Mr. Hunter), showed Cypripedium nitens, Chillingham variety. Mr. JAS. DOUGLAS, Edenside, Great Bookham, showed a bunch of cut sprays of the singu. lar Lælia Briseis. Messrs. HUGH Low & Co., Enfield, staged a group, in which were Cypripedium insigne E. J. Seymour," a large and effectively marked variety; Cattleya Clarkiæ; a sele tion of varieties of Cypripedium insigne, &c. Messrs. EDGAR & Co., South Woodford, staged a selection of Cypripediums. Messrs. LINDEN, Brussels, showed two magni. ficently blotched varieties of Odontoglossum crispum, raised by crossing fine spotted imported forms. The darkest was O. Madame Linden (O. crispum Queen Emma x O. c. Prince Albert), a grand form with the greater part of the broad segments of a rich claret colour, thin lines of white showing between the colour. The lighter and larger flower was O. crispum Jean Linden (O. c. Lindenii x O. c. primatus). The large flowers had broad, white-fringed segments, the sepals and petals of which were heavily blotched with reddish orange colour. AWARDS. FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE. Cattleya Dusseldorfei var. Undine (intermedia alba x Mossie Wageneri) from Major G. L. HOLFORD, C.I.E., C.V.O., Westonbirt, Tetbury (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). A very pretty and distinct snow-white variety, with but the slightest trace of primrose-yellow at the base of the broad front lobe of the lip. Cypripedium Actaeus Langleyense (insigne Sanderæ x Leeanum giganteum) from Major G. L. HOLFORD. The fine form for which Messrs. Veitch were given an Award of Merit, January 23, 1900, and in which the dorsal sepal is large and white, with but a small greenish base and a few purple markings. Cypripedium eboraicum, from J. H. CRAVEN, Esq., J.P., Keighley (gr. Mr. Corney). Said to be the result of crossing C. insigne Harefield Hall and C. nitens magnificum Ball's variety, and with very strong resemblance in some points to C. insigne Harefield Hall. Calogyne Mooreana from Messrs. SANDER & SONS, St. Albans. A very handsome white variety, comparable with the rare C. Mossiæ illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, March 31, 1894. Flowers seven or eight in arching spikes, each nearly as large as C. cristata, pure white, with a yellow disc to the lip, which has several rows of yellow papillæ. AWARD OF MERIT. Cypripedium Wiganianum Westonbirt variety (eburneum x Tracyanum) from Major G. L. HOLFORD. A very handsome variety with ivorywhite flowers striped with dotted lines of light purple; lip white with red-brown blotches. Brasso-Lalia Mrs. M. Gratrix, Westfield variety (B. Digbyana x L. cinnabarina) from FRANCIS WELLESLEY, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins). The darkest in colour of any form of this pretty hybrid, and good in shape and substance. Colour an almost uniform reddish orange. Dendrobium Phalanopsis, Gatton Park variety, from JEREMIAH COLMAN, Esq., Gatton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. W. P. Bound). A novelty in colour, and a good flower in every respect. Flowers white with the faintest blue shade, the lip having a tinge and veining of that peculiar slate-blue seen in Lælia pumila, Gatton Park variety. Odontoglossum amabile, Glebelands variety, from J. GURNEY FOWLER, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis). A very effective hybrid with large cream-white flowers spotted with purple, the colours being arranged as in some of the best O. Andersonianum. Cypripedium 'Actaus, Bank House variety, from S. BRIGGS-Bury, Esq., Bank House, Accrington (gr. Mr. Wilkinson). A pretty variety, with greenish petals and lip, and fine white dorsal sepal, having slight purple-spotted lines. Cypripedium Zeno, Craven's variety (nitens magnificum X insigne Harefield Hall), from J. H CRAVEN, Esq., J.P., Beeches, Keighley, Yorks. (gr. Mr. F. Corney). A massive flower adhering closely to C. nitens; in colour yel. lowish, the dorsal sepal finely blotched with chocolate brown, the upper part being white. Cypripedium Actaus superbum from DREWETT O. DREWETT, Esq. (gr. Mr. Renwick). A very fine light-greenish flower with large white dorsal sepal. Odontioda Heatonense, St. Vincent, from Messrs. CHARLESWORTH & Co., Heaton, Bradford. A very pretty variety, with broader segments than the original, and finely spotted with carmine-rose colour. DIPLOMA AWARDS. CYPRIPEDIUM SPICERIANUM HYBRIDS.-1st Diploma: C. Niobe, Oakwood variety, from FRANCIS WELLESLEY, Esq. (gr. Mr. Hopkins). 2nd Diploma: C. Memnon from S. BRIGGS-BURY, Esq. (gr. Mr. Wilkinson). CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE.-1st Diploma: C. insigne Harefield Hall. 2nd Diploma: C. insigne Sanderæ, both from JEREMIAH COLMAN, Esq. CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE HYBRIDS.-1st Diploma: C Thalia Mrs. Francis Wellesley. 2nd Diplo ma: C. Thalia giganteum, both from FRANCIS WELLESLEY, Esq. CALANTHE HYBRIDS.-1st Diploma: Calanthe alpha. 2nd Diploma: Calanthe revertens, both from JEREMIAH COLMAN, Esq. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Geo. Bunyard, Esq., chairman, and Messrs. S. Mortimer, Geo. Kelf, A. Dean, E. Beckett, W. Pope, H. Parr, R. Lye, H. J. Wright, J. Vert, P. D. Tuckett, H. Somers Rivers, Jno. Lyne, Geo. Reynolds, J. Davis, J. Jaques, Chas. Foster, O. Thomas, W. Poupart, A R. Allan, and A. H. Pearson. Lord ALDENHAM, Aldenham House, Elstree (gr. Mr. E. Beckett), showed a collection of Apples of exceedingly good quality. They were arranged in large and small baskets, dishes, &c., there being about forty receptacles in all. Particularly good were the specimens of Gascoyne's Scarlet, Tower of Glamis, Hollandbury, Gloria Mundi, Golden Russet, Lane's Prince Albert, King of the Pippins, Ribston Pippin, Blenheim Pippin, Lady Henniker, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Golder. Noble. (Hogg Medal.) From the UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, Reading (gardening instructor, Mr. C. Foster), came excellent fruits of the following varieties of Tomato : Winter Beauty, Eclipse, Sutton's Sunbeam, Holmes' Supreme, Carter's Sunrise and Hillside Court. Sutton's Sunbeam, a yellow fruit, is described by Mr. Foster as a very desirable variety, possessing good flavour. Excellent little Carrots were shown from seeds sown in the open garden in September. These varieties were Champion Horn, Parisian Forcing, Carter's Long Forcing, and Golden Ball. Some roots of Celeriac completed the exhibit. (Silver Knightian Medal.) An extensive collection of Apples and Pears was shown by Sir ED. G. LODER, Leonardslee, Horsham (gr. Mr. W. A. Cook). Sixteen varieties of Pears were included, and the remainder were Apples. Among the Pears we remarked nice fruits of Marie Benoist, Le Lectier, Doyenné du Comice, Easter Beurré, and Glou Morceau. Some of the best Apples were Court Pendu Plat, Lord Derby, Blenheim Pippin, Golden Noble, Forge, Dumelow's Seedling, Mère de Ménage, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Nearly fifty dishes of Apples and Pears were shown by the Dowager Lady HILLINGDON, Wildernesse, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. J. Shelton). The best Apples were Lord Derby, Blenheim Pippin, Beauty of Kent, Adams' Pearmain, Cox's Orange Pippin, Newton Wonder, Peasgood's Nonsuch. The six "dishes" of Pears were Winter Nelis, President Barabé, Olivier de Serres Madame Millet, Easter Beurré, and Marie Benoist. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs. GEO. MASSEY & SONS, 17, Market Place, Spalding, showed very good firm, moderate-sized bulbs of the following varieties of Onion: Bedfordshire Champion, Ailsa Craig, Giant Zittau, White Spanish, and Massey's Excelsior. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) Several seedling varieties of Apples were shown for certificate, but none gained the ap proval of the committee except the one from Mr. Ross, Welford Park, mentioned under awards. Messrs.W.CUTBUSH & SONS, Highgate, London, N., showed fruits of varieties of Tomatos named Muirtown Seedling and Lye's Early Gem. The latter variety received an Award of Merit in September last whilst growing in the R.H.S. Gaidens at Wisley. Several exhibits of Potatos were made, albeit the display of the National Potato Society was expected to be made in the same hall during the week. One of these exhibits was from Mr. K. W. GREEN, Wisbech (Silver Banksian Medal); another from Messrs. GEO. MASSEY & SONS (Bronze Banksian Medal); and a third from Mr. GEO. DEAL, Brooklands, Kelvedon, Essex. (Silver Banksian Medal.) AWARDS OF MERIT. Apple "Encore."-This culinary Apple is a seedling from a cross between Northern Greening and Warner's King. The fruits are of very large size, pale yellow, or greenish, with very little red colour on one side, particularly towards the base of the fruit. Eye, very large, open, with reflexed segments, set in a very deep Stalk less than an irregularly-formed cavity. inch long, inserted in a funnel-like cavity as deep as the stalk is long. The fruits appear as if they would keep in good condition until March. Shown by Mr. C. Ross (gr. to Colonel ARCHER HOUBLON, Welford Park, Newbury), who has already raised many good seedling Apples. LECTURE ON THE WEST INDIAN LIME. DECEMBER 4.-The paper on the "West Indian Lime," by Mr. Archibald Brooks, of Dominica, read at the recent show of Colonial Fruit, was well illustrated by photographs. Sir Albert Rollit, LL.D., member of the Council, presided, and there was a large attendance. In the course of his paper. Mr. Brooks, himself an old Chiswick student and now superintendent of the Agricultural School at Dominica, gave a short history of the industry in the West Indies, and then described the cultivation, which is principally from seed, but he pointed out how much yet remains to be done by selection, to get a thinskinned fruit full of juice and containing an average of about two seeds. He mentioned the serious loss and damage caused by the Orange mussel scale (Mytilapsis citricola) and the Orange snow scale (Chionapsis citri), which together in 1902 seriously threatened the industry, many of the trees being killed outright, and left as if bleached with fire. The Imperial Department of Agriculture then recommended that the trees should be sprayed with rosin and whale oil soap compound, which proved very effective. The fruit is collected after it has ripened and fallen to the ground, and the essential oil is then extracted, after which it is carted to the crushing mill. He showed how each product was extracted and dealt with, and pointed out that the exports of Lime products from Dominica had risen from £282 in 1848 to £45,370 in 1902, but the export in 1903 had, on account of the scale-insects referred to, fallen to £23,470, but in 1905 they had recovered to the value of £40,000, this sum including the amounts for Raw and Concentrated juice. Essential Oil, Green and Pickled Limes, and Preserved Peel. At the close of the lecture Sir Albert Rollit said: The paper was an excellent illustration of the fruit show in the exhibit from the West Indies, and especially from Dominica. Both the paper and the show indicated the industrial regeneration of the West Indies, one of our very oldest colonial possessions. Formerly, the islands were practically dependent on the sugar crop, and a staple trade was always dangerous. There was safety in variety. Of this there could be no better illustration than the Portuguese island St. Michael's, which was once a great Orange-growing country, the trade of which decayed, though it is now reviving. Man could not live by Sugar-cane alone any more than by bread, or, for that matter, by Bananas. He should also add that the West Indian islands had not only staked everything upon one product, but they had not been quite up-to-date with their competitors with modern machinery and appliances. Still, this was now greatly improved, and nothing was more welcome than shipments from the West Indies, especially when they were so excellent as those in the show. He knew well one rival of the West Indies which was, indeed, quite close to them-Florida. Here the Oranges, as in the West Indies, and the Pineapples, grown under a wide open lattice and protected by wood fires which had only to be lighted three or four times in a normal season, were among the finest in the world. He had himself grown many of the Citron fruits in Yorkshire under glass, and Limes, Lemons, Tangierines, Grape fruit, &c., could be so grown in plenty and perfection, but edible Oranges were more difficult to fruit well, and the beauty of such products was difficult to excel in their florescence, in fragrance, a property which was now too often sacrificed to other qualities, and in the appearance of the fruit, while the commercial importance of the fruit of the Lime could not be over-estimated, inasmuch as the supply of it to sailors as an anti-scorbutic, was a statutory obligation in the Mercantile marine. The paper contributed much most useful and interesting information, and he moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Brooks for the care he had bestowed upon it. This was carried by acclamation. PUTNEY AND WANDSWORTH NOVEMBER 29.-The annual dinner of the members and friends of this society took place on the above date at the Spread Eagle Hotel, Wandsworth. The chair was occupied by Geo. Britten, Esq., and there were nearly 90 persons present, including some ladies. This society has held annual exhibitions for 30 years past, and there appears the same enthusiasm for the cultivation of Chrysanthemums as formerly. Speeches were made by the chairman, and by Messrs. J. McKerchar (vice-chairman), Rawlings, McLeod, Reynolds, Dawkins (James Veitch & Sons), Smith, Bradford, Pearson, &c. The toasts were interspersed in a first-class programme of vocal music. NATIONAL SWEET PEA. DECEMBER 6.-The annual meeting of the members of this society took place at the Hotel Windsor, Westminster, on the above date. Mr. A. Watkins, president, presided over a moderate attendance. EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. "The Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, was selected as the best place for the society's sixth exhibition. The date, July 5, was some. what early for a season that was unusually backward and trying. The competition was very keen, but the general effect of the exhibition was slightly marred by some bare staging where members failed to fill their entries. Steps will be taken to prevent this waste of space in future. In the competitive classes 1,949 bunches of Sweet Peas, in 153 varieties, were staged. The society's "annual" was an unqualified success, and the sales to non-members amounted to nearly double those of 1905. The provincial show held at Ulverston, on July 20, in connection with the North Lonsdale Society's Rose Show, must be regarded as the success of the year. There was a record attendance for Ulverston, £142 being taken at the gate. There were no fewer than 1,081 bunches of Sweet Peas in competition. The committee wishes to thankfully acknow. ledge its indebtedness to the authorities at the University College, Reading, for permission to hold its trials of new Sweet Peas in their gar dens. To Mr. Chas. Foster, superintendent of the Horticultural Department, the committee also tenders its best thanks for his able conduct of these trials, and heartily congratulates him upon the splendid manner in which the Sweet Peas were cultivated. Further trials will be conducted at Reading in 1907, and an endeavour will also be made to determine which are the best varieties, new or old, for cultivation in clumps for garden decoration. The retirement of Mr. Horace J. Wright from the post of hon. secretary was the only misfortune sustained by the committee during the year. The committee, as a small token of its appreciation, unanimously voted him a Gold Medal. No fewer than 184 new members, drawn from England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium, British Columbia, United States of America, Cape Colony, and far-off New Zealand [were admitted]. Ninety-five new, or presumably new, varieties of Sweet Peas were entered for the society's awards on July 5 at the London show, and 38 on July 20 at Ulverston. The following are the awards made:-First-Class Certificate and Silver Medal, as the best variety, to Audrey Crier, from Mr. C. W. Breadmore, Winchester. Awards of Merit were made in favour of the following:Horace Wright, Maud Guest, and Princess Maud of Wales, from Mr. H. Eckford, Wem. Elsie Herbert, Etta Dyke, and Mrs. Collier, from Mr. C. W. Breadmore, Winchester (the latter variety to was shown as Dora Cowper, but subsequently proved to be identical with a variety previously shown as Mrs. Collier; Mr. Breadmore has agreed to use the title Mrs. Collier avoid confusion of names). Queen of Norway and Tom Bolton, from Mr. R. Bolton, Carnforth. Mrs. Rothera, from Messrs. T. Rothera & Co., Burton Joyce, Notts. The Mar. quis, from Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay. Queen of Spain (Hurst's), from Messrs. Hurst & Son, 152, Houndsditch, London, E.C.; the committee requested that this name be altered, as a variety bearing a similar name had already been before the public. The committee has decided on the formation of a Floral Committee composed of 12 members, and consisting of seven amateur and five trade growers, the chairman to be an amateur. The Floral Committee will meet in a private room at 11 a.m. on the morning of the exhibition, and all varieties will be presented to them under number only. Every member must vote. A two-thirds majority of those present will be necessary to secure an Award of Merit, but a five-sixths vote passed on a variety that has been on trial at the society's trials at Reading University College will secure a First-Class Certificate. The society's Sweet Pea trials will be inspected by the Floral Committee before it sits in judgment upon new varieties. The society's "annual" for 1907 promises to be as full of interest and information as previous issues. To the Horticultural Societies at Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Southampton, Ulverston, and Wolverhampton the committee has offered one Gold and one Silver Medal each, to be competed for at their exhibitions, and the committee has suggested to these societies that the medals be offered as prizes in an "Audit class." Silver Medals have also been offered to several Colonial societies who make Sweet Peas a feature." The report and balance-sheet were adopted unanimously. Votes of thanks were passed to retiring officers, and the following officers were elected or re-elected :-President, Sir George Cooper; chairman of committee, Mr. Leonard Sutton; treasurer, Mr. Edward Sherwood; hon. sec., Mr. C. H. Curtis. Several new members were added to the General Committee. DUBLIN SEED AND NURSERY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION. DECEMBER 8.-The fourth annual dinner and social reunion of this association took place on the above date at the Gresham Hotel, Dublin. Mr. A. J. Sinclair presided, and there were also present Prof. Ias. Wilson Mr. D. Houston, F.L.S., and Mr. F. W. Moore, Curator Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Congratulatory messages were received from the kindred associations in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and 140 sat down to dinner, the table decorations being arranged and supplied by Messrs. Ramsay, Dickson and Watson respectively. The chairman distributed the prizes to those who had been successful in the various competitions. Prof. Wilson, in proposing the toast of the "Dublin Seed and Nursery Employees Association," said the seed trade as they knew it at present was not known until about 100 years ago. Two crops which led to this were the Clover and Turnip. About the middle of the last century grass seeds were introduced, and the trade established first at Norwich, gradually spread, and prosperity had followed it ever since. Mr. J. Rochford, in proposing "Our Employers," said if it were not for them the association would not be in its present position. With regard to their educational programme he thought managers and head-shopmen should see that every member of their staff belonged to that association, attended the lectures, and entered for the competitions held at the end of each season. Mr. M. Ramsay, in reply, said they owed a deep debt of gratitude to Mr. Houston, and advised the young men to study, learn and cultivate themselves in every department. "Our Guests" was suitably proposed by Mr. F. G. Bell, and responded to by Mr. F. W. Moore, who expressed astonishment at the progress made by the society during its short career. Where there was not intellectual activity there could be no business progress. Competition was becoming keener every day, and they also had to face co-operation, which could be met by ability in business and conscientiousness in work. With this competition in front of them they had maintained their position, and there was no reason why they should not keep the whip hand. He thought perhaps Irishmen wanted more self-confidence, determination, and originality. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. DECEMBER 10.-A meeting of the Executive Committee was held on this date at Carr's Restaurant, Strand, Mr. Thomas Bevan presiding. After the usual preliminaries, there was some discussion on a point of interpretation in the schedule of the Eastbourne Society, which was duly dealt with. An interim financial statement was then presented by the secretary, Mr. R. A. Witty, showing a balance in hand, which it was hoped would be materially augmented before long by the receipt of the money due from the Crystal Palace Co. Some discussion next ensued upon the question of shows for 1907, some members advocating the abolition of the December show, others suggesting the removal of that and the October show to a more central place in the metropolis. It was finally resolved that three shows be held in 1907, and that they take place on October 2 and 3, November 6, 7, and 8, and December 4 and 5. The dates of the Floral Committee meetings were then fixed. There will be one on the first day of each show, wherever held, and others at the Essex Hall on September 16, October 14 and 28, November 18, and December 2. The Executive Committee will meet as under: -September 16, October 28, November 18, December 9, 1907, and January 13, 1908. Members of the society desirous of contributing to the fund for the erection of a monument to the memory of the late Comte Oswald Kerchove de Denterghem, of Ghent, can do so through the society's foreign secretary, Mr. Harman Payne, who is authorised to receive donations as a member of the international committee appointed for the purpose. DECEMBER 12.--The third exhibition of market varieties of Chrysanthemums held under the auspices of the above society took place on this date in the Foreign Flower Market, Covent Garden. The Chrysanthemum, as grown and displayed for market purposes, is probably seen at its best as a decorative flower, and the varieties are selected chiefly for their brilliancy of colouring and freedom of flowering. Thus many old varieties, such as W. H. Lincoln and Avalanche, are still grown, but the cultivator is not slow to seize upon the latest kinds if they show any advance for his purpose, thus Rivol, Mad. P. Radaelli, and Mdlle. Louise Charvet were noticed extensively among the exhibits. Messrs. PHILIP LADDS were awarded the Silver Bowl offered to the winner of the greatest number of prizes in the exhibition. MARKET GROWERS AND NURSERYMEN'S CLASSES. Cut blooms.-Three exhibits were staged in a class for a collection of market Chrysanthemums in bunches, 12 blooms in a vase, the whole occupying a table space measuring 15 feet by 3 feet, and of these the best was shown by Messrs. PHILIP LADDS & SON, Swanley, Kent. This exhibit was remarkable for the freshness, brilliancy, and general high quality of the blooms. Some of the more notable examples were Mrs. Judson, Snowdrift, both white Incurveds; Buttercup, a yellow Incurved; Lady Violet Beaumont, a splendid red flower; Framfield Pink, Golden Age, a Japanese variety of intense yel low colour; Mad. P. Radaelli, &c. (Small Gold Medal); 2nd, Messrs. CRAGG, HARRISON & CRAGG, Merrivale Nurseries, Heston, Hounslow, who also had first-class material, but it was less effectively staged. This firm showed Mrs. F. Judson, Mad. T. Panckoucke, Winter Cheer, Frank Hammond, E. J. Brooks, &c. (Silver-Gilt Medal); 3rd, Mr. F. S. GOUNDSIE, Heathside Nursery, Dartford Heath. A similar but smaller class was also provide for a collection of market Chrysanthemums in vases, the space occupied measuring 10 feet by 3 fest. Mr. J. TULLEY, Rose Nursery, Enfield Highway, was the only exhibitor, and he was awarded a Silver-Gilt Medal. Only one exhibic was also staged in a class for a collection of single Chrysanthemums in bunches, one variety only in a vase, and not more than three vases of one variety. It was put up by Messrs. Cragg, HARRISON & CRAGG. A pleasing variety is Lady Windsor, the white florets of which are tipped with vinous red. Small Gold Medal.) The best 12 vases of market Chrysanthemums (disbudded), 12 blooms in a vase, were displayed by Messrs. LADDS, who had a highly meritorious exhibit, of such varieties as Messrs. J. Thompson, Mad. P. Radaelli, Lady Violet Beaumont, Framfield Pink, &c., and for which Messrs. they were awarded a Gold Medal. CRAGG, HARRISON & CRAGG, who followed, had a good vase of Mrs. Geo. Beech (yellow), and some magnificent examples of Mrs. Swinburne. (Silver-Gilt Medal.) Mr. G. FRICKETT, St. Ann's Road, South Tottenham, had the best exhibit among two of sprays of market Chrysanthemums in bunches, not disbudded, with popular kinds of border, single, decorative, thread-petalled, and other types. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. LADDS, who were placed 2nd, had larger flowers, but the assortment was not so good. They showed the beautifull Allman's Yellow very finely. Groups of Plants.-Two exhibits were staged in a class for six plants of decorative Chrysanthemums in 5-inch or 6-inch pots, as grown for market. The winning group contained charming little specimens freely flowered, some of the smaller being scarcely more than 1 foot in height. They were of popular kinds, and were staged by Messrs. BUTLER BROS., Burr Farm Nurseries, Bexley Heath (Large Silver Medal); 2nd, Mr. F. S. GOUNDSIE, with taller specimens. In the open classes provision was made for a group of pot-grown market Chrysanthemums arranged in a half-circle measuring 9 feet by 6 feet. Two groups were staged, and Messrs. BUTLER BROS. were again to the fore with excellently-flowered dwarf specimens. (SilverGilt Medal.) In the "colour" classes the best three vases of a yellow variety were shown by Mr. R. WEIR, 3, Forest View Villas, Enfield Highway, in the variety Nagoya, which was a feature throughout the exhibition among the yellow blooms. The best three vases of a bronze variety were shown by Mr. NORMAN DAVIS, Framfield Nurseries, Uckfield, the variety being Mdlle. G. Rivol. Lady Violet Beaumont was shown well in this class. Exmouth Crimson was the best crimson. It was shown by Messrs. CRAGG, HARRISON & CRAGG. Guy Hamilton, splendidly shown by Mr. R. WEIR, won in the class for a white variety. Mrs. J. Thompson was also well shown in this class. The Incurved Mdlle. Laurence Zede, shown by Messrs. J. & S. CHATFIELD, was adjudged the best pink variety. The boxes of flowers as packed for market formed an interesting feature, and the exhibits must have required much care in judging, for they were all excellent. Mr. D. INGAMELLS showed the winning boxes. The best novelty in market Chrysanthemums not in commerce was adjudged the variety Snowflake shown by Messrs. W. WELLS & Co., Merstham, Surrey. It is a white sport of Mad. H. Douillet. THE NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF FRANCE. THIS important society occupies in France the same position as the R.H.S. does here in England. The following details are chiefly extracted from a short account given by the secretary, M. Abel Chatenay. The National Horticultural Society of France was founded by decree dated August 11, 1855, with the object of encouraging every branch of scientific and practical horticulture. It holds every year, in May and November, two great shows. The annual subscription is 20 francs (16s.) Minor exhibitions of Dahlias, Roses, Gladiolus, early Chrysanthemums, &c., are also held at different periods of the year in the society's hall in the Rue de Grenelle. Every member receives gratuitously copy of the society's journal, which appears once At the society's headquarters there is a fine hall, which has been decorated with many handsome paintings of fruit and flowers by eminent French artists. The library consists of 15,000 volumes arranged in perfect order. The catalogue, edited by M. Geo. Gibault, the librarian, is a a month. divided not only into subject headings, but also has a division of authors' names, by which it is easy to find any work that may be required. A supplement to the catalogue has recently been issued. Fortnightly meetings are held, at which all kinds of subjects on horticulture are dealt with. Committees are appointed for special work, and of these there are 12, which possibly accounts for the paucity of special societies in France. The society awards medals and prizes to exhibitors; it makes awards to authors of new books, and to gardeners for long and faithful service, &c.; £1,200 per annum are given by the society in this way. At the present moment there are 3,870 members, of which 299 are corresponding or [belong to] affiliated societies. Ilarman Payne. ENQUIRIES AND REPLIES. C. COCKROACHES.-Can any of your readers tell me the best means to rid an old house of black-beetles ? Keating's powder, borax, also various traps, &c., have been tried with very little result. D. W. H. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. ACETYLENE GAS REFUSE: A. C. W. We believe that for horticultural purposes the refuse may be used as lime, as was stated by Mr. Andrew in Gardeners' Chronicle, February 13, 1904, p. 108. ARAUCARIA TIMBER: H. B. In his recently published Trees of Great Britain and Ireland Mr. Elwes says the wood does not show any especially attractive quality. The Earl of Ducie, in our columns, 1900, ii., p. 633, speaks of it as not unlike good deal, but smoother to the touch. On testing a thin batten by breakage, it proved to be tough and strong for its size, but the fracture was abrupt, and showed little longitudinal fibre. The wood is somewhat heavier than ordinary deal."' Books: F. J. L. 1, We do not know of a book which treats of these questions. 2, Greenhouse Construction and Heating, by B. C. Ravenscroft, price 3s. 10d., post free, from our publishing department. FUNGUS: C. B. G. The fungus found among dead leaves is Tricholoma leucocephala. GRAPE GROS COLMAR: Lady D. The fruit lacks colour because it is unripe. This late Grape requires an extra long season to grow and ripen perfectly and as hot an atmosphere as is generally afforded Muscats. We suspect the vines were not started into growth sufficiently early, or, if they were, the house has not been heated properly. The large size of the berries seems to indicate that the borders are in good condition, and that the roots have been very active, but it should be remembered that where there is unusual vigour there is less certainty of obtaining perfect finish. Start the vine early next season, afford plenty of fire heat, and make the best use possible of the sun heat by closing the vinery early in the afternoon, even if a little ventilation is afforded again late in the evening. We suspect you wrote the words Lady Downes in error. The variety is Gros Colmar. HEATING A HOUSE 45 FEET LONG AND 16 FEET WIDE A. R. G. You will require six rows of 4-inch hot-water piping to heat your house of the above dimensions in order to ensure a minimum atmospheric temperature of 45° during severe weather in winter. A convenient and efficient way to distribute the six pipes would be to have two flows (one above the other) fixed parallel with, and close up to, the side wall on either side of the house, fixing the return pipes on each side of the central pathway (assuming the house to be a span-roofed structure). If the boiler is set close up to the house, about 300 feet run of 4-inch hotwater piping will be required, including the lengths necessary for connecting the flow-pipes with returns at both ends of the house. If there is no other house to heat besides the one indicated ai No. 1 Chatsworth boiler, 24 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 14 inches deep (inside arch) would be required. The actual heating power of this apparatus is 375 feet of 4-inch piping. KOHL RABI: Inquirer. We do not know of anyone in the Stratford Market who would purchase 2 LEGAL ARTICLES: Eucharis. The articles to which you refer were contributed by a well-known solicitor who, though having the same name, is in no wise connected with the firm of James Veitch & Sons, so that your comments are wide of the mark. LILY OF THE VALLEY: W. B. A new bed may be planted any time before growth is likely to commence in spring, but you should carry out the work when the soil is not soddened by rain or hardened by frost. MUSHROOM MYCELIUM: Inquisitive. We know nothing of the advertisement to which you allude. It may, however, be said, that if the mycelium is that of Agaricus campestris, and the mycelium is alive and in good condition, it would be better for use than ordinary spawn, which is mixed with manure. There would be less likelihood of having trouble from the presence of other species of fungus in the bed, although it should be remembered that the manure and soil forming the bed itself may not be free from fungus pests. run NAMES OF FLOWERS AND FRUITS.-We are anxious to oblige correspondents as far as we consistently can, but they must bear in mind that it is no part of our duty to our subscribers to name either flowers or fruits. Such work entails considerable outlay, both of time and money, and cannot be allowed to encroach upon time required for the conduct of the paper. Correspondents should never send more than six plants or fruits at one time: they should be very careful to pack and label them properly, to give every information as to the county the fruits are grown in, and to send ripe, or nearly ripe, specimens which show the character of the variety. By neglecting these precautions correspondents add greatly to our labour, and the risk of delay and incorrect determinations. Correspondents not answered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following numbers. Arthur Price. Apple Northern Greening; Tyler's Kernel-yes.-Brocklehurst. 1, Margil; 2, Pile Russet.-J. E. Thorn. We cannot name such undeveloped fruits with accuracy.-H. W. 1, Franklin Golden Pippin; 2, Court Pendu Plat ; 3, Lady Lennox.-I. S. 1, Frogmore Prolific; 2, Deux Ans; 3, Minchull Crab; 4, Hormead's Pearmain; 5, Flemish Bon Chretien; 6, Easter Beurré.-Daniels Bros. 1, Norfolk Beefin; 2, Pile Russet; 3 and 4, Frogmore Golden Pippin; 5, Reinette du Canada.-A. C, Nouveau Poiteau. NAMES OF PLANTS: L. G. T., Kenley. One of the many forms of Cupressus Lawsoniana.-P. I. The white form of Ionopsis paniculata.-A. R. 1, Catasetum barbatum; 2, Stelis ophioglossoides; 3, Masdevallia muscosa; 4, M. simula; 5, Pleurothallis rubens; 6, Oncidium pubes.— H. H. Vriesia brachystachys, Bot. Mag., t. 6014, and Adiantum Capillus veneris-Salop. Arbutus Unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree.-0. B. Heterocentrum mexicanum; Apple (next week).-C. E. A. Iris foetidissima. -Pomona.-Alocasia Lowii. TOMATOS: A. N. The swellings on the roots are caused by eelworms. Plants so infested cannot be cured, and should be burned. Mix some gas lime with the soil and let it be placed out-ofdoors for three months before making use of it again. TULIPA GREIGI: Clansman. This species was first introduced by Dr. Regel, St. Petersburg, by whom it was named in compliment to General Greig, who was then President of the Imperial Russian Horticultural Union. It has been said that the species was discovered almost simultaneously in Turkestan by two collectors, Sewerzow and Fedschenko. The species appears to have been introduced in 1872 or 1873, and was figured in the Botanical Magazine, tab. 6177. The bulbs were selling at 5s. each in 1876, so that it was by no means plentiful at that time. Subsequently Max Leichtlin obtained stock of it, and in all probability did more for its general distribution than the original introducer. VIOLETS DISEASED: J. P. R. The plants are badly affected with the disease described on p. 400 last week in answer to L. IV. COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED. Boiler-J. H. B.-R. C.- |