(■«(/»(' ^j/ciHC, and six bad growers on the Manetti stock. Eoses which are jtreaiine-iileioe Eoses are valuable for the garden, as they bloom freely iu bad weather, and bloom late iu the season, but they are bad for travelling, and show early in simimer "a shilling eye." — W. F. R.U)cl\tfe. THE ROYAL ASCOT VINE. Eeferbixh to the Journal of September 2'2nd, 1870, page 221, respecting this Grape, I am very happy to say I am now in a position to speak most highly iu its favour. As a Vine for pots it is quite first-rate, being very refreshing to eat, and so black as to look well against the green leaf wheu used for table decoration, while for Grapes to cut in winter and eaily spring it stands without an equal. If strong selected fruit-eyes are stai'ted in January, and the green canes stopped in July, a nice crop cau be obtained in the beginning of the next yeai' and onwards from plants iu 15-inch pots. Thus in about twelve mouths from stai'tiug the eyes you have the reward of all the laboiu' and care. A small dung bed and a glass house without much fire heat are what is required. With a httle tact, from 1.5-iueh pots capital ripe Grapes coijd be obtained in July and January out of the same glass building. Wlien the Vines have frmted once I throw them away. I know that by such treatment it will do well, but as to its bear- ing perpetually I wiU say nothing. Tryhig to make a Vme, or indeed any plant, work on with little or no rest is an attempt to upset the laws of Nature, and from which I rather abstain. I advise those who have it not to obtain it. With me it is grafted for growing hi ground \-ineries, but I intend another season to try it also against a wall, wheu I will state the results, and the stocks I have used. Its hardihood and free bearing are unexceptionable. I send with this coinmmiication (De- cember 26th), a hunch of miniature Grapes obtained from a green cane of this yeai-'s growth in a 10-inch pot, wluch stood against an easteru wall ou which the sun ceased to sliine at 11.30. Here several bunches were produced. AATieu the nights became frosty, however, it was removed to au outhouse until I had time to write this. I removed it in order to see if in so low a temperature bunches could bo obtained from green canes of the same year's gi'owing. Had the Vine been removed to a glass house, slightly heated, all the bunches would have ripened. The failure I mentioned was totally owing to the Vuies which I received being from an exhausted stock, brought about in the eagerness to produce a quantity of Vuies in a veiy short time. The Golden Champion, I regret to see, is much written against. I have seen some grand bunches in Yorkshire grafted on Bowood Muscat, but I think a more hardy stock would suit me better. I shall tiy my best with several stocks, because so noble a fruit is worthy of some painstaking. — R. M. W., Fir Vivii-, ]\'am(ij, near Slicffiehl. LILIES. I have never found an}' difficulty m growing Liliumjapoiiicuni, which thrives with me in peat and leaf mould. I winter the pots of this and other LUies, plunged, like Hyacinths and such thuigs, in sawdust, anywhere out of reach of actual frost. I think the first, or slow-growing period, should be prolonged as much as possible, after which the wai'mer berth of greenhouse or con- servatory encourages development to a high degi'ee. A free ch'culatiou of air is, however, indispensable, and the contrary most prejudicial — to wit, anything of continued close and moist treatment. Much as I object to peat for general cultivation. Lilies un- doubtedly like it. They wOl, however, do well and healthily in loam, with leaf mould or very old hotbed manure. This is aU that is uecessaiy for the Maitagous and other hardy sorts, still I find myself giving a " bit of peat " to a favourite. L. longiflonim will flourish planted under a wall for years, and I have had beds of it in great beauty under peat treatment in a genial situation. It is apt, as my friend Mr. Wilson says, to suffer from eaily frosts. In this case gangrenous spots appeal' ou the leaves, and the plants are checked and injured. Even the common white Lily sometimes suffers iu the same way here. L. japoniciim sometimes lies dormant for a year, which I believe is induced by too dry a season of rest. L. Wallichii I never could induce to start at all. L. tenuifolium came up freely from seed, and thrived in absolutely pm'e sandy loam under a glass frame in front of my stove. L. testaceum luxu- riates with me out of doors in strong loam heavily maniu'ed. Lilies seldom grow or flower strongly the first season out of doors after transplanting. They sometimes, too, resent division in-doors. When a mass is broken-up for stock, rather small pots should be used, and the plants brought ou slowly. I should be glad to know what LUies are known to produce seed in England. I have only observed it upon the old Martagous, chalcedouicum, the old orange, and once upon L. testaceum, out of doors ; in-doors, L. tigrinum speciosum and giganteum have seeded, but L. japonicum and lougiflorum never. Your corresijondeut's autumn Daffodil might be Oporanthus luteus, obtainable from the niuserymen, perhaps even now. By the way, Lilium lougiflorum, which forces veiy fairly, becomes after that operation almost a perpetual, jumping up and flowering at all sorts of odd times, sometimes " In tempore quod reriim omnium est primum " — say just iu time for your Christmas ball. Cainliihim forces well. — E. T. Claeke. HOW TO DIVIDE A PIT ECONOMIC.\LLY. "A" HAS apit 60 feet long, -nlth hot-water pipes along the front and across one end. Now, could he manage to keep out the frost, he would make a hotbed at that end, but at present the heat, by diffusing itself, prevents his doing so. He would also like to use the bottom of the pit for standing pots from 12 to 15 inches in height upon, but he is told that tliis would necessitate the formation of brick divisious, which would seri- ously interfere with the existing aiTaiigemeut of his water pipes, aud entail au expense he does not wish to incur. The advantage of having the floor of the house di\-ided is that one cau so regulate the temperature in the one, two, or three lights fonniug a division, as to giow plants requiring the most different temperatures in each, keeping that compart- ment iu which the pipes meet at right angles, for those that need the highest. Now to effect a very temporary cUvision a clean, double mat would do well, a strong piece of calico on a frame better, and a piurtition made of three cross pieces aud half-inch boards best of all. The bottom should run from wall to wall at any depth reqiui-ed, and the top should be made to suit the slope of the rafter, leaning Ughtly against it seciu-ed by a nsul Jftnuni-y 4, 1872. ) JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 11 or screw, so that tlie sash could slide freely. We find these constructions very useful in a number of cases of which the following may he taken as an instance : — Four lights of a pit have been filled with cuttings, some are half-struck, others want a fortnight of attaining that condition. Place the struck ones in two lights, and the uustruck in the other two ; insert the wooden partition between them, and then you ^ill be able to give warmth and closeness to the one division, and air, so as to harden-off, to the other. — E. P. OUR EDIBLE FUNGI. That any of our indigeuoits Fungi, other than the familiar and fragrant " pink gill " of the pastures (Agaricus campes- tris) , are wholesome or fit to be eaten is a tiling wliich finds small credence even among those who might be supposed to know better. Now, nothing can be more contrary to fact than this mistaken idea, and it is desirable that it should be gene- rally exploded. There are many other species, almost, if not equally, valuable, which, through ignorance, prejudice, or both, are allowed year after year to spring up and grow and waste, when a little knowledge would cause them to be sought after, and converted into useful aud delicious articles of food. Let us take a case in point which the present year affords, as showing that no small advantage would be derived from even a very slight acquaintance with the more fnmiliar forms of iiur edible Fungi. AMiile the ordinary field ilushroom was this year almost a blank, and the supply for the manufacture of catsup all but nil, the Champignon, Marasmius oreades, a species equally palatable, and capable of producing a far supe- rior catsup, was allowed to wither and to waste unheeded, though it might have been largely aud profitably availed of for the production of this last-named article of ciiisiiif. Another case, for which, however, we must go back to last year — by the way, a real Mushroom year. In journej^-iug up aud down the Great Southern line we, as well as nianj' others, in passuig through some of the rich feeding grounds of Kil- dai'e, were struck with the marvellous patches of Mushrooms of all sizes, from that of a cheese-plate to a platter. Our astonishment was rather increased on the return journey to see these beautiful-lookuig " flaps " remaining ungathered. We at once concluded that the abundant supply was in excess of tlie demand, and that they were not considered worth the gathering. However, on since thinking over the matter, we incline to beheve that they belonged to the nearly allied and equally useful and palatable Agaricus arvensis, or Horse Mush- room, and that prejudice, not the consideration of profit, was the cause of their being left to bleach and wither. Some years ago we took occasion in this Journal to allude v;ith regret to the want in our public institutions of well exe- cuted models of at least the commoner forms of esculent Fungi, as also of their deleterious compeers. At Glasneviu Botanic Garden, where it could be seen by such numbers of the public, and specially accessible to gardeners, young and old, such a coUectiou would be of the highest value, in improving their acquaintance with, and enabling them readily to identify at least the most useful kinds. However, no models, no matter how beautifully aud accu- rately executed, can be so instructive as recently collected specimens ; and our reason for alluding to the subject to-day is, that we may inform our readers that in the course of the coming year there is a probability of such collections being for the first time placed before the Dublin public. The learned Professor of Botany in Trinity College, Dr. E. Perceval Wright, being anxious to familiarise gardeners and the public with their forms, and remove some of the prejudice which exists against theu' use, hberally proposes to offer prizes for the best collection of edible Fungi, correctly named and tastefully set up, to be competed for at the Special Fruit Show of the Boyal Horticultural Society of Ireland, to be held in the second week in October next. In order further to provoke spirited compe- tition aud an interesting tUsphiy, the -Society will supplement Dr. Wright's prizes with its silver gilt medal for the first prize, its silver medal for the second, and bronze medal for the third. We trust that not only will the call be responded to by our scientific and gardening friends at home, but that some of the many accompUshed gastronomic fungologists of England may be induced to come over with instructive collections. — (Irish Fanners' Gazette.) Tkaining on Walls. — As cottagers often find a difficulty in training trees upon a stone or other rough wall, a very good plan is to nail osiers or hazel 7 or more inches apart on the wall, and train t)ie trees upon them by tying-in the branches. This will save naUs, as a rod 8 feet will require but a shred Jit each end and one in the centre. — C'anooet Park. BURGHLEY HOUSE, The Eesidence of the Marquis of Exetee. In "Domesday Book" it is spelt Bui'ghelei and Burglea, and detailed as part of the endo-mnents of Burgh Abbey. In later archives it is described as " the manor of Burle, in the township of Burle, near PiUesgate." Racy and mteresting are the memoir's of many of its earlier tenants, but we must pass them over to note that it came into the possession of the Cecils on the suppression of Burgh Abbey, iu the reign of Henry VIII. The chief portion of the mansion was erected by the cele- brated Lord Treasurer Burghley during the reign of Elizabeth, and the dates on various of its parts range from 1577 to 1587. A residence had been erected on the same site by some of his ancestors, for he says in one of his letters, " I have set my walls on the old foimdation. Indeed, I have made the rough stone walls to be squai'e, and yet one side remauieth as my father left it me." The Lord Treasiu-er was the first to form a park around the ma)isiou, but it was much enlai'ged by the Earl of Exeter in 1665, and though we cannot precisely state its acreage, we believe its circumference is about eleven miles. In a portion of tliis park, as tliere probably is underlying the whole of it, uou ore has been found near the surface, aud this is now being worked. Burghley is no exception to the rule. No ancestral hall is without its romance. Burghley, in truth, hath its many romances, but we wUl only particularise, aud that very briefly, one versified by Tennyson. Henry, first Marquis of Exeter, retaining only his family name, retired to Bolas iu Shropshiic. Ho there wooed and won Swali Hoggins. " He is but a lontLscape painter. And a village maiden she." He represented that he was poor — " I can nmko no maniago pi-esout, Little can I give my wife ; Love will make our cottaj,'0 plcasont, Ami I love thee more than life." Towards tliat " cottage" they journeyed ; seeing " wlmtovor'H fair ami aplondiU Lay hetwi-xt his homo ami hers." At length they reached She wondered to see the deference with which he was re- ceived, £uid the freedom with which he passed " on from hall to hall," but the solution was at hand ; — *' For, while now she wonders blindly. Nor the meaning can divine, Proudly turns he round and kiiidly, ' .Mi "of this is mine aud thine.' " Slie was " The Lady of Burleigh," and gladdened should wo be if we could add that she sustained long and firmly her elevation, but tlie transition was too sudden; her spirit was not self-reliant— she feared that she could not worthily he the Marchioness — " So she di-oop'd and droop'd before him, FadinR slowly from his side ; Three fair childi-en first she boro him. Then before her time she died." Burghley House is about a nule to the east of the Stamford station of' the Stamford and Essendine EaUway — a railway made by the Marquis of Exeter; hence it has been said that travellers by it are the Marquis of Exeter's passengers. It need hardly' be remarked that when our great trmik lines were projected great opposition was made to them by the gentlemen through whose estates it was proposed they should pass, and originally it was intended to take the maui line of the Great Northern through Stamford on the old Great North Road, but the Marquis of Exeter of those days opposed its passage, and successfully. Stamford, great ui coaching days, suffered much from the iliversion of the traffic by road without receiving compensation in the shape of raUway communication with the great towns of the kingdom ; but now all that is changed. By the little line just referred to it is brought into connection with 12 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. [ Joauoi-y 4, 1873 the Great Northern system, and the North-Westeru and the MiiUaud lines each have branches to Stamford, so that perhaps no town of equal, if not greater, population is so well provided with railway accommodation. It is not improbable that the opposition to this in the first instance was the best thing that could liave happened, for, the want being felt, the railway com- panies were all the more anxious to meet it. The principal entrance to the park is on the Great North Koail, but there ai-e others in different directions leading through avenues variously planted with Limes, Ekus, and Cliestnuts. The mansion faces a little to the west of south, consequently the other side has a north-easterly aspect ; it is on the latter side that the carriage circle is situated, but it strikes one that something is wanted to break the flat appear- ance of the wide circle of tuif enclosed by the broad gi'avel drive, say a statue or a fountain, wliich must, however, be of a character to accord with the building — not necessarily gor- geous, like the richly-gilt wTought iron gates which give access to the house on this and the west side — but noble in its appear- ance. Round the outside of the circle is a nairow border which in summer is occupied with Dahlias, Hollyhocks, and other flowering plants interspersed among the dwarf shrubs which are the permanent occupants. On the west side the most notable object is a small-leaved Lime tree planted by Queen Elizabeth, and therefore more than 300 years old; its trunk is about 7 feet in diameter, but though preserved with all the care due to so ancient and venerable a tree, its years are numbered, for its limbs, though chained together and propped up, creak ominously, and must eventually give way before one of those strong " sou '-westers " to which it is so much exposed. But there is life in the old tree j-et, and when such a catastrophe shall have occurred the stump, which will pro- bably be left, will doubtless throw out fresh branches, and ' thouglr then for many years the tree will be little better than a pollard, it will still remain as a memorial of the Virgin Queen and her far-seeing minister. On the south, or more strictly south-west front, of which we give a view, are a thriving young Oak — at le:ist, young as Oaks grow — planted by Her Majesty when on a visit to Burghley in 1844, and a Lime tree planted by the Prince Consort. Extensive views over the lake and park are obtained in this dii-ection, in one of which a bridge of tlnee arche.5 is seen spanning the water. Eight handsome standard Portugal Laurels in tubs are ))laeed along the terrace walk and sloping lawn in front of tlie mansion. On the east side is what is called the Orange Court, in which are several stone-edged oval beds grouped round rockwork, in the centre of which is a fountain with an oval basiu about 16 yards long by 12 in its shorter diameter. The bashi was empty, having been cleared out to be stocked with tish arti- ficially hatched. The orangery, like a great many others in this country, has been turned to other purposes than plant- preserving, though it contains a few Camellias. Bm-ghley has no conservatory, and the only plant houses are three substantially-built lean-to's, with stone shelves iu front and stages at the back. These are chiefly occupied with old plants and cuttings of Geraniums, by Azaleas, Cinerarias, and plants for house and table decoration, such as Draea;nas, Coleuses, Ferns, and a number of excellently -bloomed Chinese Primulas, of which Mr. Russell, who manages thi^j pai't of the garden, finds the double-white very useful for bouquets, as the petals do not drop so readily as those of the laigcr-flowered and more sho\^'y single kinds. The pleasure gi-oimds surrounding the house cover between thirty and forty acres, including a large extent of kept gi-ass, which of course involves a heavy amount of labour, and owing to then' situation being a breezy upland, it must be difficult to keep the lawns so free of leaves as they were when we saw them. There is an .American garden occupying a large circle under the lee of a mount, likewise a rosery ; and near the shores of the lake is a garden of 14.5 small geometrical Box- edged beds, wliich must be very difficult to plant, as the beds form complete designs from various points of view, and still more difficult to keep in order from tlieir small size, many angles, and exposed position. At the head of the lake there is also a series of long beds on one side of the walk along a bank probably artificially formed, and on the otlier the gi'ound rajiidly descends, and is densely clothed with Laurels and other shrubs. Laurels both Common and Portugal, but espe- cially the former, are planted iu great numbers b^- the sides of the pleasure-ground walks, as they thrive so well under the trees. Of these there are many noble specimens of the Cedar of Lebanon, one having a stem nearly 5 feet iu diameter at the base ; there ai'e several others almost as large, but not so handsome, having lost some limbs through wind and snow. There are good trees of the Hemlock Spruce and some other Pinuses, but the number of those not indigenous to tliis Jttunary 4, 1872. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 13 country is not large, nor is the soil favourable to them. The ' overflow of the lake forms a waterfall, descending into an old quarry now planted, and bears such a resemblance to that at Bowood, though it is ou a smaller scale, that one is led to suspect it is the work of the same hand, especially as the lake of thiity-two acres has probably been fonued iu a similar maimer to the one at the place referred to. One of the most beautiful views of the lake is seen in the aceompanyuig en- gi'a\Tng from a clever photogi'aph, but since it was taken the boat-house has been pulled down and a new one ha.s been commenced. In a gardening point of view, however, the gi-eat feature of Burghley is its kitchen garden, of which the ruling genius is Mr. E. Gilbert, whose name is well known as a successful ex- hibitor of fruit and vegetables, and that not in local compe- titions, but in such as have taken place at Kensington and Nottingham. The garden in which these products are grown, situated far to the south of the mansion, from which it is separated by a wide breadth of the park, is one of the largest iu the country, covering about fourteen acres within the walls, but there is also a large area iu outside slips, besides an orchard of four acres, in wliich are grown Sea-kale, Ehubarb, and Greens of various kuids, as well as fmit trees. We will first enter the houses, which are models of neatuesft and cleanliness, the walls fresh limewashed, the woodwork not long painted, the glass perfectlj' clear, and not an insect to be seen. The first vineiy is a lean-to, 60 feet by 1.5, and the Vuies are chiefly, if not exclusively, Black Hamburghs, which have been planted about forty years ; but by gi'afting Mr. Gil- bert is introducing Black Damascus, Ferdinand de Lesseps, and several new kinds. The scions worked on the old Vines are taking remarkably well, and are treated on what may be termed the bottle system, the lower end being inserted m a bottle of water. Between this house and the second vinery is Tlie Lull' lit Uiu-ld. a.lobby filled with Chinese Primulas, CaUas, Mignonette, and various other decorative plants, among which is the Borage, ornamental by its blue flowers, and useful for claret cups as well. Vinery No. 2 at present contains the MUl Hill Hamburgh, but Mr. Gilbert purposes plantuig it with Lady Downe's and other late kinds, makuig the border inside. It also contains a number of Pine suckers, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thuiy, and other Strawben-ies on the top shelf, both small and large Vines in pots for the dinner table. Peas, and Potatoes. The next two houses are each 30 feet by 1.5, and are occupied with pot Vines, chiefly Black Hamburghs and Sweetwaters, breaking very regularly, and Pines to be started at the beginning of February for fruiting. To prevent bleetling in the Vines a kind of varnish is employed, which sets hard and appears to answer the purpose effectually. Two Muscat houses come next, in which tine crops have been produced ; indeed an excel- lent crop still remains, though one-half has been cut. Treb- biano, which Mr. Gilbert esteems highly as a large late-keeping Grape, is to be introduced into these houses, as well as other kinds, which \vill carry the supply further on in the spi-ing. Vineries Nos. 5 and 6 are devoted to Lady Downe's, West's St. Peter's, Mrs. Puice, Trebbiano, and Alicante, of which the crops are excellent. A span-roofed house in two divisions comes next. This is efficiently heated by thi-ee rows of 3-inch pipes, with evaporating tanks, ou each side, and three 4-ineh pipes for bottom Iicat under the bed, which is 7 feet wide. One compartment is devoted to Cucumbers, which are trained on a trellis under the roof, and are bearing freely ; the other is occupied with Dwarf Kidney Beans, of whicli a large .supply is required. The next two houses are half-spans, each 40 feet long, and are filled with one of the healthiest stocks of Pine Apples which it has ever been oiu' lot to see. The varieties diiefly groflii are Thoresby Queen, Black .Jamaica, and Smooth- leaved Cayenne. These, wliich are intended for .July fraiting, are all planted out in a 9-feet bed of loam and bone-dust. The latter Mr. Ciilbert finds an exceUeut healthy stimulant. Two more lean-to houses (10 and 11), are the first and second Peach houses. The trees in both are in admirable health, and trained with the greatest care to curved treUises 3 feet from the glass. The varieties are Eoyal George and Noblesse ; the former was in blossom in the early house. Figs occupy the back walls, and Strawbenies the shelves at top. Another Peach house has recently been planted with Early York, Early Beatrice, and Victoria Nectarine, and is intended in future years to foiin the earliest Peach house. There is in addition a small Fig house, besides the hip-roofed fruiting Pine pit, which is amply suppUed with both toj) and bottom heat, and contains a large and remarkably healthy stock of plants, with excellent fruit in various stages. At the warm end there is a plant of Musa Cavendishii, which is now bearing a cluster of fruit, but to what size it will ultimately swell it is. JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE G.OtDENEE. [ Joimlr;- 4, 1872. of eom-ae, impossible to eoujectme. Some idea of the number of Pines grown may be formed from the fact that Mr. Gilbert is supposed to have a Piiie ready for table whenever one is required. We will not enter largely iuto the vegetahle-forcmg depart- ment, though heavy supplies are required and jiroduced, and that, too, of excellent quaUty. For instance, of Asparagus there are eleven Ughts, affording gathermgs from November until it is obtained from the open ground, whilst of Mushrooms the production, iu abimdance and excellence, is remai-kable ; indeed Mushrooms are quite a speciality with Mr. Gilbert, and he obtains them at all seasons with certainty and ease iu a weU-coustructed liouse with beds ou arches, under which Ehu- barb and Sea-kale are forced, and Endive brought on and hlauched. The mode of cultivation which Mr. Gilbert pur- sues was thus described by himself iu one of our former volumes : — " I procure two cartloads of good fresh stable manure, and shake out the longest of the straw. I am not, however, verj- particular about this. Then it is turned over in the open air once or twice to get rid of the rank steam. When this is gone the dung is taken into one of the sheds at the back of the houses, and about four barrowfuls of ordinary fresh soU mixed with it. The bed is then made up on the floor of the shed to a depth of about 12 inches, pressed rather firmly, and spawned when at a tempe- ratm-e of between 75° and 80°. A covering of about 1 inch of good strong loam in a rather rough state is then added, and beaten level with the spade. By using heavy loam as a covering, the Mushrooms produced are of a much more solid character than where light sifted soil is used; they are, consequently, more valuable, commanding a far higher price in the market. The whole is then covered up with at least 9 inches of straw or long litter. " I never use any fire heat, as I consider that a piece of use- less extravagance. Better Mushrooms can be gi-own without fire heat than with it, and a continuous supply kept up through- out the coldest winters. Then, if it is so, why should our em- ployers be put to so much expense in erecting and heating grand dungeons for this dainty, which can be so easily cultivated with- out their aid ? " Three ridge beds out of doors have just been spawned, and three more are shortly to be made, so that there is eveiy pro- spect of the ample supply of Mushrooms being continued throughout this as it has been in past years. In one of the outside slips is a very cheaply formed and useful pit for Carrots, Radishes, and new Potatoes. Instead of glazed sashes the glass slides upwards and downwards in grooves, m the same way as iu some veiy economical protectors which Mr. Gilbert has had made as a substitute for hand-glasses. The latter are of the best inch deal, thiice coated with x^aiut, and, glass and labour included, cost but .3s. 6d. each. There can be no doubt that as protectors they will prove more effective than hand-glasses, more durable, and cheaiJer m the long iiui as well as in their first cost. With regard to the houses, it should be added that there are but three boUers, the whole of the vineries and peacheries being heated by one of Weeks's tubular boOers, with a spare one iu case of accident, and some of the smaller house ny a saddle boiler. In the kitchen garden compartments, of which there are six, enclosed by 12-feet walls, with 16-feet borders, are all the usual crops in excellent condition, and nothing could be better than the condition of the trees on the walls — Pears, Peaches, Necta- rines, Apricots, and Figs. The first-named are horizontally trained, in stages about 18 inches apart, and consist of a selec- tion of the best kinds, ripening in succession ; and among the Peaches are several twenty-three years old, lifted and replanted last year, and looking none the worse of the operation. In one of the borders Potatoes were being planted for early use, the kinds being Coldstream Early, and Paterson's Victoria, which Mr. Gilbert prefers to kidney varieties ; in another bor- der is an excellent stock of Snow's Winter White Broccoli, sowm at the end of March, to succeed Waleheren, just over; and in a third a very fine stock of Brussels Sprouts, ranging from 3 feet high, with the stems densely set with fine large sprouts. These were the result of three seasons' selection, but Mr. Gilbert thinks a further selection uecessaiy to render the strain permanent. Extensive quarters of Gooseberries, well- managed pyramid Pears, and all the ordinary kitchen-garden crops are excellently represented. We have now only to add that the fruit -room, root-stores, and the other requisite stnic- tiu-es are conveniently and well arranged ; that in the young men's rooms the convenience and comfort of the mmates have been duly attended to; and lastly, that the order, neatness, and ability with which everything is managed, reflect the greatest credit on Mr. Gilbert, whom we have long known as one of the best gardeners in this countiy. HEATING BY HOT WATER. NoTWiXHSTAXDiNG all the elaborate essays that have from time to time appeared in the horticultural press on heating hothouses v.-ith hot water — not to say anything of the stin'iug controversies that have taken place on the subject — we have the best reasons for belie'i-ing that many wliom the matter intimately concerns have still but veiy vague and enoneous ideas regarding the principles upon wliich the proper adjust- ment of hot-water boilers and pipes depends. And from some cause or other, it is a notion very prevalent that the easiest and shortest way to get deeply immersed iu the disagreeable and undefined difiiculty figuratively tenned " hot-water," is to plunge iuto this heating question, in which are involved furnaces, boilers, pipes, fire, and water, besides that un- fortunate being who has to control the elements and condi- tions of combustion so as to have half-a-dozen thermometer- needles in as many hothouses standing at certain hair-like marks at half-a-dozen different times iu the four-and-twenty houi'S. It is our belief that, if those who have to do with fixing pipes and boOers were to make themselves acquainted with the effects of heat and the power of gravitation on water, it would be next to impossible to commit the blunders, and resort to the unnecessaiy and expensive precautionary measures, one so often meets with and has to deal with. It is no part of our intention to pretend to deal with that imponderable and power- ful agent called by men of science caloric, but which we shall call heat — h;vi3othetically regarded as a subtle fluid, the particles of which are to each other repellent, but attractive to all sub- stances, though iu various degrees. But the effect of heat upon water, an element composed of minute and distinct par- ticles that are supposed not to have the quality or power of transmitting heat the one to the other, as in the case of solid bodies, is one of tlie matters concerning which some knowledge is indispensable in the case of all who have anything to do with heating by means of heated water circulating iu pipes. The particles of which water consists, it need scarcely be said, have a capacity for heat from different sources, but most manifestly so to us in this case from combustion on the fire. Now the expansion of bodies is one of the most universal effects of increasing their heat. This exjjansion takes place to a greater degi'ee in some bodies than in others. Liqnids expand much more by the same increase of heat than solid bodies, and air more than either. With the expansion of the individual particles of water, their specific gravity becomes less; in other words, they become hghter in proportion to their size. Here lies the whole secret of hot-water circulation in pipes and boilers, and the well-known law which should regulate theh relative positions the one to the other. The heated particles of water bound upwards, and, as " Nature abhors a vacuum," then- place is taken up by a rash of colder and heavier pai'ticles. It is of very little practical use to cavil about the question as to whether heat or the greater specific gi-a\ity of the cold water which jostles up the warmer and lighter plays the gi-eatest part iu sending up and away the stream of hot water. Both have a hand in it, no doubt. This influence of heat upon water can be very manifestly shown by filling a tumbler with cold water, and mixing with it some coloured particles of matter, and then immersing the tumbler m a vessel filled with hot water. It \\-ill at once be seen, by the motion of the particles of coloui'ed matter, that at the sides of the tumbler there is an upward current of heated, and in the centre a downwai'd current of colder, water. And this goes on until the whole is of the same temperature. A glass of warm water immersed in cold has the current reversed in its comse — upwards iu the centre, and do^^•nwards at the sides, where the water is being cooled. Here we have the whole secret of the motion and course of heated water iu the boiler and pipes of a i^roperly-adjusted heatuig-apparatus. And one woiild suppose that the sunple understanding of tliis would prevent any from making mistakes. Yet, strange to say, many who undertake hothouse-building are entirely ignorant of these simple and well-established facts. Wherever the heat generated by combustion in the furnace acts most directly and powerfully, from that surface bound upwards the particles of water, and to that spot, simultanc- January 4, 1873. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. 15 ously, di"op the colder particles of water, to be iu theii- turn seut bouudiug ou their errand of warmth ; and anything that attempts to contravene this law of gravitation will be rebelled against by the elements concerned with uumistakeable violence and persistency. Clearly, then, the outlet for the water, thus lightened and charged ^\-ith its freight of heat, should be at the highest part of the boiler ; and that by which the cold water is to ran in and dowii, to take its place, should be at the lowest point. Boiler-inventors and manufactui'ers recognise this important part of the matter, and always place the flow- pipe at the highest, and the return-pipe at the lowest, point of boilers. Great importance has been attached by many to the neces- sity, or at least the gi'eat desnabilitv, of ha\"ing the boiler fixed at a veiy much lower level than the pipes ; and also to the necessity of lading all the flow-pipes ou the inchne the whole length of the house to be heated. The importance, too, of having the .retirrn-pipes ou a considerable decUue, has, iu our opinion, been vei-y much over-estimated. It is eutnely un- necessary to form deep, damp stokeholes, in order to sink the boiler to a level below the main body of the pipes, as is so vei*!," frequently met with. And as to having the pipes nuauing at an incline after starting from so liigh a level, we consider it entu'ely unnecessary. Indeed, one of the most efficient heat- ing-apparatus we ever superintended, started from about a foot above the level of the boiler, and ran down a gradual decUne into the boiler. Iramediatelj' the water enters a hothouse it begms to part with the heat absorbed from the fire, gets colder, increases in specific gravity as it speeds in its way back to the boiler again, and a downhill career is most natural to it as soon as it leaves the highest point of action, where its heat is the gi'eatest. Practically, we have never found much ihffereuce when the pipes went the whole leugth of the house on au incline, or on a dead level all the way round till it came near the boiler and dropped into the return-opening of the boiler. Indeed there is httle fear of a good chculation, provided the pipes do not at anj' point descend and rise sud- denly, and most especially that at any point they do not dip below the level of the return-opening into the boiler. We have had the working of apparatus where pipes, descending perpendicularly, crossed under a walk and rose again perpen- dicularly to heat another range of 80 feet of glass ; but at none of the points were the pipes within a couple of feet of the level of the return-opening into the boiler. This im- desirable arrangement worked pretty well until hard firing became necessary, when the result was that the water was thrown out in plunges at the supply-cistern. Such an arrangement should always be avoided ; for if it start from the warmest part, it must be forced work for the hottest water to go downhill, and it is equally so to send it ujihill cold. There is another eiTor frequently committed iu arranging the route of the water. Suppose, for instance, a boiler fixed at one end of a house of say 80 or 100 feet long, as part of the work allotted to it. As m the case of span-roofed houses, it may be desuable to have three or four rows of pipes aU roimd the house. Now it is not uncommon to find two rows called the flow-pipes taken all round the house to near the boiler, and there to start back with other two on the same route into the return-opening of the boiler. This is gi™ig the water a long jom-uey, and the return-pipes will be found comparatively cold by the time the water gets back by the same route to the boiler. Now, if instead of this the whole four pipes be con- nected with the flow-pipe, and go round the front and end of the house on a level, and start along the back ou a decliue to the boiler, and there plunge do«-n the di'op-pipe into the return-openmg of the boiler, it wUl be found that wiule any portion of the pipes may not be quite so hot as at the be- ginumg of the two flow-pipes iu the former case, there will not be any portion of them nearly so cold as the last portion of the retuiii. We do not say that this is the best way to conduct the water ; but we have proved from experience that the aiTangement indicated is the better of the two named, when the pipes are, from any necessary conditions, laid all round the house in this way. The supply of waste water to the boiler and pipes is often placed anywhere that looks most convenient ; but the proper place is to attach the supply to the retm-n-pipe somewhere near the boiler. Fixed to the flow, it will be frequently plunged out by the upward tendency of the hottest water. It is also very uudesu-able to leave the supply cistern to be kept fuU either by pouring iu water from a pot or by turning a tap, which is often neglected. There should always be a cistern suppUed by the action of a ball-cock, and then the anxiety connected with the neglect of supply does not exist. A great many methods of supplying moisture to the atmo- sphere of hothouses in connection with the heating apparatus have been adopted — such as zinc troughs placed on the pipes, troughs cast ou the pipes themselves, a flow of water running in an open gutter, rising out of the flow at one end and drop- ping into the return at the other. We have tried all these, and more besides. The best we have tried is, first, to fix a flat-bottom open trough, 2i inches deep, and 6 inches wide, the whole length of the pipes iu front of the house ; this trough to have no connection with the hot-water pipes beyond resting on them at a level. In the centre of this trough is fixed a 2J-uich-iu-iUameter rain-water pipe, jointed with Port- land cement — the best of all joint-cement. This rain-water pipe is connected with the flow-pipe as it leaves the boiler, and with the retura-pipe at the other end of the house. I3oth ends of the trough are made water-tight round t)ie rain-water pipe. At the middle of the house a brass tap is fitted into the close-pipe which fills the trough, and can be adjusted to let water sufficient escape into the trough to just keep it full, and the small pipe neaii.y immersed m water. The supply to the boiler being of coiu'se ou the retm'u-pipe, is spoken of aheady, and by means of a ball-cock. This is the most satisfactory steaming-apparatus we have ever tried ; it is simple, requires next to uo attention, and the water heats regularly the whole leugth of the house. Iu open 'gutters without the small pipe, we have always found a glut of steam at one end, and next to none at the other, iu long houses. The arrangement, besides, is equal to another row of 4-inch pipes. Space forbids us to say much of boilers. We have worked couicals, cannons, single and triple retorts, saddles, upright tubulars, cruciforms, ifec. ; and we have some at work yet very much the shape of a butcher's pickling-tub. The last-named are perfectly absui'd, of coiu'se, holding nearly as much water as all the pipes. Some of the others named are good. The upright tubidars are very powerful, but expensive, and requu'e deep stokeholes. Upon the whole, for cheapness, efficiency, and safety of coustniction, we give the palm to Meiklejohn's cniciform. Various materials are used in constructing boilers, such as cast and malleable uou and copper. The latter is expensive, but marvellously effective, durable, and safe ; and in our own case, we are superseding others with them, and in simple single retorts, 6 feet long by 2 feet in diameter over all. For amateiu's, who only requhe to heat small houses, we know of nothing so efficient and cheap as Meiklejohn's amateur's retort. Foiuteen years ago we lieated a late vinery 63 feet long with one of these, and it is yet doing its work well. As to valves for stopping and regulating the flow of water, we have had numbers in use, but we consider Messenger's patent valve the most efficient, simple, and least likely to be out of repau' of auy we have tried. — |T7it' Gardener.] THE GLADIOLUS. JrsT a few words in respect to the queiy put by " Stiff Soil," page -185, and the answer it has called forth. It appears to me that the main fault does not he in the HI- health of the bulbs, although I admit that it is impossible for diseased roots to produce good spikes of bloom. I should ima- gine that "one of our gi-eatest EngUsh growers" would avoid sending out bulbs that were unhealthy, and, if such were the case, it is possible that he was not aware of it. It seems that the uiexperieuced, and the experienced as well, have got hold of an idea that the Gladiolus is subject to au incurable disease, and this idea being strengthened by some of oiu' piincipal writers, I fear it will be a long time before it is eradicated. I do not beheve such is the case. My experience tells me that bulbs planted iu soil which has previously had thick cb'essings of manure, decay and die prematurely ; but that when planted in a moderately rich soil, and when coming into bloom, stimulated with wealc liquid manure, they rarely show any unhealthy symptoms. The Gladiolus is like any other bulb, the older it gets the more exliausted is it, and the quality of the flower of course decreases with the degeneration of the plant. Let this idea of hereditary disease be destroyed iu the minds of the pubhc, and this genus of plants will yearly become more popular, and be much more extensively grown. I expected the price of the Gladiolus bought by " Stiff Soil " woirld be questioned, but not one single word do his advisers say about it. Probably the bulbs grown were low-priced varie- ties, and if so, how is it possible to expect them to throw up 16 JObENAt 6F HOEtlCULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAtlDENEE. [ January 4, 1&72, fine spikes? But if " Stiff Soil" did have show varioties, for which, of course, he must have paid good prices, he did right, after all his care and attention, to look for some decent spikes amongst them. I have alwavs observed tliat the bulbs for which 3s. 6(/. and upwards is paid, invariably produce the best flowers. " First get the goose, ami tlien cook it." I wonder what sort of spikes " Stiff Son. " expected ? Wonderful spikes, perhaps, after his gi-eat liberality tc-., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.G. We also request that correspondents 'will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Books {R. D.). — 'We do not know the publisher. ■We should probably be able to aseertain if you said who was the author. . Self-acting Fountains [J. i?.). — "We ai-e iufonned that they ai-e manu- factured by Messrs. J. Brooks & Son, Sheffield. They would pay for fully advertising. 'Vine Grafts (J. M. 0.).— Thanks for your obliging offer. 'U'e have not the ■variety you name. Eoyal MnscADiSE 'Vine— S-U.T as a Manttbe IU. Foy).— Doubtless jour Vine suffered from being shaded by the Black Hamburgh ; but a young Vine seldom does well when planted in a border already occupied -with othejr Vines. You would succeed better were you to inarch the Royal Muscadine on the January -l, 1872. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Hamburgh, and Kee that tbo yuuug rods ai-e fully exposed to the light to ripen the wood properly. Salt applied at the rate of half a peck to a rod of ground -will he of "much benefit to vegetables, and also to your flower border. Planting Vines {Ignoramita). — You purchased fniitiUR and not planting Vines. Canes such as you describe would carry a crop of fruit nest season. If you plant them as permanent Vines, cut them back to 3 feet at ouce, aud plant them out in March. When the buds are fairly started rub off all except two or thi-ee at the base ; these you must train up to the apes of the roof. Pinch all lateral shoots at the second leaf. As your house is span-roofed, why ut)t plant on both sides ? If you cannot do this, then you must train the yoiing rods over from one side to the other. The second year, if the Vines have done weU, they will hear a light crop of fruit — from two to four bunches on each rod. As soon as the leaves have fallen the cones should he cut back, the weakest to 3 feet, and the strongest to 6 feet from the bottom of the rafters. If your house is used as a greenliouse in smnmer, the Vine rods should he 5 feet 6 inches apart ; if used only as a vinery, 2 feet 9 inches is the proper distance. Planting Vines and Making Vine Border (Philip Barker).— Vk'e would not moke an outside border the first year, and only half of the inside one, making' up the other half inside at the end of the second year ; two years after this we would add 6 feet to the outside. " A hanier of slates" would not prevent the roots from running through to the back wall. It would require a brick wall on a Boiid foundation. You could manage it by raising a wall of turves as you filled- in the new border, and leaving an open space between this aud the old soil. Vines will do no good on the back waU after the roof is covered with bearing wood. Six plants will be sufficient for a house 30 feet long, two rods trained up from each plant ; it will leave them 2 feet 6 inches apart, which is as close as they ought to he. Iron Pipe for Flue {Flue). — Wo are sorry wo cannot help you much All iron pipes used as flues are apt to havo this dark stick-y fluid formed on them in exact proportion to the dampness of the weather and the fuel. Some- times, but not 60 often, it appears on brick and earthenware tube flues. We advise you to hum some dry wood in the fm-nace to diy up the condensation, and then use fuel in a drier state than usual. It would also be well to have a short pipe at the lowest level to slip over the ends of the other two, and by taking this off or shpping it along you could clear out the matter by a pole or small hoe. Pit Converting to Propagating House (A Young BegiiiJier). — We have no doubt the plan you propose would answer well, but you must have means to let the heat rise to worm the air of the house. If you have tanks on the flue, you would need corks attached to small rods to show when the tanks were full. " We have very lately described the modes of doing all this with a flue. As yon mean to retain the flue, this is the way we would do it : — Instead of the pit of 7 feet in width, 7 feet high at back, and 3 feet high in front, we would sink the pit 6 inches more, run a 4:-inch wall, with piers of 9 inches, 2i feet from the bock wall, raising that to within 3.J feet of the gloss. That would form your pit. Then take a 9-inch flue thi-ough the middle of it ; brick-on-bed for a yard from the furnace, briek-on-edge the rest of the dis- tance, and carry it back in the pathway, the top of the flue forming part of the pathway. You would thus command bottom and top heat without any trouble. All round the flue in the bed we would pack clinkers and brickbats openly, aud cover them and a few inches over the flue with smaller stones, and then fijie gravel. On each side of the flue have upright drain pipes, so that you con damp the stones and rubble, not the flue, and have plugs of wood for these upright pipes. Four or five of the uprights should stand on each side, and the base end should rest on a slate, so that the water might be dispersed over the stones. Adiantum farleyense should seldom be in a temperature below 60". Where to Move to (A Yorkshiremait).—A.s you have spent four years at nursery work, we think that yoxi had better remain at that than prepare for hoUling a place as a gentleman's gardener, in which case you would have a good deal to leam. Much, however, depends on youi- own feelings with regard to the subject. An intelligent temperate man will conunand good wages in a nursery when his character and capabilitie-; are fully established, and he may ultimately set up business for himself. At all events, he will be able to act more independently than if he were a gentleman's gardener. Nevertheless, in the latter case, though not free from drawbacks, he will have no trouble with money affairs — one of the most disturbing circujnstauces to many when they first commence business. CuouMBER (Vegetarian). — ^Write to Messrs. Rollieson, Tooting. Distinctive Characters of the Eose Classes (An Inquirer). — Your query is not easily answered. Many florists place a Rose in different classes, and many would be puzzled if asked to state the characters of some of the classes. If any of our great Rose- cultivators will furnish us with the dis- tinctive characters of the Provence, Bom-bon, Noisette, Hybrid Perpetual, aud other classes, into which florists divide Roses, wo and many of our readers will be much obliged. Colour of Peas (H. C.).~The colour of Peas is reckoned from their con- dition in a dry state, the white, as a rule, being the smiUlest, and of a paler colour when boiled than blues, which are also of better flavour. The green ore good in colour when cooked. The blue and green are generally better croppers, but this does not invariably hold good, as some of the whites are excellent both as regards cropping and quality. Stopping Pelargoniums (A Young Exhibitor).— Tor flowering in June stop them early in February, and the Fancy sorts at the same time. Your treatment is correct. Small Birds Attacking Buds (Constant Reader). — Dress them with a mixture of lime and soot, brought to the consistency of paint by adding 2 ozs. of soft soap to a gallon of water. This should be done about February, and is also a good preventive of insect pests. We have found it also desirable not to prune until the buds have begun to swell. We have found black worsted or cotton stretched from branch to branch, so as to form meshes about 3 or 4 niches wide, keep off birds when other means failed. Strips of glass about 3 inches long and 2 wide, blackened on one side, suspended from the shoots, are useful for scaring them. Electricity (J. Wilson). — It will not make plants grow without warmth' &e., nor con we without diagrams explain how you could moke a galvanic battery. Names of Fruits (J. D. GiZ/Tn/;ftflm).— 2, Chanmontel; 2, Beurr^Langelier; 4, Feom's Pippin; 6, Cowame Queening; 7, PUo's Russet. Names of Plants (A Ten-years Su &5 c-r i be r).— Your Oncidimn sent last week appears to be 0. altissimum. (Mi: H. Dwrit/i).— PeUtea adiantifolia. It is not a climbing species. The frond sent is quite exceptional in having its rachis curved. POULTRY, BEE, AND PiaEON CHRONICLE. THE OLD AND THE NEW YEAB. We have somewhat varied onr routine. Formerly we ad- dressed our readers on the last number of the old year. The retrospect is not so cheerful as the anticiijation. We had to do with the past, and now we are disposed to draw on the future. The latter is always gilded, the former has suffered from wear aud tear. The past is somewhat stale, flat, and un- profitable ; the future " Hails in its heart the triumphs yet to come." Tet we would not discard the past ; it tells us of another pro- sperous year, of old ties still unbroken, of constantly-recurring names that are " familiar in our mouths as household words," and wo trust that they, like ourselves, are grateful that we are spared to hail the advent of Eighteen Hundred and Seventy- two. We have had halcyon days. We have glided down the past fifty-two weeks with few, if auy, storms, and our bark enters the port with canvas undamaged, and with a tried and trusty crew. Some remarks on the past may be expected, and we shall not withhold them. As faithful chroniclers we will briefly notice those things with which we have been brought in con- stant contact. Dorkings have remained stationary as regards weight, but it must be recollected there is a limit to everything. In the last few vears they have iucreased (we speak of exhibition bh-ds) froin 2 to 3 lbs. each. They stiU form one of the largest classes at shows, aud they sell readily. The fault we have to point out is the prevalence of spurs outside instead of inside the leg. This should be avoided. lu this, as in mauy other breeds, although size is a great desideratum, it must not be gained by the sacrifice of other properties. Spanish make no progress either in numbers or quality. They are not equal to those we had years ago, nor are they so distinguished for those merits that amateurs look for. We should be sorry to see a marked decadence iu these beautiful fowls. They are the townsman's birds. Their constitution is of iron; they will live iu auy space however confined, and when eggs are sold, as they should be for general purposes, by weight, they wiU tell their tale m the balance-sheet. It is trile they are not sitters, but few dwellers iu towns have conveni- ence for rearing chickens. Our good old friends the Cochins iucrease aud prosper ; they deserve it. No fowl has kept the word of promise more than these have. They never ail anything, theu- chickens are hatched as hai-dy as young crocodiles, they are not wanderers, and they do not easily take offence. The pullets lay at an earlier age than almost any fowl ; and as it no longer costs a good hunter, or a six-roomed cottage replete with every con- venience, to buy a cock and hen, we are not surprised that they are extensively kept. Viewed as show bu-ds, they have not been kept to the standard of former years. The hideous vulture hock has been overlooked, or allowed to be palliated by a Uttle extra feathermg on the leg or middle toe.^ A mealy wing iu a cock has been declared an abomination, while stained hackles in pullets have been allowed to pass unquestioned. It was the work of years to get rid of the marked hackle, but the vulture hock was unknown tUl recently. Many thousands of birds, faultless save for the hock, have been, and stiU are, killed every spring. These remarks will iu some measure apply to the next re- view, that of the Brahmas. These birds have at last outlived all opposition, and now form the large class at most exhibi- tions. They are truly valuable fowls, ridiculously hardy, care- less of confinement, moderate eaters. The facility with which they are bred to resemble each other in every particular point, has long since cUsposed of the idea they were a composite breed, or an offshoot of the Cochms. If we were asked for a, fowl calculated to live and do well iu any place or under any cu-cumstances, we should certainly name the Brahma. The beautiful Polands have been shown in larger numbers during the past veai-. The Sdvers h.ave been especiaUy re- markable for their high merit. Game have been everj-where perfect. Some critics complain they ai-e now bred too long m the leg, but we cannot help thinking they are very perfect, and 20 JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. [ January 4, 1872. we shall, -we believe, be in strict order when we express our opinion that no other class shows so many faultless birds. The exliibitors seem to understand their birds, and the condi- tion in which they are sent proves it. Many of the old varie- ties that were commonly seen thirty years ago have almost disappeared, and the large entries are made up of Black Beds, Brown Eeds, and Duckwmgs. These last are the weakest, and do not keep pace with the others. Hamburghs barely hold their own. The Silver-pencilled have certainly deteriorated. The Golden in both Pencilled and Spangled classes have been 8 iperior 1 1 the Silver. The French breeds may have some- t'.iing to do with this. They lay almost as many eggs, and they lay them much larger. The Houdans and Creve-Cteurs are good birds. They are excellent for the table, and are very hardy. Their fellow breed, the La Fleche, finds few admirers. We are not surprised ; they have not good constitutions. Vi'e believe the two former ynii make large classes, but we do not think the latter will ever bring a sufficient number of entries to pay for the prizes offered. A revolution has almost taken place in Bantams. The once- popular and numerous Sebrights are fast disappearing. It is rare to see a dozen pens of them, even at the largest shows, and unless some one come to the rescue and keep up the ma- nufacture of them, it will be difficult to keep them fair speci- mens of these beautiful birds. The Blacks and Whites, taken as a whole, have hardly been as good as formerly, although some very good pens have been shown. All the energies of Bantam-breeders appear to be centred in the Game. They not only show in large numbers, but their quality leaves nothing to desire. We have the Black Eeds, Brown Eeds, Duckwings, and Piles. They do not confine themselves to feather, but they faithfully produce the Game cock in all his points. In the varieties of Bantams, some introduced from Japan a few years since show in tolerable numbers. The Cochin Bantams would appear to be difficult to breed, for although a ready sale at very good prices awaits them, yet they do not increase in numbers. There are also Cuckoo Bantams, and we are promised some Dorkings for next year. If we may believe the entries at the different shows, the Aylesbury Ducks are losing ground, compared with theEouens. These latter are heavier an 1 far more numerous. It would be a great mistake if the former were allowed to degenerate. They have properties few others have, they lay very early, and they fatten at an age when others are only beginning to grow. Geese have been shown well, and the birds have been very heavy. We have no average increase to mark as compared with last year, but it must be borne in mind that the weight of these birds has more than doubled in the last twenty years. Everywhere the increase m the numbers of Turkeys entered for competition has increased, and so has the weight of the birds. The Americans have lost somewhat of the beautiful plumage they had, but they have gained largely in weight. It has been a harmonious year. There have been no great questions of division among the followers of this healthy and humanising pursuit. Judges have been indulgently treated by those who judge their awards. They are only now and then attacked. It is admitted by many that at even some of our largest shows they have little Ught and less time. Some of the critics remind us of Mr. Boatswain Chucks, inasmuch as they begin by aU sorts of little amenities, and end by an on- slaught. " To every man his opinion." We have endeavoured, and we shall continue to do so, to practise the strictest im- partiahty. We rejoice to believe that the hue we have adopted meets with the public approval and support. We are not un- mindful of the obligations we are under to our many readers. We tender them our hearty thanks. Endeavouring to realise the ties that bind us to aU interested in our weekly issue, we say to every one of them in the fullest sense of the words. May they have A Happy and Pbosperous New YEji.B. To prevent poultry being sent at the date originally advertised, a printed post card could be sent to all those who entered up to 25th January, which is the date given for entries to close. I am aware that this will cause trouble and expense, but I think the entries would be far more numerous and so make up for this. I feel sure the Committee will not mind that, as long as they can bring the Show to a successful issue. If anything in the matter can be done, it must be done at once. — Ose that WOULD LIKE TO EXHIBIT AT BOTH. WOLYEEHAirPTON AND PORTSMOUTH SHOWS. I OBSERVE that the Wolverhampton and Portsmouth Shows clash with regard to date, or, at least, exhibitors cannot exhibit the same stock at both. Now that is to be regretted, as both schedules offer liberal prizes, and I have no doubt they would each have a very good show if it were not for their being advertised to take place at nearly the same time. I should think that the Portsmouth Show could be held a week later, and the date for entries to close could also be later. A special advertisement might be inserted as to change of date. SELLING CLASSES— A SELLING SHOW? The remarkable success of the selling classes at the Crystal Palace proves to my mind that they supplied a want keenly felt by both breeders and buyers of good poultry ; and the quality of many of the birds also demonstrated conclusively that moderate prices do not forbid the entry of really fine specimens. But, in common with many others, I confess I was strongly struck with the absurdity of the whole affair as at present managed, and especially as it bore upon the character of the judging. I conversed with both the Judges, and both fuUy agreed with me as to the utter impossibihty of awarding any moderate amount of prizes in such varied and immense classes. Even with regard to mere numbers, it may be suffi- cient to state that one class numbered 126 entries, sufficient for three classes at least; but beyond this, when all breeds are thus jumbled together, how is it even possible that anything in the shape of judging can be done amongst birds in sueh ludicrous variety ? As one of the gentlemen upon whom the enviable task devolved remarked to me, "When a man comes tome and complains, ' Why haven't you given me a prize? Arn't my Bantams as good as Mr. So-and-So's Cochins ? ' What can I say to him? Perhaps they are as good, but how can I compare two breeds so totally dissimilar ? " Anj'one can see the reasonableness of this complaint ; and considering how these giant classes swell the coffers of the Show, not only through entries, but from the commission on sales, it becomes absolutely necessary in common fairness to all parties that a remedy should be found. I would suggest that each class might be subdivided as follows : — Large Asiatic breeds — to include Malays, Cochins, and Brahmas ; table breeds — to include Dorkings, French fowls, &c. ; other breeds not Bantams ; and Bantams to have a class to themselves. Other general classi- fications might be substituted ; but I am well convinced that without some such remedy as I have suggested for a really crying evU, this interesting feature of the Crystal Palace Show will " go down." But the success of these classes has suggested to me whether even they have supplied a want, which is so evidently felt, of procuring on the spot birds of really good quaUty at moderate prices. I do not think they have, and I do not think they ever will whUe the prices are so low. As a rule, I know by experience, that reliable stock birds cannot be bred and sold for two guineas — they cost more than that to produce. At all events the question set me thinking, the consequence of which has been a new idea, on which I should like the opinions of some readers of this Journal. It is, that it would be a good thing to have a Great Selling Show, some time near the end of the season, at which the hmit of price should be five guineas for single cocks, and six guineas for pairs of birds ; the prize birds to be sold by auction, and any excess divided as usual ; the other pens to be claimed, with the usual precautions against owners claiming their own. I beUeve whoever first takes up this plan will make a good profit by it ; and I may suggest that it would accomplish many desirable ends. In the first place, while these prices would, in my judgment, be quite low enough to meet the views of fanciers, I have no doubt there would be no want of good birds. In the second place, at the end of the season owners would have a good chance of clearing off much stock, without the " alarming sacrifice" our present seUing classes often involve; and the classes would be filled by real breeders sending good birds. In the third place, such a show would provide the field, which a recent correspondence seemed to desire, in which fairly good birds might make a good fight without the dread of being out- distanced by the champion birds of the year ; and this object would bo obtained without the evils of handicapping or the other plans then suggested. Lastly, at a price moderate, and yet enough to repay breeders for producing them, really valuble stock might be secured. I may, perhaps, say that I have named this idea in private to many experienced fanciers, all of whom have received it Januan* 4, ISl'l. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE G.ARDENEK. 21 favourably ; and I believo that if faii'ly carrieil out such a show would be a feature of the year. But it is because I think it would serve a really useful purj^ose, that I propound it to the f lucy at large. — L. Wriodt. EXCLUDING DEALEES FROM EXHIBITING. I HAVE been waiting to see an answer to Mr. J. Ashworth's letter in your number of December 7th, in which he advises secretaries and committees of poultry shows to exclude all dealers, but no one having answered it, I ask space for a few lines. There are many societies formed, and many forming for the purpose of comparing birds, and for friendly competition amongst members only, and I believe in all cases the rules are very strict against admitting dealers. Now, if Mr. Ashworth will join these, it will do away with his objection to compete against dealers. At the same time I should be very sorry, and 1 am sure many others would be sorry, to see them ex- cluded from our large shows, as by doing so we are robbed of half our victory when we win, for we could not but feel that our success was only partial when all were not allowed to compete. The object of all large shows, such as Bhmingham, the Crystal Palace, Manchester, is to bring together the best birds in the kingdom ; this would be frustrated were Mr. Ashworth's advice acted on. He says, "Fanciers may buy the best birds dealers have at very high prices, and at the very next show the same dealers beat them completely." Considering he WTites in the interest of real fanciers I think his letter a con- tradiction. Real fanciers do not buy birds to win. What credit is it to give, say, £20 or £30 for a pen of birds to win ? The great pleasure and credit is when you can say, " I obtained those birds by careful breeding, and did not buy other people's work and experience to win." I am sure Mr. Ashworth does not object to be beaten with better birds than his own. I always feel pleasure in seeing birds superior to what I possess. It is a very difficult matter to say who are dealers and who are not. A dealer is one who buys and sells — do we not all do so ? — Frank Graham, Birkenhead. AMALGAMATION OF COLUMBARIAN SOCIETIES. Fob the last ten or twelve years I have taken a leading part in getting up Pigeon shows, but latterly have been inclined to give them the cold shoulder, from a doubt arising in my mind whether open competitions were productive of good or very great harm. Wlien Pigeon shows were first introduced the committees were formed of enthusiastic fanciers — business men, as a rule — glad to have a little relaxation from the worry of warehouse labour, and perhaps indulging in their youthful fancy, when the memory of boyhood and their "first pair" reproduced a pleasure they would fain reahse again, by giving themselves and other fanciers an opportunity of meeting with each other, and in a friendly and houom'able spirit innocently competing their birds. Now we find that this sort of compe- tition has greatly verged into a complete mercantile speculation, and accompanied by all sorts of trickery and deception, by combinations and other unfaii- means, so that every society must now feel their labour, theh time, and their money, is worse than thrown to the dogs. Changes have been made year after year in the hope that a better spirit of competition would ensue, but again and again the same sickening reflection after it has passed; and we find, as before, the bulk of the prizes have been carried off by some exliibitor, who, making it his business, enters one hundred birds, or may be more (though not always in his own name), and gives his whole time and mind to making it pay. We too frequently find an amount of deception practised, so artistically executed that from *>ur best judges, not having the time necessary to detect it, the money goes. Medals, cups, and such like, are not wanted ; ■" Money I want, never mind the medal," is the invariable request of the speculator. Can there be no alteration made to prevent our competitions going down altogether ? for assuredly they wiU if carried on in this way, when the continual cry of these exhibitors is, " Give us larger prizes." " Do not charge so much entry money." " Those who get up shows should not exhibit, at all events, should not compete," and so forth. Again, however, the old feeling returns when a new idea is suggested by " A Columbarias " — the amalgamation of Colum- barian Societies. This, I firmly beheve, would answer the purpose, and I have no doubt " A Columbarian " will secure he gratitude and co-operation of all true-hearted fanciers to carr^' his new idea into effect, which having been seconded by "West Riding," I trust will be innnediately acted upon; and if a prehminary meethig be requested of all secretaries who favour such a scheme, I have no doubt a very warm response would be the result. — A Willing Helper. MANCHESTER POULTRY SHOW. For eleven years past the Manchester Show has been held at the Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, aud annually increasing in public estimation, has now become one of the most important meetings in the kingdom. The hall it which it takes place is not to be surpassed by any other building in the country. Though warmed artificially, the ventilation is perfect, the Ught amply sufficient and well-diffused, and the feeding of the birds aud general attention such as must give entire satisfaction to even the most fastidious exhibitor, whilst it is impossible to speak too highly of the unvaried attention paid to the poultry. The Messrs. Jenuison, who are the proprietors of the Gardens, having had a hfetime's experience in keeping in perfect health valuable animals among their own large collection, feel quite at home in all that relates to the proper attention necessary to a potdtry show, even in case of any unexpected illness or mis- adventure arising to any of the highly esteemed birds entrusted temporarily to their care. There is not a doubt that a consider- able number of the best pens of poultry on view, evidently almost exhausted from over-exhibition, will leave the Manches- ter Show in far better condition to that in which they were received at the time of admission. Indeed, it is very probable, not a few pens that actually were sent on from the Edinburgh Show to Manchester, would have succumbed altogether to this overtax on their powers but for the prompt and efficient treat- ment adopted by the managers at Belle Vue. It is long since we saw so splendid a collection of all the lead- ing descriptions of poultry as that exhibited on the 28th, 29th, and 30th of December. Orey Dorkings were an immense entry, many being shown in beautiful condition ; but beyond question the hens and pullets were, as classes, superior to the male birds. Silver-Grey Dorking cocks were not true to feather, having partially white tails- partially pulled, to prevent the eyesore being visible. The hens were excellent. Never were better classes of Cochins seen than on this occasion, but very many were quite beaten by continuous travelUng and consequent hardships. The hens appeared, however, to struggle through these difficulties better than their male companions. Buffs, White, and Partridge-feathered hens of the highest character were abundantly shown. As to Spanish fowls, most certainly there has not been so good a collection as this brought to- gether during the recently-ended year. Buyers for the best of these classes purchased extensively, and we have httle doubt their speculation will prove a most remunerative one. The Dark Brahmas were really good, but many had been too much shown previously to hold their own in competition with birds fresh from the breeders. Light Brahmas, on the contrary, fell behind in quaUty aud style, aud excited but httle pubhc interest. Game fowls, Brown Reds and Black Reds more particularly, were one of the great features of the Show, and it will be seen by the prize hst new names are becoming prominent. The Game fowls, almost without exception, were in exquisite condition. It is a remarkable fact that the Game Bantams were shown iu very inferior health and plumage, or as a visitor verj* graphically observed when looking at them, " they seemed all worked out." The Houdans and Creve-Cmurs were most important and well-filled classes, far surpassing any previous show held iu this district. Hamburghs were best in the Spangled varieties, and perhaps the Black ones are equally worthy of mention. All the Ducks, Geese, and Turkeys were of the most perfect character, and the fancy Waterfowl class embraced three pens of Whisthng Ducks, as many Mandarins, and the like number of Ruddy Shell Ducks, CaroUnas, as well as a variety of other interesting breeds. In cases where great merit was general the Messrs. Jennison, with their customary hberaUty, permitted extra prizes to be awarded, and no doubt iu such cases an improved prize schedule in future years will result. DOBKING3 (Coloured except Silver-Grey).— Cocfc. — 1, J. White, Warlaby, Northallerton. 2, Miss Daries. 8. W. Haryey, Sheffield, he, Hon. W. H. W. Fitzwilliam, Eotherham ; T. Slalter, Mancheuter; H. Yardley, Birmingham. c. RcT. J. G. A. Baker, Biggleswade, Beda. Hrni —1, W. W. Rultlidge. Kendal. 2, J. White. S, J. Martin, he. Rev. G. Hustler, York ; W. Arkwnghl, Chester- field ; W. Copple, Prescot, Lancashire : G. Whitcombe, PufBey, Gloucestershire, c. J. Copple, Prescot, Lancashire ; J. White. ^ „ „ « „ ., DoHKiNGSlColoured except Silver-Grey).— Cocl-crf(.—l and 3, N. RusseU. 2, J. White, he, W. Arkwrinht (21; N. Russell (2); Rev. J. G. A. Baker (i); J. Martin, e, N. Russell, Bryngiryn, Oswestry : Miss Davies, Chester ; J. Robm- Bon.Garstang: J. Copple; W. Copple; W. W. Ruttlidge Pu(M< -1 and 2, W. Arkwright. 8, Rev. J. G. A Baker, he. Miss Danes (4); A. Darby, Bridg- north ; J. While ; J. Copi)le; W. W. Ruttlidge. „ , T T Dorkings (Silver-Grey).— (3oc/t.—l. T. Raines. Slirling. 2, J. L. Lovrndea, Avlesbu.y 3. R. D. Holt, Windermere, he. T. L. Jackson. Hens or Palletl. — 1, R. D.Holt. 2, T. Raines. 3, W. W. RuttUdge. /u:, J. C. Cooper, Limenok; R. D. Holt. _ . „ -,. „ ■ V » DoBKLVGS -Bo$e-combed. — l, D. Parsons, Preston. 2, Miss Fairhurst, Ormskirk. 3, J. Robinson, he, Hon. D. H. Finch, Leamington bpa ; H. Frank- land, AccringtoQ. JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ Jaunary 4, 1873. „.. „ _ ^^. _.. hc,W. Wbs i).*IVnDant. Ponrhyn "CBBtle^'^BotiKor ; W. K. Ball, New-port Papnell. Bncks (2) r, E. Teebay ; J. Mantcll: Hon. Miss D. I'tcnant; ^■. E. Bull. PulleU.—h Hon. Miss 1). Pencant. 2, E. Ttebay. 8, BuuUon & ehddon. he, T. P. Wo«d, Cbestcrflcld. , , CcicniN-CHiK* ICinivamon and Buff).— fori— I. W. A. Taylor, ManohMlcr. 2, H. Lacy. Hebtlen Bridpe. S, T. f^tretch, Ormsltirk. he, H. Lloyd, jun., Bir- minRham (2) ; W. A. Tavlor ; H. Yardley ; J. Sichel, Tirapcrley. c, T. Bracc- Eirdle, Sale, Chesbire. Ern^.—l, H. Lacy. 2 ands, W. A. Taylor, he, H. loyd,jun.(2); H. Lacy (2); A. Bamtord. rulMs.-l, W. A. Taylor. 2, Mrs. Allsopp. S, J. Sichel. he. W. Sandy, Radcliffcon-Trent, Notts; T. Stretch; W. A. Bnmell, Southwell, N«tt«. e, T. Braceiiirdle. CocHlx-CniKA (Brown and Partridge-feathered).— Cocfc.—l, T. Stretch. 2, Mrs. Allenpp. 8, J. K. Fowler, Avlesbury. c. E. Tudman, Whitchurch, Salop : J. A.' Taylor, Manchester; E. White, Shir, brook, Sheffield. Beiu.—l, J. A. Tavlor. 2, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. he, E. Tudman : J. Friar, St. Helens. l^iVflK.—l, W. A. Taylor. 2, T. Stretch. 3, E. Tudman. he, J. K. Fowler. CocniN-CHiXACWhitc)— Corfc-l and 2, J. Sichel. e, R. S. S. Woodgate, Tnnbridge Wells ; Rev. H. Lucas, Stamford : J. Meshiter, Ulverstone. Hens or Pullets.-— 1, J. SicheL 2, J. Mashlter. he, R. S. S. Woodgate; E. Fearon, Whitehaven ; Rev. H. Lucas (2). . , „ BRiHMi-PooTiu (Dark)— Coct— I, H; Lacy. 2 and Extra <. T. F. Ansdell, St Belens. Lancashire. 3. W. A. Taylor, vhe, J. S. lainton, Gloucester. he, W. Arkwrieht; Mrs. Baiiey, Longton, Staffordshire (2) : S. Bum, Whitby; J. Walker, Staffordshire; M'. Harpreaves, Manchester; Hon. Miss D. Pen- nant. Sens or Pi/ficfu. -1, H. Lacy. 2, E. Pritchard, Wolverhampton. S, W. Arkwright. Extra 4, T. F. Ansdell. he, T. F. Ansdell (21; J. S. Tainton; E. B. Wood, Dttoxeter; J. Watts, Birmingham; Hon. Miss D. Pennant; E. Alder, Derbv ; W. Wbittaker, Belper (31 ; H. Lacy ; J. Sichel. e, E. Leech, Rochdale. BBiBlii-PnoTHA (Light).— Coclt.— 1, |W. T. Storer, Breircod, ^ta£fo^dBhi^e. Sand 3, M. Lcno. he, W. Hartley, Halifax; E. Fulton, Deptfo>d. r, Capt. Downman, Kingstown. Bens or PulUts.—l, J. B. Rodbard, Bristol. 2, J. Pares, Guildford. 3 and he, M. Leno. Polish (Anv varietv).— Cock.— 1, G. C. Adkins, Birmingham. 2, H. Beldon. S, J. Seotson, Newton-le- Willows, he, W. Silvester, Sheffield; G. C. Adkins; W. Harvey; W. Peamley, Newton-le-WUlows. Bena or PuUel3.—l, G. C. Adkins. 2. H. Beldon, 8. W. Harvey, c, G. Speedy. CBEVE-CtF.UR.— I, J. Sichel. 8, W. Blinkhom, St. H«lens. 3, R. B. Wood. he, Mrs, J. rrosSj Erigp, Lincolnshire; C. H. Smith, W. Blinkhom; J. K. Fowler, c, W. Dnng. Favershain, Kent. HotjDA!fs.— 1 land 8, R. B. Wood, i, Cross; W. Dring; Mrs. E. Wilkinson, Fowler; D. Lane, Hardwick, Gloucester. Game (Black-breasted Reds).— CocJ:.— 1, J. Forsyth, Wolverhampton. 2, C. Chalonor, Chesterfield. 3, G. Bapncll, Dravcott, Staffordshire, he, Hon. Mrs. Colvile, Bnrion-on-Trent; G. Bagnell (2). e, J. H. Salter, Kelvedcn, Essex. Bens.—l, T. P. Lyon. Liverpool. 2, W. J. Pope, Biggleswade, Beds, he, W. Ormerod, Tonnorden ; G. Bagnall; J. H. Wilson, Whitehaven, c, E. Brough, Leek. Game (Black-breasted Reds).— CocJrjre I.— 1, S. Matthew, Stowraarket Suffolk. 2. C. Cha'oner. 3, J. Douglas, Worksop. Notts he, S. Matthew : W. Higgins, Clverstonc; S. Beighton, Southwell. Notts. Pullet.— 1, C. W. Brietley. 2, S. Matthew. 8, E. Clavev, Burton-on-Trent. ftc, W. Ormerod ; J. Forsyth ; W. J. Pope (2) ; C. Chaloner ; G. Bagnall. Game (Brown and other Beds, except Black-breaBtod).— Cocl-.- 1, J. Wood, Wigsn. 2, G. F. Ward, Wrenbury. 3, C. W. Brierlev, jun. he, J. Bowness. Manchester; J. Hodson, Bradford, Yorkshire: C. W. Brierley; Galley and WiUelt, Nantwich. c, T. Statter. a^n.-l, C.W. Brierley, jun. 2. C.W. Brier- ley, he, J. Wood ; T. Mason, Green Ayr, Lancashire ; E. Mann, Manchester ; F, Sales, Doncaster. Game (Brown and other Eeds. except Black-breasted).— Cockerel— I, J. Bowness. 2, C. W. Brierlev, jun. 8. W. Sowerbutts. Nantwich. ftc, W. Dun- ning, Salop ;tj. Wood JE. Mann ; C. W. Brierley. Pullet.— 1, J. Carlisle, Skipton. 2, W. BnultoD, Dalton-in-FumcBS. 8, J. Bowness. he, G. F. Ward ; T. Mason ; C, W. Brieriey ; E. Mann, c, T, P. Lyon ; J. Mashiter (2.) Game (Duckwings and other Greys and Bluesi.— Cocfc — 1, Morris & Woods, Accringlon. 2 nnd 8, S- Matthew, he, C. Chaloner : J, Frith, Chatsworth ; J, Mashiler. Coel-erel.—l, C. W. Brierley. 2, S. Matthew. 3. C. Travis, Shef. field, he, W. Ormerod; E. C. Gilbert. Penkridpo, Staffordshire, e, S- Matthew: Htii. and Eev, F. Dutton. Ben or Pullet. -1 and 2, E. Hall, Chesterfield, he, J. Douglas ; Hon, and Rev. F. Dutton ; G. Noble, Dewsbury ; F. Sales. Gamf (Anv other vsriolv).— Cocl-.— 1, C. W. Brierlev. 3. C. W. Brierley, jun, Ac. Capt. W. G. Webb, Tamworth; T. Tl-ompson. Lancaster, Ben or Pullet. —1, C. W. Brierley. jun- 2, W. S. Bickershaw, Wigan, he, C. W. Brierley ; N. EuBseU : J. Stabler, Driffield, e. G. Draycott. Decks (Eouen).— Drake— 1. T. Wakefield, N< son, Whitehaven. 3, T, Bums, Wigan. he, I _ _ T.Wakefield; T. Statter (3), Ducts.— 1 and i, T. Wakefield. 3, T. Statte vhe and ' - ■" ■ DrcKs Fowler. DtTCKs (Black East Indian).—!, G. Sainsbury. 2 and he. S Burn. Ornamental Waterfowls. — 1 and 8, M. Leno (Mandarins and Viduata Whistling Ducksl. 2, Rev. H. Lucas (Ruddy Shield Ducks), he, N. Russell fMandarinsi; H. B. Smith, Preston (3); M. Leno (Carolinas); C. W. Brierley (21. Geese IWhitc).-e-ne. 2 and 3, N.-Marlor, Manchester, ftc, J. Rollinson- J. Buckley ; J. Ogden (2). Hambttrohs (Silver-spangled).- Cock.— 1, J. Fielding. 2 and 3, Aehton and Booth, ftc, N. Marlor; Aahton & Booth (3). Hem or Pullets.— 1 and 3 J Fieldtng. 2, Ashton & Booth, ftc. W. H. Robinson, Keighley, Yorkshire - Rev. N. J. Ridley; Rev. W. Serjeantson; J. Lancashire, Manchester- w' McMellon, West Glossop. HAMmTRGFS (Golden-pfncilled).— Cork.- 1, W. 51. Mann. Kendal. 2 J, Walker, Ripley. S, T. Wriglev, jun., Middleton. ftc. W. H. Eolimson • W M Mann; T. IWngley, jun. : H. Beldon. iifn» or J>i(ll<(«.—1, J. Walker. 2, T. Wngley. ftc, J. Walker; J.Rollinson, Hamdurohs (Silver-pencilled).- Cock — 1, W, M, Mann. 2, .T.Walker, ftc, J. Robinson. Hcn«orPii»<:(».—l and 2, W. M.Mann, ftc, J, Robinson: J. Walker. I Game Bantams (Black-breasted Reds).- Cock —1, J. W. Morris, Rochdale. * 2, W. Adams, Ipswich. 3. J R. Robinson, Sunderland, tiftc, E & .T. T. Hudson, i XJlverstone. ftc, J. Blamires, Bradford, Yorkshire; Morris A Wood : H. J. Nicholson, Holbome Hill, Cumberland; J. Oldfield, Bradford, Yorkshire; ,' T. Sharpies, Rawtonstall ; W. Hodgson; J. Ewing, Tupton Moor, near Chesterfield; E. Fearon ; J. Mashiter. c, W. Hodgson. Hem or Pullets.— 1 and 2, T. Sharpies. 3, J. W. Morris. i'ftc,G. Smith, Siavelcy, Derbyshire, he, J. R. Robinson ; H. Hollih, Bulwell, Notts ; W. Hodgson ; ,1. Mashiter. GiME Bantams (Brown-breasted Rodfll — Cock.- 1, W. Adams. 2, J. Blamires. he, H. P Leech : J. Frith- Hem or Pullets.— I, T. Barker, Burnley. 2, W. , Adamfi. ftc, H. P. Leech ; J. R, Yates, Manchester; J. Ewing. | Game Bantams (Any other varietv).— Cock.— 1,H. J. Nicholson. 2. J. Frith. ' rftc. J. Ewing. ftc, J Douglas; Rev. C. J. P. neeue, Ormskirk; G. Smith; Bellingham and Gill, Burnley ; J. Ewing. c, G, Smith ; J. Mashiter, J. Frith. He>i»i>rPu(/c(8— 1, J-Frith. 2, G. Smith, he. Rev. C. J. P. Keene ; Belling- ham 4 Gill ; Mason & Aehmore, Chesterfield ; G. Smith. Bantams (White).— 1,S.& R. Ashton, 2, W. Arkwright. ?ic, H. Beldon. Bantams (Anv other variety).—!, J. Sichel (Pekin Bantams). 2, W. H. Robinson (Black Bantams). 3, M. Leno (Laced Bantams). Extra 8. F. H. Paget, Leicester (Cuckoo Bantams), he. Ladies E. 4 C. Moreton, Falfleld, Gloucester (Black Bantams). M. Leno (Laced Bantams) : W. A. Taylor (Black Bantams) ; H. Dravcott, Humberstone. Leicester (Black Bantams); S. 4 R. Ashton (Black Bantams); H. Beldon ; E. Walton, Rawtenstall (Sebright Bantams.) PIGEONS. PoHTEES (Blue or Bed).- Cock.— 1, W. Harvey. Sheffield. 2, J. Hawley, Bradferd, Yorkshire. Ben.—l, R. Fulton, Deptford, 2, W. Harvey, he, E. Homer, Leeds, c, J. Hawley. PorTERS (Any colour).— Cock.— 1 and- c, Mrs. Ladd, Calne, Wilts. 2, F. W. Zurhorst, Dublin, ftc, J. Hawley. Hen,— 1, J, Hawley. 2, Mrs.Xadd. ftc, K. Fulton. (ARBiERs (Black).- Cock.— 1, J. Chadwick, Bolton. 2, E, Homer, c, B. Fulton. Ben,— I and c, E. Fulton. 2, E. Homer. Carriers (Dim)— Cock.— 1, R, Fulton. 2, E. Homer, c, F. J. MaoLaren, Pendlebury. Ben.—1. R, Fmton. 2, J. B. Buckley, Soutbport. Carriers (Any colour except Black or Dun).— Cock.— ! and 2, E. Fulton. Hen — 1, E. Fulton. 2, J. Watts, Birmingham. Dragoons (Yellow).—!. F, Graham, Birkenhead. 2, J. Ashworth, Blaokbum. he. J. Holland. Manchester, c, G. South, Bond street, London. Dbaohons (Anv other colour).— 1 and 2. J. Holland. Extra 2, G. South, ftc F. Graham ; C. E. Duckworth, Liverpool ; W. Hill, c, E. Horner. Antwerps.- 1, W. Arkwright. 2, C. F. Copeman, Birmingham, ftc, R. Kevzey. Stockport: W. Boume. c, W. Harvey; L. B.irom, Blackhum. Jacobins.-! and 2, J. Thompson, Bingley, Yerks. ftc, J. Taylor, Rochdale- c. G. South. Babbs. — !, J. Dowling, Cork, 2, E, Fulton, ftc, S. Holrcyd, Oldham ; R. Fulton. Fantait-s (White).—!, H. Yardley. 2 and c, J. F. Loversidge, Newark, Notts, ftc. Rev. W. Serjeantson. Fantails (Any colour except White).—! and 2. H. Y'ardley. ftc, F H. Paget. Tumblers (Almond).— !. J. Ford. Monkwell Street. London. 2. J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale, ftc, R. Fulton, c. J. Peace, Burton-on-Trent ; R. Fulton, Beards or Balds.—!, J. Fielding, jun. 2. G, South, he, G. South ; J. Field- ing, jun. e. W. J. Woorthouse, Lynn, Norfolk. Tumblers (Any other variety).—!, J. Fielding, jun. 3, F. Moore, Burnley. Nuns.— 1 and c, J. Dowling. 2, E. Homer. Magpies.— I and ftc, E. Homer. 2, J. Baily, jun., Mount Street, Groavenor Square, London. TuRBiTB-- 1, J. Dowling. 2, W. Croft, Ripley. Yorka. rftc, G. South, c, R. Fulton. „ „ Swallows.— 1 and 2, E. Homer, he, H. Drayoott, Leicester, c, F. H. ARCHANGELS.—! and e, H. Yardley. 2, E. Kitchin, Whitehaven, ftc, J. Thompson. Owls (Blue and Silver English).-!, J. Chadwick. 2, A. Mangnall, Manches- ter, ftc. A Magnad : Master C- Gamon. Chester, c. Master C. Ganinn. OWLS(Foreign).—l, J Fielding, jun. 2, E. Homer, ftc, R. Fulton ; J. Field- ing, jun. c, A. Maguall. EuNTS.— ! and 2. D. T. Green, Saffron Walden, Essex, ftc, W. Taylor. Trumpeters.-!, E. Homer. 2. R. F^ton. Aw OTHFR Varietv.-I, F. H. Paget 2, J. Thompson. 8, S. A, Wylhe (Ice Pigeons), ftc, W. C. Dawson, Ollev, Yorkshire (Ice Pigeons); S. A. Wyllie, East Moulsey; W. Harvey, c, W. Lamb. Rochdale (Black Priests); J. Baily, jun. ; W. R. Tegetmeier, Finchley, London (Florentines.) Judges. — Poultry : Dorkings, Spanish, Cochins, French Breeds, and Ornamental Waterfowl, Mr. Ed-ward He-n-itt, Sparkhrook, Birmingham ; Game Fowls and Brahmas, Mr. Richard Teehav, Ful-n-ood, Preston ; Game Bantams, Ducks, iX:c.> Mr. John Douglas, The A-riaries, Clumber Park, Worksop ; Hamburghs, Polands, Extra Stock, and Bantams, except Game, Mr. J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford, Yorkshire. Pigeons : Dr. Cottle, Cheltenham ; Mr. Peter Eden, Cross Lane, Salford. SCOTTISH COLUMBABIAN ASSOCIATION'S EXHIBITION. This -n-as held on December 28th and 29th in the Music Hall, George Street, Edinburgh. The classes from 1 to 18 inclusive -svere for birds bred in 1871- A gold medal, value £2 2s., was given by- William Volckmau, Esq., as a special prize for excellence of form and carriage, open to all the cock Pouters in the standard Pied classes, irrespective of age, of not less measurement than 19 inches of feather, and 6i of Umb, fair colour and marking indispensable ; and a gold medal, value £2 2s., by George Ure, Esq., as a special prize for excellence of form and carriage, open to nil hen Pouters of the standard Pied classes, irrespective of age, of not less measurement than 17J inches of feather, and 6S of Umb. Pen 518 held a Pigeon engaged carrying despatches during the late Franco-Prussian war, and -which fle-sv on board Capt. Wilson's ship, two days' sail from land, -with a message attached, and was brought to one of the members. YOUNG BIRDS. Pouters (Black) — Cockj.— 1, G. Ure, Dundee. 2, J- Wallace, Glaago-w. 8, J. Millar, Glasgow, ftc, W. Rutherford, Edinburgh. Hem.—l and 2, J. Millar. 8, G. Ure. ftc. E. Horner, c, R Fulton. Poutees (White).— Cockj.-l, J. White, Aberdeen. 2, J. Macaulay, Edin- burgh. 3, R. Fulton, New Cross, London, ftc, J. Wallace ; R Inch, Liberton. c, J. M'Gill, Elie. Fife. Bens.—l, W. Duncan. 2, J. Grant, Edinburgh. S,D. Stewart, c, R. Inch. Jannary i, 1872. ] JOUENAL OF HOETICXnLTTJEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. 23 Pouters (Blue).— Cocfc*.— 1, G. Ure. 2, J, WftUace. 3, T. Duncan, Dalkeith, ftc, M, Stuart, Glasgow ; W. Rothertord. c, D. Stewart. Perth ; E. Horner, Leeds. Hfiw.—l, E. Homer. 2 and 3, J.Mitchell, Glasgow, fic, G.Ure. c, G. Ure; J. Porteous, Edinburgh ; M. ^kinuer. PoOTEES (Red).— Cods.— !, J. Montsomery, Belfast. 2, B. Fulton. 3, E. Homer, o, J. Huie. ifeiu.—l, M. Stuart. 2, J. Wallace. 3, J. Grant, /ic, K. Fulton, c, a Ure. POOTEBS (Yellow).- Cocl-J.— I. G. Ure. 2. E. Horner. 3. J. Huie. c, H. Mitchell, Edinburgh. Heim.—l, K. Fulton. 2 and he, J. Wallace. S, Capt. C. Thomson. Broughtv Ferrv. Carriers (Black)".— Cocl-s.-l, E. Homer. 2 and c, H. Heritage, London. 3, G. C. Holt. Lawton. Hem.—l, T. Colley, Sheffield. 2, H. Heritage. 3, M. Stuart, he, H. Heritage ; E. Horner. CiJiRiERS (Dun).- Cocfcs.— I. G. C. Holt. 2, W. Maasev, Spalding. 3. H. Heri- tage. Hf n».— 1, W. Massej-. 2, G. C. Holt. 3, H. Heritage, c, G.C.Holt; E. Homer. Tumblers (Almond Short-face!).- 1, J. Ford, London. 2, W. R. & H. O. Blenkinso[i, Newoastle-on-Tyne. 3, R. Fulton. BiRBS.—l, J. Wallace. 2, W. Masaey. 3, W. R. S: H. O. Blenkinsop. Fantails — 1, J. Sharp, Johnstone. 2, G Ure. 3, J. Huie. Thumpeters.-I ana 2. T. Rule, Gilesgate, Durham. 3, E. Homer, he, J. Wallace; J. Bruce, Dunfermline. OLD BIROS. Pouters (Black). -CocA-!.—l and Extra Gold Modal, J. Mitchell 2,3. ti/ic, and kc, G. Ure. flcTH.-l, J. Montgomery. 2, J. Huie. 3, R. Fullon. /ic, E. PoDTERS(White).—foc<[«.—l, J. Wallace. 2, M. Skinner. S.J.Montgomery. he. J. Wallace : M. Sanderson, Edmbureh. Hcjw.— 1, J. Montgomery. 2, E. Homer. 3, J. White, he, W. Moon. Edinburgh ; J. Huie (2). Pouters (Bine).— Cocks. - 1, J. Wallace. 2, M. Stuart. 3, J. Morrison, Edin- burgh, ftc, J. White: G Ure: W. Rbtberford ; J. Masaulay. c, D. Stewart, flcn*.- 1 and Extra Gold Medal, R. Fulton. 2, J. Montgomery, 3, G. Ure. e, M. Skinner; J. Huie. Pouters (Red).— Coct,t.— 1 and 2, F. Fulton. 3, J. Montgomery, he, A. Wright, Momingside, Heng.—l, J. Millar. 2, J. Montgomery. 3, M. Sander- son, he, A. Wright. Pouters (Yellow).- Cocfcs.- 1, : IFnlton. 2, A. Wright. 8, G. Ure. Pouters (Any other colour) —Coc^.—l. J. Lohoar. Larkhall. 2. J. Morrison. 3, J. Sproull, Glasgow, e, J. Mitchell. Bem.—l, A. Wintour, Edinburgh. 2, J. Millar. 3, J. Huie. he. J. Bruce. Carriers (Black).— Cocfcs.—l and Extra Go'd Medal and 2, R. Fulton. 3. Mi«B A. Anderson, Trinity, he, E. Homer (2). Bins.— I and Extra Gold Medal, R. Fulton. 2, G. White. Paisley. 3, E. Homer. Carriers (Dun).-CocA:».— 1, W. Massey. 2 and 3, R. Fulton. liens.— 1,R. Fulton. 2, T. Colley. 3, J. R. Rennards. Helensburgh. Short FACBD (Almonds).— 1 and 3, J. Ford. 2 and e, R. Fulton, he. J. Wallace. Short-faced (Any other colour).- 1, J. Ford 2, E. Homer. 3, W. Lumb. Barbs (Black).— 1 and 2. R. Fulton. 3, J. Wallace. Barbs (Any.other colour).- 1 and 3, R Fulton. 2, J. Montgomery. Fantails.— 1. J. Sharp. 2, G. Ure. 3, A. Lockhart, Kirkcaldy. Jacobins.— 1, J. Lohoar. 2 and 3, R. Fulton, ftc, T. Rule ; R. Fulton. c,J. R. Kennards. Trumpeters.— 1 and 2, J. Montgomery. 3, E. Horner, he, T. Rule ; J. Wallace. Owls.- I and 2, W. Goddard, Stanhope Street, London. 3. W. Lumb. TURBITS.- 1. J. G. Orr, Beitb. 2. Miss M Anderson. 3. E. Horner. Ndns.— 1, T. Imrie, Bourlrec Park, Ayr. 2, W. Crolt, Ripley. 3, R. B. Heggie, Kirkcaldy. Magpies.— 1, W. Br.vdone, Dunse. 2 and 3, E. Homer. Tumblers (Any variety not Short-faced).— I, J. Sharp. 2, D. M'Naught, Kil- maars (Beards). 3, Capt. C. Thomson. Ant OTHER ViRiETy.-l, T. Imrie (Swiss). 2, W. Goddard (Ice). 3, E.Horner (Swallows). Judges. — Mr. Joseph Frame, and Mr. E. L. Corker. BIKMINGHAM COLUMBARIAN SOCIETY'S SHOW. {From a Correspondcni .) This Society's seventh annual Exhibition was held on Decern- ter 28th last at the Athen^um Rooms, Temple Street, and was a decided improvement on last year's Show, there being 332 pens, as compared vrith 217. The quahty of the birds was good, for not more than one or two pens conld be pointed out as inferior ; the condition in which the o"«mers sent their specimens was also good, every bird being in perfect feather. The Show was divided into two sections — birds bred in 1871, and old birds. BntDs OF 1871. Carriers (Black) were a good and strong class. First came a very good bird, so forward that many breeders declared he was an adult : such was not the case. This bird obtained the third prize at the late Palace Show. The second prizes went to good specimens that promise well for the future. This class num- Tsered nineteen entries. TVe may also add that the Birmingham cup bird only received a high commendation. Carriers (Dun). — First was a grand bird, good in evei*y point, and promising well. This bird '^'ill most probably always stand in the front rank ; the pride of place in all the young Carriers must be accorded to this bird. Second came a very good hen ; third a nice stylish bird, strong in bill, good in eye, rather do'v\'n in face. Carriers (Any other colour). — First a good Blue ; the second and third Blues promise well. Pouters. — First and second came very stylish Whites, of good length of feather and leg, narrow in girth, and sho^Ti in splendid condition. Almonds. — Fine birds, possessing every essential property for an Almond, were first and second. Atvj other Short-faced. — First came a Eed Whole-feather hen, perfect in head, eye, and bill, of grand carriage, and of a deep sound colour. 'This bird also obtained the cup for the best bird in this and the foregoing classes ; she well deserved her reward. Second came a fine Yellow, and the same exhibitor was also highly commended for a Red Mottle cock, sound in colour and feather, and with only half a dozen white feathers on his butts. The third prize went to a good Kite, which looked as though he had come from the same loft as the other winners in this class. Jacobins. — In this class the first and second prizes went to Red, and the third and a high commendation to Yellow, all of which were good birds in every point. Mr. Waitt Hkewise obtained the silver cup for the best bird in the young classes of Jacobins, Turbits, Barbs, Nuns, and Owls. Turhits. — The first-prize bird was Silver, the second Blue; both were snake-headed and good ; the third prize went to a deep-coloured Red, but shell-capped. - Nuns. — AU the prize birds were Black. A very good class. Owls. — All the prize birds were Blues. This was a good class, in fact the best young class we remember having seen for many years. Dragoons (Blue). — We rather thought the third-prize bird should have been placed first, and the first-prize bird third. AU were good, and of a deep sound colour. Dragoons (Silver). — This was a good and strong class, number- ing eleven pens. Dragoons (Any other colour). — All three prize birds were Yellows, of a good sound colour. Several good Whites were also shown. These classes were judged by the Society's standard, which, by-the-by, is not " as thin as a bodkin." Antwerps (Dun). — First was a good specimen, fine in head, bill, and style, though rather deficient in colour. The second and third-prize birds were promising, and good in coloiir. The first-prize bird also took the cup, as the best young bird in the Dragoon, Antwerp, and Any other variety classes. Antwerps (Blue). — A good class. Antwerps (Blue-chequer). — This was a strong class, all the specimens were good in head and beautifully marked. Antwerps (Red-chequer). — The first-prize bird was very fine in eye, head, and colour — in fact perfection. This bird was iu the cup pair at the last Bingley Hall Show. Swallows. — The first and second prizes went to Blues. Birds of Any Age. Carrier Cocks piack). — First came a bird good iu every point. It also obtained the cup as the best single old bird in the Show. Good specimens — in fact, birds that are fit to mn at any show, were second and third. Carrier Cocks (Dun). — The first and second prizes went to birds good in bill, eye, condition, and carriage. Carrier Cocks (Any other colour). — First a good Blue, very stylish — in fact, the best Blue seen for some time. Second a very nice bird. A promising Silver was highly commended. Carrier Hens (Black). — First a hen in gooti condition. The second-prize bird in this class was by far the best hen, and should liave obtained the first place. A good hen, rather red iu the lash, was highly commended. This was a good class. Carrier Sens (Dun). — First a grand hen, good in all points, hough iu bad condition. Second a good hen, of sound colour. Carrier Sens (Any other colour). — This was not so good a class as we generally see at this Show. Pouter Cocks. — The first prize went to a very showy White, good in length of feather and limb. Second came a good Red. Good Whites, very sho\\-y, and narrow in girth, were third and highly commended. Pouter Sens. — The first and second-prize birds were in splendid condition, showy, of great length, and narrow in girth. All the three winners were Whites. These classes exhibited a great improvement ou the previous year's Show. Almond. — The cock bird in the first-prize pair had a perfect head and biU, good eye, colour, and carriage, and well broken ; in fact, he may be considered perfection. The hen was also very fine, possessing a real Almond ground and well broken, a good heati and carriage. This pair obtained for their owner the cup for the best pair of old birds in the Show. Any Variety Short-faced. — Red and YeUow Whole-feathers, Red and YeUow Agates, and Kites carried off the honours. This we think was the best class in the Show. Every bird was per- fection, in splendid condition, not a feather soiled. It is doubt- ful if any other fancier could produce such a lot of birds as the exliibitor of these. Barbs. — The first prize went to a pair of Blacks that will hold their o■s^^l at any show ; the second also to a pair of Blacks. Owls. — A very good pair of Silvers possessing good heads and wen throated were first. Blues second, good Blacks third. This was a very good class. /acoiins.— Blacks, Reds, and Yellows stood in the prize list in the order named. They were all good. The Blacks well deserved their place ; they were a perfect pair, well matched, good in hood, frill, and mane, not a white feather to be seen below the mandible, and perfectly black to the thighs and vent. .N'uHS.— This was a good class, all Blacks. The scissors had not been so freely used as is generally the case with this variety. Trumpeters. — A good pair of Black Mottles were first. Second came a pair far too gay to be called Mottles. Both these pens of birds are good in hood, rose, and muff. Tumblers (Long-muffed). — A good pair of Eed Eosewings wero jouenaIj of hoeticultuee and cottage gaedener. [ January 4, lft72. first. Three pairs of good clear Blues were respectively second, third, and highly commended. This is a colour seldom seen. Blues are very pretty when they are as good as these. Tumblers (Clean-legged). — The first prize went to a pair of Eed Mottles. Pleasant-faced Yellow and Black Baldheads were second and third. A pair of Self-coloured Yellows were highly commended. Dragoons (Blue). — A good and sound-coloured pair of well- matched perfect birds were first. Both second and third-prize pens consisted of good birds. In a highly-commended pair the hen was good, but the cock was far too coarse for its mate. Dragoons (Silver). — This was a good class, and numbered six pens. Dragoons (Yellow or Red). — Yellows first ; good for head and bill, though bad in colour, being slaty in back, tail, and thighs. Ct lod Reds were second ; Yellows third and highly commended. We preferred the third to the first and second-prize pairs. Dragoo7is {Any other colour). — The first prize went to a good pair, the hen perfection. Most of the other pairs in this class were not up to the mark. Antwerps (Dun). — This was a good class. Good birds fuUy up to the standard were first, second, and highly commended. A very good pair came third. Antwerps (Blue). — First, the Blues that were first at the late Bingley Hall Show. This was a good class. Antwerps (Blue-chequered). — The prizes went to good birds splendidly marked. A highly commended pair were very little inferior to it. Antwerps (Red-chequered). — This was a good and strong class. The Antwerps as a whole were good, and such as only can be seen at Birmingham. Any other Variety (Pairs). — Brunettes, Turbiteens, and Black Swallows were respectively first, second, and highly commended. Ice were third. Several good pairs of Satinettes, Turkish Rollers, and other new varieties were shown, and included many varie- ties that hiive been imported from the East. Any other Variety (Single bird). — Blondinettes, Satinettes, and Brunettes took the prizes. This was a very strong and pretty class. Antwerps (Cocks). — First was the standard cock, which well deserved his position ; the second was a Dun cock very little inferior ; third a good Blue-chequer. A good Dun was highly commended. This was a good and strong class of fifteen pens. The Judges remarked that twice the number of prizes could easily have been awarded. The attendance was not up to the average. This was to be accotmted for by the weather, as it rained hard all dav. Through illness in his family Mr. Easten, of HuU, was not able to send any birds, although he had entered twenty pens. We never saw any show better carried out, and are pleased to find that the Society is gaining ground, having now upwards of sixty members. The whole of the 323 entries were contributed by twenty-six exhibitors. Too much praise cannot be acceded to the President, Mr. Allsop, to the Hon. Sec, Mr. Ludlow, and to the Committee for the assiduous and courteous manner in which they worked. Mr. Allsop, Mr. Child, and Mr. Careless were the Judges. The former gentleman refrained from judging in the Dragoon classes, as he was an exhibitor, and entirely -n-ithdrew his birds from competition for the cup in the young Dragoon, Ant- werp, and Variety classes. YOUNG BIRDS. CiERiEiiB.— Btaefc. — I, H. Hallam, Lozells, Birmincham. 2. Eqnal 3, and 8. J. A. Cooper. Walsall. Equal 3, ti. HodRkin- r. _j,_ „ y Hallam. S an.l he. J. Isaac. Keuil- 2 and S, J. Watts, King's Heath, ftc, G. Gordin, B: sou, Erdinaton. Dun.—l, G. Gordin. -, ■worth. Any other Colour.— 1, G. HodgkinSi Birmingha: -1 and 2, — Pralt, Lozolls, Birmingham. -\ and 2, T. Hallnra. Lozells. Birmingham. 3, J. Watts. Any ALHON _, ^„^^,..o i^.,i^iu«u»,u o(/i. H. bi\ Ai,Lo\\ s.— 1 and 2. J. Watts. Aki other Vabietv.-I, 8, and he, J. Watta. 2, J. W. Ludlow. „, , BIliDS OF ANY AGE. CAEBirn3.-Bfacfc.-Coc4j.-Cup and 1, F. Smith. 2 and 8, H. Hallam. he J. Isaac. SfrM.---l, G. Gordin. 2 and 3, F. Smi'h. Ac, S. A. Cooper r„,'..?"^?'-rr""~'!,'"i'-:7.' .'"'* '■ H. Hallam. 3. J. Watts. Hcn.,.-I, G. GordiD. 2, J. Isaac. 3, H. Nightingale, he, .-i. A. Cooper ■ ', ^■ .„'^dT".f "Itr.l"" °o'*."- '5V,'<'"'-W.e?'^*'-T'v.H-.Nigh>ingale. Birmingham. 2 Fiye Silver Cups, as Special Pr 2 3 giTen by this Society. DBAGOON PIGEONS. I AM glad to see Mr. Frank Graham's remarks respecting this breed, as there socms to be a great difference of opinion as to the proper standard of a Dragoon. In my experience of fifteen years as a breeder of this class of Pigeon, I have found some difficulty in producing the birds stout in the bUl, a property which represents the only true-bred Dragoon, pro- vided alwaj's the bird is perfect in head, carriage, and markings. I have bred Dragoons of almost every colour except Black, which I maintain does not exist in this breed. The bars of a Silver Duu Dragoon cannot be too narrow, and must be raven-black. These markings are a very great point of ex- cellence. Blues also require narrow jet-black bars. I have for years bred spindle-beaked birds which never obtained me a, prize in a show pen except once, and had I been Judge they would not have been placed. Fanciers of the spindle-beaked. Dragoon are fast dying out, and many Judges are changing in favour of stout-beaked birds. Dragoons should be almost free from wattle, and in size nearly as large as a Carrier. — John G. Dunn, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. ""po'lf;^- "^"^I'J' ^- "!."„»• J^'"'--l' H.'N.ghtingale 2 ind 3, J. Watts. roDTERs -C'ocJrs.- 1 and 2, W. Crook, Swansea. 3 and he. — Pratt Eens and 2, -Pratt. 3, W. Crook, ftc, J. Watta. ^ »"" "». "an. ains. ALHosns — Cup. I, and 2. T. Hallam. SHoRT-rACEn.-^iiK varieti/.-l, 2, 3, and he, T. Hallam. Barbs.— 1, F. Smith. 2, J. Watts. » »"■• WINTERING BEES. I NOW resume my remarks on the wintering of bees, referred to in last number. This, as I have already said, has always been a fertUe theme of discussion among apiarians, and various have been the modes suggested as the best. Some, like old Bonner, the celebrated Scottish apiarian, plastered the skirts of the hive all round the board with lime, covered it over with a large quantity of pob-tow or straw, and placed a divot, or turf, upon the top, to hold it close down and keep the bees dry and warm. The only apertures for air were two small holes cut in a piece of wood which formed the entrance, and these were so small in size as scarcely to exceed a quarter of an inch each. During snowstorms even these small apertures were loosely stuffed with tow also to keep the bees prisoners. Some, again, like the Swiss apiarian, Jonas de Gelieu, who also wintered out of doors, having been equally careful, with Bonner, that the hives had ample provisions, covered them with matting, an old blanket, fern, or other similar substance, in order to preserve the bees from rain, frost, or cold ; the entrances also being contracted, so as only to admit the passage of a single bee at a time, and closed up every crevice by which the external air could penetrate. To prevent internal moisture, however, Gelieu placed small caps on the top cemented all romid with mortar, by means of which " the moisture ascending evaporates through the opening as by a chimney." To attain the same end, Taylor, Richardson, smd others, place bell-glasses, " well covered with flannel, over the aperture on the top of the box or hive, removing it from time to time, and carefully wiping away from its interior the damp formed by condensed vapour." Again, some apiai-ians, to prevent internal dampness, like Miner, the American apiarian, do not resort to top ventilation at all, but allow a free current of air to pass underneath the hive, by openings at front and rear during all the winter, and only shut these when breeding commences in spring, or when snow is on the ground, by using perforated zinc sUdes. According to Mr. Langstroth, Mr. Quinby, who is said to have probably the largest apiary in the United States, winter* his bees with great success within-doors,in a special repository fitted up for the occasion ; and to get rid of the damp " he inverts the common hives and removes the board that covers the frame." The Rev. Mr. Scholtz, of Lower SUesia, a German apiarian of considerable celebrity, is said to ■winter his bees in what are called clamps. The hives are piled in a pyramidal form, and January 4, 1872. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 25 arranged in tiers in a circular pit bedded 'n-ith straw. All is covered over with the same material, and completely boarded tind protected from the influences of the weather by layers of earth surrounding all. Ample provision is made by flannels and other means for the circulation of air, and prevention of damp, by upward ventilation through the apex of the pyramid, &e. In this clamp they are shut up from November to April, and " jjass the winter (says Mr. Scholtz) uninjui'ed from damp and moisture, and with less consumption of stores." The celebrated Dzierzou usually winters some of his weaker colonies in a dry cellar, and " they alwaj's do well." "Universal experience (writes Dzierzon) teaches that the more effectually bees are protected from disturbance, and from the variations of temperature, the better will they pass the winter, the less wiU they consume of their stores, and the more vigorous and numerous wiU they be in the spring." Notwithstanding such testimonies, however, to "in-door ■wintering " and to burying in clamps, I am not inclined to think that there is any necessity for apiarians in this country having recourse to either of these practices. They are attended with au amount of trouble and constant supervision which contrast unfavourably with the simpler methods adopted in our own land ; and De Geheu, who has tested the different modes of " out-door and in-door wintering " m his country, most decidedly prefers the former. " The following winter (he writes), I left out the one half of my hives, and moved the other half into a cold room, according to my usual custom, when all the pains I bestowed upon them did not altogether keep them aUve, nor preserve them from damp and infection. In vain I swept and cleaned the boards, or placed them on dry hay to absorb the moisture ; in vain I gave them capes or joinings. With all my care there was not one of them free of diseases and infection. The winter was long and severe ; and they could not be returned to the ah- before the last week in March, by which time they were feeble and languid, and far less prosperous than those that had passed the winter out of doors. From that time I have never taken one into the house." I am not inclined, therefore, to recommend either of the methods adopted by American or German apiarians of wintering our bees, either in cold, dry, dark cellars, or in clamps, alias burjing pits. Far less should I be disposed to approve of the new mode of wintering bees by the American apiarian Mr. Hosmer, brought before our notice in the Journal of 14th December, by your esteemed correspondent, " B. d- W." In cases of necessity we might, with Dzierzou, try some of our weaker colonies within-doors, or such as are domiciled in uuicombs, adopting a constant supervision over them, but to purposely divide our strong hives in autmuu for the sake of a questionable economy in the mere consmnption of a few pounds of honey, is, in my opinion, the very reverse of good management. " Experience, in this matter, is the best school- master," for we all know that a weak hive in autumn is, as a rule, a weak hive in spring. On the principle, therefore, that " union is strength," in the case of the bee as of man, and believing, with Bonner, that " one (really) good hive is worth four bad ones," I cannot approve of the breaking-up or division of strong families in autumn. Although I perfectly agree with Mr. Hosmer in the desir- abihty of encouraging late breeding in autumn, with the view of securing a preponderance of the youthful element in every stock hive, having directed the attention of apiarians to this subject some years ago in the Journal, yet I should not, like " B.& W.," desire to get rid of their elder associates. Even upon the assumed hypothesis that the old bees, " which have consumed honey all the winter, die after their first flight in spring," I would not wish to discard them if I could, for I reckon their presence of the utmost value to the colony during the rigour of winter, as well as the commencement of breeding in spring. But is it a fact that all the old bees die during the first flight in spring, as Hosmer supposes ? Certainly not. Pray what bees are these that are called "old bees?" Are they what your experienced correspondent " B. & AV.," inad- vertently perhaps, terms " summer-bred bees," and which he, too, I am sorry to see, thinks it desirable to get rid of before wintering ? I venture to say there are, as a rule, few or no " summer-bred " bees in any of our hives in winter. All have perished, and our stocks are almost, if not entirely, peopled by autumn-reared bees. Such being the case, I thmk that Hosmer's theory is erroneous in principle and entirely delusive — independently, too, of the error of holding the older bees in a hive as worthless, the practice of weakening his strong stocks in autumn by division, for the assumed advantage of a few pounds saved in stores, is one which will never be followed bv experienced apiarians, as it is alike irreconcileable with the known winter habits of the bee, as it is opposed to all sound and enUghtened management. — J. Lowe. ABE ARTIFICIAL QUEENS INFERIOR TO NATURAL QUEENS? Mr. J. M. Pbice, writing in the American " Bee Journal," asserts that he has proved, beyond doubt, that queens raised artificially are worthless in comparison with those raised naturally. From my own experience I am led to differ from him most decidedly. Out of twenty-five stocks, the largest number of colonies I ever possessed at one time, I had not a single queen that was not either artificially raised in a small nucleus box, or was not the descendant of one who was so raised, but I could never discover that my queens were deficient in breeding powers, or, barring accidents, in longevity. In fact, the fecundity of some of these was frequently a subject of surprise and remark. One queen, in particular, seems to stand pre-eminent in these respects. Soon after the first introduction of Ligurian queens into this country, my own double venture having proved unpro- pitious, my friend, the late Mr. Woodbury, gave me a royal ceU, which he cut out of a small nucleus box, from brood of his best yellow queen. This cell I, inserted in a brood-comb in a nucleus box with a few adult bees. In a few days she was hatched out, and I was struck with her size and beautiful colour. Soon after she had commenced breeding I transferred them into an eight-frame Langstroth box, and gave the bees another sealed brood-comb. The stock was not particularly strong at the close of the autrmin, and barely managed to hold its own through the winter ; but by the end of April it had become so populous as to present the appearance of being ready even then to send off a swarm. A large super was given to the bees, into which they at once ascended, and were so crowded as to make it seem almost impossible for them to work at comb-building. In about three weeks from that time, considerable progress having been made in that respect, and the bees again crowding outside the entrance, a second super was slipped in between the first and the honey-board of the stock box, which also became at once crammed with bees. Early in July I removed the doubled super, containing 54 lbs. of honeycomb. The following year this stock also distinguished itself in spring and early summer by the possession of a teeming population, and gave a splendid glass box super of 75 lbs. weight. The next season seemed equally propitious ; a super of 50 lbs. was taken, and an inunense swarm thrown off, which also the same summer gave me a super of 26 lbs. weight. The following spring I examined the queen which had come off with this swarm, and was convinced in my own mind, from her peculiar markings and appearance, that she was the same queen which had been raised in the nucleus box. That season this swarm became excessively crowded, and I put on a larger super than I had ever before used, and it contained when full the large quantity of 86 lbs. of the finest possible honey- comb. The following spring the old queen showed symptoms of having become almost worn-out, and was, I believe, soon after- wards superseded by the bees, as I discovered a queen of a very different character at my next inspection of the interior. At the time of the old queen's death she must have been at least four years and a half of age. I mention but this one instance out of many which have come before my notice, but it is quite sufficient, in my mind, to establish the truth of the assertion, that artificial queens may and do prove equal in every respect to the best of those raised by the bees for the purposes of natural swarming. — S. Sevan Fox. Shading in Winter. — Mr. Taylor says : — " Where the hives stand singly, I have always seen the advantages of fixing before each a wooden screen, nailed to a post sunk in the ground, and large enough to throw the whole front into shade. This does not interfere with the eoming-forth of the bees at a pro- per temperature, and it supersedes the necessity of shutting them up when snow is on the ground. The screen should be fixed a foot or two in advance, and so as to intercept the sun's rays, which will be chiefly in winter towards the west side." JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ January 4, 1872. OUR LETTER BOX. GoLDEK-PENCn-rjiD HAStBrRGU Hks (p. C). — Wo do not say we have never seen one with a clear hackle oiul pcucilled tail, but it is ft very rare oc- corrence, luid we sliould not know where to find one at any price. Top-knot Plvcked Off (fl. K.).~lt is more than likely the ointment you require would he injurious to the feiithors growing in the top-knot. The beet ointment you can use will bo strong sulphur. The hens only eat the feathers while they are growing ; alter they are formed they leave them alone. There can be noobjection to Boparate them for a time, or, if neccssaiy, to allow them occasional nms in company, being watched all the time that the liistiry may not be indulged in.; It is not for any purpose necesfiary they should always bo together. YAKiors (Af. H.).— La Fleche fowls are never strong, and we believe they Intk . un>titution. They will bear rich food very well, but they ore never well if supplied with water. " Wc allow them to drink only morning and evening. The cock you speak of has cither outgrown his streni^rth, or was not sufli- cjently well fed when young. If he is not essential to your yard, do not attempt to save him. He is not worth it. He will never be fit for a stock bird. "Washtng a Buff Cochin (E. C. T'.).— Wash the plumage with soft soap and water, the former in small proportion. Use a sponge, and !» content to wipe the feathers gently down without moistening the under plumage, which is always clean. Wipe them afterwards with flannel, and put them in an open basket with some soft straw before a fire. They will dry clean. Be sure you wash the fowl's legs as well as the feathers. Ground oats miied with kitchen scraps will put on weight very fast. Brittlentss of Feathers (H. B.).~Tour Hamburgh cock is changing his hackle, and the feathers only look as if they were broken. They will come right if they are let alone. Tour feeding is very bad. Indian meal once per day is enough. You may give it in the morning ; give good ground oats or oatmeal midday, and whole Indian com in the evening. The tendency of Indian meal is" to cause extreme fatness, and that is not favourable for health. Brkbding Pile Game Fowxs (H.). — You con breed Piles either from the birds you name, or from a Black Red cock and \STiite hen. You can breed Piles irom a Brown Red cock and '\Miite hen, or between a %\'hite cock and a Ginger hen. They would not be faulty, but if you have any fixed ideas as to what you want, you must remedy the failings in the produce, by mating birds possessing the properties you require with those of the first cross that comes nearest to your standard. Legs of Pile Gaste Fowxs {An Old Gnme Brfedfr, ffr.).— We cannot agree with yon about the colour of the legs of Pile Game. Nearly fifty years ago we had much to do with Cheshire Piles, and there were Willows among them. Many years ago we shipped a main of Piles to the West Indies, and many of them had willow legs. We are heterodox enough to believe that the colour of tho legs is immaterial; that whether it be a Derby Bed with white legs, or an old Red with yellow, or a modem Red with willows, we should in the pit make choice of the bird without looking at the colour of his legs. If you can find us any county, or even large district, where Game fowls prevail, and whore lege of only one colour are to be found, we shall ask ourselves a question, but at present we side with the judge or judges, and think ** in re Game fowls," it is necessary all legs in a pen should be alike, but no colour in itself is a mark of greater or less purity or excellence. Price of Cochtn Cockerel [Devon Rector)). — Such a bird asyou describe, between gentleman and gentleman, should moke £1. Fowl's Hofse (G. A.). — Tour fowls have cold, stimulants such as strong ale are required. Hambnrghs are more prone to roup than any others. Wash the swollen eyes witli vin^ar and cold water. Give Baily's pUls. Get rid of the Hamburghs, they are " messing." Pullets Pickikg a Cockerel's Flesh {E. JMiitf). — You must separate the cock from the hens till his top-knot is grown. It will then be safe from attack. In these matters cocks somewhat resemble gentlemen, they stand quiet while they are put to pain, looking for the *' compensation balance " in the fact it gives the ladies pleasure. A cock or a cock Pheasant will stand still to be eatru alive by the hens. Bruce's tradition of the Abyssinians cut- ting a rump steak, day by day, out of the li%-ing ox. is nothing compared to a Spanish or Houdan cock standing still, the one while hie head is eaten, and the other while his face is being pecked. Selecting Stock Fowls {Hanis Hcntci/c ).— No. 1 should have gone into the Btock-pot_ last year. How is it you hatched no cockerel till August ? g; 5, 6, 7, should go with an J are your own seeing, and if and have more faulty i too old. Because No. 1 early bird of last year. Tour failures of last you breed as you propose, you will hatch fewer birds. Vulture Hocks {Inqti We republish the woodcut. Vulture hocks arc long, straight, quilled feathers protnidiug from below the knee. Silver-pencilled Hamburgh Cock (G. Caithmssl—Ji good Gold-pen- cilled Hamburgh cock should have no \isible black but in the tail, and those feathers should be edged with bronze. Plymouth Show {J. i^onj;).— We hope you are correct in stating that it was ' a success in every sense of the word.'' ^\Tiat vou state about another party s misfortunes is not suitable for publication. (iV. jBar(^r).—There i^ no need to moke further inquiries. Let us see what the present year will bring Edinburgh Poultry Show (.7. RoUiiison). — It was very careless of the Secretary not to Bond your prize Golden-spangled Hamburghs to Manchester as was undertaken by the Society. It was the more vexatious because yon travelled to Manchester. "An Exhibitor,'' Cambridge, was similarly badly attendee! to, and at a cost of 3m. Canajiies (H. G.).— If your letter was received the query was answered; but we have too many questions doily to be able to remember each. Send your query again. Spratt's Cat Biscuits {Anthony). — As you cannot obtain an answer from the factory we cannot advise you. Buy Meyrick's little book on dogs. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, Camden Square, Lokdon. Lat. 51" 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0' 8' 0" W. ; Altitude 111 feet. Datb. 9 AJtl. In the Dai. 18VI-2. HyRTome- ter. Direc- tion of Wind. Temp, ot Soil at 1ft. Shade Tea- peratnre KadiaUon Tempera- tare. a In On Jan. aS'~ Dry. Wet. Mai. Min. RTRSS i'g- de?. ieg. Acg. deir. dec. deg. In. We. 27 29.556 45.0 S.E. 4-2.3 4S.4 41S 0.020 Th. 28 29.483 47 2 45.2 S. 42,3 43.1 41.4 51.4 36.3 0.IJ41 Fri. 29 2if.fa9 49.4 42 4 W. 4-2 8 47.1 4S.n 42 29.874 446 42.6 S.SW. 41.8 47.0 35.8 49.0 29.7 ■0.»7S S0.074 85 7 34.2 W. 41.7 43 33.2 6S.1 29.3 O.flO Mo. 1 S0fT9 88.8 36 4 S.E. 89 9 43.8 33.2 50.0 284 0.130 Tu. 2 29.830 43.3 43.0 S. 40.3 47J! S8.2 58.) 34.6 0.010 Means 29.791 42.3 41.3 41.6 46.3 S8.5 59.4 1 34.7 0.284 REMARKS. 27th. — Bright sunshine with showers in the morning, fine i ;the€ 28th.— Dull, overcast with slight showers, sunshine for a short time about noon, but dull day. 29th. — Kain in the night and tiU 9 A.M., then a fine day and beautiful moon- light night. 30th. — Beautiful moonlight in morning and splendid sunrise, wind rather hifjh, clouded over soon after 8 a.m., and a damp uncomfortable day. White aurora between 8 and 9 p.m. 81st. — Slight white frost in morning, fine day, bright sun but rather cold wind. 1st.— Veiy fine all day, wind gradually rising after 6 p.m., rather high at night. 2nd. — Dark and wet in morning, slight showers during the day. Several meteors at night, mostly radiating from near Gamma Urs» Minoris. The temperature continues unseasonably high, with southerly winds and continued dampness. — G. J. Symons. COYENT GARDEN MAREET.^antiabt 3. As usual at the close of the year, business transactions ore limited to actual wants, and have no marked "features in them. It has seldom been our lot to see a better or larger supply of roots and green vegetables than has been offered during and since the Christmas week ; certainly the million have been amply supplied. Potato trade is heavy with large stocks ; the Dunbars and East Lotluans rule highest in the market. FBriT. Apples jsieTe 3 Apricots doz. Cherries lb. Chestnuts bnshel 10 Currants i i Filberts lb. Cobs lb. Grapes, Hothouse.... lb. Gooseberries quart Lemons ^100 Melons each Mulberries lb. OtoO Nectarines doz. CO Orancea ¥^100 4 10 Peaches doz. Pears, kitchen doz. 2 4 dessert doz. 3 6 PineAppIes lb. 4 7 Plums isieve Raspberries lb. Strawberries lb. Quinces doz. Beans, Kidney per 101 Broad bushel Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brussels Sprouts. .J sieve Cabbage doz. Cap-icums %*lf>0 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Coleworts.. doz. bunches Cucumbers each pi ckling duz . Endive doz. Fennel bnncfa Garlic lb. Herbs bunch HorBeradisb bundle VEGETABLES. 8. d. B. d 1 ^ X. ' OtoO I Leeka bunch 10 I Lettuce doz. Orions bushel pickling quart Parsley per doz. bunches Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bu&htl Kidaey do. Radishes., doz. bunches Rhubarb bjndle Savoys doz. Sea-Kate basket Shall'.ts lb. Spinach bushel Vegetable Harrows.. doz. 9 POULTRY MARKET.— Jani;aby 3. It is impossible to give any account of the market for Christmas, or for some days afterwards, Tiithin the limits of a market notice. Should space permit we will give an article on the subject. Very choice poultry made good price - throughout the CSiristmas week. That of inferior quality was unsaleable, and TTiTiftVi of it remoiuB tinRnli^ now . Jannary 11, 1872. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICUXTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. JA>"CAEY 11—17, 1872. Th Hilary Law Term begins. F S I Cambridge Term begins. Son I 2 Sunday atter EpiPHAifT, M Oxford Lent Term begins. Ni(!ht. Mean. 30.1 36.8 29.5 35.8 29.3 36.2 29.9 36.0 28.9 35.8 Sl.O 36.5 28.7 35.6 5af8 I 11 al4 Sal 9 9a£ 5 46 9 1 36 6 18 10 I 2 8 89 10 21 9 67 10 41 10 14 11 56 11 81 11 ! mom. Clock I Day before ' of Son. I Year. 9 33 9 54 10 15 oear London dnring forty-three years, the average day temperature of the -week is 42.1= ;aiid its night temperature 29.6^. 1 the 12th, 1862 ; and the lowest cold 3', on the 13th, 1867. The greatest faU of _rain wm 0.86 mch. PEAT SOIL. t T is a generally received opinion that Heaths, Azaleas, and other plants with delicate hair- hke roots cannot be grown without peat soil. Such a conclusion, however, is often a mis- taken one, and leads not imfrequently to failure ; for, acting on the impression that peat soil is indispensable, soil bearing that name is procured, and proves whoUy unsuit- able for the plants for which it was intended. Some, too, knowing that peat is required for gi'owing a certaiu class of plants, trust the selection of them to some as ignorant of the soil as they are of the plants themselves. There is a great difference iu peats — some being of great importance to the gardener, others whoUy unsuitable, and, indeed, hurtful for most of the pui-poses of floriculture. Whilst admitting turfy peat soil to be the best for hard- wooded plants, such as Heaths, Azaleas, and others with veiy delicate roots, my experience nevertheless leads me to the conclusion that it is not, as is commonly supposed, indispensable. Peat is a deposit of vegetable fibre, the consequence of a long-continued gi'owth on the same spot, and the dark colour of the soil we term peat is given by the plants. Proof of this may be found in the fact than an Azalea or Rhododendron, planted in a hght- coloured sandy loam fuU of fibre, will within a quarter of a century change the soU to a dark brown peat, and the sand that was formerly the colour of the loam, is then as white as the finest silver sand. Heath on our moors foiins the same deposit of dark-coloured soU, and if evidence were needed that the soil was not originally what ■we call peat, we could produce abundant proof of it. Here on the Ught-coloured loam springs up the Heath amongst the turf overlying sand or stone, and so close does its growth become that the grasses give way, and the Heath spreading out forms first a clump, and eventuaUy a peat moor, which was once a hght-coloured loam inter- woven with a tough tbick-gi'owing turf. It is the property of plants to effect an alteration in the colour of sods, and even to enrich them -n-ith their own decayed parts, which enable the subject to exist on the same spot — for every plant in a state of nature supphes itself with the elements of existence — and fit the soil for a higher or grosser- feeding tj'pe of vegetation. The moss on the rock forms a rooting-ground for the Fern, just as the Uchen on trees forms a lodgement for the epiphytes. So whilst culti- vated plants take from the fertility of the soO, those in a wild state enrich it and add to its depth by their decaying parts, being generally succeeded, and often accompanied, by a higher and deeper-growing class of vegetation. Peat, then, is a deposit of vegetable matter, consisting of a " sharp sandy soil mixed with the dead fibrous roots of Heath, and is usually of a dark grey colour." There are, however, brown and black peats, due, I consider, to the colour of the loam prior to the growth of the plants. I think the term peat is an inappropriate one for the soil of such value to the gardener, as we give the same name to No. 663.- Vol. XXTT., New Series. every kind of dark spongy soU, whether it be that over- lying rock or diy elevated gi-ound in a thin strata ; or that on a wet clayey subsoU of considerably less elevation, thinness, and lightness ; or that fi-om ground moderately dry, but moist "enough to produce sphagnum— in which case the peat is brown in colour, verj- spongy, and not of more than a few inches thickness— or that from low ground, where, fi'om the decay of sphagnum or plants aUied to it, a deep layer, generally wet to the roots, is foi-med ; aU these, with many others that I could name, are included in the designation of peat. Heath mould would be a better name for the soil that is used for what I consider to be the finest plants of the garden. The heath mould or peat, generally used for deUcate hair-like rooted plants, is the soil which occm-s in elevated well-drained moors, exposed to the witheiing blasts of ■winter and scorching heat of su mm er. The sod, usually less than a foot, and often only a few inches in thickness, lies on a layer of sandstone, Umestone, freestone, or grit, being so thin, and the subsoil so sterile, as to forbid pro- fitable tillage, but yielding a thickly-woven tough turf of vei-y fine grass and good close-gro-wing Heath. The top sod taken off 3 or 4 inches, or as far as the deposit of vegetable matter extends, is highly fiiable and dark- coloured, containing a considerable proportion of fine grains of white sand, and if laid up in a stack for a few months, it vsdll ultimately foi-m the peat so valuable for cultural purposes. It cannot be too fibrous, provided it be full of white sand, in fact the tougher the better. Never take it off so deeply as to biing away any that is close and devoid of fibre,* and avoid that which is of a soft spongy texture. It may be black, brown, or dark grey, but the main consideration is texture, though colour shows the advanced state of the decay of the vegetable matter and the thickness of the deposit. The sooner a deposit is formed the less time is there for decay, and the Ughter is its colour; whilst the slower the deposit the more complete is the decay, and the greater the blackness of the soU. Now let us compare this heath mould ■with a fight loamy soil covered ■nath a thickly-woven turf, and what is the difference ? Is it not in the decomposing vegetable matter and the smaller quantity of clay in the peat to what there is in the loam ? Mr. Johnson, in the " Science and Practice of Gardening," page 96, tells us that " Peat of the best description is constituted in 400 parts." PEAT. Fine siliceous sand 156 Unaltered vegetable fibre . 2 Decomposing vegetable matter 110 Silica (flint) 102 Alumina (clay) 16 Oxide of iron 4 Soluble, vegetable, and sa- line matter 4 Muriate of lime 4 Loss 2 LOAM. Fine sand 120 Decomposing vegetable matter 100 Silica 130 Alumina 1& Oxide of iron 10 Carbonate of Ume 12 Sulphate of Ume 1 Soluble, vegetable, and sa- line matter 5 Loss * 400 400 Now let us compare this ■with an analysis of loam of a No. 1215.— Vol. Xl.'vn., Old Sebisb. 28 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ Jaunary 11, 1872. light sandy nature, in a dose herbage that has accumulated so as to form a thickly-woven fibry sui-face of turf, taken off 1 to IJ inch thick, and laid up for three months to decompose. The diiffercuce is not vci-y great, and the only objection that can be urged against a soil of this description is the excess of lime and iron, in which there can really be no serious draw- back, as the excess of iron is probably decomposed by the lime. There is also a slight excess of clay that may be over- come by the addition of sand, and the deficiency of vegetable matter may be compensated for by adding some old cow dung or leaf soil, with a large amount of sand. This soU should be laid up a few days or weeks, according to the period of the year, less time being needed in summer than winter, and finely chopped-up for small plants, and moderately so for large ones. If used rather rough, let there be a good proportion of finer particles, so as to fill up the interstices and allow of firm pot- ting, adding to it one-sixth of silver sand, and a twelfth part each of charcoal in lumps from the size of a pea to that of a liazel nut, and broken pots that will pass a half-inch sieve ; max this thoroughly, and what is the plant that will not grow in it ? I am not prepared to say that it wUl suit the most delicate of plants which require heath soil, but it will grow such subjects as Azaleas and Ehododendrons much better than any peat, and is especially suited to Camellias. So-called American plants require vegetable matter and plenty of sand ; indeed, most, if not all, Cape, New Holland, and American plants need decomposing vegetable matter in the proportion of one to two of sand, a small proportion of clay, and very little lime or iron. In such a soU they will thrive, and by the de- composition of organic material and their own decaying pai'ts, will give origin to the soil we term peat. I have been so often disappointed by peat, that I have no hesitation in giviug preference to the top inch of an old com- mon, the soU of which is stony, rocky, or sandy underneath, and the old tm-f at the surface very tough, sandy, and partially decomposed. I use it for the pui'poses of peat in the culture of pot plants, but for American plants out of doors I do not consider peat needed. For plants in beds I prefer compost formed of the first 2 or 3 inches of an old pasture, chopped-up rather roughly and enriched with leaf soU from a wood, or from where Bracken and Foxglove grow, and the whole top-dressed with cow dung and plenty of sharp sand, to make the soU Hght and porous. This soD will grow Ehododendrons, Azaleas, Kahuias, Andromedas, and hardy Heaths much better than the majority of jjeats. It should be stated that some peats are so ferruginous as to be wholly unsuitable, and some contain iron in such quantity as to be actuaDy poisonous to plants, and yet the soU beai-s a very good gi'owth of Heath. On examination, however, it will be found that the layer of peat is very thin, the ferruginous substance being immediately under it, but none of the fibres of the Heath entering it. Those ferruginous peats are also vei7 deficient of sUica, though the subsoil is frequently a com- pound of 150 sand, 120 silica, with as much as 50 of alumina, oxide of iron 35, water not entering but running off by the surface. If the ground has not a sharp LncUne, the Heath is often covered with hchen and sphagnum. Even the surface of these soils is of no use, as they are so largely impregnated with iron and so deficient of sand. There are peats, again, that overhe limestone, and are so impregnated with it as to be wholly unsuitable, especially those on the maguesian formations. It'is remarkable, however, that even those formations on which there is but a thin deposit of vegetable matter, will grow plants which need peat well if un- distm-bed, but this, if removed, is destructive to plants in pots or in a cultivated state. It is also necessary to make some remai-ks on the kinds of sand used for mixing with loam intended to be employed in- stead of peat. There is the sand rock, which is a compound of lime, and when burned forms the finest silver sand. In its natm-al condition it is simply poisonous to plants, and when washed it renders the water milky. There are also pit sands veiy full of iron, and nearly useless. All sands should be washed m a very fine sieve, skimming off the top. This frees them of loam or aluminous matters, and also of what those persons who use sand for cement or Ume term " blacks." These spoil the work, and if not removed will also destrov the roots of plants. Peaty turf, such as is used for fuel, is of no value for plant-culture, being almost destitute of silica. It consists of sphagnum and allied plants, frequently forming a deposit to a great depth, but it is also often found in only a thin layer. It usually occurs in low ground and saturated with water, where the subsoil is very clayey and almost without stones. This is only useful for the growth of bog plants or for fuel. — G. Abbei. SMALL FAEMS— HOW THEY CAN BE MADE TO ANSWEE.— Xo. 5. By Bev. Willlim Lea, Vicar of St. Peter's, Droitwich, and Hon. Canon of Worcester. Vegetables. — I have now exhausted the usual varieties of fruits with the exception of Filberts {Strawberry cultivation comes more nearly under the category of vegetables) , and not- withstanding the very tempting accounts of the profit of Filbert-growing which I have seen in print, I cannot say that I have found it successful. It is stated in a pamphlet which I have before me that Cob FUberts are readily sold at £7 for 100 lbs. weight — that is, about 1». id. per lb. My experience was not so fortunate, as the crop produced the odd fourpence without the shilling, so we will tlismiss them from our con- sideration. And the point I now wish to come to is this : When a field is planted with fruit, it will be some 3'ears before the trees fully cover the ground, or there may be parts of it left open for vegetable cultivation — what will be the most profitable vegetables to grow ? I mentioned the Strawben-y above ; and where the ground is weU suited for the growth of this fruit, and sulBciently near to a market, probably few kinds of produce will bring a more profitable return. The difficul- ties are, that it carries very badly, and requires to be netted over where birds are numerous. I have never made an experi- ment as to the market value of Strawberries, but after many years' experience as a grower I may be able to thi'ow some light on the subject to those who may wish to begin. First, double-dig your ground and manure it heavily ; then put in your runners, being careful to select first runners — i.e., those nearest to the parent plant ; put them in as eai'ly as you can, and not later than the middle of August, or you will not have much of a crop the first yeai'. Plant them in rows 12 inches apart, and 12 inches between the plants. Directly the fruit is gathered hoe up every alternate row, so as to leave for the second year rows 2 feet apart, with the plants 12 inches from each other. Directly the fruit is gathered the second year, hoe up every alternate plant in the rows, so as to leave for the third year rows 2 feet apart, and plants 2 feet from each other. Clean your beds by the end of August ; in No- vember hoe them over, and put on a good surface-dressing of manure, and at the end of May, when the plants are just going out of blossom, give them a good watering with liquid manure — this will materially increase the size of the fruit. Some prefer to let the plants run all together, so that the ground is completely covered. The advantage of this plan is that the bh-ds do not see them so j)lainly ; the disadvantages, that the fruit is smaller, less abundant, and in a wet season worthless. The vaiieties of Strawberry to be grown must depend upon your soil. TVliere the British Queen will succeed it should always form a part of the plantation ; but it will not grow on all soils. I have never been able to do any good with it myself. The eai'hest of aU sorts is the Black Prince, but it is hardly a Strawberry, and would not be looked at when once Keens' Seedling has been seen ; stUl, on account of its eai'liness it may be worth a trial. To succeed this I should recommend Keens' Seedling and President, which last, as far as my expe- rience goes, is the hardiest, the longest-hved, and the most pro- Ufic of all StrawbeiTies, and one which will carry well. Then come Sir J. Paxton, where it will grow La Constante, and of later sorts Filbert Pine, Frogmore Late Pine, and Stirling Castle ; but the king of all is Dr. Hogg, unequalled in size and flavour, but I fear a short-Uved variety, and of a tender con- stitution. These are the varieties which I have found to succeed best on a Ught loamy soil, and on such a soil I should say that nothing would beat the President for mai'ket puri:)oses. I now come to the questiou of vegetables ; for if a field is planted with fruit (trees such as Plums, Apjiles, or Cherries, in rows 24 feet apart, and bushes, such as Gooseberries or Currants, between them in rows 6 feet apart) for the first six or eight years, there will be room for vegetables between the rows, and also between the bushes. What varieties can be grown to the greatest profit ? In the first place I should put Onions, Garlic, or Shallots, because they interfere less with the roots of the trees than any JannaiT U, 1872. J JOUENAIi OF HORTICULTURR AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 29 other Tegetable ; and the last especially, if the soU is in good heart, will produce a larger profit per square yard thau any- tliing else. Carrots and Parsnips may also be gi-own, and the latter will hold their own, and produce large roots, even if quite overshadowed by the bushes, when nothing else will succeed. But the most profitable crop for the first few years will probably bo the Potato, especially the early varieties which do not make too much haulm, such as the Ashleaf , Early May, Alma, The King, and other kidneys, which are always in demand before the later Potatoes come in, and even then seem to be preferred before them. Of the later sorts the best and the most prohflc (but this again is a question of soil), are the Red Regent and the Victoria, both of which will keep perfectly sound tUl Potatoes come in again. But if a part of a field is left open, and not planted with trees, nothing, probably, will be more profitable than Asparagus beds, if the farm is near to a good market. With regard to manures, there is none which can be com- pared with farmyard manure, more especially if the crop is to be planted among bushes and fruit trees. Some persons have a prejudice against " green " manure ; but I would say, When you are planting, put on eveiy bit of maniu-e you can scrape together, rotten if you have it ; if not, green. I have seen just as good and healthy crops of Potatoes, if not better, grown from manure full of soakage wheeled straight from the pigstye, as from the well-matured heap which had accumulated during the previous year. I say, then, there is nothing like farmyard manure. It lasts for two or three seasons in the soil, while artificial manure is exhausted in one. But among artificial manures there is a difference. I have tried experiments with many varieties, and have found nothing so efficient for Potato- gi'owing as Peruvian guano, if it can be procured unadulterated. A httle goes a long way, if dropped by hand upon the set when it is planted iu the ground. AJad this mention of manure leads to a consideration of the sources from which it is to be derived. A fruit-farmer )m(.5( have it, and as it is not always to be pur- chased, he must keep a certain amount of stock to produce it. What that stock should be we will consider in another paper. (To be continued.) ELECTION OF BOSES. Mk. RiBCLYFFE, in your last, after commending the hsts of Roses on the whole, thinks there are two shy bloomers, six bad gi'owers, and sis. prcsqtu p?t'!Ht', iu the thirty-six. With regard to the presque pltine , I think that not only some of the very best garden Roses, but some of the very finest exhibition Roses belong to this division ; and though some of them are dangerous friends, in a stand, as in a hot tent, they are apt to open too rapidly and show an eye, yet, as a rule, their constitution is better than the very double ones, many of wliich, Uke La Heine, Reiue du Midi, Alpaide de RotaUer, and others, at times utterly refuse to open, and others, agam, open flat and rough, like Thyra Hanunerick, Souvenir de Poiteau, Baronne Prevost, &a. What Roses can be finer than Duke of Edinburgh, Xavier Ohbo, Pierre Notting, Victor Verdier in their half -expanded state ? There are very few Roses that wUl bear, as I sometimes see done, a .Judge's pencil stuck into the middle to poke in and see if there is a yellow eye, and then they are condemned, because they say, " Oh ! that Rose wo'n't do, it will open directly and show a yellow eye, very likely by the time the public are ad- mitted." There are some of the Roses which have incurved petals, like Prince Henri de Pays Bas, Fehx Genero, and Louis XTV., which keep their shape longer, but many of these Roses have quite as much a yellow eye as the presque pleine, only on account of the incurved petal they do not show it so much. I am induced to write this, as I am myself a great admu-er of that section on account of the beauty of the bud and half and three-parts-opened flower, as instance General Jacqueminot and La France. In my opinion, as a general rule, they are the most useful Roses that can be grown, and I should be sorry to have them discarded as exhibition blooms on account of then' tendency to show, not the cloven foot, but the yellow eye when past their best. — C. P. Peach. have about sixty Hybrid Perpetual Roses which may be relied upon with perfect confidence as really first-rate. Those Roses which have only had one vote are, I beUeve, mostly excellent, but so far- scarcely sufliciently accredited. Now, I propose that this election be carried a little further, and that the same able rosarians be canvassed again for then- opinions as to what other Roses, besides those aheady elected, are really worth growing either for the garden or for exhibition. This woiHd enable the public to understand, once and for all, what Roses are reaUy ww. Placing Hyacinths in Heat {An Old Suhteriber).—The Hyacinths which you have had out of doors, covered two months with coal ashes, we should remove at once, and place near the glass in a house -with a temperature ol from 4(r to 45" at night, and 45= to 50^ by day from fire heat. A stove -with a temperature between 65= aud 70= would bring them forward too rapidly, but on a shelf near the glass they would not be so liable to become drawn, and might flower fairly, hut we behove they would only do moderately well. They would flower much better without heat if the roots were merely pro- tected from frost. Sj-ringing with very hot water wiU not kill thrips, and il warmer than 140= it -wU] injure the Azaleas. Syringe them with tobacco water, made by pouring half a gallon of boiling water on an ounce of the strongest shag tobacco. Cover over closely, let the Uquid stand untU cool, then strain, aud sj-ringe the plants on the under sides of the leaves. Instead of using this you may dilute the tobacco water of the shops -with six tunes lt» volume of water, and syringe the plants. Callas not Flowering (Papanini).— "We are not surprised at the plants not meeting your wishes, lor you expect too much. They will not flower agam imtil from March to May, and we should now keep them rather dry, not allow the foliage to suffer, aud place them in a temperature ol not more than 43 to 50= for six weeks ; then encourage them with plenty of water, and a tem- perature of from 50' to 55', and we think yon wiU have as fine a sprmg as you appear to have had an autumn bloom. Uses of S31.1LL Frames (C. L. X).).— Your frames S feet wide, 2 feet Binchea high at back, and 1 foot 6 inches in front, with glass tops, fronts, and ends, the backs and bottoms of wood, will be useful for many purposes ; but we do not see any necessity for a ghiss front or glass end. -Wood would be better, as it is not so liable 'to be damaged as glass, and there is no necessity for a bottom of auv kind. Such a frame would be useful for placing over a gentle 1 hotbed intended for raising half-hardy annuals as Ten- week Stocks and Asters, for hordening-off bedding plants pre-vdous to planting-out, for placmg over Lettuce or Cauliflower plants in winter, or for anything needing protection; and in summer you might grow Cucumbers or Melons on a gentle hotbed, nuttin" out a plant at every 6 feet of length. Achapesnorrischer Me'.on is a good sort to be sown in a hotbed, planted out on a little bottom heat, and to be corered with glass at least up to July. In every respect it requires the treatment of ridge Cucumbers and is the better of glass, which may be raised so as to allow the Vines to come under it, elevating the frame or glass at the comers which will protect or throw off heavy rains from the collar of the plants. ' They arc impatient of wet on their stems. The flavour is good. Evergreens under LmE Trees {Inquirer}.— Xs the Lime trees are so very close together, we fear the ground will be so matted with roots as to prevent any undergrowth. The Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) would give a close green covering, and the common Ivy (Hedera Hehx) will grow where scarcely anything else will. Common Laurel pegged down might answer, and the Aucuba -will grow where Laurels faa. Butchers' Broom and Spurge Laurel are also good. Period of Resting Vines (J. B. Jones).— From the time the leaves laU untU the Vinos start into giowth, two months should be aUowed. Prune as soon as the leaves are off. They are the better of three months rest. Muscadine Grapes not Ripening— Appli-ing Salt (IT. Fov).-The most UkelT cause of the fruit not ripening is the shade of the Black Hamburgh , it is useless to try to grow Vines under Vines. Give them equal advantages and the Muscadine -nlll ripen its fruit as well as the Hamburgh. Twelve bunches are too many for a Vine just commencmg beanng. Ten bushels ol salt per acre will be a sufficient dressmg. cstab- This -will be exactly two quarts Tt will be of no use now, except to save the plants from frost, aud we do not advise it to be apphed until March. Tar on Hot-water Pipes (.4 Constant Reader).— H your hot-water pipes are painted with tar, your only remedy is to take them out, moke up a fire of brushwood, and buii the tar off. The scum on the ram-water tank is uu- nbtldTy owing to the gas tar. No plant wiU thrive in the house «» long «B the tar remaini on the heated pipes. If the pipes have been coated -with a mixture of tar or varnish and oU point, you may dip cloths m a »olji''on OJ ^ft soan 8 ozs. to the gaUon, and wrap them round the pipes for forty-eight hours keeping t^^m saturated with the solution, and the pamt may peel off; but we think your only remedy will be burmng it off. r.„„„.„ii ERRATUM --At page 16, sLvth Une from the end of "ExPERTO Ckede 3 remarks on the Gladiolus, for "improved" read unprot'eii new. OVER-LUXURUNT REINE HOBTENSE ChERRY {E P.).-AB yOf .^'^f^J^^fi soms freely it would do it no good to lilt it. Keep the tree nailed_ :to_ Jb?,':^ the usnal i do all the traming aud thinnmg of the young shoots i lished-and-then kTep-the-fumace door' shut, and aUow just as much air'ai ^^C^- -"^'^t "^iYsucc'eed'^S^yo^rJ^tof'of ttf^ ^° the ashpit door as wiU support sloiv combustion. Of course until you get the I shy bearer. If it will not succeed wiiu you, ome Jannary 11, 1872. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Fmch as May Duke or Ai-chtluke. In the Bisaireau oinl Heart class the two following are always to be depended upon— Black Tartarian and Elton. Asparagus Bed Making {An Amateur Gar den/- r).— The plants you have saved will not be suitable for a new bed, but you may force them, directions for which were given bv Mr. Eecord a few weeks ago in this Jouraal. The gi-ound where you intend to make the bed should be trenched not Ies8 than 3 feet deep, if it will admit of that, and a 3-inch layer of dung placed between every laver of koU. If the soQ be heavy put in plenty of sand, and before turning' on the next layer mii up the manure and sand with the soil. In this way proceed to the bottom of the soil, taking core not to bring up more than a few inches of subsoil. The earlier this is done the better, so as to let it have frost. For a single bed a width of 7 feet should be trenched to ailmit of 4 feet for bed and 18-inch alley on each side. In Maaxh place on a 3 to 6-inch coating of well-decaved monuie, with an inch of shai-p sand— sea sand if possible— and fork the ground over twice to mix the dung and sand tho- roughly with the surface soil. Leave it until the early pai-t of April, and then put in three rows of plants— two outside ones 9 inches from the sides of the bed, and one row in the centre. Take out a trench as in planting Bos edgings, lay the roots against the side 1 foot apart, with then- crowns level with the surface, and fill up the trench neatly, ^\'hen all are planted cover up 1 to l.J inch deep with soil from the alleys. The plants should not be older than t-wo years, but we prefer one-year-old plants. After May water as much as you lite up to September, and as often as you can with liquid manure. Haerothamntts elegans {Idem).— It is a greenhouse plant, and would not succeed as a climber against a west wall in an eastern county. It is a native of Meiico. CrcTTMBER Cdltttre (K. H. B. L.).— You must at least have a house with a temperature of from 50- to 55^ at sis o'clock in the morning, and capable of being raised to 10- or 15^' more during the daytime, to succeed in gi'owing Cucumbers in winter. A night temperature, ranging from 65^ to TO'^, with an increase usually of from 5" to 10"^ in the day, but from 15' to 20^ in bright weather, is also' essential. Ton may, however, begin to raise the daily tempe- ratm-e, by means of a hotbed, as early as the beginning of March, if you feel so inclined. Telegraph, Long Gun, and Blue Gown ai-e all good Cucumbers, but we would select more particularly the first of these, Cos's Volunteer, Marquis of Lome, and Master's Prolific, an early sort. Starting Vines in Pots {Jd^m).— Weak Vines raised from eyes last year, and cut back to the second eye, should be placed in a heat of 50" to 65^, and left there until June, when they may be removed to the cool vinery. Camellias Casting Buds (Irft-m).— Let the plants remain in the house with a temperature of about 45^ untU the growth is complete and the buds set ; then remove them to a cool house. If they, as we think, need potting, the roots being evidently in an unhealthy state, do it at the eoily part of Mai-ch. (E. M. itf.).— We do not attribute this to be due to the change of temperature in consequence of the existence of a few broken squares, but rather to the condition of the roots. The small insects are most likely mites, and are often plentiful in a soil containing an excess of decaying vegetable matter. Kepot the plants immediately after flowering or early in March, carcfiilly picking out as much of the old soil as comes away freely, so as not to injure the roots, and pot them fij-mly in a compost consisting of the top inch of a pasture of a light sandy loam, chopped up small. Keep the point ■where the root and stem join level with the rim of the pot, and di-ain them weU. Pine Apple Cttltfee (fl". O.).— The plants potted last September in 12-inch pots we would not shift into larger ones now, but as the pots are filled with roots you may remove a few of the lower leaves, top-di-ess them with rich compost, and place them in the Cucumber house. Here they must have light and not be far from the glass. If you can afford bottom heat all the better. The temperature will be suitable. Vine Cclture {T. H. T.).— The Vines that have been phmged for a year we should lift cai-efully, taking up all the roots that have extended beyond the pots, and then by breaking the pots disentangle the roots, and lay them out in planting. Tou may do this when they have hegrin to grow, to the extent of an inch or two. To have Grapes early in July the Vines should be started in the second week In January. A great deal depends, however, on the kinds. Muscats will be three weeks later than such kinds as Hamburghs. Oranges will do well in a heated vinery. The wires in an orchard house, or against any wall, should be more than three-quarters of an inch from it; better if so c:ose as only to admit of the string for tying the shoots. You would do well to dig round the Oak in Maixh, which you con- template moving in November. Soil for Ehododendrons {T. T.).— To yoiu- deep black soil, which we think would grow Rhododendrons well with admixture, you may odd in place of peat as much sandy turf as you lite, leaf soil, and sand, two-thirds of the former, one-third of the second, and a sisth of the latter. This is a capital soil for them, and a fourth part of old cow dung or well-rotted hotbed maum-e might be added with advantage. Material for Protecting Fruit Trees {Black Edge). — Of the materials you name for protecting fniit-tree blossom from frost, we prefer tiffany. The protection is not a needless expense, but very often results in securing a crop By all means use the protection you describe, taking care to keep it from brushing against the blossoms, and making safe from winds. Put it on when the blossoms are expanding, and remove it in all mild weather, using it only in fi-osty weather. 2. The Scarlet and Pink Thorns attacked with blight and catei-piUars will not communicate the pests to other trees, but you should syringe them just before coming into flower, and again afterwards, with a solution of soft soap, 2 ozs. to the gallon. 3. We do not know of anything that, sprinkled around shrubs, will keep dogs from them, and we think your only remedy is to enclose with wire netting. 4. By ha\-ing hoses made as you propose, draining them well, and filling them with soil, you would suc- ceed in growing cUmbers against your house. If you had a width 2 or 5 feet there would be no necessity for changing the soil every year, but merely to remove the surface soil, and top-dress with rich soil. The main difficulty would be in keeping the frost from the roots in winter, but that difficulty you will, no doubt, overcome. Larkfield RrvAL PelargontttiI, &c. (A TtcaderX—The plants you mention can be obtained of any of the chief florists and seedsmen who advertise in our columns. Names of Plants (Alban Goodman). — Myrsiphyllnm asparatjoide^, native of South Africa, and a plant we hold in high favour. {W. B.I.— 1, Sida my- frorensis, a generally-distributed weed in the western peninsula of India; 2, Polystichum Richard!^ ; 3, Very young, in all probability a Diplazium, most likely to be D. japonicom. POULTEY, BEE, AKD PIGEON CHEONIOLE. BRISTOL POULTRY SHOW. In spite of the prohibitory Buhscription, the Bristol Show this year just exceeded one thousand entries ; but it is worthy of re- mark that the number of exhibitors feU off matenaUy, so that the amount gained was by no means what had been anticipated. As usual the bii-ds were shown in single tier, which gives this Show a gi-eat advantage over even the Crystal Palace as regards seeing and judging the birds. We regret to say that again bad weather interfered with the attendance, and it is only fair to state, m reply to some of the glowing calculations which have been made, that the receipts at the doors are always considerably under ^100. Last year they were about X'70, and it is this unaccount- able apathy of the general pubUc which causes the Committee such embarrassment. , , , j DoRKrNGS.— Cockerels were rather poor on the whole, and we regret to say that iu our opinion the first-prize was a case of deception, being an old bii'd ; and we believe this was the judg- ment of all present. We can only say the spurs were perfectly hard and perfectly sharp, and there was an amount of white rarely seen in a chicken's tail. The head also showed evidence of age. PuUets were afair average, but therewereno birds of marked exceUence save the first-prize pen. The second-prize pen con- tained a "veiy early" chicken. Cocks and hens were better classes, and the first-prize cock an enormous bird, which fairly beat Mr. Martin's Rose-comb. The hens formed the best Dor- king class seen this season, and we are not sure we should not caU the cup pair the best pen in the Show. Nearly every pen in this class was mentioned. SUver-Greys were very poor,_ the first prize in cocks being withheld, and no commendations givea in either class. White cocks were good in shape, but aU very yeUow ; the hens, on the contrary, were very fine though tew, and the winning pen was unusually so. Cochins.— There was some difference of judgment about the first and second-prize Buff cockerels, the second being the Palace cup-winner, which has left the Stoke Park yard. It was a nice point, and we believe the Judges were in some doubt. The first bird was rather the best in feet, wings, and perhaps colour generally ; the second in size and shape, but decidedly gone off in condition, and heoughtnotto have beenshovni. ihird. came a good bird too. When we say only f oirr others were named. it will be seen the class was not of startUng exceUence. In piillets, we thought the first-prize a mistake, and that the second should have held that position, giving the second to the cup Palace pair, which were neariy as good as ever, though now only highly com- mended. Among the old cocks were several rare birds but nearly all were somewhat rough, which certainly threw out tha cup-winner of last year; this bird has grown to such an enor- mous size that at our request he was weighed by one ot the officials of the Show-he scaled 2 ozs. short of 15 lbs. Of hens we Uked Mr. Taylor's second-prize pen better than tus fii-.st, Buo aU three were rather evenly matched. Partridges disapjDOint us more and more; the decadence is not confined to one breeder but is general, nearly all the cocks getting clumsy and round- backed. They were out of condition, which injm-es a bird s carriage ; but we did not see a reaUy first-rate bird in the class. Pullets and hens were better, perhaps, but far from what they used to be. White cockerels were better m colour than usual ; the pullets also a nice lot, and owing to the late date more deve- loped than at other shows. The first-prize pair were really beautiful, the old cocks yeUow, as usual, the only White bird being the commmended, 212. In hens, the cup pair had one gi-and bird, and another vei-y fine. Mr. Sichel s birds lost for want of a washing. Except in the colour of the cocks, it strack us Whites are improving. „ , . . ■ a. ^ Beahmas.— Cockerels were the finest collection m point of quaUty ever brought together. The Palace cup-winner was a-'ain to the fi-ont, and though recklessly overshoiSTi, had reaUy improved since Edinburgh Show. Second came a very fine bird in shape and coloirr, but with heavy hocks. The thu-d- prize bird was of good colour, but had no other redeeming pomt, and this award should have been given to the highly commended pen 242. In this class an unusually conspicuous case of plucking was properly visited by the Judges and Committee with dis- quaUfication and publication in the catalogue. PuUets also were a gi-and class, the Palace pen, fourth at Birmmgham, being again to the front. Their fine marking was as good as ever ; but; the wings of both birds being displaced or " shpped " as it is termed (as they were also at the two previous shows), should, we considered, have thro-n-n them out altogether, giving the third prize, vacant by promotion, to Mr. Artmright s pen 2dS. The second prize went to the Bii-mingham winners. ^ In old cocks, Mr. Taylor's bird, which was first at Birmmgham and degraded at Manchester through overshowmg, was here out altogether, having quite gone off his legs. Very possibly he is ruined, and we would suggest to the Judges that they might witli 42 JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ January 11, 1872. beuefit meet this gi'owing evil by i-efusinR to a-n-ard prizes nearer the commenceraent of the poor bird'e sufferings. The cup bird was fine in nearly all points ; the second we did rot like much ; the third-prize bird very' fine in head, shape, and plumage, but too long and rather white in the tail. Among the hens were several good pairs, the second perhaps the best. In Lights the cup bird was fine in shape and size, but had a badly slipped wing. Second, medium shape and size, but no colour; third rather small, but best of the three in our judgment ; we considered pen 311 to be the best in the class, being beautifully marked, of fair size, and nearly perfect shape : he was not noticed, no much do people differ. Pullets were poor as usual, the cup pen clean, but bare of feather, and pen 362 must have -won, as we believe they have before, but were in filthy condi- tion. Cup cock, fine shape and size, but again no colour. Second better, and with more leg feather he must have won. The win- ning hens were the usual pair, which have changed hands. Spanish were the best classes of the whole season. The cup cockerel was a beautiftil bird, in first-rate condition ; the third- prize bird had a fine face and comb, but a slight redundancy of earlobe, stiU we think he ought to have been second. The pullets were well placed, and the cup pair were the gems of the year ; in fact, the whole class was the best of the Spanish .collection, and a treat after the mediocre lot seen at previous shows. The first-prize cock was very fine, but we fear has joined the early-closing movement. Hens were poor, except the first two pens. The whole season seems to have been strangely against this breed. Fbench Fowls. — The cup cock was a grand Creve-Coeur, and second another worthy his place, but the third was a very poor Houdan, entered by an experienced exhibitor at four guineas, and up to Friday night at least not claimed. lu this class a pair of hens were sent in mistake by such a veteran exhibitor as Mr. Fowler, and were necessarily disqualified. In hens, the first and ■third were fine Creve-Cceui's, the second rather middling Houdans. Hamburghs. — The cup Gold-spangled cock was a fine old bird. The second prize went to a bird hardly matured, but in the best condition of any in the class ; the third, on the contrary, was not in good feather, a circumstance which lost him at least one place. The hens were a poor class, few of the birds being good, and good matches were conspicuous by their absence, most of the prize pens having one good bird to one bad. In SUver- spangled the winning cock was very fine ; none of the others -perfect in the bars. The cup hens were a first-rate pair, except Ihat one had rather a shady tail. The second-prize hens were also good : the others below par. In the next division both cups ■went to the Golden-pencilled, and the whole cock class was very good. The first-prize hens were a beautiful pair ; those second ■were not perfect in tail, but superior in body markings to the third. These two classes were perhaps the best of the Ham- burghs. Silvers were not so good by far, -with the exception of the -winning pen in each class. In Blacks Mr. Serjeantson won easily ; the condition in which he shows his birds is wonderful. Throughout this gi'oup of classes the effect of the December shows was plainly seen in a fearful loss of condition compared ■with what many of the very same birds had exhibited pre-viously. Gamx. — In the Game classes this remark will apply even more. Many really good birds had gone quite "soft" with the repeated confinement and course of soft food they had had, and the awards were e-vidently chiefly guided by the handling. Black Beds were both large and good classes ; and, as usual where there are so many experienced breeders, it was easier to find fault than to pick out "winners, but the prizes all went to good birds. Bro-wn Red cocks were few, two out of eight entries not teing sent. This made it easy to select the pens, the few other good birds having sadly gone back. In hens no pens beyond the three were mentioned. Duckwings were also small and poor classes. The -winning cock was a fine bird, but too dark in colo\ir. The next class contained only three Pile cocks, which shared the List between them ; and in hens only one bird put in an appearance, which, being a very good oue, was awarded the first prize " to encoxrrage the rest." On the whole, perhaps, the Game were the most unsatisfactory classes in the Exhibition. Polish. — In the cock class every pen but one was highlv com- mended. Silvers being first and third, and Gold second. In hens Mr. Adkins was first again, and apair of Golds third. No Blacks were shown, the first time, -we think, this has ever occurred at a Bristol Show. Malays.— These were the best entries of the year, eleven cocks and sixteen hens being entered. Cocks were a fine class, Mr. Brooke being beaten at last by a young cockerel, which was at once claimed at two guineas and a h.alf. Hens, on the con- trary, were poor in quality, or rather in condition, though more numerous. Several of them showed that the o-wners did not know what a Malay is, being quite destitute of that peculiar- shape which enables a fancier to know one even in the dark. Mr. Hollis won again, and fairly in our opinion. Some thought Mr. Brooke's bird best, but slie was not in good order by any means, and the rev. gentleman's really best bird was in worse, and only highly commended. Ant Vabiety. — Here we -were puzzled by the judging. In ccks, the first prize went to a Silky, stated by the Judges to be the best they remembered, yet absolutely destitute of feather on the legs, and much too long in the tail in our opinion. Second was a Pekin Bantam, and third a really miserable so-called Black Cochin, almost bare-legged, and exactly the shape of a leggy Brahma. A very poor Leghorn, with very short and nearly white legs, was highly commended ; while a young cockerel, the finest yet sent to England, and perfect in every point, having been selected by the Treasurer of the New York Poulti-y Society as a standard bird for portraiture, was unnoticed. This and the folio-wing class were remarkable for two pens, stated by Mr. Moor to be a " variety of Brahma," and put in at a high figure. The colour of the pullets was a bluish pale grey or drab, rather sickly to our taste ; but we heard an old lady re- mark she had never seen " such lovely-coloured fowls," and possibly if bred to a decent shape they might be popular. In hens, first came unusually good White Minorcas ; second, the best pair of Sultans we have yet seen ; and third, rather poor Black Cochins. A reaUj' good strain of the latter variety would carry all before it, but in our opinion not a single pen in either class of this variety was pure bred. Ducks. — Ayiesburies were only four entries, but all good. In Kouens a pair that would not disgrace Birmingham were first. The second-prize drake was nearly as good, but the Duck was by no means equal. The Black East Indians had a class to themselves. There were several good pairs, but Mr. Sains- bury's -winners were worth the lot, both for smallness, colour, and style generally ; in fact, they have never appeared in equal condition to what they here showed. The "Any variety" class contained two pairs of the Black Cayuga, new to this country, and very erroneously stated by one of the Judges to be similar to the Black Ducks so common in Lancashire. It sur- passes any other large Duck in flavour, requires very little water, and. has the gift of getting and keeping fat on much less food than any other Duck of its size. None of these are shared by the Lancashire breed. First and third were Mandarins and Carohnas, as usual ; the third being deservedly given to a very remarkable pair of Whistling Ducks, which drew much attention by their peculiar notes. Both sexes are similar in plumage. The sides of the breast are beautifully pencilled, something like a Grouse in colour, but quite straight across the feather ; back and -wings something like the Rouen female, but very dull- marked ; head white to one-fifth of an inch behind the eye, where the white ends in a straight perpendicular line ; bill black, breast claret, and carriage Uke a AVoodcock. The Cay- ugas were only commended. Geese only showed five pens for six prizes. In the " Any variety " class, besides Embden and Touloase, the first prize went to a fine pair of Chinese, which were firmly believed to be Swans by many of the ladies present. Turkeys. — These were the finest ever seen at Bristol, the winning pair being fit to compete anywhere. This class con- tained a magnificent pure wild American cock, also sent over by Mr. Simpson, but which was unfortunately out of com- petition through ha-ving no partner. He only arrived from Liver- pool three days before the Show, but even as he was, the splendid plumage in which the -wild breed surpasses all domes- tic varieties attracted much notice and commendation. Game Bantams. — In the Reds, nearly all the birds had gone more or less soft from repeated sho-wing, but the cup pen stood grandly out, and no judge could have decided otherwise. In the " other variety" class the first-prize pen contained a beauti- ful young cock, with a hen far from worthy of him. Mr. Eaton's second were also a good pair, not having been showTi before; but to the rest the same remark as to condition will fuUy apply. The Single cocks (any variety), was the treat of the Game classes. The cup bird was simply perfect : where he comes from we do not know, but he was the counterpart of Mr. Eaton's exquisite Palace Duckwing (which has changed hands for twenty guineas), and he fairly beat Mr. Eaton's own bird, -n-inner at both the Palace and Birmingham Show, which was put third. Second was a good bird, but -with a squirrel tail, and every Bantam- breeder allowed that second and third shoiild have changed positions. But of this we are certain — that the lot were the three best Black Reds that we have ever seen together at one show. In Black Bantams the cup went to Bristol, the pair being very fine, and in fact ten guineas were offered for them almost im- mediately the Show was opened. As to the other prizes, there were about four pens so nearly equal that they might have cast lots for second and third. Mr. Maynard's pen, 799, was much admired, but the hen was too gamey for a Black, and her dark gipsy face, together with her shape, might cause suspicion of a Brown Red cross. The cup Whites were beautiful birds. In Sebrights Mr. Leno swept the whole list, as usual of late ; but we must say, looking at these birds year by year, we do not think they are impro-ring. Mr. Teebay judged the Game, Hamburghs, and Game Ban- tams ; Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay the Bralimaa (both varieties) ; Januarj- 11, 1873. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 43 the Rev G. Hodson all other Bantams, French Fowls, and we think the Any variety class; Mr. Hewitt, PoUsh, Geese Ducks, andTMkeysf and we beUeve Messrs. Hewitt and Hodson the nokuiKGS fColourecI) -Coclerd.-l. W. Arkwrislit. Sotlon Scarsdale, Cheater- fl«M ^Sd 3 L Pi>l on Hillmore, Taunton, he, E. Barton, Truro ; A. Darby, MdsnoSfj.'B, wSers, Taunton: R. W Beachey. Flude^ IX^Sgr""; B. Burton ; M>;-,E.WheatleyInpte|tone;E.W Beach y ^ •artiS^i.'Lieur. BoEKiKOS (CoIoured).-CMfc^^^^ J- W. Will. Brrol. Col. Lane. he. O. E. ^^«"»'"^"'„*'|" V BeaiheyT he, E. Barton ; J. Walts, f S^rHea?£; IS^ln^hrm rj:- mUu T H^n? h!'w. Fitzwilliam, Wentworth ^^o^KZV(Si.ye^'^?eV^S^^-P rc%%l!-l. Withhe^ S E BaSSn pldM/ofHens.-l and 8. O. E. CresBwell, 2, W. E. George. •Von^'lf rmitel-Cockerel or Cock.-l, J. Robinaon. GarBtang 2 and 3, M?a M A Hij^e, Fordington. Pulkts or Hem.-l, J. Robmson. 2, Mrs. M. A. Hayne. 8, 0. E. Cres3%yeU. , , tt t i j ,-«« o T w Will 0?icFnvs (Cinnamon and Bum-Cockerel— 1, H. Lloyd, jan. 2. J. W. vviu. 3 W. A Taylor, Manohester. he, Lady Gwydyr, Stoke Park, IP™f '':'■, K- linw Br Avfesbury • Mrs. Allsopp, Hindlip Hall, Worcester: W. A. Taylor. luil'I'-l W A. i-aylor. 2. Lady GwydVr. 3, C. Bloodworth, Cbeltenham. ^, W' A. Cneli, Southwell; J. K. Fowler; Mrs Allsopp Chelt™ham; A. Darby ; Henry Lingwood, Barking, Needham Market, c, J. Pares, Posttord, •* CoSs (Cinnamon and Bum.-Coek-l and Cup W. A. Taylo"-. Man'^iester ?iZd^- V.?-l ihl^i W.'"Taylor'.%!*k"Kd;iun\=;:?;^wX.''Ba^^ '•c'J™^Mfe?o'^'and Parlridge).-Cocfer,i -1 W. A. Taylor. 2. Mrs. Allsopp. 3, J. K. Fowler, he, E. Tadman, Whitchurch, Salop: W^ A. Taylm, J. N. i.. Pope, Stoke Bi*op. e. J. N. C. Pope^ PaZIeb.-l and c, W. A. Taylor. 2, J. N. c Pone 3 J K Fowler, he, C. F. Wilson ; E. Tudman. „ _ , „ ^^CocHiVs (Browi and Partrldse).-Coc«.-.-l, J. K. Fowler. 2, E. Tadman. 3, J N C Pope. HcM.-l and 3. W. A. Taylor. 2, E. Tudman. Cochins (White).-Coc*ereI.-l, J. N. Whitehead, Gna.ton. Torquay. 2, E. S. S. Woodsate, Pembury, Tnnbridge Wells. . 3, Mrs. A Wimamson. '«:, «:»•=• Woodgate; R. Chase. Wylde Green. Birmingham; A. J. E. Swindell, Kmver, StSurbrtdg'eVC. Bloodworth. e, P. Collins. Daventry; J Bloodworth, "lelten- hain ■ E. thase. Pullets.-l, R. S. S. Woodgate. 2. R. Chase. 8, Mrs A wSiam on. he, E. S. S. Woodgate; gapt.^'. G^ Colendge^argrave ; J. Sichel, Lark Hall, Timperley. c, Capt. F. G. Colendge ; J. N. Whitehead. COCHINS (White).-Cocfc,-l and 2. J. Sichel. 3, R. S. S. Woodgate. c J. N. TOitehead! Hens.-! and Cnp.R. S. S. Woodgate. 2, J.N. Whitehead. S.Mrs. %™M™?S-ark)':-^CoXrf.-l. Hon. Mrs. A. B. Hamilton 2 E Ensor. 8, Mrs. A. Vigor, Southfleld, Oxbridge, he. Lady Gwydg; J. K. Fowler. K. Ensor. Bristol 2) ; E. Burton ; J. W. Will ; W. Arkwnght; Howard & Nicholls (2) A.Rigg; G. F. Whitehonse. e, W. E. George, Stoke Bishop.. P''"''«--l "* Cap, Hon. Mrs. A. B. Hamilton, Ridgmont, Woburn. 2, L. Wright, B"8to'. S, H B. Morrell, Cae Mawr, Clyro. he. J. Watt, ; W. E George: .L- Wright g), W Ark\yright: E. Ensor: Hon. Miss D. Pennant; J. W. Will : G. F. White- hoafe,Kin|'8 Heath, Birmingham; A. Eigg; J. S. Tamlon, Gloucester, c, ^BLn^sIu^^n-Coek.-l and Cap. T. F. Ansdell. Powley Mount, St. Helen's. 2 W. Adams, St. Clements. Ipswich. 8, L. Wnght. (ic,T. t. Ansaell,, W. A. Taylor ; E. Barton, e, Hon. MiaaD Pennant P^^'-hyp Castle Bangor , Hon.Mra. A. B. Hamilton. Hfnj.-l, T. F. Anadell. 2. Lady Gwydyr 3^ W. Arkwrighl. iK. H. B. Morrell (3) ; T. F. Anadell ; J. Watts, c. Rev. J. Bowen, Talgarth : .T. Siohel ; Hon. Miaa D. Pennant. „ „ 4 r,„„^m,,, BEiHiaAS (Light).— Cocteri't. — l and Cup. M. Leno. 2, Capt. Downman, Beech??oye, KlSgstown. 3, F. Crook, he. Aev. J. D. Hoyatead Bradenstoke, Chfppfnham; H M. Mayn'ard. Holmewood, Ryde : J. Long, Plymouth; Rev. J D Hoysted: J. R. Rodbard, Wrington, Bristol; W.E. George; J- Long, c J Pares. Pidlets.-l, Cup, and 2, Mra. A. Williamaon. 3, M. Lens, Markyate Street? (w, W. E. George (2); Rev. J. D. Hoyated. c, J. R. Rodbard; Mra. T. ^"Sfn'Mtrrii^trCo'c^:.-! and Cup. Mrs. A. Williamson. 2, Mrs, A. Worth- infton. Barton-ln-Trent. S, H. Dowsett, Pleshey^ Chelmatord. Hcrw.-l, Cup, Sid 2, J. E. Eodbard. 8, J. feloodworth. Jic, F. Crook, Forest Hill (2; ; Mra. A. ^i^ms^-Cockerel-1 and Cup, Mrs. Hyde. Bedminster, 2, Eev-.E. Lascelles. S Howard & Nicholls. he. E. Jones (8) ; H. Beldon, Goitstock, Bmgley : Mrs. AllBonp • Mrs. Hyde, c, E. Jones. Clilton ; F. James, Peckham Eye. Pullets. -land'cnp Mrs Hyde! 2, Hon. Miss D. Pennant. S.E.Jones, ftc, E.Jones; Howard & Nicholls ;F. James; T. Bush, Bristol ; Hon. Mias i>. Pennant, c, E. Jones ; T. Bamfleld, Brandon Hill, Clifton ; Mrs. Allsopp. „„..,„, SPiNiBH--Coclc.-l, J. R. Eodbard. 2. T. Bash. 3, A. Rumbolds, Bnatol. Hf^ -1, H. Beldon. 2, E. Jones. 3, T. Bamfleld- he, Miaa E. Brown, Chard- ^"FWSNCH.-Coctorf! or Cock. -I and Cup. W. R. Park (Creve-Cceur). 2, J. Siohel (Creve-Cceur). 3, J. C. Cooper. Cooper'a Hill, Limerick. (ic^^J. K. Fowler Hon. C. W. Fitzwilliam (La Fleche); H- Ferris, Cleye (La ^Fleche). Pullets or Hens.— I and Cup, J. J. Maiden, Biggleawade (Creve-CCEur). A w. Dring. 3, R. B. Wood, Uttoxeter. he, J. Sichel (Oreve-Ooeur); W. E. Park, '^HlMBraGHrfo^l'd'-tpansledl.-CoeSerc! or CocS. -1 and Cnp, C. P"aona, wXerhampton. 2. Mrs. Hyde. 8. H. Beldon. he and c, W. A. De Wmton, Durdham Diwn, Bristol. PuUffs or HeM.-l. C. Parsons. 2, Mrs. Hyde. 8, J. Forsyth, Wolverhampton, iic, W. A. De Winton ; J. Watts. HiMEOROHS (Silver-spangledl.-CocfcereJ or Cock.— I, 3. Robineou. 2, H. Beldon. 3. C. Parsons, he. Miss E- Browne. Pullets or Eens.-l and Cup, H. Beldon. 2, C. Parsons. 3 and ho, Miss E. Browne. HiKBOBGHS (Gold-nencilledj.-Cocfcerfi or Coek. — 1 and Cup, C. Parsons. 2 N. Barter. 3, 0- Bloodworth. ftc.H. Beldon : J. Robinson, c, C. Blood worth ; J Walker, Biretwith ; F. Piltis. Pv,UeU or Bens.—\ and Cup, C. Bloodwjrth. 2.J. Walker. 3, N. Barter, ftc. J. Walker : H. Beldon. „ ^ ,^ „ t t> v.- HAMBHEaHS (Silver-pencilled).-Cocfceraor Cocfc.-l, H. Beldon. 2, J. Robin- son 3 F Pittis, inn., Newport, Isle of Wight. Jic, J. Walker; N. Barter. PnUc(«'orHfn.5.-l,H. Beldon. 2, N. Barter. 3, (J. Parsons. HiMBORGHs (Black).-l3octere( or Cocft.-l and 2. Rev. W. Serjeantson Acton Bumell Rectory. 3, C. Parsons, he, 0. F- Wilson; C. Parsons. Pullets or Serw.-LRev-W. Serjeantson. 2, T. Bush. 3 W. A. Taylor, (ic, H. Beldon. Game (Black-breasted Relsl.-Cocfcerei or Cock.-l and Cap. J. Forajth. 2, J. Fletcher, Stonoolough, Mancheater. 3, G. E. Smith. )ic, W. H. Stagg, Netheravon; S. Matthew, Stowmarket: J. Frith, Chatswortb; W. Boyes, Beverley: P.P. Cother, Salisbury, c, W. H. Stagg: J. Forayth; G. Bagnall. Pullet or nen.—\ and Cup, S. Matthew. 2 and 3, W. H. Stagg. ftc, J. Fletcher ; W-H. Stagg; G. Bagnall, Draycott,Cheadle; H. Beldon. Game (Brown-breaated Reds) — Cocfcerei or Cock.-l and 8, W. Boyes. 2, S. Matthew, he. J. Fletcher. Pullet or Hen.-l, S- Matthew. 2, J. Fletcher. 3, J. Frith. Game (Duckwinga and other Greys and Blues).— Cockerel or Cort-.— 1 and 2 S Matthew. 3. E. Martin. Jic, W. Boyes. Pullet or Hen.— 1. S. Matthew. 2, T. West, St. Ann's, Eccleston, St. Helen's. 8, J. T. Browne. St. AnsteU. Gajie (Any other variety).-Coc»rcreI or Coek.-l, J. Frith (Pile). 2, J. Fletcher( PUe). 3. J- Bird, Bristol (Pile). Pullet or Hen.— 1. J. Frith (M?)- Game Bantams (Black-breasted and other Reds). — I, Cup, and 3, J. w. Morris Rochdale 2. W. Adams, he, J. R. Robinson,Sunderland (2); J.Frith; ^■^Sh'':.f.i?i&.fSl% Vlri^?^°-l,%' hS!°-2, J. Eaton. 3, J. Frith. "Vam^ BANiAMsliny variety).-Coel- -1 and Cup, G. HaU. 2. J. R. Robin- =°S;N?lif (mack fe^ein^egS:-!^ a'tld^orE^Tambridge, Cotham. Bristol. 2. JIrs! A Worthington 3, H. M. Maynard. "^he. H. M. Maynard ; T. Bush. e. '^B^ArTAMS^(White^cTean-legged).-l and Cap, Rev. F. Tearle. 2, H. Beldon. 3, Ladies Moreton, Tortworth Court. ■, „ „ t BiSTAMB (Gold and Silver Sebnghts).-!, 2. and 3, M. Leno k^,a„„ PoTian — Cocfcerc! or Cock. — i, Cup. and 3, G. C. Adkins.. 2, H. Beldon. ;ie J linton Warminster; G. C. Adkina, Lightwooda. BinninKham; H. Beldon Pa!"efao?He7W.-i; Cup. and fte, G. C. Adkins- 2 and 3,H. Beldon. ''M\S!-CoctereJorCoefc.-l,Cup,and c, T.Hc,llis, Twyford,^^^^^^^ ^fn':ih.%%''.TeA^tT^f^!'l:G%'ooZ:'hrw%^^^^ «rNv'^o?H?rv11.;E-'x^I:J'o''e"Jre!''i/b?e?.-LR. S, S. Woodgate. 2 J- Siche, (PAin): 3, C. M. Hole. Tiverton. )«, Rev- N. J Ridley. Newbury (Leghorn) , W Boyes (Sultan); J. Siche! (Sultan . c. E. Burton (Mmorca). ^'"«'» o' Hens-l and Cup, R. WilkiuBOn, Guildford (White Mmorcas. 2, W. Boyes (Sultans) 8 Mrs. P. Taatte, Castle Plunkett (Black Cochms). he. R. S. S. wiodSe ; W. Ja^rett, Bristol; Rev. F. Tearle, (Sazeley Vicarage, Newmarket (Cuckoo Dorkings) : Godfrey & Reeves Cochm-Chinas direct from Shanghai) , J Sichel (PeU5T;J. Bird (Slack Minorcas); F.Wilton (Black Cochms). c, J. Watts ; H. Beldon (MafBers). tt ^ i. < i„.i,„,» n r w pooRs (White AyleBbury).-l and 2, H. Jones, Hartwell, Aylesbury. 3, L. H. ^SocKs (Rouen).-l and 2. L. Patton. 8, J.N. C- Pope he, R Gladstone, jnn^, Broadsreei;°LiverpooL c, J- K. Fowler (2) ; Rev. J. J. Evans. Cantreff Rectory. ivcL (Black Bast Indian).-! G S Sainsbury J-'i'^JL^F'^PUtirfin i"^ S S. Woodgate- he, S- Bam, Whitby (2)- c, W. E. George ; F. Pittis, jun. (.) , ""D'^KS^Sy^other variety).-l anl 8 M. Leno (Oarolina and Vm ,u Whistling. 2, S. Bum (Mandarin . he. J. Smnott, Bedmmstcr Down ( Man- S): J Watts ; M. Leno (Mandario). c. W. Simpson, Westchester Co., New York (Black Cayuga, from America) (2). waita q I r Cooner Geese (Embden and Toulouse).-!, J. K. Fowler. 2;J- Watts- 3, J- C- Cooper. Geese (Any other varietyj.-l, W. E. George (White Chmese). 2. J. K. ^T"RKi°1S7variety) -!. F. LythaU, Banbury (Amerioan and Cambridge). 2 aXsTl. Mton (Cambridge), he. Rev. N. J. Ridley (Cambridge), c, W. Simpson (Pure American wild breed). PIGEONS- „. . ,, . T, Caeeieks (Blue or -White)--! and Cup, H. Yardley, Birmingham, c, E. ^cSmB^lS^'iVDun).-!, Cup. and 2, R. Fulton, ttfte. E Horner. hc,3. YardTe^E.Home^HaSwood. Leeds, c. H. M. Maynard ; E Fu"o°; „, PoVTEis.-Cocto.-^l, Cup, and 2, F. Gresham, Sheftord i-ftc K- M^™-j 'g' B Homer- E. T. Dew. Weston-super-Mare, c, E. Fulton (2). Uerus. l, c. Homer. 2 and i')i«. F. Greaham- he, R. Fulton. Ti,r„or lieJFord- TOMBLEES (Almond).-!, J. Fulton. 2, J. F»rd. n/ic. E. Horner- he, J. torn, J. Fielding, jun., Rochale. ir-„„.. j> vnitnn he H M Jacobins.-I and 2, E. Fulton, vhe, Mrs. A. Vigor; E. Fulton, he, a. m. ''bIms*-^! and Cup, W. B. Van Haansbergen, Newcastle-on-Tyne. 3, vhc, and "fI'ntmL's"-! and Cup, H. Yardley. 2, W. B. Van Haanabergen. vhe. Eev.W. ''Si^l?l"'^;;ml'r^t" a; g?r ifa^Iln.'nelr'ilTr^e^o'r-d. e, F. Wilton ; W. B. Van Haansbergen ; E. Homer. /i„„„j.^„ /> v T Ttpw ?^MSI;A^^^^&^;fH^r^an''d^"c?p.'^^|ieS?ruu.^•2^■R"•F^ 4ES°-^"nl^'e''r'faome^r.-' i^-lra^hlm^'S^^Srd- e. H- Yardley E- Gamon : H- Yardley. ,. Gamon: n. xaraiey. . . ANT OTHER DiaTINOT VAEtETY.— 1, J- Fieldmg, JO (Malteae). ha, W. C. Dawson, Otley (Ice). 2. Eev. A. G. Brooke WISHAW ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION. The Wishaw Ornithological Association held their annual Exhibition of poiUtry, Pigeons, and Canaries on January ist. DORONOS.-I. J. Anderson CljcWiiminu- 2 and 3, W. Good fflia^elhall. Chiekens.-!. J. Henderson, Cleokhimmn 2, G- foolt, ^i^"^"'^- J^^' 3, Mrs. H?SlS?rrh'.''chl?S:-'i:"^l.tite,^'w'atarv;lfe -tz'iiipljoori'^rtrr'^^^^^^^^ GiUhead. (Jolrfeii-jpnniiietJ.- 1, .J. PoUooK, Jather. '•„''-^'°vj ' stewarlon. ^a^i 3^\"^SIon°'^aSI?i^- .r/.»i^^^^^^^ ^S^'^n'SttTn, c'i^w'a?t\^.-frfcn, Wishaw 3D. waa CMekeW! -1 A. Gray, GiUhead. 2, D. Wardrop, Crofthead. 8, H. Walker, 'HiSIS^^^fctcg^^'SSS. V^^Si^TTGavin, %TNT'.«s:-OoWorSiI.er.-l,Mrs.Houldsworth. |- R- Bvy/e^ Lochma^en. 3 A Johnstone, BothweU. Any other Colour.-l and 2, H. L. Hour, Andrie. '■ Ei^Kt'-Iyle,hury.-l and 2, J. Crawford, Hamilton. 3, G. Scott. Any other ^SJ'"o7iE5'St?S?x li^r-Ta'nd l;^.^Sibi>, Cambusnethan. 8, J. ''llTi,a''SlIs".-l, J.Watson, Lanark. 2, W. Stevenson. Chapelhall. 3, G. ^^pllk OF Poin.TEY.-Prize. R. Mackie, Stewarton, Ayrshire. PouTEES.-Biaefc.-l, J. Orr, Wi^*y''.° 2.^^^^^ ^^l^.^^ iifi7^: k^/i?i!.'^*Sdsiyf°r J?'FoS.'?,^'aT5S'X a!' Brown, Wishaw. Any °'riiMS?El."li!;4&-l"-'^^e,'f ^^.'Tw. Anderson. Glasgow. 8. W. '|=li?^ilr?^nl'3fj?SI&ra«.n _ ANY OTHEE Vaeiett.-I. W. Andersou. 2 and 3, A. Brown. JOURNAL OF HOETIGULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. t JanuaiT 11, 1872. gate. i Class.— 1, J. Scott, OvertowD. 2, J. Grey. 3, A. Johnstone, Bath* Paib of Pigeonb.— W. Lindsay, Wiahaw. C*GE BIRDS. CiSAnrp.s.~TeUoii\—Cnek.—l, J. Lonzhran, Lanark. 2, M. Gilmour, Glaacow, 8, T. Lindsay. Buff —Cock.— \, J. Smith. Coatbridge. 2, J. Graham, Rnthtr- glen. S, J. Walljin'-h^w, Lanark. Yellou\—Hen.—\, J. London. 2, R. Petii* grew, Carlnke. S, T. Lindsay. Buff— Ben— \, J. London. 2, D. Gibb. S, E. Hnnter, Kipside. Yellow Piebald —Cock.— 1, K. Pat^rson, Wishaw. 2. T. VaUcns, Glasgow 3. J. Stewart, Carluke. Buff Piebald.— Cock.-l, M. Comrie, Lannrk. 2 and 3, J Smith. Yellow Piebald— Hen.— I, R. Bryden. 2, W. Moclirie, Lanark. 3, E. Hunter. Buff Piebald.— Hen— I. J. Graham. 2, .1, Smith. 3, E. Hunter Pirbald.—Buff Cock and Yellow Hen, or Yellow Cock and Buff Hen — 1, T. Lindsay. 2. J. Watson. Model Grres.— Yellow or Buff.— Cock.— 1, J. Johnstone. 2. A. Paterson. Glasgow. 3, T. M'Dale, Auchanheath. Hen.—l, J. Johnstone. 2. J. Taylor. 3, M. Comrie. Goldfinch MuLK.—YclUnp or Buff —Cock.— \, 2, and 3. A. Hamilton. Scotch F^acY.—Yellow Cock ami Buff Hen, or Buff Cock and Yelloiv Hen, — l.J London. 2. T. M'Millan. 3. 1). Watt. Cavart Bird.- J. Smith, Coatbridge. Piebald.— R. Bryden, Lochmaben. Judges. — Poultry : Messrs. W. Smith, Wishaw ; Tuille, Chapelh.tll ; Purdie, Ablngton ; Logan, Camwarth. Pigeons : Messrs. D. K. Mackay, Glasgow; A. Young, Carluie. Canaries : Messrs. G. Grant, Glasgow ; J. Brown, Pollockshaws ; J. Lind- say, Hamilton ; J. Rennie, Wishaw. CORK AND SOUTH OP IRELAND POULTET SHOW. The trn-elfth annual Exhibition of the South of L'eland poultry, Pigeon, and Cage Bird Association was open ed on the 3rd mst., in the Assembly Rooms, South Mall, Cork. The Show was larger than usual, and the quality of the birds far superior to any speci- mens hitherto exhibited. The Judge, Mr. Jones, stated that he had not seen better poultry and Pigeons at any of the shows which he had judged in England lately. A small number of Brahma Pootras were exhibited, hut of excellent quality. The Cochin fowls were an excellent class. The Creve-CcBurs attracted much attention, and the Spangled and Pencilled Hamburghs were particularly good, the prize- winners in both classes being birds of especial merit. There was a small entry of Polish fowl, but the quality was very good. The show of Turkeys was not as large as was expected. Not- withstanding the inducements of class prizes and. the offer of a silTer cup by Mr. WiLson, Victoria Hotel, the entries in this class were fewer than in former years. The collection of Ducks was large and the quality good. A pair of Black Swans were exhibited by Colonel Stawell. In the Pigeon department the Pouters were especially good ; and the Carriers, though small in number, were of excellent quality. The Barbs exhibited were as usual very good. Mr. Dowling has not been as successful as usual, as his best birds were away at Manchester, where they took the first prize, and were sold for fifteen gydneas the pair. The Owls were far better than any before exhibited, and the prize pair were perfect gems in their way. The Tnimpeters were of a class superior to any ever before exhibited in Cork. The entries in Jacobins, which were an extremely good class, were unusually large, and gave the Judge considerable ti-ouble in deciding which was to carry off the blue ribbon. The Nuns were small in entry, but of very good quaUty. The Turbits were largely represented and were specially good, nearly every bird in the class being commended. The Magpies were far- better than any previously shown, but the Tumblers were few in number, and those shown but middling. In the Variety class the first prize was won by a magnificent pah' of White Dragoons ; and the Society's silver medal for the winner of the greatest number of prizes was awarded to one of the local exhibitors, Mr. John DowUng, of Blackrock. The show of Cage Birds was remarkably large and good. There was a magnificent collection of Canaries. The Bullfinches, Goldfinches, and Linnets were tolerably good, and these classes seem to be improving. The Bhickbirds, Thrushes, and Larks were of a fair class, and a good number were exhibited. In the Variety class a very handsome pair of Cockateels took the first prize, and a cage of ornamental birds were, on account of their extreme beauty, a principal attraction for the ladies. In consequence of an incoxTect entry, Mr. Perrin was dis- qualified in the class for Single Game Cocks, and the cup was awarded to Mr. Cramer, the second prize to Mr. Ducrow, and the medal for the greatest number of prizes in poultry to Mr. J. C. Cooper. Spa.\-ish — 1, W- H. & 6. A. Perrin, LingWinstown. 2, J. C. Cooper, Limerick. e, T. A. Bond, Tullygarden ; S. Mowbray, Mountrath ; W. H. i G. A. Perrin poEKisos (Greyl— 1, J. C. Cooper. 2, S. Mowbray, c, Capt. Downman. Kingstown. Chiekcns.—\, 3. C. Cooper. 2, S. Mowbray, he T O'Gradv Rochestown. c, rapt. Downman : T. O'Grady (2). Coloured.— 1, Mrs Hav Qneenstown. Chicken.'.— 1, S. Mowbray. White or other.— 1 Mrs Hay CWhite). 2. J. Perry, Cork. c. Countess of Bandon, Caslle Bernard, Bandon. Brahmas.— Dare —1, Lady A. Lloyd, Villierstown. 2, J. C. Cooper Chickens —1, J. C. Cooper. 2. L. F. Pemn. Longhlinstown. c, Lady A. Lloyd. Li/iht — 1, 2, and c. Mrs. Hay. he, Capt. Downman. Cocm,sa.-Buffor Cinnamm.-l and c W. H. & G. A. Perrin (Bufn. 2, Mrs. Hay. )ij,Capt. Downman (Buff). Chickens.-l.Vl. H. & G. A. Perrin Bnffl. 2, Mrs. Hay (Bnffl he. Capt. Downman (Buffi ; Mrs. Hav (Buff), c, W. H. and fa. A. Pemn (Buff); Mrs. Hay (Lemon). Paririioe or Brown,—!. W. H. and _ _Hay (Partridge.) (White )"' HocDANs.- 1, J. C. Cooper. 2, Viacoontesa Doneraile. Doneralle. CRBvE-C v rf„™ GOLDFINCH Mole (Yellow or B"ufI).-Cocfc-l, W. Kirk. 2 and 3, J. Robertson. The first eighteen classes of Poultry were judged by Mr. E- Teebay, Fulwood, Preston ; the last nine classes, and Pigeons, by Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey, Leeds ; and the Canaries y mx. Jam.es Eobertson, Burntisland. H«i.— 1, W Sinclairslown, Kirkcaldy. I |BANTAMs(Any other variety).— 1, Master A. Frew. 2, T. Waddingt^ cowles, Blackburn. 3, J. Archibald , Fenis- Any OTHER Vamety.-I, W. R. Park. 2, A. Pratt (Black Hamburghs). 3, T. Waddington. c, A. Wylie. Johnstone (Polands); G. W. Bot.thby, Louth (Polands); Earl of Rosslyn (Cuckoo Dorkings). , . , . DncKs.— 1. R. Dickie. 2, R. Lockhart. Kirkcaldy. 3. J. Grieg, Kinglassie. Sellino Class.- Coc).-.- 1. J. Rutherford. 2, Mi.ss G. Morrison. 3, J. Nairn, Levan. lu:, A. Campbell, Kirkcaldy ; J. Haggart ; J. Rutherford ; R. B. Heegie. Kirkcaldy. Bem.—l, R. Stewart. 2, A. Haggart. 3, Miss G. Morrison, he. A, Small, Glasgow, e, S. Greenwood, Locbgelly. Haansbe'rien. NVwca9tTe."8, J. M'Gill, EUe. Bens'.— I, W. B. Van Haansbergen. 3,J. M'Gill. 3. M'Gill Skinner. „ „ ,. ,. Fantails.-L J. G. Spence. 2, A. Crosbie. 3. W. B. Van Haansbergen. he, A. Lockhart (2) ; J. G. Spence, Broughty Ferry. NORTHEEN POULTBY SHOW. The sixth annual Exhibition of poultry and Pigeons opened at Aberdeen on the 5th inst. The entries were about equal to those of last year, but the quality of the birds, m general, superior. Year by year, as poultry-breeders gain experience, the quaUty is being more and more equaUsed, few inferior birOS being now sent for exhibition. The classes were, almost with- out exception, well represented. Dorkings, Brahmas, and Gatne were most conspicuous. Indeed, we beUeve the show of Game fowls both as regards the number of entries and quaUty, naa never been equalled at any Aberdeen Show. Geese were a very good class, although not numerous. Turkeys and Ducks tigniea. weU, there being in the former class some very superior birds. The show of Pigeons was scarcely so successful as that ot last year so far as numbers were concerned. The quality was, how- ever, equally good. Some fine specimens of Carrier Pigeons attracted no little attention. The following is the prize Ust : — TloniiiNos (Silyer-Grey).-1. Mrs. M'Donald, Forres. 2, M. Edwards. Hilton AUoa TS Black. ^! W. Meff. Aberdeen ^4.A.Diyorty Aberdeen Hcns.- 1 i-iin and 1 W Meff 2 M. Edwards, ic, T. Raines. Stirling. Cockerel.— -Sol,!?N"J^?Slo^eWMf-C%"S^tfp|^'^on Til^^^^ %'"kfi'^tTnne'i:.tTt'i^infrT i: i?Xnson': l' I'l^X^i ''lVl'S-is^''-iran"d3TrSUrS'l;^S=.hc,W.W^^^^ Coekercl.-\ and Cup. A. Shepherd. 3 and Jc P. H. MTherson. e, A. Allan. Udt.y. /'uiWa.-l srnd'i A.'Shephcrd 3, W. Meff. ^'^■J;, ,"",''!°'"l''> ^earon 3 J. Wadlell, AtadJie. he, W. D. Fordyce : R. Brownlie, Kirkcaldy ; H. WhUe ; J.Mai:kie, EUon,.c, Mrs_.. Keith, '^::''i:::^^Bf-^ ^^^^Ci-Sil'.^' FerryhiU Lodge, . Mrs. M'Do , Aberdeen. Mrs. Keith, Aberd 2 E Fearon. 3, Mrs. Hunter, he, Mrs. I HouDANS-l. -T. Mackie. 2. Mrs. Bam. terryniu i^ooRe. Au«i.u^i.. ^. ^tS-/e^"»'^s-.-i. i-'^^^rr^^Tk. %^±^. "'hambubgh; (Gold or Silver-pencUled).--Cocfc.^-l R MeUia NewbiUs 2 A- rh'a^!^'r»^lVtrhlrmers!H°al^SSan!«^r^|^^ "oJt.NewPitsligo,_H.ii..-l and^Cup.G.^Lain^, Aberdeen..^2,JC. ^owles. pencilled). - G. Campbeir.TiUina ,.-i'and"Cup.'G. Laing, Aberde •, P. Campbell ; Miss E. Taylor, H;MBDKOH»(Goldor SUver.spangled).-CocJ«--I, E R/Wn^^S-S^faylo?." ^^.^ cVifoSon'; ^.■M^crn'es.^Sf.^i a'Sfd l^^l^l^^M Z, ''g^S (Sac&7e-a^trd"|d).-Cocfc. -1, W. Meldrum, Fogar 2, C. Jami^^^^ 3 J Thom. he, J. Scott, Broughty Ferry. Hens.-l, J. Dick, i, u. uaiiey. '• ^A^rdti" o^hef 'ya"r"iet;).-cSSi°.";b. Harley. 2, f ^addeU S A Dewar. Abotdeen L, J. Logan, [c, W. Hendry. Hc-^-l and Cup, W. Hendry. 2, J. Waddell. 3. D. Harley. he, 3. Dewar. c. W. Meff. Any OTHER Variety,—!, MiSB D. Fordyce, 2 and he, Mrs. M. Anderson. 3, J. . Watson. ^i^^rT'rMs:-L"MfsTE.'^'c^-/rr>,/. waddell, AirdriehiU. '=%'i?c'K?-^i^«.i?^,-T"^'lorf'Hun-'t?e'';:'^ Log^S! ),o, i Co^'e. -Any oth.r Tarict!/.-! and he, W. M'Knight. 2, H. S'S?.^-r°^An^dIc^'w"ASw'!'"?S\^VtS7i%y^ - - 3, H. Stephenson, he. Mrs. Hunter, Gefse.- nd 2, J. Logan. (ic, H. Stephenson ; W. Fra'ser,' Aberdeen^^W^D^Fordyce P0CTER3.-BIU.C Pied.-Coek,.-\ and 2, W, Meff. Aberdeen. 3^J.wmie, ^'^Z^-.^ili-oT^llo.. PM.-Coeks.-l, 3. CO... Aberdeen. Hens.-y,^. ^fJllIiB^-White.-Coek.,.-h3. White. 2 and 3, W. Hendry. Ben4.-1 and Medil^jf White. 2, G. Schaschke. 3, W. Hendry. JOCRXAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ Jannary 11, 1872. PouiEE8.-^r.i/ ontr Colour.-Cock!.~l,F. M'Crae. AJerdeen. 2 and 3. W. HenS. Hc^.-l and 2, J. Tongh. Aberdeen. 3, V, Hendry, ft^. F M Crae Poutrhs — Jnu of/icr Colour— Cockerels— \ and Medal. W. MeS. i. J. wmie. IFM'Rae /," J \Vhile. PuJ!«(*.-l. W. Meff. 3. J. White. S.F.M'itae. '•c^1^?1-CocJ:j:-1,S, and Medal, G. Schasehke. 2, W. Hendry. Bim.- 1 and 2. G. Schaschke. TuMBLEBS.— fiftort-Zaccii.— 1, J. While. Co .—I, F. M'Crae. 2 and S, J. DUI1.-1, 2. and 3, W. Meff. ^ny other Colour.-l, 2, and 8, 3 and he, J. R. Michie, Cowe. Bakes.— Blacfc W Meff Fi-viiiLs.— 1 and 2, W. Symon, TalUch, Dafli Stonej"wood. JicoBixs.-l.J.White. 2, W. Meff. 3, J. Cowe, Trumpeters.— 1. 2, and 3, W. Meff. TuKBils.— IjJ.Tongh. OwLS.-l. W. Hendry. 2, J. Taylor. Monlrose. l'^i;ilr-\\^^-i.'^?nJirl- tw. Meff. Hc. J. White ; W. Meff. .. J. ^^'oTHEK ViRiiTY.-l, 3. and Medal, W. Hendir. 2, J. Cowe. c, A. Covrie. Sii-I-ING CLASS -1, W. Hendry. 2 and 8, W. Meff. Judges.— Pou^iry : Mr. Alexander Paterson, Airdrie ; Ptgeom : Mr. J. Millar, Glasgow. THE ARCHANGEL. This variety of domesticated Pigeon is not one of the general I have paid especial attention to its culture, consequently it is favo^tir^ongst fanciers; indeed, there are but few who | not usuaUy seen m this country. Ai'changels are not attractive either in colour or habits, and from the casual observer probably no word of praise would be ehcited, yet they are a meritorious breed of Pigeon. Their colour is sombre and unattractive ; their shape and peculiarities differ somewhat from other breeds, and in many ways they are dissimilar to others more numerous about us ; they are naturally very shy and wild, and this in some degree may account for their being disregiirded as " pets." It is a matter of considerable doubt and speculation when the breed was first imported into Great Britain, and from whence it came. These Pigeons are supposed to be natives of EuEsia, and have been designated Archangel from the fact of the breed being found in great numbers at that Eussian seaport. It is certain that Eussia and Germany are accredited with having the Archangel in far greater numbers than ourselves, and in Eussia we believe the breed was originally propagated. The Archangel, as we have said, is not particularly attractive in appearance, but its beauties, as we become familiar with the birds, and as we see them in various positions moving about in the bright sunlight, increase our admiration of them more and more. Archangels, in size and general outline, much re- semble the Eock Dove ; the head is somewhat of the same form, though the beak has not quite so much of the " spindle " chaiacter, and, like the Eock Dove, the Archangel when caged displays that wild uneasy disposition so characteristic of alE birds not accustomed to close confinement. Archangels, though wild and shy naturally, are easily tamed by the common usage of the aviary or dovecote, and when in association with many bold httle companions, their retiring disposition is not then so noticeable, as they gradually adopt the habits of their fellows, although they rarely become so tractable as most others ; and if proper nesting places are arranged for theii' use in dark secluded comers they will thrive, breed well, rear well, and Uve at ease and contentment. Few words will suffice for detailing the points and peculi- arities of this breed. The birds are of moderate size, and though not possessing symmetry of form in a marked degree, BtUl they are not at aU ungraceful in appearance. Their body is usually carried in a horizontal position, though the balance is well sustained, and the head inclines a Uttle forward. They are easy in their movements on foot, and rapid in their flight. Their wings are large, the secondary fhghts being more pro- minent than usually seen in most other varieties. The head of the bird is narrow, possessing a crest or peak, rising from the back of the skull in continuation of the line of neck, and terminating in a perfect point, inclining forwards. The beak is rather thin, dark-coloured, and somewhat doveshaped. The wai't, wattle, or nostril cover is smaD, smooth, and rather January 11, 1373. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 47 flattened. The eye should be of a red colour, but many splen- did 'specimens have come under our notice having pearl eyeg ; the'red, however, 13 far preferable, being more in unison with the general colour of the bird. The upper part of the neck is narrow ; the breast full, though not too prominent ; the shoulders wide, but closely fitting to the body, and not out- spread at their sockets. The colour of the birds in a subdued light is a sombre unattractive black ; the head, neck, breast, and thighs a reddish chocolate-colour. But in a bright hght and under the influence of the sun's beams, this Pigeon becomes all aglow ; its sober garb is illumined with varied and brilUantly shining colours from head to tail, from beak to thigh. This chameleon-like peculiarity is an important feature in the breed, and is absolutely necessary in a matured and perfect bird. The head,'neck, breast, belly, and thighs as far as the vent, should be of a rich dark coppery bronze ; the back, tail, sides of wings, and flight should be black and enlivened by iridescent hues. It is in a strong light that the real colour-merit of the specimen is fully realised. The young of the Archangel at first are much Ughter in colour tliroughout, but as they pass through each successive moult the richer and more conspicuous does their colouring become. A mistake too often made is to discard young stock too soon — and this remark fanciers of all kinds would do well to consider ; therefore our warning is. Do not condemn them at an early period of their existence, see them at least through their first moult ; and if then they are not of a bluish tinge or dappled upon their wings, do not condemn them nor hasten their doom ; give them time for nature to crop out. — Bieming- HAM CoLniiBiKiiN SOCIETY — .J. W. LuDLOW, Secretary. SHERRINGTON BAR HIYE. Since the'time when Mr. Gelding said " "Without bars there I not been satisfactory, in that the bars of one hive would not is something wanting, something wrong," everyone must have always fit the nitches of another. I have, therefore, schemed desired a bar hive. I have used for some time frames let into a square straw bar hive, and I am glad to be able to reoom- round straw hives, somewhat after Mr. Taylor's plan, made | mend it, as combining three great advantages, cheaply enough by the village carpenter, but the resiilt has | 1st, The frames will with ordinary care last a lifetime, and A, Top frame, b. Straw work, c, Bottom frame, D, Square board with centre hole. Lid, straw work — bars beneath it. The black line under the lid is a half-inch-thick frame attached to the lid to make it fit airtight, o o Two screws which keep the lid in its plai the straw work, being that of the ordinary straw hive, can be renewed from time to time at an expense of 2s. dd. or 3s. by any local worker in straw, the hive becoming indestructible. 2nd, The hives can be used in the open air as well as in a bee-house. .3rd, The price of the hive is only 10.9. It is impossible in a few words and without drawings in detail to describe the Uttle contrivances which make the whole so complete, but no one, I am sure, will regret the ex- periment of procuring one from King & Son, Stoke Golding- ton, near Newport Pagnel, who make them. I hope this will help to bring bar hives within the reach of cottagers, for whose instruction alone I was some j'ears ago induced to keep bees. — A Bee-keepee. PAISLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION'S SHOW. The eighteenth annual Exhibition, under the auspices of this Association, was held on the 1st and 2nd inst. in the Drill Hall. It compared favourablj' with previous years, both in the quahty of the birds and the number of the entries. There was a re- markably fine show of Spanish, old and young fowls, and the first prize was well merited. The special prize was awarded for a handsome young cock bird. The first prize for a pair of Golden-pencilled Hamburgh hens, only five months old, was justly won. The class was an attractive feature of the Show. The Pigeons were very superior. The Canary and other bird department had nirmerous entries. The prizes awarded were : — Spanish.— 1, J. Dunlop, Paisley. 2. Miss Hodgart, Paisley. 3, A. Yuill Airdrie. 4, G. Archibald, Paisley. Chickfwi.—l, A. Robertson, Kilmarnock. 2. H. L. Home, Whiterigs, Airdrie. 3, A. Yoill. 4, W. C. Hardie, Carron. H^m.~l, H. L. Home-. 2 and 3, R. Paton, Kilmarnock. DoBKiNGS.— Co/ou7-cd.— 1, (i. G. Ncilson, Glasgow. 2, Z. H. Heys, Barrhead. 3. W. Scott. Blantyre. 4, Mrs. Alston. Craighead. Hamilton. Cliicktns.—l, Z. H. Heys. 2, Mrs. Alston. 3, T. Smellie, Kilmarnock. 4, M. Henderson, Ardrossan. DoBKiNos.— TT'Va7e.— 1, J. Bell, Dalmellington. 2 and 4, K. Farrow, Dalmel- lington. 3. Mrs. W. Arnot, Dalmellington. Hem.—l, Mrs. Alston. 2, Z. H. Heys. 3. Miss Hodsart. Cochin-Chisah. — 1. J. Pollock, Busby. 2, T. Brace, Busby. 3 and 4, J. Drennan, Woodhall. BKAnuA PooTRA— 1, Mrs. Gillison, Milngarie. 2, Mrs, Alston. 3, A. Cars- well, Larbert. 4. H. L. Home. Scotch.— 1, J Meikleham. Hamilton. 2, R. Blair, ThomhiU, Johnstone. 3, . Dunlop, Broomlanda, Paisley. Hambuieghs.- GoWen-8f(in^!c(i.— 1, A. Gibb.Ayr. 2. A. Frisken, Irvine. 3, T. Love. 4, J. Crawford, Beith. Goltien-pcncilled.—l, R. Macnab, Gardonald. 2, J.'Smith, Stewarton. 3, A. Crosby, Melrose. 4, J. Howe, Paisley. ^AMBVBQHS.— Silver-spangled.— 1, Ashton & Booth, Mottram. 2, J. Brace. 3, J. Moodie, Broomlands, Paisley. 4, A. Crosbie. Bilver-peneilh'd.—l, A. Can nell, Stewarton. 2, J. Clark, Paisley. 3. K. F. GemmeU, Glasgow. 4, P. Barr Hamburghs.— Go/rff n or Silver-spangUd.—Hens.—l, J. M, CampbeU. Bonny Kelly. Van Dur. 2-, J. Moodie. 3, M. Ourrie, KUpatrick. pencilled.— Hens.— 1, Miss Taylor, Aberdeen. 3, Miss Hodgart. PoLANDS.— Toppfrf.— 1, R. Macnab, Cardonald. 2, W. PatersoD, Airdrie. 3 and 4, A. Wylie, Johnstone. Game.— 1. D. Harley, Edinburgh. 2, W. Nelsen, Johnstone. 3, J. Mlndoe, Grahamslon, Barrhead. 4, Z. H. Heys. Black Bcds.—l. S. M'Coll, Stialhblane. 2, G. WiUiamson, Johnstone. 3, J. M'Lachlan, Charleston. 4, H. L. Home. Cross, or Any other Variety.— 1, R. Masson. 2, VP. A. Orr, Kilbimie. 3, J. M. Wilson, Lochwinnoch. 4, W. Linton, Selkirk. Dvc&s.— Aylesbury.— 1, J. Meikleham. 2, J. Kerr, Glencart. 3. Z. H. Heys. 4, S. Hunter, Arkleaton. Bouen.—l, W. "Wilson, Johnstone. 2, M. Henderson Ardrossan. 3, A. (jray, Beith. 4, J. Meikleha Game Bantams.— 1, J. Mitchell, Perth. ■ Kilbirnie. 4, T. Weir, WiUiamsburgh, Bantams.- Blacfc.- 1 and 3. H. L. Home. 2, S. Sc R. Ashton. Any other Colour.— 1, A. Robertson. 2, J. Dunn, Galston. 3, G. W. Boothby, Louth. 4, 5, 4 R. Ashton. Selling Cuss.- 1 and 3, J. Kerr. 2, W. White, Paisley. 4, Miss J. Leitch, Cross Arthurlie. Speclal Prizes.— Spani^ft.—Cocfccrc/.— a. Robertson, Kilmarnock. Cochin- China.— 3. Pollock, Busby. Brah ma Poofra.— Mrs. Gillison, Milngarie. Scotch. —Cock.— A. Dnnlop, Broomlanda, Paisley. Samhurghs.-Silver'pencilled.—A. ConneU, Stewarton. Game. — Black Beds. — S. M'Coll, Strathblane. Game Bantams.— Gow & Walker, Kilbarchan. PIGEONS. Pouters.— Bfue.—l. J. Murray, Glasgow. 2, J. Millar, Glasgow. 3, J. Lohore, Larkhall. Blark or Red.—l and 2. J. Millar. 3, J. Murray. Any other Colour. 1, J. Murray. 2, J. Millar. 3, H. Thomson, Glasgow. TOMBLERS.— .Siort-fai-f (f.- 1 and 2. J. Murray. 3, J. Paton, Rigg, Stewarton Any other Variety —1, J. Sharp, Johnstone. 2, W. Wilson, Johnstone. 3, W M'Kinlay, Kilmarnock. , Gow & Walker. 3, B. M. Knox JOUEX.Ui OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ .Tannai7 11, 1872. Carbiers.— 1, G. Whyte, Ladyburn, Paisley. 2, J. Murray. S, J. M'Kae, Kil- marnock. Fantails.— 1, J. Sharp. 2, J. Gait, Kilbimie. S, A. Crosby. Melrose. Jacobins.— 1, J. Lohore. 2, J. B. Reynards. Helensburgh. 8, A. Ycndal, Galston. 1, "W. MTvinlay. 2, A. Yendal. 3, T. Imrie, Ayr. Selling Class— 1, J. Gait. 2, G. "White. 3,J. Moodle. Special pRiZEs.—Pouterg.—Blug.—J. Murray, Glasgow. Black or Bed.— J. Millar, Glasgow. CANARIES. Cleax.— J, M. Barr, Paisley. 2, R. White, Paisley. 3, D. Halden. Yellow— CocA-.—l, A. CuDimine:, Rutherglen. 2. W, Wrifiht, Greenock. 3, D. Dick. Kilmarnock. 4, J. M'Pherson, Paisley. Bens.~l, T. Femie. Paisley. 2, J. M'Alli8ter, Glasgow. 8, J. M'Cane, Kilwinning. 4. J. Wilaon, Beith. BjTFT.—Cock.—l. H. PinkertoD, Rutberglen. 2, J. Ualziel. Paialey. S, J. Pettigrew, Carluke. 4, J. Sievewright, Partick. Hens.— I, M. Todd, Paisley. 2, J. M'Lean, Greenock. 3. W. Love. 4, R. Honston, Kilbimie. PiFBALDs. — 1, IViBs M. Houston, Paisley. 2, H. Jobnstone, Johnstone. 3, J. MTVilliam, Den. Dairy. PtEBKL.i>.— Yellow.— Cocks.— I, J. PettlErrew, Carluke. 2, J. Allison, Paisley. 3, A. Wilson, Greenock. 4, C. Aird, Kilmarnock. Hena.—J, J. Scoullar, Kil- marnock. 2. T. Scott, Carluke. 3. J. Pettigrew. 4, R. Houston. Piebald.— B»#.—Cocfcs.—l, A. Kelly. 2, T. Scott, Carluke. 3, J. Pettigrew. 5, J. Glasgow, Beith. Bens.—l.'W. Hunter. M.D., Kilbirnie. 2, A. Crawford, Johnstone. 3. A. Kelly. 4, G. Dmmmond, Renton. Goi DFiNcH Ml LE8.— 1. G. Goudie. Ayr. 2, Miss J. Paterson, Airdrie. Goldfinches.— 1. T. Conn, Kilwinning. 2. A. Mitchell, Stewarton. Paroqlet.— Home or Foreign.— 1, J. Campbell, Greenock. 2, W. Brown, Kil- marnock. Judges. — Poultry : Messrs. W. R. Farquliar, Alesaudria ; R. Calderwood, Kilmarnock ; J. M'Lachlau, Paisley ; J. Sharp, Jolmstone; J. Steven, M.D., Ai'drossan ; C. Jomistone, Barr- head. Pigeons : Messrs. J. H. Frani, Overton, Carluke ; J. Cochran, Glasgow. Small BircU : Me.ssrs. J. Fulton, Beith; J. Lyle, Wishaw; W. Taylor, Glasgow; A. Mitchel, Paisley; J. Gibson, Paisley; W. Weir, Paisley. OUR LETTER BOX. BrRMiXGHAji CoLTjMBABiAN SOCIETY'S SHOW. — "Tour rcpoi-ter, speakm^ of this Show, says the yoimg Carriers of 1871 were a good class, and the cup bird at Eirmingham received but a high commendation. This is a great mistake, for my bird was not there. — W. Siddons." fWe have another note on the same subject from Mr. Nightingale, which we cannot publish.] Dlieehlespn,iijul of castor oil; indeed, if the bird is not weakened by diaiThcea we slionW \v^n with the oil. We believe the dis- order is caused by some in-itating sul>stance that has been swallowed, and cannot be got rid of by ordinaiy means. Alter the oil give bread soaked in ale, and no other food for two days. Baskets ron Sendixg Poitltry by Eatl {A. ^.).— Ton need only have round wicker baskets made, and cover them with canvas instead of a lid. The height and diameter must be regulated by the number and size of the fowls you wish to send. The basket should be high enough for the cock to stand up without touching the top with hie head. You should have no difficulty in having such made, but if you have, apply to Baily in Mount Street. Fowls' HooSTiNG-PLACE [A. C. C. H.).—As a rale, you may safelv allow your fowls to choose their own roosting-place, and if they are healthy we do not see why you should interfere with them. If the place they prefer is well protected overhead from snow and rain, and beneath fiom draught and wind, their choice is not a bad one. Let them have access to their house if they desire it, and they have instinct enough to use it if necessary.' DncKs(^nat., fine till 1.30 p.m., ^rinily with heavy rriin during the night. Bajometer falling' very rapidly till midnight. 5th. — ^Windy till 9 a.m., when it modei-ated and the rain ceascil, fine day but wet evening_aud night, lightning at 9.30 p.m. 6th. — Dry and fine, rather windy, heavy shower with hail at 0.30 p.m., showery daring the remainder of the day. 7th. — Wet early, fair thoagh cold from 10 a.m. to S.30 p.m., then rain. 8th.— Fine and frosty early, and moderately fine sXi day, at some times heanti- fally sunny and bright. 9th. — Veiy dark, though not cither foggy or wet at 8 A.ir.. but cleared off rapidly and soon became very fine, rain between 4 and 5 p.m. AlthoD^ the temperatiu-e and pressui-e have been lower, and the rainfall greater than in the previous week, there has been warm sun on several days. — G. J. Symons. COYENT GAEDEN MAEKET.— January 10. We have not much change to notice hete. The general features of the mai-ket denote very limited sales, and a lai-ge supply of out-door produce keeps the prices from advancing. Sea-kale, Asparagus, Dwarf Kidney Beans, and Cucumbers ai-e ample for oil comers. Continental x>roduce is limited generally to salading, as far as green vegetables are concerned, with the exception of a small consignment of Asparagus. FRriT. (■htstiiuts bushel 10 Curr^ints J S'eve Black do. Figs doz. Filberts lb. Cobs lb. Grapes, Hothouse.... lb. 4 Gooseberries quart Lemons ^100 7 Melons each 2 lb. Mnlberriea lb. Nectarines doz. Oranges %nm 4 Peaches doz. Pears, kitchen. doz. 2 dessert doz. 3 PrneApples lb. 4 Strawberries lb. VEGETABLES. , Kidney.... per 105 3 4 Broad bushel Beet, Red di Broccoli bundle Brussels Sprouts.. i sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums T>100 Currots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cnleworts.. doz. bunches Cucumbers each pickling .....doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic lb. ;. 1 3 Leeks bunch L^'ttnce doz. Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress, .punnet Onions bushel pickling quart Parsley per doz. bunches Parsnips do Peas quart ;. 9 10 Radishes., doz. bnnchea 6 10 Rhubarb bundle 10 16 Savoys doz. 10 16 Sea-Kale basket 16 3 6 Shalh.ts lb. 6 2 Spinacb bushel 3 4 Tomatoes doz. Turnips bunch 3 6 Vegetable Marrows.. doz. 9 POULTRY MAEKET.— Jantart 10. The market has at last seen the end of Christmas. After the rash of goods there is a cessation. Senders as well as buyers are caiTied away by a spirit of Christmas, and as Paterfamilias will at that time deliberately justify an expenditm-6 that at any other time he would deem the height of extrava- gance, so senders send all they can under the influence of the excitement : hence a factitious scarcity. We will begin our quotations nest week. January IS, 1S72. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTlTxE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. WEEKLY CALENDAF Day Day Sun Moon Moon Moon's 1 ?°± 1 Day | Month Week. ture near London. 43 years. Rises. Sets. Rises. Sets. Age. Sun. Year. | Dave. m. b. m. b. m. h. m. h. Days. m. s. 18 Th 42.6 81.3 36.9 18 59 of 7 22 at4 48atll 6af 1 8 19 F TwUight ends 6.25 P.M. 4S.1 30.6 86.9 20 58 7 24 4 after. 17 2 9 10 53 19 20 S 42.4 30.6 86.5 15 67 7 25 4 80 27 3 10 21 3 Sunday after Epiphany. 43.9 82.0 37.5 20 56 7 27 4 67 35 4 22 M 43.1 32.S 37.7 18 55 7 29 4 33 1 39 5 23 To 42 6 82.4 87.5 18 54 7 31 4 19 2 36 6 24 W 43.1 32.1 87.6 19 53 7 83 4 11 3 25 7 14 12 16 From observntions taien near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature ot the weei is 42.8° ; and its aight temperature 31.6°. The greatest heat was 68^, on the 19th, 1828; and the lowest cold 4|-' below zero, on the 19th, 1838. The greatest fall of ram CUCUMBER AND MELON CULTUBE. r N important con.sideration in most gardens is bow to insure a supply of tliese for the longest time ; and, indeed, where proper ac- commodation is afforded, the first-named can readily be obtained in eveiy month of the year. The form of the structures in which they are grown is of prunary unportance, and of these ordinary garden frames with moveable hghts do veiy well for summer work, but for early and late supplies they are altogether out of the question. I have had a good deal of experience in this matter, and would unhesitat- ingly recommend the half-span foim of house as being the most useful and best adapted for our purpose. Those at Loxford Hall are of tliis form, 11 feet wide, and 10 feet from the path to apex of the roof, with front sashes made to open outwards. All the top hghts slide, all the back lights are fixed, and ventilators are placed in the back wall. The beds are 5 feet wide, and receive bottom heat fi'oni two rows of 3-inch pipes. The internal atmo- sphere of the house is warmed by four rows of 4-iuch pipes, with which we maintain during severe frost a night temperature of G5°, without overlieating the pipes or using any outside covering. Our supply of Cucumbers from Christmas onwards is obtained from plants sown or raised from cuttings early in September. These grow on until they fairly cover the trelhs, but they do not bear until the days lengthen, when they commence to fruit and continue to do so until Cteist- mas comes round again. The old .shoots must, of course, be thinned-out, and young fraitful ones allowed to re- place them, and rich surface-dressings must be given when the plants show signs of exhaustion. I do not know a better variety to afford a continuous supply than that known as Eolhsson's Telegraph. I have gi-own Dale's Conqueror, Hamilton's Invincible, Pearson's Long Gun, and Blue Gown, and have obtained handsome fruit from them ; but these, though certainly very showy and well adapted for exhibition, do not keep up a supply all the year round in the way that Telegi-aph does. Of course it is not necessary to gi-ow Cucumbers in such a lioiise as this during the summer and early autumn mouths, if dung frames are available, as a three-hght frame wUI help to bring forth suf&cient for a very large family. The houses may be used for growing Melons. These, I think, do much better in a house of this description than in fi-ames, the fruit being at aU tunes of better quality. The first lot of Melon seeds should be sown early in January, and under favourable circumstances fruit may be ex- pected from them early in May. Should, however, cold cloudy weather intervene early in the year, it is uphill work for the young Melon plants, and under such circum- stances I have had those sown a month later come in as early as those sown first. The details of culture may be summed-up in a few words, and is the same in each case. From the brickljats, which are placed over the hot-water pipes for l)ottom heat, to the siu'face of the bed, the depth No. 664.-VOL. XXH., New Seeieb. is 1 foot 6 inches ; and over the brickbats there is first placed a layer of turf with the grass side under to prevent the compost mixing with the substratum, and thus filling up the air spaces. Only half the border is filled up at first, and a wall of turf erected parallel with the path seri'es to keep the compost in its place. The other half of the bed is filled with fermenting material, wliich not only warms the compost, but creates a gentle bottom heat,, and by so doing gives an excellent opportunity for raising young Melon plants or Vmes fi-om eyes, striking cuttings,, and many other purposes. I generally sow about a dozen Melon seeds in a 5-inch pot, and as soon as the young seedlings are sufficiently strong — that is, when the tv/o seed leaves have grown to their full size — pot them off, one each in the centre of a 5-inch pot, and keep them in the bottom heat until they are ready for planting-out. The bed wUl by this time be well warmed and ready to receive the plants. Place them about 15 inches fi-om the front wall, putting a stick by each plant to wliich to train them until they reach the trellis. , The material and fomi of this latter is important. I know a range of most excellent Melon and Cucumber houses wliich were built regardless of expense on the most modern principles ; one fault only was apparent to me on seeing them, and that was in the treUis employed to train the plants to. This consisted of a series of wooden frames which were made so that they could be fixed at 9, 11, 1.3, or 15 inches from the glass. This was so far right, but the fault lay m using laths an inch wide, fixed in a longitudinal direction witli others crossing them at 6 inches apart, wliich I fancy vei-y much obscured the light so deficient in January and Febniary. Here we use the same sort of moveable frames, except that stout wire is used instead of laths, and the trellis is moved close to the glass in winter, and withdrawn to the fiu-thest point in the summer months. Wlien the young plants reach the trelhs, the leading shoot is not stopped, liut trained up untd it is about 1 foot 6 inches from the top of the trelhs, when the point should be pinched-out. Side shoots will form rapidly after tliis, on most of winch will be one or two female fiowers, and when four or six of them are open at one time the pollen of the male flowers should be apphed to them. Tliis is essential, because if one or two flowers are set before others that are tliree or four days in advance in point of development, those which are set will take the lead, whilst the others will faO to make satisfactory progi-ess. As soon as the young Melon plants are pinched, the fermenting material should be removed, and its place supplied with suitable compost. Cucumbers are treated in the same way as soon as they reach the top of the trellis. Melons managed on this plan seldom canlfer close to the surface of the bed when the fruit is on the point of ripening; and most growers know the trouble they have with them from tliis cause if trained to the surface of the beds. A\aien the plants are attacked by this pest, dry freslily-slaked lime should be apphed to the affected parts umnechately, and will arrest it. The Cucumber disease mentioned by Mr. B. Fish and others has not, I am truly No. 1216.— Vol. XLVII., Old Semes. 50 JOUENAJD OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 18, 167: thaakful to say, appeared in this locality as far as I am aware. In houses such as I have described a stage is fixed in a space at the back, which should always be occupied with a varied assortment of useful plants. Ours is used for pot Vines, Figs, and Oranges grown for dessert, of which the Tangerine, St. Michael's, and Maltese Blood are the best. I am now gathering the last-named two, and am told that the flavour is distinct aud very superior. They require much heat to ripen them, and if the fruit is set in March, the plants must be con- tinned in the temperature of the Cucumber house until Christ- mas, when it will be ripe. Tomatoes in pots are also grown on these back stages. Sown about the first day in February their frait will be ripe about the end of May. They are grown in 12-inch pots in a compost of turfy loam and pulverised bones, and when the proper sorts are chosen it is astonishing what a large crop a pot of this size will carry. Six pots of them are sufficient for my employer's family, and a margin is also left to give away to friends. When growing they require much water at the roots and syringing freely overhead twice a-day. Orangefield Dwarf Prolific is the best I have yet tried for pot-culture. Hepper's Goliath I tried last year. It is said to be .similar to the American variety Trophy, but as it grows too tall and carries a croj) of very small fruit with one of immense size, it is discarded for pot- culture. Barley's Defiance promises to be an excellent variety for pot-culture. It is said to be fully two weeks eai'lier than any other kind, and the fruit is large, nearly round, and con- tains a large proportion of pulp. Gardeners who compete in collections of vegetables early in June will find a good dish of Tomatoes a strong point in their favour. — J. Dooolas. OLD PEAKS UNDER NEW NAMES. BBOCKWORTH PAEK. Me. Eivers seems aggrieved because we have in our adver- tisements attached our name to the valuable Pear we discovered at Brockworth Park. He says it is pomologieally incorrect to do so, untQ it is proved to be a seedling. Mr. Eivers is an authority, we bow to his decision, and express our regret at having transgressed pomological laws. In our catalogue we call it simply Brockworth Park (without our name), and in future we will do so in eveiy instance. The important question, however, remains — Is it a new variety, or an old one under a new name ? 'We have known of the original tree some four or five years, and each year have tasted the fruit. During this time we have made inquiry as to its history, and hear that it was received from Cheltenham witot hua name. Mr. Anthony Bubb, of Witcomb Court (the agent to the Brockworth Park estate), knows Pears well, and has a good collection, but he does not know any name for this Pear, although he knows the tree, and we believe had some- thing to do with planting it. It has been exhibited two years consecutively at the Eoyal Horticultural Society's Fruit Shows, recei%ing a first-class certificate in September, 1870 I'last October at the International in competition with hundreds, if not thousands of dishes of Pears, both continental and EngUsh, an(l no one could recognise it, though very critical aud knowing eyes surveyed it). 'We believe it was utterly unknown in com- merce at the time we brought it out. It bears more resemblance to Louise Bonne of Jersey than to any other sort, but is much larger and handsomer than that variety ; it has every appear- ance of being a cross between it and Williams's Bon Chretien, but this is only surmise. We can only say, he would be a very rash man who would attempt to palm oS an old Pear under a new name before such men as Dr. Hogg, Mr. BaiTon, and the Fruit Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. — J. C. ■Wheelee & Son. ESTIMATE OF STRAWBEERIES. As " J. G." desires a few words I wiU endeavour to gi'atify his wishes. I am surjjrised to hear the account he gives of Dr. Hogg. In the chalkv- land at Bushton and in the strong sandy loam here I have "always found the plants do weU and crop well. The crop of this Strawberry, and indeed of all the sorts I keep — namely, Eivers's Eliza, Dr. Hogg, Mr. Eadclyffe, Wonderful, and Galande, Bed Alpine, were grand last season. Cockscomb, the only other Strawberry here, was kept from bearing last year in order to afford early runners. The runners of this and Eliza were planted July 7th, and are now fine plants with several crowns each. '• J. G." would find Trol- lope's Victoria, Empress Eugenie, and Marguerite good useful sorts, which wDl do well with Eliza, Eclipse, Sir J. Paxton, Cockscomb, and Wonderful. I should think the above would succeed well in all lands ; and, if properly planted in July and well looked after, would overburden " J. G." with fruit. Cockscomb sets every flower, is very large, hangs a long time witnout injury, is Pine-fla- voured, but not very good in its coloirr. 'Wonderful is very hardy, an immense cropper, Pine-flavoured, colours well except at its points. To effect this the leaves must be penned back. It is one of the best for jam, being so firm after cooking. Much fuss has been made about Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury ; it is the same as Marquise de la Tour Maubourg and Duchesse Trevisse. They were all raised by Jamain and Du- rand. I had it under the second name. It is a good plant, aud the fruit is of a nice crimson colour and of good flavour, but it is not so good nor so much to be relied upon as Eivers's Ehza. The British Queen likes strong irony clay that requires a pickaxe to break it up. La Constante does well in the same stiff clay land. It is hardy as regards cold, but burns in light land, and the crop gets stewed. It is a tufted (the same form of plant as Ehza), dwarf-habited plant. The form of the plant and the form and flavour of the berries arc first-rate ; moreover, its flavour is quite distinct. Mr. Eadclyffe is like the British Queen in leaf and flavour ; but it is much hardier, does well in chalky soil (the British Queen likes iron but not chalk), and also in sandy loam, and bears well here. In the last most severe winter I gave my plants of it no mulching whatever. The leaves were less affected by the frost than any other Strawljerry here. The others were all mulched. As regards miilching, beware of excluding air from the crowns for any length of time. A little loose straw put over them during the intensity of the frost may be of service, but it must be removed as soon as tlie frost is over, or the crowns will be softened. For the many years I have had Eivers's Eliza I have never known it fail. — ^W. F. Eadclttfe. GEEEN PEAS. I AM venturing on a vexata qutvstio when I touch npon the subject of new Peas, there are so many and such conflicting accounts. New sorts come out with such an unmistakeable character, and are so guaranteed to be good, that it seems to be downright heresy afterwards to question them, whUe one must expect charges of " not knowing anything at all about it," etc., from those fi'om whom one differs; but as dear old Lord Pam once said to Spring Eice, " Ton ought, if you want to be a pubhc man, grow a rhinoceros hide." My cuticle has become so hardened that it will take a good thick birch of pea haulm, by whomsoever administered, to raise a blister, and so I must have my say. Now first of all -with regard to earhness. Some one said he had made a computation of the statements made on this point, and that there ought to be no difficulty in having them by the first week in April. Now I must confess this is a point about which I am tolerably indifferent — that is, I do not care to meet my neighbour, the Eev. Smith, and say, " Had any green Peas yet ?" " No." " Dear me ! what a muff your man must be ; I had a dish three days ago." If I can get them in tolerably early time a few days make but Utile difference to me, and thus a recommendation of three or four days in a new variety is of no moment, especially when one recollects how much soil, situation, the very time of putting in the seed, whether it be favourable or not, aud climatic influences, mLl affect Peas in this point. Then with regard to what constitutes the real value of a Pea. We must place — at least I would — flavour first and pro- ductiveness afterwards. In a large estabhshment, where the servants' hall has to be considered quite as much if not more than the dining-room, and Jeames is often more particular as to the amount of his provisions than his master, of course productiveness is a great element to be considered, and a Pea hke the Cook's Favourite will doubtless win fame with aU gardeners whose circumstances require them to furnish large quantities of vegetables, but where flavour is considered it wiU hold a low place. New Peas are derivable from two sources — those which are really and genuinely sent, the results of careful hybridising and patient sldll, and those which are merely selected strains of some well-known variety, which has been carefully grown on good soU, and then by constant selection improved. Take, for example, Daniel O'Eourke; imder how many aliases has January 18, 1872. ] JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. be made bis appearance, eacb contending for superiority, and eacb only owing its fancied superiority to some exceptional cause ! To tbose at all conversant witb catalogues or witb tbe endless varieties of Peas, many instances of a similar cha- racter will suggest tbemselves. Two raisers of Peas bare distiugnisbed tbemselves, eacb in their several ways, and both of them from the eastern counties — the late Dr. Maclean, of Colchester, and Mr. Laxton, of Stamford. The Peas raised by tbe former gentleman occupy a very high place in the estimation of all who prize this fa- vourite vegetable. Little Gem, Advancer, and Princess Royal are highly esteemed ; in fact I question if, taken aU in all, we have a more general (and most deservedly so) favourite than Little Gem. It is dwarf in, habit, prolific, and excellent in flavour. Of late Peas the largest number of really new Peas have come from Mr. Laxton, of Stamford ; and when we mention Alpha, Cook's Favourite, QuaHty, Quantity, Supreme, without counting tbose coming out this season, we see his claim to being a large raiser of new Peas is just. Through the kind- ness of Messrs. Carter & Co. I bad tbe opportunity of trjing these this last season, and as far as my taste goes (and we must remember that in Peas as in other things tastes vary) , they are inferior to tbe Colchester seedlings. Indeed, I have reason to believe that Mr. Laxton's first attempts were not in tbe direction of quahty, but of size and appearance, and in this be has unquestionably succeeded, while in Alpha we have certainly an early Pea witb a considerable amount of flavour ; and if be works now in this direction, and can superadd flavour to tbe great size and appearance of such Peas as Cook's Fa- vourite and Supreme, be will have conferred a boon on ail lovers of good vegetables. One stands aghast at tbe guinea packet of seeds advertised by Messrs. Hurst & Co. containing five new varieties ; but there seems to be a good deal of cha- racter about them, and they may give us, perhaps, that for which we are looking. There are some Peas which in everj- locahty assert their superiority, there are others which are favourablj- regarded in only a few localities ; and I think that a boon would be conferred on all who love good Peas if some of your correspondents would tell us what sorts suit them best, and at the same time say what tbe soil and situation of their gardens are. I have found Easte's Kentish Invicta in my warm and alluvial soU a very excellent Pea, early, and of good flavour. — D., Deal. EOTAL HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. Jasuaky I7th. The opening meeting of the year is generally looked upon more in tbe Ught of a pleasant reunion than as an exhibition ; but in the Council room at South Kensington yesterday were brought together what formed in reabty a charming Uttle show for the season, affording, too, a pleasing augury of tbe success that may be expected in spring. suiTimer, and autiunn, when Flora and Pomona bring their gifts more plentifully. Tbe first class in the schedule was for nine I\'ies in pots. Messrs. Lane & Son, Great Berkbamp.stead, took tbe first place witb well-clothed pyramids trained on wire, ranging from 3 to 4J feet high. Among the varieties were Caenwoodiana, with small narrow-lobed leaves ; Gold-blotched ; Maculata ; Digitata ; Rsegneriana ; Argentea rubra, with small leaves edged with white and rose ; and Canariensis maculata, witb small leaves mottled witb cream colour. Mr. Turner, of Slough, was second with smaller plants. Tbe best collection of nine hardy Conifers was exbibited by Messrs. Standish & Co., of Ascot, who bad a first prize for ex- cellent specimens of Cepbalotaxus Fortune! robusta, a fine vigorous plant ; Cupressus Lawsoniana fragrans, and Taxus fas- tigiata aurea, exbibited at tbe pre\'ious meeting ; Thujopsis dolabrata ; Retinospora obtiisa peudula, very handsome ; R. fiU- fera, of an extremely graceful drooping habit ; R. lycopodioides, one of the most handsome of the Japanese Conifers ; and Juni- perus japonica albo-variegata, strikingly splashed witb white or cream colour. The second prize went to Messrs. Veitchj-and Messrs. Lane had an extra prize. Prizes were offered for the best three dishes of kitchen Apples, also for tbe best three dishes of dessert Pears. For Apples Mr. Parsons, gardener to R. Attenborough, Esq., Acton Green, was first witb excellent fruit of Blenheim Pippin, Golden Noble, and Dumelow's Seedling. Mr. Miles, gardener to Lord Carrington, Wycombe Abbey, was second with Dume- low's SeedHng, Alfriston, and Prince of Wales. Mr. Frisby, Blankney Hall, Mr. Eoss, "VN'eltord Park, Newbury, and Mi'. Parsons, Danesbury, also competed. For Pears Mr. Miles was first with Uvedale's St. Germain and CatiUac, fine, and Vicar of Winkfield. Mr. Parsons, Danesbury, was the only other exhibitor in this class. Fruit Committee. — G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair. This being the first meeting of the year, the question of certificates was brought under consideration. There have hitherto been two certificates granted by this Committee, tbe first-class cer- tificate being awarded to novelties or improvements in races of fruits and vegetables, and the special certificate for meritorious cultivation of existing kinds. It ha^ been found, however, that a use has been made of the special certificates which was in- tended only for that of the first-class certificates, and to reiuedy any disadvantages arising from such a practice, it was decided that in future there shall be but one certificate issued, and that to be a first-class certificate for new kinds or improved races of fruits and vegetables, and that for meritorious culture a cultural commendation shall in future be issued, and the special certifi- cate abolished. Messrs. Stuart & Mein, of Kelso, sent specimens of a very good variety of Scotch Kale, very finely curled. Mr. Taylor, gardener to W. R. H. Powell, Esq., Maesgwynne, Whitland, South WiUes, sent some specimens of a good variety of Six- weeks Turnip. Mr. Bray, gardener to W. A. Sauford, Esq., Nynehead Court, Wellington, Somerset, sent a very splendid bundle of Asparagus, which was of so great merit as to obtain the fii-st cultural commendation. Mr. Cryer, the Gai'dens, Sneyd Park, Bristol, sent specimens of a seedling Onion, said to be a cross between Nimeham Park and Blood Red, but which was considered to be tbe same as Brown Globe. Mr. Piccii-eUo, Wigmore Street, exbibited a very interesting collection of foreign fruits and roots, the most attractive portion of which was the wonderful specimens of GarUc, which for size and colour are rarely seen. There were also in the collection Onions such as have been exbibited at former meetings and have been Hoticed in our reports. Melons, Oranges, Lemons, pre- served Chestnuts and Figs. A letter of thanks was awarded for this collection. Mr. Wilson, gardener to Earl Fortescue, Castle Hill, South Molton, sent two remarkably handsome and large specimens of Charlotte Rothschild Pines, weighing 1.3£ lbs., from plants seventeen months old. They were awarded a cul- tural commendation. Mr. Batters, the Gardens, Cbilworta Manor, sent a box of Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, but they were too far gone ; also two bunches of Black Alicante. Mr. Clarke, gardener to W. Vivian, Esq., Roebampton Lodge, sent a dish of Glou Morpeau Pears which bad been well kept, but were deficient in flavour, ilr. Dancer, of Chiswick, sent a dish of Benrre d'Aremberg, excellent in quahty and in flavour. A_ seedling Apple, called Beechwood Foundling, came from Mi-. J. Freeman, gardener to Sir John Sebright, Bart., Beechwood, but it wa-s not considered superior to varieties already in ex- istence. Another seedling from Mr. Ross, gardener to C. Eyre, Esq., Welford Park, Newbury, was considered good, but not of siifiicient merit to justify its being cultivated as a new variety. Messrs. Harrison & Son, of Leicester, sent a seedling Apple,, small and round, of a greenish-yellow colour, called Lady Berners, which was not approved, and another called Prince of Wales, of good size and striped, but it, too, was not of sufficient merit. Messrs. James Backhouse & Son, of Tork, sent two dishes of the Galloway Pippin which received a first-class cei-tificate last year, and tbe variety maintained the same high character which wa-s formed of it when tbe certificate was awarded. Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Gross, exhibited a collection of six varieties of Apples . A report on the system of keeping Grapes in bottles was read by Mr. Moore, gardener to Earl Brownlow, Belton, which we shall publish next week, and furnish illustrations of the room and the method of keeping tbe Grapes. Flobal Committee. — W. Marshall, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesborougb, Grimston Park, Tadcaster, sent a fine collection of Orcbid!s, including Lycaste Skinneri, Onciditmi aurosum, with a branching spike of numerous rich yellow and reddish brown flowers, 0. nebiilo- sum, Ada aurantdaca, Sophronites grandiflora, with very large flowers, La;ba autumnahs, Odontoglossum cristatum, Zygo- petahim Mackayi, fine ; the white-flowered Saccolabium Har- risoni, Lycaste lanipes, Ljeha anceps, and L. autumnahs grandi- flora. A cultural commendation was awarded for Pbalaenopsis- Porteana, with two fine spikes of lovely white flowers, with a^ rosy purple Up tinged with orange at tbe base, and dotted with crimson. This was very handsome. A first-class certiflcate was also given to Mr. Denning for Odontoglossum Denisora". of the same race as 0. Alexandras, of which it appears to be a large-flowered variety ; some of the flowers of this had seven sepals aoid petals, the others only five ; hence there seems to be a tendency towards producing semi-double, or, it may be, double flowers. Tbe spike of this handsome plant had eighteen flowers. Mr. WiDiams, of Holloway, sent a group of his new yellow- berried Aucuba, called luteo-carpa. The plants were heavily JOURNAL OP nOKTICULTUEE AXD COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ January 18, 187'2. loaded with berries, which are ornamoutal as affording a con- trast to the red-fruited kinds. A certificate was awarded to the variety at a previous meeting. Cattleya Walienana, in fine bloom and colour, had a commendation. Oncidium cheiro- phorum, with a branching spilie of canary-coloured flowers about 9 inches in length, and Odoutoglossum gloriosum majus, were also shoivn by Mr. Williams. Messrs. Staudish & Co., of Ascot, exhibited a collection of plants, such as Geraniums, Cinerarias, Bouvardia jasminoides, Cyclamens, Lily of the VaUey, and Poinsettia pulcherrima. Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Beck, Esq., Isleworth, received a commendation for a well-bloomed collection of Cyclamens. Mr. Clarke, market gardener, Twickenham, exhibited a numerous and excellent coUectiou of the same flower, as did Messrs. Veitcb. Messrs. E. G. Henderson hkewise sent a small collection of selected varieties. Mr. Wiggins also sent half a dozen plants of kinds with the foliage more oruamentaUy marked than is usually seen. From Mr. Turner, Slough, came fine baskets of Tricolor Pelar- goniums, for which a commendation was given. Mrs. Head- ley, Achievement, and Reynolds Hole were remarkable for their splendid colouring. Mr. Turner likewise exhibited a dozen ber- ried Aucubas of different varieties, grown as standards of from 2 to 3J high, with great masses of bright red ben'ies. From Mr. George, gardener to Miss Nicholson, Putney Heath, came a box of cut flowers, including Camellias, Cypripediums, Dielytra, &c. Messrs. Dobson it Sons, Isleworth, sent a coUection of white- flowered Chinese Primulas in good bloom. Messrs. E. G. Hender- son, St. John's Wood, likewise exhibited a number of seedlings with double flowers. Of these the following had first-class certificates :— Princess of Wales, very double, white ; Exquisite, delicate peach; Magenta King, magenta rose; and Emperor, one of the Fern-leaved class, with- fine, very double, mac flowers. Messrs. Veitch sent a gi-and collection of white and red Chinese Primulas, as well as the white-flowered Fern-leaved variety ; also forced Persian and Charles X. Lilacs, and a box of Lily of the Valley in fine bloom, Hippeastrum pardinum, Ehododendron Princess Eoyal, a fine specimen of Coelogyne cristata, Barkeria Skinneri, Cypripedium Harrisianum with one very fine bloom, Odontoglossums, fine specimens of Lycaste Skinneri superba, Saccolabium giganteum. Messrs. Veitch likewise exhibited Oncidium cheirophorum from Chiriqiu, ah-eady noticed, and a Dendrobium with white sepals and petals and a purple Up. . , , -u •» Mr. Bull sent Dracsena conciima, a plant of graceful habit, with the old leaves of a dark oUve, the yoimg shaded yellow and purplish crimson ; Crimim amabile, a very showy plant, silvery rose streaked with lilac, and brilUant purplish crimson exter- nally; Maorozamia coraUipes and plumosa, and Dasmonorops palembanicus, the last a very handsome Palm ; Cjin-ipedium pardinum, with the slipper much veined with green ; and an Odontoglossum. Mr. Lee, Ai-uudel, Sussex, again sent his tree Carnation, Mars. From Mr: Edgerton, gardener to the Countess of Waldegrave, Strawberry HiU, Twickenham, came Cyclamen persicum splendidimi with f oUage of immense size ; one of the four plants had white flowers, the others were not in blossom. Some plants of the Roman Hyacinth were exhibited in excellent bloom, but the name of the sender was not stated. Messrs. Backhouse, of York, had a commendation for Lselia autumnalis grandiflora, on a block, with eleven large blooms, lovely in colour. From the Society's garden came a nice panful of Ada aurantiaca; and from Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq., Loxford Hall, Hford, an Odontoglossum, said to be new, but not so ornamental as many others of the genus. . Commendations were awarded to Messrs. Veitch for their collection of Orchids, also for their Lilacs, Primulas, and Cycla- mens ; to Mr. Turner for his Aucubas, also for Tricolor Pelar- goniums ; to Mr. Clarke and Mr. Wiggins for Cyclamens ; to Mr. Demiing for his coUection of Orchids, likewise for Phaltenopsis Porteana ; and to Messrs. Standish for their group of plants. The Victoria electric thermometer, an ingenious instrument for indicating and giving notice of changes of temperature in plant houses, was also exhibited. This is the invention of Mr. Eothnie, and has been brought into public notice by Mr. WiUiams, of Holloway. SOME PBEDATOBY INSECTS OF OUK GAEDENS.— No. 25. The effects, immediate or secondary, which are produced upon the trunks and branches of trees by the insects which penetrate the wood, or reside in or under the bark, are very variable, depending upon such causes (beside the habits of the particular insect) as the characteristics of the tree, the soil and situation, and the treatment which it receives from the weather and from man; so that the wood-devourers and wood-borers have furnished a most fruitful theme for many a discussion, and with all our modern researches we are yet in the dark (and likely to be so) on some important points in their economy. The gardener is apprehensive, sometimes too apprehensive, of the injuries he may sustain from species which carry on their work in ambush, and like crafty enemies beleaguering a town, only allow their mining operations to be detected when the victory is already in their hands. The owner of a goodly orchard well stocked with choice trees, may be excused if he heaves a sigh sometimes, when he thinks of the insect enemies which defy fumigations, and syringing, and other expedients he puts in force against the common run of grubs and caterpillars. What can he do to protect himself from the inroads of those larva; which are not satisfied with inflicting a temporary injury to the leaves, hut seek the life- blood of the tree itself ? Woiild it be any good to visit in turn the trees and tap the wood with a hammer, as certain employees are seen on railways operating on the carriage wheels to ascertain if they are " all right?" To carry on a rigid examination frequently, and remove every piece of loose bark, besides absorbing much time, is not a thoroughly efiective remedy, for the troublesome creatures frequently contrive to get" under bark that is not loose. If the gardener now could manage to give fuU credence to the theories of those who assert that the wood-feeders form a branch or division of Nature's host of scavengers, and remove only what is de- caying or becoming useless, what a relief it would be to his mind ! It is, however, a fact almost certain, if we are to take the opinion of men capable of pronouncing with some authority, that the number of injurious species amongst the Coleoptera is not so numerous as was formerly supposed. Especially is it so with regard to those in the genus Scolytus ; and of a species very well known to us near Loudon Mr. Newman writes confidently thus, as he alludes to it while giving the history of the really destructive Goat Moth. " This," he says, " has caused the death of many valuable Elms, and a beetle (S. Destructor), breeding abundantly in the bark of the dying trees, the injury has been erroneously attributed to this beetle, and not to the true cause, which, feeding and carrying on its work of devastation out of sight, has escaped the notice of superficial observers." It may be stated, however, in passing, that the ravages of the Goat Moth do make themselves obvious in several ways, after the caterpillars have attained some size. In their mining operations they wUl occasionally come close to the bark and run along their galleries so near it as to render them observable, and, moreover, the odour which the creature exhales is sufficiently perceptible in some conditions of the weather. But the statement for the moment surprises us, if we are at all read in early entomological literature, where such fearful accounts have been given of the injuries done to several species of trees by the Scolyti, and to counteract the ravages of which various expedients in the way of washing, tarring (not feathering), have been proposed. Destructor, as it is called, and rightly enough, though whether it is justified in destroying is a question not finally settled, is one of the largest species in the genus. It does not seem to occur in orchards, but visits trees in pleasure gardens and parks, having a very decided partiality for the Elm, though these httle beetles will also be found busy sometimes on the Ash and Lilac, having been preceded in their labours by the huge Goat larviE already spoken of. Indeed, wherever felled Elms have been left on the gi-ound for some few months, whether sound or imsound previously, they are sure to become the resort of swarms of these beetles, which soon dispose of the bark. The habits of S. Destructor are singular and interesting, and we are indebted to a very accurate entomologist (Dr. Chapman), for some recent valuable information on the subject. The female beetles busy themselves during June and July in pre- paring for the continuance of the species. This is done by the construction of burrows or galleries, which are 3 or 4 inches long, and a job of about three weeks. Along these the eggs are deposited, never less than one hundred in a burrow, and occasionally half as many more. They are covered with what the Germans call ' frass," principally consisting of the particles of gnawed wood. Whether these servo as food for a time for the newly-hatched larvEe, imtU they have gained sufficient power to carry on excavations for themselves, I am not pre- pared to sayj but it is possible. The burrow runs near the wood of the tree, and the female, says Dr. Chapman, begins " by making her way along the bottom of some crack iu the Janmij 18, 1872. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 53 bark, often bj* widening it for a little distance before com- mencing to burrow, so that the real opening of the gaUery is some distance from where the little heaf) of out-turned frass lies, which marks its orifice." But what is a sort of nursery for the progeny is a tomb for the parent, for, her life's labour thus completed, the female Scolytus dies at the end of the gallery. The larva; hatch in a few weeks, and form along the inner bark (and also upon the wood sometimes), those curious tracks which have been named " tj-pographs," but are scarcely ever seen quite in their natural form, from the pro- pensity which the different broods have to cross each other's tracks. Some might compare these " typographs " to a map in miniature, on which are delineated a number of rivers and streamlets flowing from a common point. The tracks being filled-up with excrementitious matter as the larvaj proceeds, it is unusual for one to turn round and work back again, though these channels not uncommonly run across each other. The more usual coarse of things with these larvjB is for them to become full-grown in the autumn, when they eat into the «olid wood, and construct each a httle chamber where the Tvinter is passed. And Dr. Chapman points out, that owing to this habit they escape being devoured by birds, for as the bark is loosened in the winter by the effects of rain and wind, any exposed larva; are quickly seized and devoured. In most years, however, a moiety of the brood passes through the course of the larval and pupal states in autumn, and apparently these neither live out the winter as beetles, nor deposit eggs. One instance amongst many others we find of what seems a kind of superfluity in Nature, and like the poet we are half inclined to think sometimes that she is not sufliciently " care- iud of the tj-pe." Dr. Chapman is strong in bis couvictious that females of S. Destructor have nothing to do with healthy trees ; and, therefore, he imagines that the attacks of other insect enemies, or disease in the tree itself have always prepared the way for the inroads of these beetle.s. Felled trees, how- ever, the species will find out, even while they are in the act 'Of putting forth shoots ; healthy trees which are rooted in the «oil have a mode of defending themselves from such attacks by pouring out sap into the burrows while they are yet being formed. On the question as to the injuries committed by both sexes of Destructor while visiting trees in search of food. Dr. Chapman does not enter. I should not be stating the case fairly unless I add here, that in the opinion of Professor Andouin and some othert, much harm is done by the attacks of the species upon bark when it as in search of food, so that in this way (as is supposed), through the loss of sap, and the mischief done also by the rain enter- ing through the holes which have been gnawed, the trees are prepared for the ravages of the larvte. Two species of the Scolytus which are of some interest to the pomologist, are S. Pruni and S. rugulosus. During last sum- mer a correspondent of this Journal forwarded specimens of bark and wood which had been infested by the former ; many of the larvaj were dead, proving that the species is rather delicate, as had been already noted by observers. The burrows «f this species are to be found in Apple, Pear, and Apricot, and in all probability in other fruit trees. Dr. Chapman has found no proof of its having ever committed any positive mischief in our orchards, though it, doubtless, accelerates the ■decay of some trees which, as far as our judgment goes, we shoiild consider healthy, yet some decomposition has secretly set in and is destroying the vitality. In one instance a strip of iealthy bark was found to contain a few incomplete burrows, but the beetles had been annoyed by the presence of a fluid which was manifestly sap exuded from the tree. One marked peculiarity in the burrow of Pruni is, that it often begins in a ■squarish chamber ere it lengthens in a shape like that of Destructor. The males in the latter species make a ver;- short stay in the burrows. In Pruni the males continue in them for some while and devour the excavated material. When of full size the larvie bore into the wood of the tree to the depth of several lines, and the matured beetles do not emerge until the ■end of the June following. The other orchard species, rngnlosus, is hardier, and therefore rather more common, and is curious as burrowing occasionally in very slender branches. The opening into the burrow made by the female is not at all hidden, as in some of the other species. This burrow is not much more than an inch in length, and it is lined with comminuted particles taken, not from the bark, but from the wood, so that this " frass " gives an appearance to the gaUery which is not observable in that formed by the Ei>ecie3 previously described. The eggs are laid very evenly. and the larvas are irregular in their movements, the tjTpograph being quite distinct in its tracery, except in any case where they are unusually crowded. This species is silent. Destructor and Pruni are able to give a vocal performance, in which the abdomen and wing-cases are concerned. Though not exactly quarrelsome, all the Scolyti are in the habit of giving each other a push with the head, should they como into contact. Perhaps it is a mode of friendly recognition, Uke the custom of rubbing noses which is found amongst some primitive races. On the supposition that these beetles are hurtful Loudon and others have suggested deaUng with them as foUows ; but the advice should, I think, be taken cum grano salis. The advice resolves itself into three particulars. To begin, let us say that you have before a number of suspected trees. With a spokeshave or some fitting tool you pare away the outer bark ; and if on examination there are no traces of burrows or small holes in any tree, then it may be pronounced sound, so far as this insect is concerned. Secondly, assuming that ou' inspection you find traces of larv£E and burrows of the females, then cut down to the wood to make sure, then have the tree feUed, and the bark stripped off and burnt. But allow me to add here, that if this is done during the period of hybernation, unless something is done to the wood itself, there will be an emergence of beetles next summer. Thirdly, trees, especially young ones, which have seemingly been visited by the beetles only for food, must be brushed over with coal tar, which is highly displeasing to the olfactory nerves (possibly) of the females. This may be repeated more than once, and is best done in the spring. Instances have been cited by authors, EngUsh and continental, where the life of many a jn'omising tree has thus been saved. — J. R. S. C. GBOUND LEVELLING AND PRACTICAL GAEDEN PLOTTING.— No. 26. Befoke a design is drawn to suit a piece of ground it is necessary to find the superficial dimensions and the general outline of the ground on which the design is to be executed, observing accurately at the same time the exact position o f 54 JOUENAIi OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ Jonuaiy 18, 187a any object, either natural or artificial, that may stand upon or be included in it, such as an ornamental tree, a statue, a piece of water, or a hillock. To do BO correctly it is necessary to have a cross staff. A cross staff can be made in the following maimer : — Take a piece of board 6 inches square, and cut two grooves in it at right angles, as A, b, c, T>,fig. 51 ; fix a circular iron plate, as E, to the under side of the board by means of three screws. The circular iron plate has a tube attached to it. The tube is dropped on to staff F, and fastened by means of screw g. It is also necessary to have some station staffs 5 or 6 feet long, and a measuring tape. The means employed for finding the dimensions of the piece of ground in /iff. 52 win be suffi- cient to illustrate the manner in which to survey accurately any piece of land for general use. Fig. 52 is an irre- gular piece of ground, the outline of which is required, and also the exact position of the circles included therein, and tire space they occupy. Insert a station staff at each angle, as at a, e, c, d. Prom A to E is a straight line 57 feet long. Let the assist- ant take one end of the tape, and also some pegs 12 or 14 inches long. Let him start from station b, taking care to keep in the straight Une between stations B and c. At the distance of 13 feet 6 inches from station E insert a peg. At that point there is an offset of 1 foot. At this point it will be seen that it is neces- sary to find the exact position of circle a. Take up the peg at 13 feet 6 inches, and set the cross staff in its place ; look through each end of the groove running in the line E c, as, for example, groove A B in fg. 51 ; if sta- tions B and c are seen through the groove, the cross staff is in the right position to erect a perpendicular. Look through groove c D in the direction of the object, as in circle a. Send the assist- ant with a staff,: and direct him to put it into the proper place (as near the object as it is necessary or expedient) ; measure the distance from staff to staff, which in this instance is 9 feet" 4 inches, at a right angle with line e c. Find the square of the circle, as hereafter ex- plained, in eh-cle c. Let the assistant take the end of the tape and go towards station c, keeping in the straight line between the two stations e, c. At a distance of 33 feet from the point where the staff is inserted at 13 feet 6 inches from station e, on line B c, measure the offset, as at point 3, which is done by placing the cross staff at the point on hne e c, taldug the sight of stations b and c as before described. Look through the other gi'oove, and direct the assistant to place a staff on the boundary line, as at point 3. Measure the distance from BSyfoeC- Scale 24 feet to the inch. staff to staff, which is 3 feet. From the staff at point 33, on line E c, measure 17 feet, this being the spot at which the boundary line diverges most from the visual Hue b c, and measure the distance of the set-off as before described, which will be found to be 4 feet. Place the cross staff on line b c (iu all cases observing for accuracy through groove a e the stations e c) in a position that the Une seen through groove c D shall cut the centre of circle c, as at point d. The dis- tance required on line b c, from point 17, is 7 feet. Place the station staff at points 7 and d ; remove the staff at point d, and place the cross staff in its stead. Look through groove A B, obsers-ing point 7, and through groove c n. Direct the assistant to place the staves at any points, as in « c, which, will be parallel to line B c; place the cross staff at point / on line e e, and thi-ough the other groove erect i^ perpendicular, as in 7i, and insert a staff. Place the cross staff in g, aud in the same manner erect a per- pendicular as in k. Place the cross staff on one of the perpen- diculars thus found, as at m, observing through groove A n the points / ft; and through groove c i> direct the assistant to place station staves as in points .s, s, which will be parallel to line e e. The circle c is thus enclosed in the square / g n m, the side of which is 8 feet, being equal to the diameter of the circle. The distance between point 7 on line e c and point d is 24 feet. From the station staff at point 7, on line B c, measure 16 feet 6 inches ; place the cross staff and mea- sure the offset, which is 2 feet, as before de- scribed. From the staff at point 16 feet 6 inches measure 13 feet 6 inches, and measure the offset (1 foot). Find the circle o as described in circle c. From the staff at point 13 feet 6 inches to the staff at angle c is 22 feet 6 inches, making the total length of the visual line E c 123 feet. The points thus found on the boundary line (e 1 3 4 2 1 c) will be sufficient to indicate the curve of the line throughout. When the staves are removed for the purpose of taking observations with the cross staff", they must in all cases be replaced. Enter all measurements and observations in the note book in the following manner, commencing at the bottom of the page and working upwards. The page of the note book must be divided into three columns, the middle column being used to set down the distances from the starting point, as station B, and also the distance of the point to be denoted from the point last named, as shown in the annexed table. Commenc- ing at the bottom hne — thus, e is the station point. The first point at which an observation is made is at a distance of 13 feet 6 inches from station B. The second point is Jmii»iy 18, 1872. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 55 c 123 1 •22 6 100 6 P. 12 ft., c d 3 13 6 87 IG 6 70 6 P.24tt., S.S. 8(t. 4 7 63 6 3 46 6 1 83 13 6 P. 10 ft., c a j IB P. 148. 33 feet from the last point, which, added to the 13 feet 6 inches, gives the total of i6 feet 6 inches from station B. Set dovna 46 feet 6 inches in the next division of the coliunn, and above it the dis- tance to the next point, as 17 feet, add the numbers together, carry the product (which is the distance from station b) to the nest division above. Measure the distance to the next point, add them together, and so proceed until the whole of the gromid is measured. The columus on the left and right sides are used to denote the offsets and insets respectively, and the position of any object that may occur. They must be filled in as the measure- ments on hue B c (denoted in the middle column) are taken. Thus, the first point on Une E c being, as before described, 13 feet 6 inches from station B, it will be found that there is here an offset of 1 foot. Set down in column 1 the offset 1 foot in a line with 13 feet <) inches in column 2 ; again, at the distance 46 feet 6 inches, set down ia column 1 the offset 3 feet in a line with 46 feet 6 inches in column 2, and so proceed. As there are no insets on the line given by way of illustration, the first observation made in column 3 is the position of the circle a, this being at a distance of 10 feet perpendicular to Une e c. At the point 13 feet 6 inches set down 10 feet in P (perpendicular) in column 3 in a line with 13 feet 6 inches in column 2, and pro- ceed with other objects in the same manner. In taking the dimensions of a piece of ground it is neces- sary to measure the length of the diagonal line as shown in dotted Une .4. c, the distance in this case being 140 feet. The lengths of lines a b and b c having been already found, the length of the diagonal line connecting them will at once denote the angle at which they stand to each other. The pupil wiU find that it wiU be of great assistance to him if, when taking measurements, he makes a rough sketch of the ground on the spot, taking a note of any object that may be included in it ; it wiU act as a guide, and greatly assist his memory iu drawing a correct plan. — M. O'Donnell, Gardener to E. Leeming, Esq., Spring Grove, Richmond. IBON IN SOIL FOE EOSES, AND AUTUJfN PEUNING. In November, 1870, 1 planted three Margchal Niel Eoses ; one in a bed about 4 feet from a south waU, another in a more exposed site, and No. 3 outside the south-east end of a iean-to greenhouse. AU grew pretty much alike, rather slowly, «ntU the middle of April, when a sheet-iron flue from the greenhouse had to be replaced Dy a cast-iron one, the former Having crumbled away into rusty laminfe, which were scattered around and over the mulched roots of No. 3. Very soon after this strange top-dressing I found that four strong shoots had issued from the base of the plant, one of wliich grew so rapidly that in about three weeks it had reached the top of the green- house, although trained obUquely, and has now several branch- lets ; the other shoots lawfully deserve a "vig.," though in- ferior to the leading one. I cut away the slowcoach to make -way for such railroad progress. Attributing, rightly or wrongly, this sudden start to the accidental mixture of iron with the soU, I collected the frag- ments of the flue and other iron, old hoop, etc., and strewed them over the roots of three Hybrid " Perpets " (the name I give to my pets), planted in 1870, but not robust with me — viz., Marquise de Mortemart, Madame C. Wood, and Xavier OUbo, and the effect was very visible in the growth and in the colour of the foUage, which became dark and rich ; but the experi- ment was not made until the early part of June; too late, I think, to obtain the same favourable results. I hope next spring to get a ferruginous Uquid by steeping, and to try its effect, with and without guano in the mixture, on all sorts of Roses, Teas, Perpetuals, ilc. The results noticed may be owing to a deficiency in my soil of properties which may exist or even be present in excess in other soils ; but a cautious trial can do no great harm in any, and may do good in some, cases. I should be very glad to get a lesson about pruning Eoses iu autumn for the second bloom. — H. N. 0. [We think your system of pruning quite right, and sufliciently hard. Last season was an exceptionaDy bad one, and even the finest growth in many cases did not give good blooms, as the buds, owing to the cold and wet, were too long in develop- ing, and many of the petals were rough and unformed. If you erred you erred on the right side, though, perhaps, owing to the season, you gave too much guano. Your cultivation may certainly be fairly caUed high cultivation, and we have Uttie doubt but that with a favourable season you will suc- ceed. We should advise, as the young growth from the base last year was so strong and healthy, to cut away the old wood freely, and to shorten the young wood to good sound buds, but not to prune them too closely, alio wing the shoots on the same tree different lengths, and leaving the stronger shoots the longest. This gives more room for blooms, and prolongs the blooming season. Manetti stocks do not, as a rule, require such hard pruning as the old Briar system, where it was necessary to cut back freely to reduce the size of the head to a sj-mmetrical shape, and where old wood could not be cut out ; whereas on a Manetti stock, where young wood pushes freely from the base every year, the older growths can be re- moved, and there is no necessity to cut the yotmger wood too severely ; but stUl they ought to be cut back to weU-ripened stiff wood. Your postscript is very interesting, and we fhaU be glad to hear the results of your further trial with iron as a manure. There is Uttle doubt that yeUow loam and clay soils which are rich in iron are good for Eoses. In the case you name, the iron being corroded by the action of the smoke would be in a very soluble form, and then would be both carbonate of iron and sulphuret of iron, as weU as oxide. The soot adhering to the sides of the old pipes would also contain sulphate of am- monia, which would act at once as a powerful stimulant. Sul- phate of iron applied in a very diluted form is a good remedy for mUdew, and in our opinion often acts as a tonic (if we may use the expression), and this also may be the action of iron iu soils which form so great a proportion of the colouring matter of earth, it may help in many instances to strengthen the plant ; but we fear the chemical effects of many substances on the growth of plants is as yet but Uttle understood. — Eds.] THE PEICE OF VEGETABLES. Some Uttle idea may be formed of the necessity of a reform in our greengrocery arrangements by the following passage, which occurs in the report of Mr. H. J. Morgan, on the culti- vation by means of sewage irrigation of the Lodge Farm, Bark- ing, for the year ending August 31st last, which has just been pubUshed. " The average price," says Mr. Morgan, " which our best Potatoes last year reaUsed was from £6 to £7 per ton. This year we have obtained no more than £2 to £2 10s. Onions, wliich sold last yeaj for £43 per acre in the ground, and reaUsed a great deal more by marketing, have tliis year been sold by us at £28, the highest price I have heard of being £30 per acre. Iu the autimin of last year cut Cabbages (Col- lard's) fetched from Is. to Is. 3d. per dozen, wlule this year there has been a difficulty to obtain 3d. and 4(7. per dozen, some having even been sold, I hear, as low as Gd. for five dozen. Scarlet Runners, which made 8s., 10s., and lis. a-sieve last year, only brought 3d. and &d. and Is., until lately, when they have made 2s. and 2s. 6d. a-sieve. Bunching Greens have not paid us to market, and we have hitherto fed cattle on thern. I have been told by several farmers that they have ploughed-in their crops, as it would pay them better to use them as manure than to market them. Strange to say," adds Mr. Morgan, with refreshing natt'cfe, " that in the face of aU this the retail prices are as high as ever, a cut Cabbage orcUnarily costing lid., and a small dish of Beans id. and 6d., with everything else in proportion." — [Pall Mall Gazette.) THE CAETEE CHALLENGE CUP. This Cup, of the value of fifty guineas, is offered by Messrs. James Carter & Co., the Royal Seedsmen, 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, for competition with vegetables at the great provincial Shows of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, commenc- ing this year at Birmingham. The ChaUenge Cup is to be in the possession of the employer, not of the gardener, and when. JOURNAL OF HOETICtJLTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ Jannmy 18, 1872. won three times (not necessarily consecutively) it is to become I A prize of £10 is anntiaUy given to the gardener \rinning the property of the competitor so winning it. | the Cup, and a second prize of £3 is offered. The foUowing are Bkt^rii'C'on^VnnrS'^ 'V°. commence at I Vegetables (24 dishes), to inclnde as foUows :-HaH a pect JJinmngham on June 25th-viz., For the best CoUection of | each of Laxton's Alpha, Laxtoa's Quality, Laxton's SuprimeT January 18, 1872. ) JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 57 Carter's First Crop, Caiter's White Gem, and Carter's Hun- dredfold Peas ; Carter's Coveut Ciarden Garnishing Parsley, Cox's Golden Gem Melon, Naseby Mammoth and Miirzagole Onions, French Breakfast Radish, and Carter's Champion Cu- cumber. All Vegetables to be grown by bcniijide gentlemen's gardeners or gentlemen amateurs, and in the open gi'ound, excepting Cucumbers and Melons. The following to compri.'ie dishes : — Of Onions, 12 ; Badifh, 3 dozen ; Melons and Cucum- bers, 1 brace; Lettuce, 2 ; Beet, 3 ; Potatoes, 18; Savoy, 2; Kale, 2; Cauliflower, 2 ; Parsnips, G ; Carrot, C; Leek, 6 ; Celeiy, .3, This, which we noticed last week in " Les Promenades de Paris," is a plant but little known in the horticultural world, nevertheless it is extremely ornamental when sufficient space can be given it to develope its beauties. It is sometimes to be CUNNINGHAMIA SINENSIS. found in collections under the names of Cunninghamia lanceo- lata, Belis jnculiflora, and Finns lanceolata ; to the latter genus it is nearly allied. The Cunniughamia is a native of the southern parts of CiuuiiugliaQiia slueiiciis. China, and although too tender to withstand the severity of , the Aiaucaiias from the American continent. It succeeds our winter unbanned, it is nevertheless exceedingly beautiful best planted in a mixture of peat, loam, and shall) river when grown as a conservatory plant ; and I have no doubt in sand in the proportion of three paiis of loam to one of each the southern and western counties, if a proper position were of the others. It may be increased by cuttrugs, but they do selected, it would be found to stand out of doors the cntue not make such handsome plants in a young stats aa seed- season, or at least with but slight protection. liugs, but seeds are by no means easy to be obtained. — Expekto In its gtoeral appearance