THE HONEY SEASON IN THE NORTH.-A correspondent, writing from Aberdeen, states that the cold weather in April and May caused much loss to bee-keepers. Although the honey that was gathered in these months is darker in colour than clover honey, it is equally good, and is obtainable in considerable quantities. In some districts June was propitious for swarming, but in others when the Clover season began, in that month the temperature continued low and the bees were very often unable to leave the hives. This was a source of great disappointment, as seldom has the Clover bloomed so profusely as it did this year. In many districts splendid work was done all through July; even weaklings pulled up well by the closing days of the month. August, being partially wet, was not so beneficial till towards the close, when brilliant sunshine came, and just at the time too when the late Heather bloom was at its best. For "Heather men" the season will have excellent results. During the great heat wave the appearance of the hives was remarkable. Every nook and cranny was crammed full of bees, and the strongest hives not only filled their body box but as many as four crates of sections (84 lbs.). Many hives have produced over 120 lbs. surplus, but the average may be put down at from 50 to 60 lbs. The current price per pound in rural districts is 6d. and in some exceptional cases 7d. In cities the price in retail shops is one shilling and even more. I have heard of a profit of over £30 being obtained from a few hives, but the cost of feeding the bees during the winter season may not have been taken into account. When we consider that a single bee will not collect more than a teaspoonful of honey in a season it becomes evident what an extraordinary multitude there must be at work to produce the large quantities of honey which have been placed on the market.

A NEW TEXTILE PLANT From Brazil.-For some time Dr. V. PERINI, a Brazilian gentleman, and Mr. KNIGHT, a member of the English firm of KNIGHT, HARRISON & Co., of Rio de Janeiro, have made experiments in the cultivation of, and preparation for, the market of a plant, Canhamo braziliensis "Perini," discovered in Brazil by Dr. V. PERINI. Until now they have planted an area of 150,000 square metres, and the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro have recently allotted them the State property of Farenda Boa Victa, two square kilometres in extent, on the condition that besides the establishment at that place they establish another at Nictheroy for the preparation of the material for market. The necessary machines for the work are already imported. An importation of the fibre to the European market has met with a favourable reception, and has been woven into stuff for pocket handkerchiefs, and spun into cordage, laces, and made into fine sorts of paper. The fibre may be brought to European markets for about £40 per ton for linen weaving, and the stalks for the fabrication of paper for £12 per ton. The short fibre and refuse from the manufacture it is intended to find a use for in Brazil as string, &c. The returns are expected to be satisfactory, owing to the many uses the fibre can be put to, its excellent quality, the fact that three harvests can be obtained in the year, and the cheapness of production. Dr. PERINI has secured the sole right to the preparation of the material for textile and paper making for a period of 15 years from April 20, 1904.

THE GREENHOUSE AT KEW.-The flowering period of many plants in the greenhouse has been considerably shortened by the hot, dry weather. A showy plant now in flower is Ipomoea rubro-cærulea, whose trailing growths ramble among Asparagus plumosus, which sets off the beautiful light blue of its flowers. In pots and on the roof Plumbago capensis variety alba is flowering profusely. Another subject which does equally well, grown either as a pot

plant or against a pillar, is Lantana salvifolia (delicatissima). The long slender growths and magenta flowers are distinct from most of the Lantanas. The climbing Dahlia, Hidalgoa Wercklei (see fig. in Gardeners' Chronicle, Aug. 4, 1900, p. 83), has now a nice sprinkling of bright scarlet flowers. Although this plant is never a free bloomer, the trailing growths hanging from the roof are very graceful. The plant is really a perennial, but it is best grown as an annual from cuttings inserted in autumn, as old plants are liable to die in the winter. A young plant of Mandevilla suaveolens, only planted last year, has made growths fully 20 feet in length, and its pure white flowers are very fragrant. For some considerable time, hybridists (especially Continental) have been raising hybrids of Nerium Oleander, the common Oleander.

Very satisfactory results have been obtained, and a number of these new seedlings, both double and single flowering kinds, are now in flower in No. 4. Some of the double flowers are almost as large as Carnations, but they are not quite so full of petal. Most of the Cestrums (Habrothamnus) soon grow into large specimens, but C. Smithii is an exception, and forms useful decorative plants with pale rosecoloured flowers, 1 to 2 feet high, when grown in 5-inch and 6-inch pots. The flax-leaved Chironia, C. linoides (exifera), now in flower, seldom fails to produce a plentiful supply of flowers if given perfect drainage. One of the most beautiful Cupheas is C. micropetala, but the showy part of the flower is the large scarlet calyx tipped with yellow. As the name denotes, the petals are small. A singularly distinct and striking flower is that of Lilium nepalense. The perianth inside is purplish black, the reflexed segments being broadly tipped with yellow; the outside of the petals are of a greenish yellow shade. A good batch of the pretty small-flowered, rose-pink Melastomad, Bredia hirsuta, a by no means common Japanese plant, attracts much attention. A useful subject for large structures and one now in bloom is Calceolaria Burbidgei. It will commence to flower when about 2 feet high.. A small plant of Rondeletia (Rogiera) cordata has flowers not unlike those of the Laurestinus, each growth being terminated with a large cyme of sweet-scented, pink flowers.

FLOWERS IN SEASON.-From Messrs. JOHN PEED & SON, Roupell Park Nurseries, West Norwood, we have received a number of flowers of tuberous-rooting Begonias, of both double and single varieties. They were gathered from the open ground, being seedlings raised early in the present year. They represent a good strain of this useful bedding plant. The colours of the flowers include shades of scarlet, rose, yellow, apricot, orange, and white. Some of the "crested" type of flowers were included.

ACETYLENE GAS IN PLANT GROWING.-The results obtained in the elaborate experiments with acetylene on plant life at Cornell University, as set forth in Professor JOHN CRAIG'S paper, is what would be expected, when the close approximation of acetylene illumination to sunlight is considered. The snn, as everyone knows, stands for life and development in plant culture. It is the chief element upon which the gardener who forces flowers and vegetables under glass depends. The dark periods when the sun refuses to reveal itself are as well dark periods to the spirits of the forcing man. When, therefore, he can turn to what is virtually sunshine, as produced with ease, economy and in abundance by acetylene, he at once finds help over hard places. Professor CRAIG begins his paper by quoting Munsterberg as showing the nearly equal colour values of the sun and acetylene as revealed by spectrum analysis. It is a showing such as no other artificial light reveals.

In that brief comparison is found the basis of the success with acetylene in plant culture. The benefit from acetylene was found not only as making up for deficiency of sunlight, but in adding to the efficiency of sunlight for plant growth. In the experiment on 150 different kinds of plants, with few exceptions the growth was stronger, while the time of bloom and of maturity was materially advanced. For instance, Strawberries were brought into bearing 16 days, or more than two weeks earlier as a result of acetylene added to sunlight. In the case of Geranium [Pelargonium] and Lilium blooms, the gain was even greater, being sometimes three weeks ahead. In many plants the amount of bloom was increased several fold through the use of acetylene. Radishes are a common crop with the under-glass grower. Not only was the maturing period of Radishes shortened 20 per cent., but the product was increased in weight under the influence of acetylene as compared with sunlight alone. It is not overlooked that the cost of carbide must be reckoned, but with the season of growth shortened by weeks, a large, direct reduction in the always costly fuel bill is made. The force of this point is that the saving on fuel comes at a time when the outside temperature demands liberal coaling in order to provide the requisite forcing heat. The increase in the product from [the use of] acetylene as noted in Radishes and in some flowers, likewise will go directly to offsetting the outlay for acetylene. Acetylene Journal, Chicago.

IMPROVED VARIETIES OF ZONAL PELARGONIUMS.-In this country there are many fine varieties of Zonal Pelargoniums in cultivation, which, owing to a certain tenderness in growth and blossom, cannot with safety be employed in out-ofdoors decoration. We read, however, in the German journals, in the accounts of the recent show at Cassel, of an exhibitor, Herrn GEORG BORNEMANN, who had some remarkable varieties which for form, and size of the blooms, and heads could not be improved upon. H. BorneMANN, with but few exceptions, showed flowers of varieties of his own raising; his chief aims being to obtain abundant flowering and ability to withstand the influence of the weather, together with good habit.

A PALM HOUSE FOR BUDAPEST.-It is proposed to construct, at the cost of the municipality, a great Palm house in the vicinity of the recently erected artesian baths, of an area of 1,870 square metres, with small glasshouses for plant cultivation on two sides. The cost will amount to 435,000 kronen. Besides this large house there will be built later an Aquarium, and various glasshouses for plant culture.

THE ROYAL NURSERIES, MAIDSTONE.-On the 12th inst., a party of gardening friends met by invitation at the above nurseries on the occasion of Mr. GEORGE BUNYARD, the head of the firm, celebrating the completion of 50 years of business life. We offer our congratulations, and trust that Mr. BUNYARD may have yet many more years of useful and successful work.

AREA UNDER Rubber in CEYLON.-Mr. J. C. WILLIS, Director of the Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, Ceylon, writes as follows in the Tropical Agriculturist : "A very good answer to those who are claiming that Malaya is the premier rubber planting country is supplied by the statistics just to hand for the new Edition of FERGUSON'S Ceylon Handbook and Directory, which show that the Ceylon area in rubber, or to be planted during this present south-west monsoon (and consequently probably nearly all planted by now), is no less than 104,000 acres, besides which there are probably 15,000 or 16,000 in native hands, amounting in all to 120,000 acres. Mr. CARRUTHERS' report on the Federated Malay States for 1905 shows that at the end of that year they had only

with, say, an inch of the old frond base, and inserted as cuttings, they are sure to make roots and establish themselves, while if left in situ they are apt to be smothered, or if they survive handicap to.h themselves and the parent plant by the crowding and intermingling of fronds and roots. All the crown-forming Ferns make finer plants if the side-shoots or offsets are removed, and where long-established plants have been allowed to form dense clumps by such accumulation, it is good policy to dig them up bodily and pull the individuals apart, planting them singly. As a rule this is a simple operation, as each one is really distinct and has its independent roots, while the original connecting link is easily broken or cut, and the roots and fronds disentangled.

If the weather be dry after replanting, the

THE FERNERY.

HARDY FERNS IN AUTUMN. As regards the removal, division, or planting generally of hardy Ferns, the early autumn is a very good time to carry out such operations and for several reasons. First, any damage caused to the fronds matters little as the season is so nearly over. Secondly, the roots have still time to take hold of the ground in their new positions before frost sets in to any appreciable degree, and finally, they are assisted in establishing themselves by the cool, moist conditions usually prevalent at this season. Under these circumstances they will start growth in the spring as well-established plants, and, therefore, there is little choice between the two seasons as regards success in planting. As many of the fronds, especially of deciduous species, will be shabby or fading, all such may be removed without detriment to the plants, and with the evergreen ones there is usually an accumulation of dead old fronds around the crown which may also be removed, a careful look-out being kept for those basal bulbils which often form on the finest forms of Shield Ferns (Polystichum), and afford capital opportunities for increasing the number, since if cut off

Ferns must be watered so long as any fronds are green, but if thoroughly well watered in when planted, the ordinary rainfall and dews will suffice, since no fresh growth this season is likely to assert itself above ground. Good garden soil suits most species well, but if it be at all heavy there must be a liberal admixture of leaf-mould to lighten it. With regard to aspect it must be remembered that all Ferns are shade lovers, and thrive best where, while plenty of top light is available, they are screened to some extent from blazing sunshine. Wind, moreover, is detrimental since the fronds are too delicate to stand, without damage, the friction set up by strong breezes. Hence a north or north-east aspect is good as regards modified exposure to sun, provided there is some windscreen in the vicinity to break the force of the blast. If, therefore, it be a question of rockery construction a deep dell is the ideal to be aimed at as far as local surface conditions permit, while to plant Ferns in an exposed mound is simply to court failure. Given, however, ample moisture at the roots Fern fronds are very accommodating and stand far more sunshine that would be expected, but if so exposed and the soil gets dry, they are scorched immediately beyond

recovery so far as appearance goes. Under north walls we have seen fine collections, and these positions should be utilized Ferns under glass in pots are best left alone until the spring. The soil conditions in pots are not so favourable as those outside and lacking the circulative stimulus set up by active root growth, the soil is very apt to get sour during the winter rest, which in the open is not the case. During the season of rest watering must not be omitted, though of course not much is required. Ferns in their native habitats are usually soaked the winter through, and their crowns are more or less buried in dead leafage, also wet most of the time. It is therefore fatal to let pots containing Ferns get dust dry as is too often done, and if space be precious in the greenhouse, the pots can quite well be spared this risk by being buried in a shady garden corner outof-doors, to be lifted again when the next season's growth is imminent. For those in the open also a good mulching of dead leaves is beneficial. Chas. T. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S.

AGAVE AMERICANA AT THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.

THIS stately plant flowers occasionally in this country, but it is a comparatively rare occurrence. especially so near to the metropolis as the specimen shown at fig. 88, although in our issue for January 31, 1903, two of these plants flowering in Victoria Park, London, formed the subject of our supplementary illustration. The plant figured on the present occasion is growing in the Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park, the pot in which it is cultivated being plunged in the grass on the lawn round about the refreshment pavilion. The flower spike is from 18 to 20 feet in height, and bears on its upper part about 20 axillary panicles, as will be seen from our illustration. Near by is a companion plant, a much larger and finer specimen, and with leaves uninjured, but as often obtains in the plant world, it is the weaker one which has flowered. Hundreds of visitors have been attracted by the unusual sight of this plant in flower, and it is commonly spoken of as the "century" plant from the erroneous belief that the Agave only flowers once in a hundred years. It is also known as the American Aloe, but as the Aloe belongs to a different order of plants, there is no justification for the name.

In more favoured climes, such as the south of France, Agaves in flower are common objects, and in our issue for December 25, 1875, is an illustration of a bed containing a dozen or more plants in flower in the gardens of Mr. Smith, in the Scilly Islands.

The Agave under notice is situated among a series of excellent flower beds, and at the background is a charming border furnished with many gay subjects, among which Canna Alphonse Bouvier is conspicuous. Many of the beds are furnished with well-grown specimens of Celosia pyramidalis, in red and yellow shades, and although these are now somewhat past their best condition, enough remains to show what a beautiful display they have made.

Another plant that is worthy of mention is Eucalyptus cordatus, and in several of the beds this plant is utilised. A good combination was seen in a bed containing Pelargonium Mrs. Marshall, intermingled with Salvia Horminum, and Flower of Spring Pelargoniums, with a band of the dwarf Pelargonium Golden Fleece. Another pleasing bed was furnished with Fuchsia Mrs. Roberts and Verbena Miss Willmott. Abutilon Thompsoni, carpeted with Begonia "Vesuvius" and edged with Pelargoniums, furnished a choice display.

[In respect to the Agave we may remark that the flowers are not yet perfectly open, and visitors to the gardens during the next fortnight will, therefore, be able to see them.]

MODERN BOTANY.
(Continued from page 177.)

'Let us now attempt an analysis of some of the causes which have led to this condition of affairs.

"In the first place, our two national herbaria (Kew and the British Museum) stand apart from the ordinary botanical current. They are administered, the one as a portion of the Kew establishment under the Board of Agriculture, the other as a department of the British Museum under a Board of Trustees. Neither has any connection, direct or indirect, with any univer

organisation. The keepers and as. sistants as such have no educational functions allotted them; I mean positions in these herbaria carry no teaching duties with them There are no facilities for teaching; there are no students. No machinery exists for training recruits or for interesting anybody in the ideals and methods of systematic botany. A recent event illustrates my meaning better than any words. My friend, Dr. Rendle, accepted the Keepership of the Botanical Department at the British Museum a few months ago. Previously, as assistant, he had held a lectureship at a London college. One of the first consequences of his new appointment was his retirement from the teaching post. Now that was bad. Under the conditions which one would like to see there would have been no resignation. On the contrary, the Keepership should have entitled Dr. Rendle to promotion to a full professorship. I do not mean a great

post, with elementary classes, organisation, and so on, but one in which he would be occupied with his own branch, giving a course for advanced students, let us say, once a year during the summer months. Nor is that all. Such are the vagaries of our university organisation in London that we run some risk of losing Dr. Rendle from the Board of Studies in Botany. Automatically he ceases to be a 'recognised teacher,' and unless some loophole can be found the connection will be severed.

"Next we come to the question of routine duties. These are heavy in herbaria, and must include a great many that could be satisfactorily discharged by handy attendants. As in the case of those who work in laboratories, half a man's time should be at his own disposal for original investigations. It is important, for a variety of reasons, that the members of the staff should take a leading part in advancing systematic botany.

Then there is another way in which a great economy could be effected in effort, time, and money. This is the transfer of the collections and staff of the Botanical Department from the Museum to Kew. This is a very old proposal, first seriously entertained some fifty years ago after the death of Robert Brown. There must be endless files of reports and Blue Books in official pigeon-holes dealing with this question. The most recent report of a departmental committee is known to all interested in the matter. From the character of the evidence tendered it is not surprising that no action has been taken. I am at a loss to find any adequate reason for the continuance of two separate herbaria. It has been urged, no doubt, that botany would suffer if unrepresented in the Museum collections at South Kensington, and that the dried collections and herbarium staff are a necessary adjunct to the maintenance of a botanical museum. But there is little force in the contention. The specimens that go to make a herbarium are not proper subject-matter for museum display; nor is there anything about herbarium work which intrinsically fits the staff to engage in the arrangement of museum cases. The function of a botanical museum is to interest, stimulate, and attract. It should convey an idea of the current state of the science, and particularly of the problems that are to the front, in so far as it is possible to illustrate them. It requires a curator with imagination and ideas, as well as an all-round knowledge of his subject. He must also be an artist. Logically, there is no reason why a museum should be part of the same organisation as systematic collections. There is, indeed, a danger of making the museum too exhaustive. I am speaking, of course, of a teaching museum, which belongs really to the province of a university, or university extension if you like. Systematic collections kept exposed under glass are luxuries. All the world agrees that the museum side is admirably done at South Kensington, and most people attribute this success to the systematic element which is paramount behind the scenes. But, as we have seen, this is a fallacy, and the museum argument' for keeping the herbarium at South Kensington may be ignored.

"By the fusion of the herbaria at Kew one would look for increased economy and effici ency, more time for original work as distinguished from routine duties, and a more complete specialisation."

(To be continued.)

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

(The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.)

A NEW WHITE BEGONIA.-In the centre of a showy arrangement of tuberous Begonias in the gardens of T. F. Blackwell, Esq., The Cedars, Harrow Weald, is a very handsome white form in which the female flowers are nearly as large and showy as the male blooms, and in both sets the floral segments are finely crimped. The batch was raised by Mr. J. Dinsmore, the head gardener at The Cedars, and several exceptionally good varieties have flowered out of it, but none is equal to the white one alluded to, especially in the extraordinary size of the female flowers. There is also a good show of flowers on the shrubby Begonias which are well grown at The Cedars and continue to bloom in the glasshouses throughout the winter. B.

HYDRANGEA HORTENSIA IN TUBS.-I enclose a photograph [not reproduced] of Hydrangea Hortensia growing in a tub. We plant them in these receptacles for placing about the pleasure grounds, and one great advantage of this method of culture is that the plants remain a long time in flower, and up to the present time they have been effective for a period of about four months. The photograph shows 133 fully expanded flowers, and will furnish an illustration of their usefulness when grown in tubs. J. Thompson, Delamere House Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire.

A CHAMPION VEGETABLE CLASS.-I cannot but think that Mr. Gibson, p. 184, is asking for something of an extraordinary nature in inviting the Shrewsbury authorities to provide a special class for the vegetable champions. One would think he had forgotten several that of late years have been provided for such a purpose, for instance the class at Edinburgh last year and the one at Chiswick but a short time previously. It is but fair to ask, after witnessing the various prizes gained at the late Shrewsbury show by the champion growers, how many would compete in such a class as Mr. Gibson now suggests? When we read that Mr. Beckett won Messrs. Bull's cup and Messrs. Carter's premier prize, Mr. Gibson Messrs. Sutton's, Mr. Pope Messrs. Sydenham's, and so forth, and that in no one class were these growers found competing against each other, what conclusion must be drawn from such incidents? What I would suggest in future competition, is that all vegetables should be really of the varieties they are labelled in each class. It is so common now at shows to see classes made for so many kinds to represent the varieties introduced by the donors of the prizes. This is reasonable as intending to illustrate the advantage of one variety of Runner Beans, or Carrots for example, over another, and as a means of showing to visitors and customers the advantage of selection in stock and variety. What is the result of such classes so liberally provided by seedsmen? The answer can readily be found if at any of the leading shows an interested spectator will listen to the criticism of visitors when examining the exhibits: "I see no difference in the Tomatos in this exhibit named Perfection and the Epicure or Temptation, or even those Bountifuls in Mr. Brown's first prize exhibit.' Why, Mr. Thomson's Prize-taker Leeks are quite like Mr. Robinson's Monstrous variety. What is the difference between Mr. George's selected Duke of Albany Pea and that new variety staged by Mr. Johnson at our own show last week? It is bewildering; I did think by coming here I should be able to select my varieties for next season, but now I am in a worse plight than ever." Nous Verrons.

excuses

PEACH CULTURE OUT-OF-DOORS.-The one reads about the difficulty of producing even Peaches of reasonable quality out-of-doors makes one smile when one remembers what used to be done in this direction less than twenty years ago. Those persons who had knowledge of the magnificent Peach and Nectarine trees at Heckfield, under the care of the late Mr. Wildsmith, or those at Broadlands Park, near Romsey, under the management of Mr. Thirlby, must look for reasons other than climatic influence to account for the decline in the production of high-class fruits. Apathy on the part of the gardener contributes in no small degree to the ill-success, for many nowadays seem to think that Peach culture under glass is the aim and end of all. Now that gardeners are so much engrossed in adding glasshouses to the garden-and rightly, too-to meet the many demands for plant and flower production, they lose interest in, or, in some instances, do not cultivate a taste for, out-door Peach culture. Another reason is that when a new gardener takes charge of a place where outdoor Peaches have perhaps been the pride of his predecessor, he devotes all his energies to vegetable culture, because he can exhibit these, whereas little in the exhibition arena is procurable from Peaches. Neglect of minor details in culture quickly shows itself in a difference in the appearance of the trees. In many instances these are con demned; they require replacing with superior (?) varieties. This is done with a flourish, the trees receive a fair start for a season, and as quickly fail, and thus Peach culture out-of-doors is condemned. The employer listens to the arguments put forth, such as an unsuitable

In

climate, and there is an end of the attempt. This is no fanciful picture, but a reality that can be seen every day, if persons will open their eyes and also give some thought to the subject. I will instance a few 1easons why Peach culture is mismanaged. Take, for example, a season like the present. A tree has perhaps furnished a moderate crop of fruits in August or the early part of September, but after the fruit is gathered the trees are forgotten: not a drop of water is given to the parching roots, and they must be in a very dry condition, especially if at the foot of a high south wall after such. a spell of heat as we have recently experienced. How can trees, under such conditions, carry out their natural functions of bud formation and maturation for the following season's fruit crop? It will be generally agreed that the foundation of the fruit crop is laid during the preceding season. Without a sufficiency of moisture at the roots, how can the trees accomplish this? Another reason I would advance for failure is neglect in dealing with insect pests. some seasons green and black fly are both prevalent, and in the case of these pests twelve hours' neglect to eradicate them will do much to cripple the growth of the trees for the whole of the season. Instead of applying prompt remedies, the insects are neglected, until the leaves are curled and the growth is so crippled that recovery is altogether impossible. Again, at the end of the summer, and after the fruit is gathered, red spider often appears upon the leaves owing to neglect in supplying the roots with moisture, and so severely does this pest prey upon the energy of the tree, that its natural functions are completely crippled, and, instead of healthy leaves, which would tend to the production of plump buds, the leaves are limp and colourless, and the buds are weak and puny. Much more might be advanced to prove that non-success in Peach culture out of doors is not entirely owing to climatic influence. When walking round Lord Battersea's charming garden at Overstrand, near Cromer, on September 10, I noticed a wall about 10 feet in height facing to the south that had been furnished about three years ago with Peach trees, and these were carrying an excellent crop of highly-coloured fruits. In front of the trees was a 4-foot alley, afterwards a wide border of herbaceous plants, and then a Pergola, which, at certain seasons of the year may rob the trees of some sunlight. The wall was faced with cement. In the mind of some persons this material is not considered the best for the purpose, but it has its advantages in not providing a harbour for insect pests, as do some old brick walls. The varieties of Peaches were Barrington, Duchess of Cornwall, Gladstone (very fine), Goshawk (especially rich in colour), Hale's Early, Princess of Wales, Sea Eagle, Nectarine Peach, Condor, and Pitmaston Orange Nectarine. The fruits of the latter variety were quite small. E. Molyneux.

HEAVY TOMATO FRUITS.-In the "Answers to Correspondents" column of the Gardeners' Chronicle for September 15, I observed a reply to "G. G." respecting heavy Tomato fruits, in which it was stated that Mr. Burgess grew a specimen weighing 1 lb. 10 ozs.

In the year 1903 grew a fruit which weighed 1 lb. 14 ozs., the variety being Daniels No. 1. In 1900 I had three specimens which weighed 1 lb. 6 ozs., 1 lb. 6 ozs. and 1lb. 7 ozs. respectively, in one house containing the variety Fidlers Gem. This year I had a fruit which weighed 1 lb. 4 ozs., the variety being King Edward VII., the plant at the same time carrying 40 other fruits several of which weighed over 8 ozs. each. Henry Rowles, 8, Minster Terrace, Partridge Green, Sussex..

MYOPORUM ROSMARINIFOLIUM.-Some months ago I received in a consignment of plants one under the above name. I was unable to find any mention of it in the horticultural dictionaries or in the files of the gardening Press, and, on applying to the donor, was informed that he knew nothing about it except that it was an Australian plant. My little specimen, which was watered well on being planted, has been left rigidly alone since, but has done very well having made plentiful and strong growth. The curious part about this growth is that it is entirely prostrate and apparently has not the slightest inclination to assume a per'pendicular position. The plant has about 30 shoots, the longest being 2 feet 6 inches in length. The leaves, which are deep green and corrugated, are 1 inches long and an eighth of an inch in

breadth, and the shoots are studded with small five-petalled, white flowers a quarter of an inch across. These are very similar in form to those of Myoporum lætum, well known in the south-west, but the latter are spotted with purple, The most striking characteristic of M. lætum is its foliage, which is powdered with innumerable transparent dots, but there is no trace of transparency in the leaves of M. rosmarinifolium. If the latter should prove as hardy as M. lætum it will, with its prostrate habit, be a valuable plant for covering rockwork and banks, for it is quite pretty when in full flower. S. W. Fitzherbert, Devonshire.

IRIS TECTORUM.-The white form of Iris tectorum has hitherto been so rare that only this year an authority on the subject spoke of it to me as being probably a myth. The photograph (reproduced at fig. 90) taken from a plant which flowered with me in May last proves, however, that it has an objective existence. The flower is pure white

FIG. 90.-IRIS TECTORUM, WHITE VARIETY. (Reduced 1.)

with the exception of faint golden markings on the claw and sides of the crest. The species is one of the comparatively few Irises in which the large standards spread out almost horizontally. It is doubtless quite hardy, but seems to require to be kept dry in winter. I have consequently grown it in a pot and wintered it in a cold greenhouse. I hope to have several flowers next year. F. W. Stansfield, M.D., Reading.

STRAWBERRIES IN SEPTEMBER.-As Mr. Bunyard in his instructive article on Strawberries, published in the last issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, omitted to mention the so-called perpetual-bearing varieties, I am induced to send the Editor a few sprays of fruit of St. Antoine de Padoue, to show what the variety is capable of doing if treated as an autumn-bearing and not a perpetual-fruiting variety. To expect a good crop of fruit twice in a year is, in my opinion, unreasonable. Those, therefore, who have not given this variety a fair trial, I would advise to procure runners at once and plant them in good soil. Remove all flowers that appear next spring, rigorously picking off all runners also. Afford the roots water as often as they require it, and you 'may expect to obtain next September several useful dishes of fruit for dessert. In addition to what I now send the Editor I picked (two days ago)

14 lb. of good fruit from 40 plants, besides several small"dishes," during the early part of the month. W. Peters, Givon's Gardens, Leatherhead, September 16. [The berries are some of the largest and best we have seen of this variety, which was illustrated in these pages, October 18, 1902, p. 291.-ED.]

RAINFALL IN DEVONSHIRE.-The rainfall in these gardens for the three months ending August 31 was very slight, the total amount registered being 3.55.-June, 161; July, 62; August, 1:32; the greatest amount for 24 hours being on June 29, when the gauge registered 1.2. Previous to the 13th of this month no rain has fallen for 18 days, or since August 25. Birds have caused much injury to fruits, partly, I think, owing to the weather having been so dry, and Wasps, which were very late in turning up this year, seem to be doing their best to make up for lost time. Fred Leach, The Avenue Gardens, Brampford Speke, Exeter.

RHODODENDRON BARBATUM.-The appearance of this beautiful species at the present season. suggests the question whether it is carnivorous. The buds of next year's leaves and flowers exude an exceedingly viscid secretion, which hardens into varnish during the winter months, but just now is very clammy. Every unfortunate fly which settles on one of these buds is doomed. The gummy exudation is quite enough to detain any insect up to the size of a common hover-fly, and. the struggles of larger insects, such as blue-bottles, are further impeded by the stiff hairs on the footstalks of the leaves, whence the plant derives its specific name. These all point inwards round the bud, forming an effective chevaux de frise against escape. I was looking to-day at a specimen of the bearded Rhododendron, about 10 feet high, in my garden, which must have several hundreds of clammy buds, each one of which has captured from five to ten flies of different kinds. question is, can the plant assimilate nourishment from its victims? Herbert Maxwell, Monreith, September 18.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

The

TRIAL OF DAHLIAS AT WISLEY. SEPTEMBER 14.-A deputation from the Floral. Committee visited the Society's gardens at Wisley on the above date to inspect the trials of Cactus Dahlias. The deputation judged the varieties chiefly from the standpoint of garden decoration, but nevertheless was careful in refusing to make an award even to an erect flowering variety if the flowers were not of a type that could be properly described as good Cactus form. Notwithstanding all that has been said and written on the importance cf obtaining better habited Cactus Dahlias, the trial served to show that in the best exhibition type but little improvement can be found in the habit of the plants. The flower stalks are still too short and too slender, whilst in many instances the stalk bends back again, almost like a pot-hook, thus causing the flowers to droop and turn their face to the earth. The Committee, in awarding three points to the Cactus varieties, keeps the standard as high as the present conditions will allow, but would gladly raise it if it were practicable to do so. An Award of Merit is usually intended to mark a Dahlia as a good exhibition flower, but three x x x indicate that it is of decorative value in the garden. Some varieties have obtained both awards, as Floradora, and others. On the occasion under notice three x x x were awarded to those following:

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A. D. Stoop.-A rosy crimson flower of good Cactus form, and flower stalks that hold the blooms well above the foliage.

Mont Blanc.-Recognised chfly for its late flowering habit, but it does not possess equal merit to that of the variety "Fairy."

Pink Pearl.--The flowers of this variety are of a charming shade of mauve.

Prince of Yellows.-A very commendable yellow variety for the garden, but scarcely so good as Mrs. J. S. Brunton for exhibition purposes. Reggie.-This was the best magenta crimson flower in the trials, but there is room left for improvement.

West Hall Scarlet.-A good garden variety raised at Byfleet.