it was proposed to create a new class at the November Show-for twelve vases of specimen Japanese Chrysanthemums distinct, five blooms of each, £50 at least to be given in prizes. It was reported that the president, Sir EDWIN SAUNDERS, had offered to give as the 1st prize the sum of £15. The secretary also reported that in commemoration of the fact of the National Chrysanthemum Society having held their exhibitions at the Royal Aquarium for the space of twenty-one years, the directors had voted the sum of £30 as special prizes in the class for twentyfour Japanese, £25 of that sum being divided into money prizes; the Gold Medal of the society, suitably engraved, being added as an additional 1st prize. Special prizes from Mr. H. DEVERILL, Banbury; Mr. R. SYDENHAM, Tenby St., Birmingham; from Mr. W. J. GODFREY, Exmouth; and Mr. J. T. SIMPSON, were accepted; also the schedule of prizes for September, somewhat modified in regard to the Chrysanthemum classes, for October somewhat extended, and for November with added money. Eighteen members were elected, including four fellows; and the Dundee Chrysanthemum Society was admitted to affiliation.

DONATIONS TO GARDENING CHARITIES.-The result of two concerts held in Altrincham on'Wednesday and Thursday, 1st and 2nd ult., under the auspices of the Altrincham Gardeners' Improvement Society, showed a balance in hand of £39 5s., which sum has been divided between the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution and the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund.

NATIONAL DAHLIA SOCIETY.-The following is a revised selected list of Cactus varieties of the Dahlia for the year 1898 :

WINDMILLS.-Mr. THOMAS CHRISTY kindly draws our attention to the manifold uses to which the principles of the windmill can be put. An illustrated sheet circulated by the Aërmotor Company, Chicago, contains figures of forty-eight adaptations of the machinery as exemplified in deep well-pumps, pumps for delivering water in large or small quantities from rivers and lakes for household and manufacturing purposes. Machinery is likewise shown attached to aërmotors for turning a feed-cutter, grinding corn, turning grind-stones, and various kinds of farm work. In this country the use of wind-motors seems to be mostly confined to milling purposes, and for little else; still, in a windy country, no cheaper driving method can be found than the air in motion.

"AQUATIC AND Bog Plants" (Die Sumpf & Wasserpflanzen, Ihre Beschreibung, Kultur and Verwendung: VON WILH. MÖNKEMEYER; Verlag VON GUSTAV SCHMIDT, Berlin, S.W.).—In addition to the American Water Garden, a publication has appeared in the German language, written by Mr. MÖNKEMEYER, the well-known curator of the Leipzig Botanic Garden, who has not only proved himself to be a successful gardener, but also a botanist of ability. The above-named work, treating of a subject the literature of which is scanty, and only to be found dispersed through various journals, supplies a longfelt want for amateurs in this branch of gardening. Of late years, especially, considerable attention has been paid to the cultivation of this interesting class of plants, so that the work now issued will be very

welcome. It comprises 190 pages, with 126 illustrations, drawn for the most part by the writer himself, which greatly add to the value of the book. Not fewer than 74 Natural Orders of flowering plants are found to possess representatives amongst water and bog plants; in fact, the compiler appears to have overlooked few that might be used for decorating natural waters and their margins, as well as those aquatic plants which will readily thrive in a livingroom. Study and observation during many years have enabled him to bring together much material worthy of consideration. The book can be recommended to all who take pleasure in growing aquatic plants, and who are able to read German. It is very clearly written.

SOME ITEMS CONCERNING 1898.-As much information respecting horticultural meetings and exhibitions for the year just born as could be obtained before going to press will be found in the Almanack which is presented as a Supplement to our present issue. Most of the important events have been thus announced, it being customary in the case of influential societies to compile their programmes and schedules as early as possible. We give below a few particulars in addition to what are given in the almanac that may be interesting :

THE MARKET GARDENERS', NURSERYMEN, AND FARMERS' ASSOCIATION, 32, King Street, Covent Garden, will hold their annual general meeting at a date to be fixed in July, and the executive will meet upon the first Tuesday following the quarter-days. As there have been frequent enquiries for the address of this Society, our readers will please note the above. THE FARNINGHAM ROSE SO CIETY (writes Mr. Edmonds, the Hon. Secretary) will hold its annual exhibition upon the last Wednesday in June, or the first in July.

Mr. E. A. Newman, secretary to the EASTBOURNE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, states that meetings will be held on the second Tuesday in each month in the Natural History Society's Rooms, Lismore Road, at 8 P.M. There will be a competition among the members at each meeting. The date of the annual Chrysanthemum show has not been fixed.

THE ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY will hold its annual meeting on January 26. A general meeting and annual excursion will take place at the end of July or beginning of August. The council will meet once in two months.

THE NATIONAL PINK SOCIETY (Midland section) and the WORKSOP ROSE AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY are in abeyance.

The annual show of the SOUTH SHIELDS AND NORTHERN COUNTIES CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY Will be held (writes Mr. Bernard Cowan) in the middle. of November.

The annual meeting of the NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE SOCIETY (Northern section) will be held on January 29, when the date of the forthcoming exhibition will be probably fixed for the second Saturday in August. The secretary is Mr. T. Lord, Hole Bottom, Todmorden.

The exact date of the Annual Exhibition of the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ABEBDEEN has not been fixed, but it will probably take place on August 18, 19, and 20.

THE SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION Will hold meetings on the first Tuesday in each month, when papers will be read and exhibits made of new or rare plants, fruits, flowers, &c. Mr. R. Laird, the secretary, also informs us that this society will hold its great Chrysanthemum show on November 17, 18, and 19.

Mr. E. J. Ashelford, secretary of the SOCIETY OF JERSEY GARDENERS' writes, that his Society will hold monthly meetings on the second Thursday in the month, and the Council will meet on the fourth Thursday. The Floral Fête has been fixed for July 14, and the Chrysanthemum Show for November 9 and 10.

THE ROYAL NATIONAL TULIP SOCIETY will hold an exhibition in or near Manchester, and another one in London, but the dates have not yet been fixed (Secretary, Mr. Jas. W. Bentley).

THE NATIONAL AUBICULA SOCIETY (Northern Section) will meet at the Old Bull's Head, Market Place, Manchester, on Wednesday next, when the place and date for the annual exhibition will be decided.

THE GERMAN ROSE SOCIETY's Annual Exhibition will be held at Cologne at the end of June. Novelties of German and foreign origin are solicited by the secretary, P. Lambert Frier. IM.

THE RENFREWSHIRE GARDENER'S MUTUAL PROVEMENT SOCIETY will hold meetings on Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, and March 9.

THE WAKEFIELD PAXTON SOCIETY will hold weekly meetings at the Paxton Room, Woolpack Hotel, on Saturdays at 8 P.M. until March 5, when the annual general meeting will take place.

THE MANCHESTER HORTICULTURAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY will meet in the Memorial Hall, Albert Square, Manchester, at 7 P.M. on Jan. 13, 27, and Feb. 10, 24.

THE AYRSHIRE GARDENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVE MENT ASSOCIATION will hold fortnightly meetings until May 5 in the Garrick Street Hall, Ayr, at 7.30 P. M. on alternate Thursdays.

A DIAMOND JUBILEE OAK.-Princess CHRISTIAN has planted in Windsor Park a tree to be known as the "QUEEN's Diamond Jubilee Oak," the offspring of the QUEEN'S Jubilee Oak, planted in 1887. A tablet will bear the inscription, "This tree, raised from an acorn of the QUEEN'S Jubilee Oak, 18×7 was planted, 1897, by H.R. H. Princess CHRISTIAN (Princess HELENA of Great Britain and Ireland) in commemoration of the sixtieth year of the reign of her Majesty Queen VICTORIA."

FLORA OF TROPICAL AFRICA.-It was only in our last number that we adverted to the publication of a part of the Flora Capensis, and in this week's number, the first of the year, it falls to our lot to have to mention the rejuvenescence of the Flora of Tropical Africa. Three volumes were issued up to 1877, and then the work came to an abrupt stop. How much the area and the material have increased since then it needs no research to discover. This one of the reasons why the resumption of the work begins with vol. 7, in which the Orchids and the grasses, with other orders specially interesting to practical men will be comprised. The present part will be specially interesting to Orchid growers, in that it contains a large instalment of the Orchids from the pen of Mr. ROLFE. The publication of the Indian Orchids by Sir J. D. HOOKER, of those of S. Africa by Mr. BOLUS, and of Tropical Africa by Mr. ROLFE, will afford us a most valuable addition to Orchid lore, and do much to remove the perplexity and uncertainty in which we have been plunged.

THE WORCESTER BRANCH of the Gardeners Royal Benevolent Institution recently held its annual' general meeting at the Guildhall, Worcester. The report of the committee was adopted as very satis factory, new officers were elected, and thanks accorded to Earl BEAUCHAMP and others who have materially assisted the Fund during the past year. During the past two years of the existence of the Worcester Auxiliary it has been able to provide the parent society with the considerable sum of £227 15s. The auxiliary nominated one candidate at the last election of pensioners, and the committee was pleased to announce that this gentleman was elected. Mr. J. HILL WHITE was re-elected Hon. Sec. and Treasurer.

RASPBERRIES ON CHRISTMAS DAY.-A correspondent in co. Meath informs us that he not only gathered Roses, Violets, and Primroses in his garden on Christmas Day, but a small dish of Raspberries.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.-The Weekly Budget and the Weekly Budget Supplement for December 25, containing a store of seasonable literature for home or foreign readers.- English Illustrated Magazine, January, 1898.-Annual Report of the Smithsonian Institution (1), to June, 1892; (2), to June, 1894.Two bulky volumes, full, as usual, of interesting information on scientific and general subjects; ethnological papers have a prominent place.

APPLE ROYAL SNOW. DURING a visit to the Smithfield Cattle Show, held recently, we remarked the above Apple upon a stand belonging to Mr. W. Horne, Perry Hill, Cliffe, Rochester; and subsequently Mr. Horne has obliged us by placing specimens at our service for illustration (fig. 4). Royal Snow is a Canadian Apple, and we are informed that one of Her Majesty's Jubilee Commemorative gifts was a number of the fruits, sent by some Canadian fruit growers, who regard the variety with the highest favour. The fruit is above medium-size, being about 3 inches high, and nearly as wide, the halves unequal; colour intense but bright red, except on the shaded side, where the red streaks over a pale yellow ground are abundant. The whole of the exterior of the fruit is marked with small whitish spots. Eye closed, and set in a moderately deep and wide cavity; stalk slender, quite an inch long, and set in a deep funnel-shaped cavity, which, together with the base of the fruit, is covered with russet.

Scholars, antiquarians, nomenclaturists (pardon the word) will all find interest, information, and some amount of amusement in these pages. Bubani was born in 1806, studied at the University of Bologna, managed to get involved in political disturbances, and in consequence was compelled to migrate from place to place, ultimately settling in Montpellier, where he enjoyed the friendship of Dunal, and first became imbued with his love for the Pyrenees and their flora. After a time he went back to Italy, but his native country proved no home for him, and he returned to the Pyrenees, and completed his flora, revising it from time to time.

Death overtook him in 1888, before he had the satisfaction of seeing his work in type. Now, owing to the pious care of Professor Penzig, the first volume sees the light. It is elaborated with painfully minute detail, and is preceded by a long Latin preface. In it the Pyrenees are divided into three botanical regions-the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the alpine region, the slopes of which face in the

The flesh is normally firm, juicy, crisp, of a peculiarly sweet, vinous flavour, and the fruit may be termed a first class dessert Apple for Christmas and the New Year. It is Mr. Horne's intention to introduce the variety into this country, and we shall be interested to see how far it may prove adapted to our climate and methods of culture. The specimens we have seen, however were grown in Canada, and the appearance and quality of the fruits must therefore not be taken to represent what fruits grown in this country may be expected to be like at this late season of the year, though this may possibly prove to be the

case.

BOOK NOTICE.

FLORA PYRENEA PER ORDINES NATURALES GRADATIM DIGESTA.-Opus posthumum editum, curante O. Penzig. Vol. i. MDCCCIIC. Mediolani (Milan), Ulric Hoeplius.

THIS is a book that will appeal to many interests. An authentic and carefully compiled list of the plants constituting the Pyrenean Flora is a boon that botanists and gardeners will cordially welcome.

direction of both oceans. Other sub-divisions are founded on the character of the soil-calcareous, saline, or otherwise.

Long disquisitions on nomenclature and synonymy follow, which are very interesting to the professed botanist, but not so much so to the amateur or to him who wants to know something about the plants themselves rather than the opinions of this or the other botanist on technical details of nomenclature. That system which enables the student to find what he wants with the greatest facility is the most generally useful. The name found, the student can arrange his details according to whatever system he prefers; and whilst anxious, as all should be, to avail themselves of the newest and best results of science, they need not waste their time on wrangles as to priority and bibliography-unless, indeed, their studies and predilections lead them to indulge in these researches. To mix up history with nomenclature more than is absolutely necessary is to confound two different things.

Bubani goes back to the classics, in the case of Ulmus, for instance, he quotes Homer, or, rather, Ulmus vulgaris is attributed to Homer as the autho rity, and Theophrastus is made responsible for Ulmus

montana. Most botanists would be more modestthey would say they did not know precisely what the authors in question meant. Their descriptions are not adequate, and they have left no plates, still less any authentic specimens, so that verification of references is impossible. A botanist like Dr. Bubani, who attributes any particular plant to them, must, it would seem, break that essential rule of nomenclature which forbids us from attributing to anyone that which he has not said.

But Bubani is not content with the Bauhins and Gesners of the renaissance, nor with the classical writers of Greece or Rome; he goes back to Holy Writ itself, and gives as the botanical authority for Juniperus oxycedrus, "Bibl. Sacr." We

"

are not conversant with Hebrew, but we are quite certain that "Juniperus oxycedrus is not mentioned in Holy Writ. Bubani, however, here, as always, scrupulously careful in his references, cites chapter and verse as follows-" Job, c. 30, v. 4." We turn to the authorised version, and we find, l.c., "Who cut up Mallows by the bushes, and Juniper roots for their meat." A diet of Juniper roots does not sound appetising. We consult the revised version, and there we find the passage rendered :-" They pluck Saltwort by the bushes, and the roots of the Broom are their meat," the marginal rendering being, "to warm them," which seems much more likely. Bubani, in all probability, did not consult either of these versions of the Bible, but whatever version he consulted, it is at any rate clear that it is not judicious to wrest biblical names from their context, and apply them as they were never intended to be used. We do understand Juniperus oxycedrus, L. Sp, and we have the means of verifying the reference, but we can have no certainty as to the exact identity of the plant mentioned without any description, or figure, or specimen, by Job. Nevertheless, it is so convenient for the student to have these references ready to hand that it would ill become the critic to grumble because they are put out of their proper order.

No descriptions of species are given, but a full synonymy is supplied, together with details concerning the time of flowering, the nature of the soil upon which the plant grows, the localities where it has been found, and even the dates when particular specimens were collected. Notes and comments on the structure and affinities of the species are added, which reveal the accurate observation of the botanist. The student will be startled at the new names applied to old genera, or at the revivification of old names; for instance, on the authority of Pliny, Viscum album becomes Stelin album. As a full synonymy is given, and it is to be hoped a full index will also be forthcoming, these eccentricities may be pardoned, the more fully, as we are informed that the book was finished on December 15, 1873, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and therefore before the appearance of De Candolle's "Lois," or the publication of the Kew Index. Moreover, no one need follow Dr. Bubani's example.

One entry in the preface we cannot forbear quoting in the original. It tells how, on the afternoon in question, having finished his manuscript, he, with a full heart repeatedly embraced his daughter, that daughter who bore the name Felicia in commemora. tion of the friendship that existed between the author and Felix Dunal:- Illico eo peracto gloriosus ad dilectissimam filiam Felician accessi (cui magistri et amici mei Dunal nomen imposui), eamque quam suavissime, jucundo corde iterum ac tertio osculatus sum." This was in 1873. In 1875, and in 1880 (July 25) the revision of the whole was repeated, and probably the osculation. Till the day of his death, in 1888, this process of revision and addition was carried on. It has fallen to Professor Penzig's lot to see the completed volumes through the press; he was precluded from making any change in the text, but the mere mechanical labour of supervising the impression of such a volume must have been exceptionally great. A volume of such learning and erudition, and one so accurately compiled, must, in spite of its eccentricities, have a warm welcome in the botanist's library.

A FRENCH GARDEN IN 1545. (Continued from vol, xxii, p. 425.)

AREA OLITORIA.-This contains two beds, the "Salad" and the "Condiment;" first, the Salad-bed, Pulvinus acetarius: Lactuca, Lettuce; of this, some are sessile, some crisp, and others headed, called " 'AppleLettuce." The wild Lettuce some take to be the Endive, though the Lettuce has the leaf of Chicory, yet it is broader, whiter, and less incised."

Seris

(in Grk.), Intybum (in Lat.), Scariola of the Italians, has two cultivated kinds, viz., the broad-leaved, Cichorion domesticum, and the narrow-leaved, or "Endive." The wild is called Cichorion, i.e., "Chicory;" the Picris of the Greeks because of its bitterness.

Hieracia major, called "yellow Chicory." As the author describes this as having a rough stem bristling with little spines, it would seem to be a SowThistle, perhaps Sonchus asper; but he describes the garden Sow-Thistle under the name of Cicerbita (Lat.). which he says is commonly called "Du laceron," Hieracia minor, the author observes, the common people call Chicory, or Wild Endive; for it has leaves divided at intervals, tender little stems, green, on which yellow flowers are borne. It is not clear what this really is.

Malva, Mallows.-These were grown more for medicinal uses, on account of their emollient properties. He also describes the Tree-mallow "Rose d'Oultre Mer," i.e., the Hollyhock. Bismalva, "Des Guimauves," i.e., Althaea officinalis, or Marsh. mallow. He says of this, that it grows as high as the tops of the houses in Germany, and shepherds use its pliable stems as whips for the sheep! Acanthus, called mollis, because of the emollient nature of the root; and, though not a true "Acetarian," or Saladplant, he associates it with the Mallows.

Oxalis, Wood-sorrel; Portulaca “Purpier;" Bipin. nella, "De la Pimprenelle," Poterium Sanguisorba, or Salad Burnet; Crithmum maritimum, Samphire; Olus cordum, or cultivated Samphire, batis of Columella; it was called Empetrum, and the common people corrupted this name to "Sanpetram;" thence it came to called St. Peter's Herb.

Asparagus.-There are two kinds, one the "fat" (altilis), or the garden sort. "It is very quickly cooked, then steeped in vinegar and oil; hence arose the proverb of anything which can be done very quickly, one says-'More quickly than Asparagus can be cooked.' The other kind is the wild, woody, and spiny species;" perhaps, A. horridus of the European rocky ground.

Cardamum (Grk ), Nasturtium (Lat.), "Du Cresson alenois," i.e., éloigné, Garden Cress; N. aquaticum, or cardamina, because the taste resembles that of Cardamoms, called by Latins, laver, or Sion; in French, "berle," by a transposition of the letters, thus-Laver becomes verla, then verula, hence Fr. "berle." Modern dictionaries render this "the Celery." (This reminds one of the word Revalerta, i.e., Erva lenta, framed from Ervum Lens, the Lentil). Sisymbrium, also called Cardamina, is another water-plant, which the author calls "Du cresson," but says there has been a great contention over it. It appears to be Water-cress; Eruca, "De la Roquette," E. sativa, L. Senecio, "Du Senecon," Groundsell, is most pleasant in salads." The flower, he says, vanishes into a pappos, which the people call "barbe dieu." It may be noticed that Ion Gardener also includes the Groundsel as a garden plant (A Fifteeenth Century Treatise on Gardening, by Hon. A. Amherst).

66

Lapathum, "Parella," or "De la Parelle, or Patience," Rumex Patientia, L. This is called Hippolathium sativum, or "Monk's Rhubarbe," by Gerarde (Herb., p. 313). His figure resembles Rumex Hydrolapathum, though our author describes the Hippolapathum of the Greeks as a distinct species. Wilson's (Fr. Dict.) gives Hydro-lapathum as Patience. Lindley describes R. alpinus as the species in question. Of other kinds of Lapathum, our author mentions Sorrel, R. acetosa; and L. acutum, i.e., Rumex acutus, called in Piccardy "Surelle."

Borago, Borage, of which he says: "We use the blue flowers in the more refined salads." Cerephyllum "Cerfueil;" Anthriscus cerefolium, Chervil.

Tarco, "Du targon," the author does not know the plant, but says it has leaves like Hyssop. It is, of course, Artemisia Taragona, "Taragon ;" and Fæniculus, Fennel. This completes the list of salad plants.

THE CONDIMENT BED.-Cramben or Brassica, the Cabbage, of which there are many kinds, red, white, green, thick and thin-leaved sorts.

Atriplex, "Des Arroches," white and purple. These were species of Chenopodium and Atriplex as figured by Gerarde.

Molochia and Atriplex marinum Mauritanis, a shrub like Halimus, of which the leaves were cooked. Gerarde describes Molochia as a kind of Basil, called "Fish Basil," the seeds being received from Spain (Herb., p. 549). Beta, "de la poree," the red kind was called Sicla, a second is white, and a third black. Blitum, described as the most insipid of herbs; it is a plant resembling Spinach, and called "des espinars," from its spiny seeds, probably Amaranthus Blitum. Iasione, of Theophrastus, is a wild pot-herb, with a milky juice, bearing a white flower. Commonly called "Du liseron." This is Convolvulus arvensis, Bindweed.

Selinon (Grk.), Apium (Lat.), "Du persil Macedoine." This altogether resembles garden Parsley, but the scent is a little pleasanter. It was called Petroselinum macedonicum in the London Pharmacopoa until about 1760, when the use of it was dropped. Under Selinon the author adds Atrum olus, i.e., Smyrnium olusatrum, Alexanders; and Petroselinum, i.e., oreoselinum, or Mountain Selinum, garden Parsley.

Crocus, probably Crocus sativus, cultivated for Saffron. Sinapis, Mustard, white and black, the seed being called "Seneué." This was the name variously spelt in the Middle English, e.g., fourteenth century.

Porri.-Two kinds. The Leek and the Ampeloprason, "because it grows among the Vines." It is Allium Ampeloprasum, L., our wild Leek. George Henslow.

(To be continued.)

ANTHRACITE COAL.

THERE was published in our issue for October 23 last a letter from Mr. Thos. Christy, which gave some interesting particulars relating to the use of anthracite coal in grates. The style of grate to which allusion was then made may be seen on reference to fig. 5. It has upright bars, and a pull-out frame at the bottom, the latter intended for use when more than ordinary draught is desired. It has a stone back, and probably many of our readers have seen similar ones. In this case, it was found that even when the damper at the bottom is quite closed, the draught is a very strong one. Wishing to turn this to account, Mr. Christy tried a quantity of anthracite coal, and it burnt perfectly, there being very little ash remaining when the fire is exhausted. Anthracite is moderate in price, is capable of producing intense heat, aud lasts longer than any other coal. If certain grates ensure sufficient draught to cause this fuel to burn satisfactorily, its use will effect a considerable economy. Like coke, it will be found to burn with greater freedom in grates when broken into pieces about the size of a walnut.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

THE GALE.-This morning's gale (December 27). has blown down half of a beautiful Cedar on my lawn. One bough is about 18 inches in diameter, and a good length. Is it worth cutting into planks ? H. N. Ellacombe, Bitton.

A WELL-TRAVELLED FLOWER.-Georgina Pitcher is a pretty and a melodious appellation. It may originally have been, and perhaps still is, the name of a very charming lady. It has, however, already become somewhat public property, as the appellation of a fine flower. Chrysanthemum Georgina Pitcher is a new yellow Japanese incurved, and is as good as solid. We heard the other day of the travels of flower Georgina, which was cut on November 8, was exhibited in a prize collection at the Westminster

Aquarium for three days, was next shown at Edinburgh, then on the 27th at the Westminster Drill Hall, and still came up smiling and fresh at the National Chrysanthemum Society's December show on the 7th inst. Is not that a record show attendance for one bloom. Evidently Georgina's “pitcher" is not easily broken. D.

CARNIVOROUS SLUGS.-Since the appearance of my note on the above, numerous correspondents from different localities have given various opinions. There seems to be little doubt they are strictly carnivorous, and I think there are few gardeners who would be inclined to destroy slugs they knew to be carnivorous, that they might encourage earthworms, great as the part is they undoubtedly have played in Nature, as drainers and aerators of the soil. Their presence is not of so much importance where land is artificially drained and under cultivation, being constantly broken up by trenching, limeing, &c.; under such conditions, it is a question if the good they are able to do can compensate for the mischief of trying to get anything and everything into their burrows. Surely there can be no question about the presence of worms on lawns and tennis-courts, and it is my intention to transfer some from the kitchen garden to "burrow" but not "cast." It does seem strange, that during alterations carried out here for several years in various parts of the grounds, we have never found any except in the kitchen garden, where they are very numerous, and always in the soil. I am assured the variety is the true Testacella haliotidea. May not those found so freely on the surface by some of your correspondents be T. scutellum, or T. Mangei! There are many theories about the shell and its position-is it not simply rudimentary? So far little seems to be known of the life-history of Testacella, even by students of the Mollusca. Yet it is generally acknowledged by all that they are strictly carnivorous, as the radula (or tongue) clearly indicates, by the complete rows of incisor teeth, as compared with the central molar teeth of the herbivorous section. The all-important question to horticulturists is, do they live entirely upon earthworms or not? An authority on the subject writes me-"I am with you in believing that they are useful, and do not for a moment suppose that they feed exclusively on worms, but believe that they also feed on the larvæ of many obnoxious insects." I have much pleasure in sending you living specimens of T. haliotidea, also photomicrographs of the "radulas" of carnivorous and herbivorous slugs. M. Webster, Beckenham. [We shall shortly publish an illustrated article on the subject. ED.]

came

This species is common here-Pembrokeshire, although Mr. Webster said that he never across any in South Wales, or saw one of them out of the ground (see Gardeners Chronicle, p. 314, vol xxii). For my part, I can state that I have found more of them on the surface of the ground than below it, and I could find one any day if I sought for it. It was only last week that I came across one of the slugs with its head thrust into a live snail, and I have often seen them devouring worms, but not snails. W. Cavill, Penally.

FRUIT JUDGING.-There is one point in "Ayrshire Lad's" note (p. 404), which well deserves to be considered by judges of fruit, viz., that of ripeness when shown. When the schedule distinctly says it is necessary that the fruit shown shall be ripe, judges have no choice in the matter; but the preference for ripeness (even when out of season) is carried to excess in many cases where it is not demanded by the schedule, and where ripeness is a positive defect. I need only instance the single-dish classes at the fruit show held under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society at the Crystal Palace. Time and again I have seen fruits that were ripened out of season placed before others that were in every way of better quality but not ripe. Which is the most valuable dish, say, of Marie Louise Pear, dead ripe in September, or a similar dish at the end of October or in November? We have plenty of good summer Pears, but not so many as the year advances, and to turn a late variety into an early one is doing quite the wrong thing. It is generally known, too, that the best-flavoured Marie Louise Pears are those grown in the open, where they have no artificial aids to ripening. It may be said that to lengthen the season of a good fruit is a gain, and I grant that, but do not think that this is a point which should weigh with judges. I have only instanced one variety, but it is not for want of others; the circumstance is common, and I might just as well have selected the variety Pitmaston Duchess. Cornubian.

- Mr.

PRUNING APPLE AND PEAR TREES. Kettle having misrepresented (p. 448) my remarks made on the pruning of Apples and Pears, I beg the editor's permission to reproduce them. The cultural directions which Mr. Kettle has misrepresented, and then used as a basis for a somewhat lengthy criticism are:-" Upon the manner in which this simple though important operation is carried out depends almost entirely the building up of fruitful and consequently profitable specimens, whether they be standards, pyramids, bushes, or espaliers. However, it would be better to let the trees go unpruned than to trust an unskilful man with the pruning that is, to allow a man having no clear object in view in operating on young or maiden treas. The formation of large fruitbearing trees, of whatever kind, in as short a time as possible, is the wish of all who possess fruit-trees; therefore, the young leading shoots of standard pyramid trees and bushes, should be pruned-back to within from 5 to 9 inches; each of these pruned.

being furnished with three wood-buds, and these having pushed into free growth were pruned back to from 5 to 9 inches last winter, each prunedback shoot producing from three to five growths this year, thus giving us individual trees with from nine to fifteen growths from "last year's cut back maidens ;" and the only pruning which I advised to be done to these trees was, "Where likely to become crowded, or to cross each other in growth, to cut back to within 2 inches of last year's wood." Maiden fruit-trees, of whatever kind and shape, must be pruned-back in the manner mentioned above, in order to lay the foundation of well-balanced, fruitful specimens "in as short a time as possible." Mr. Kettle says, "if you have cut back either standards or bushes, they will have at least nine to twelve growths;" adding "if they are pruned back to 5 or 9 inches, and make three to five more growths, you will get from twenty-seven to sixty branches within 5 to 9 inches of the main stem," which in his humble opinion is far too many.

back shoots will produce from three to five growths next spring. These-assuming that we have last year's cut-back maidens to deal with now-where likely to become crowded, or to cross each other in growth, should be cut back to within 2 inches of last year's growth. This will result in the formation of fruit-buds, in addition to promoting a symmetrical shape in the individual trees. Once young trees of this description have borne a fair crop of fruit, they will require very little annual pruning beyond the cutting out of a branch here and there where likely to cross each other, repeating the operation more or less every year as may be called for, until the trees acquire the desired size." Any reader who may take the trouble to read the above in connection with Mr. Kettle's comments thereon will easily see that he has quoted certain sentences therefrom without giving the context. Mr. Kettle appears to forget that "maiden trees" are not furnished with "six to eight growths to the main stem." Let us suppose that maiden trees, i.e., stocks grafted in the spring of 1896, each scion

Having made the above pro contra statements, for which Mr. Kettle himself is solely responsible, he is willing, however, to "grant that the badly-placed shoots can be taken off," adding, "but the writer does not advise this, but to cut back (such misplaced growths) to within 2 inches." What is this but taking off? Moreover, any shoots (two at the most) proceeding from the said 2 inches of lateral growth, should be pinched hard back the following summer, with a view to producing fruit-buds. Mr. Kettle goes on to say "he has yet to see a deciduous tree made shapely and fruitful by severe pruning." Well, he must be very young, and consequently inexperienced! I have frequently advised this in the case of neglected trees in orchards and gardens, in order to secure shapely and fruitful trees. If a young Apple, Pear, Plum-tree is left to itself, i.e., not pruned at all, the pushing into growth of the buds or the upper portions of the individual shoots at the expense of those lower down will occur until the exuberance of growth is checked by the trees bearing a good crop of

or

fruit; but, in the meantime, the few leading shoots attain to a greater height from the ground before they branch out than is desirable. Mr. Kettle says in concluding his note that "root-pruning is an operation entirely unnecessary (?) so long as the tree has room to extend its branches." The reverse of this being the case, I am inclined to think that the words "so long as the tree has room to extend its branches," must be a misprint for, so long as the tree yields satisfactory crops of fruit. [No.] Mr. Kettle cannot have read his Gardeners' Chronicle carefully during the past twenty years, or he would have known that I have been an advocate of the "extension system" of pruning and training fruittrees during that period of time. In pruning horizontally-trained wall or espalier-trees of the Apple, Pear, and Plum, after the first pair of branchesextending right and left from the tree-is secured, the leading upright-central shoot should be cutback to within 12 or 15 inches of the pair of horizontal branches of the current year's make at pruning time every year, until the top of the wall or espalier wires is reached, in order to obtain a new pair of branches every year. I have tried to secure two pairs of horizontal branches annually, but only with partial success; as some years only three buds, two on one side and one on the other, would push into growth, thereby rendering the insertion of a "bud" in the main stem, close to the dormant bud, necessary, in order to prevent a blank occurring in the building up of the tree. H. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.

VITIS COIGNETIE.-At Culford Hall, near Bury St. Edmunds, is growing a fine young Vine under the above name, which is the same way as that illustrated in your issue for October 30 (p. 305). It was planted out during the past spring to cover a portion of a wall facing west, and close to the north wall of the garden, so that it is well sheltered from east and north. Here it has grown vigorously, having made eight or ten young rods, each as strong as an ordinary pot-Vine prepared for fruiting, and about 10 feet long. At the time of my visit a few weeks ago, the large claret-coloured leaves were very effective, and the canes were well ripened. The Vine will become a very striking object in autumn, and the coloured leaves remain upon the plant later than those of any other deciduous climbing foliage-plant. J. C. T.

EARLY POTATOS.-In the efforts to obtain new Potatos as early as possible in the year, various methods are adopted. The earliest are grown under glass in Peach-houses, vineries, or heated pits; then follow those from colder frames. Succeeding these will be those grown at the foot of a south wall, and then those on a warm, south border, between the rows of Peas, the stakes used for the latter forming a capital shelter for the Potatos. I used to grow for the first crop the old Myatt's Ashleaf in pots placed in a newly started Peach-house. Some time previous to potting, the tubers were placed in single layers in shallow boxes containing a little leaf-mould. The boxes were then placed in slight warmth, and occasionally sprayed over with water. When growth had commenced, all the weakest were rubbed off, leaving three of the best and strongest to each tuber. The 10-inch or 12-inch pots were then drained and half filled with a rather light, moderately rich soil, and three tubers planted in each. They were then lightly watered, and afterwards placed in as light a position as could be given them. The plants should be earthed-up when the tops have grown 8 inches, using soil that has previously been warmed to the same temperature as that of the house in which they are growing. Great care should be taken not to overwater them, for if the soil be kept too wet, failures are sure to follow, and a close stagnant atmosphere will be equally injurious. H. M.

ROYAL SOVEREIGN STRAWBERRY.-This variety did very badly with me last spring as a forcer for market supply, and was nowhere as against Laxton's Noble and Sir Joseph Paxton. It had long straggling fruit-stalks, and enough leaves on one plant to serve for two. Out-of-doors it was the same. I got my plants from a trustworthy firm, and I should be glad if some market cultivators would record their experence of this much vaunted variety. W. Cavill, Penally.

SULPHURING VINES.-Having repeatedly read in "Answers to Correspondents" your caution against burning flowers-of-sulphur in vineries that have been pruned, I take the liberty of informing them that this may be done with perfect safety. I have been