The Scientific Notebooks of German Orchidologist Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Kränzlin

718 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [DECEMBER 2, 1882.

Notices of Books.

Vines at Longleat: their History and Management. by William Taylor. Journal of Horticulture Office.

This is the title of a little book on the Vine, by Mr. William Taylor, who in a brief chapter at the commencement gives, as it were, a key to his work, and then proceeds to detail his practice in simple and concise language that all may understand. Mr. Taylor is so well known as one of the most successful cultivators of the day, and especially as a cultivator of the Grape Vine, that a record of his practice, in which he has not scrupled to chronicle failues as well as successes, renders the book more valuable and interesting than it otherwise would be to those who are in search of information upon the subject upon which it treats. Every chapter in the book has a direct bearing upon its successor, and, indeed, the little brochure in this respect is entitled to the highest praise, coming from the pen of a practical gardener. Upon the great structural capacity of the vinery at Longleat, which necessitates certain departures from ordinary practice, it is not our intention to dwell, believeing—indeed knowing—as we do, that such structures are rather the exception than the rule. We will, therefore, confine our remarks more especially to the "cultural points" set forth by Mr. Taylor, as it is these that are of greatest general importance. The chapters upon drainage, water supply, and partitioning the borders contain valuable information, and may be perused with advantage by Vine growers. Mr. Taylor's system of trellising may answer well in his own, or similar cases, but surely it is not necessary to train Vines at 4 feet from the glass. Giving full consideration to the evils resulting from trellises being too near the glass as referred to by Mr. Taylor we would rather recommend as a general rule that Vines be trained at a maximum distance of from 18 inches to 2 feet from the glass at 4 feet. "We do not," writes Mr. Taylor, "find that plants become drawn in such a place as the Crystal Palace, neither do my Strawberry plants become drawn during forcing, though they are from 4 to 8 feet from the glass." We consider there is no analogy whatever between the class of plants grown at the Crystal Palace and the forcing of the Vine or the Strawberry; and we should be surprised to find many first-rate cultivators endorsing this statement. Admitting air from above the foliage is good in principle. Mr. Taylor, arguing as to temperature, states with much force that there is often as much as 8° difference between the surface of the ground and a height of 4 feet above it, but in the case of a vinery the parallel hardly seems a strong one, as the volumes of heat ascend to the highest part of a house first; so that if there is a clear foot of space between the leaves of the Vine and the glass there seems no possibility of injury from extremes of temperature, and as a matter of fact there is none. The chapters upon border making, raising the plants, and planting supply the most exhaustive details of culture in a lucid style and afford sound practical instructions. We are bound to add, however, that but few Vine growers will think it is necessary to plant their Vines at 7 feet apart. In regard to early training Mr. Taylor rather deviates from the usual practice, but the principle he recommends is in the main sound. The next chapter on "the first pruning" is not so intelligible; there is a laboured attempt made to prove that Vines strike root so freely at either end that —to use Mr. Taylor's own words—rootless heads are as good as headless roots, meaning thereby that the top of a Vine cut off and rooted is as good as its lower portion after a certain time (three years). This theory hardly tallies with experience, because the portion of the Vine that is already furnished with fibrous roots should, in the natural order of things, have a long start of the rootless top. Mr. Taylor further says the Vine's principle storehouse is not in its roots, but in its stems and branches. Exactly; but what is the primary source of supply? Why, of course, the roota and the leaves, which collect the food for the stems and branches. The general instructions given with regard to pruning, the eradication of insects, and other routine treatment are of the most trustworthy character, and are detailed with much minuteness and exactitude. The author's experience is in favour of the extension system, and a great many others will coincide with him who have the means of carrying it out, but where variety is required from small houses it is not always convenient

nor desirable to fill a house with only one or two kinds of Grapes. Mr. Taylor gives useful information relative to exhausted Vine borders, and suggests a simple remedy—the addition of lime, to soils where that desirable element is known to be deficient, in preference to making new, and it must be admitted, in many cases exspensive borders. The chapter in which Mr. Taylor treats upon this part of his subject, as well as the subsequent one upon temperatures, may be read by amateurs, and indeed by all grades of gardeners, with interest as well as profit, as link after link of the whole chain of practical evidence is unravelled in a manner that can only be accomplished by a practitioner of long experience. It may, however, be taken as a broad rule that Grapes take nearer six weeks to stone in than three weeks, as stated by Mr. Taylor.

Upon the subect of air-giving Mr. Taylor is singularly exhaustive and clear, but we should prefer leaving air on all night in the case of an east house at midsummer rather than risk the chance of any assistant attending to it as early as 4.30 A.M. !

The remaining chapters of the book elucidating Mr. Taylor's curriculum of general practice, especially that referring to "sustained fertility" cannot but be of service to many who cannot obtain suitable soil for love or money, and who are often at a loss to know what to substitute for it. With the exception of a few points, which probably affect the author only under his own peculiar circumstances, we can fully recommend the book as a carefully written and trustworty guide, giving sound practical information upon every subject bearing upon the culture of the Grape Vine.

A History of British Birds. (Van Voorst.)

The fifteenth part of the fourth edition of Yarrell's celebrated book has just been issued by Mr. Van Voorst. With this number the second volume is completed, and the third commenced. A change of editorship is also announced, Mr. Howard Saunders taking up the work in place of Professor Newton. It is needless to reiterate commendations either on text, illustrations, or typography. Concerning the carrier or homing pigeon, we are told on the authority of Mr. Tegetmeier that thrity years ago only a few birds returned home the same day in the Belgian pigeon races of 300 miles, while now, by careful selection, it is unusual for any of the prizes in a 500 mile race not to be won on the vary same day that the birds are flown. Thus, in the great Belgian race of 1882, which took place from Monceaux, south of Bordeaux, to Brussels, a distance of 510 miles, 1674 birds were liberated at 4.12 A.M., the first bird reached home at 4.37 P.M., his speed having been about 1300 yards per minute. One hundred and fifty birds were back the same day. The faculty possessed by these birds is not merely instinctive, but due to training; hence the best bred birds will be lost if taken untrained 100 miles from home.

— Amateur Work Illustrated is the title of a monthly serial published by Messrs. Ward, Lock & Co., and ably edited by the author of Every Man his Own Mechanic. We are glad to observe from the volume before us, that our anticipation, formed after the appearance of the first few parts, that it would meet a distinct want, in providing a medium for enquiry, and for the diffusion of sound practical knowledge and advice, turns out to be correct. Among the legion of amateurs possessing a turn for mechanics, or work of some kind, very many often come to grief in their work for the want of a little sympathetic instruction and guidance. The amount of useful knowledge which this volume contains, on subjects ranging from from the manufacture of an organ to the mixing of a pail of whitewash, is something surprising; and it would be hard to find a more sensible Christmas present for a youngster in search of a hobby, or a volume more interesting and useful to amateur mechanics in general.

— Flora of Italy.—The Compendio della Flora Italiana, published under the editorship of Professor Gibelli, has now reached its 720th page and 88th plate. The genera are illustrated by small but clear engravings.

British Moss Flora.—Dr. Braithwaithe's excellent Moss Flora has now reached its 8th part, and its 20th plate. The care with which this work is prepared is as remarkable as ever; even pre-Linnean synonyms are given.

The Flower Garden.

BEDDING PLANTS.—The recent weather has been very trying to the store plants in pits and frames, particularly to the late cuttings, which have not yet become well-rooted, and they will require great attention in the constant removal of al incipient signs of mould and decay. In the case of the plants potted from the flower beds, all decaying foliage must be removed, and mouldy shoots shortened with a sharp knife. At the same time, as the prevalence of a damp and stagnant atmosphere is the principal cause, and at all times most inimical to the plants, it must be checked by free ventiliation at every favourable opportunity, particularly on fine mornings, when it may have become necessary to water any which may have become over-dry. It should be borne in mind that in such succulent things as the whole tribe of Scarlet Pelargoniums, dryness at the roots, when not carried to excess, is not so much to be dreaded as the moisture, and therefore in adddition to plenty of ventilation a little heat should be put on at the same time to assist in keeping all the surroundings dry. Unless in the case of frosty nights, when it cannot be avoided, heat should not be shut up with the plants and all apertures closed, as it will make them tender and promote a spindling and attenuated growth, when the great object is to keep them dwarf. Light, heat, and ventilation under proper control appear to be the only means by which these results can be secured. We may, however, observe that a certain amount of heat in the soil is an absolute necessity to the rooting processes, and therefore all late struck cuttings and late potted plants should be indulged with the warmest ends of the pits or whatever structures may be available for the purpose of wintering these and kindred plants.

MIXED HERBACEOUS BORDERS.—Everything here should now have become quite dormant, and the whole of the old flower-stems should be at once removed to the rubbish-heap. If it is not deemed advisable to lift the plants and deeply trench up the borders and renovate them with manure and new composts it will be found a very good thing to stir the surface and cover the whole with well decomposed manure. If a good dressing of soot can be spread over previously so much the better as it will help to keep in check the slugs which are greatly destructive to the young growths. The experience of last winter was a caution in this way; there was never frost enough to drive them from their usual haunts, and they were more numerous and destructive than I ever remember.

PROTECTION TO TENDER PLANTS.—The occurrence of severe frost a short time back reminds us of the necessity of applying a slight protection to various semi-tender plants the roots of which should be guarded from severe frost by covering them with a sufficient quantity of some light dry material such as cinder ashes, which can be heaped up in a conical form with a broad base, and is one of the most efficient protectives I know of. It is less liable to be disturbed by the birds than cocoa-fibre, or leafmould, while the shape of the cone is calculated to throw off heavy rains and tends to preserve a dryness and warmth to the roots which it takes a very low temperature indeed to reach. By this means fine plants of Dielytra spectabilis may be secured, also Salvia patens, if left in the open ground, may be so preserved; Acanthus grandiflorus, Gunnera scabra, Tritoma Uvaria, grandis, and intermedia; Lilium auratum, and all the varieties of speciosum and japonicum; all of which will be the better for a little extra covering. Althjough most of them will pass through such a winter as that of last year with impunity, yet, as such winters are the exception, it is always best to be on the safe side, and the more so as the covering may be easily removed as soon as the growth is likely to commence in the early spring.

TRELLISES, &C.—Advantage should be taken of mild weather to prune and regulate climbers on trellises and conservatory walls by tying out at once all that are perfectly hardy, but the tenderer sorts, such as the varieties of Ceanothus, will be better only partially fastened, so as to facilitate the application of mats or other protection in very severe weather, at

December 2, 1882.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 715

or Tudor style, and without being pretentious, is large, and in admirable accord with the surroundings.

Just on the margin of the ornamental water, and evidently enjoying greatly the abundant moisture for its roots, is a grand cut-leaved Alder, the branches of which spread to a diameter of some 80 feet. Beech, white Poplar, and Elms, are vary fine indeed, whilst shrubs of many kinds, Rhododendrons especially, grow luxuriantly. The bedding display which decorates the lawn in front of the house is marked by gaiety and brightness, yellow Calceolarias, Lobelias, and bedding Pelargoniums thriving and blooming luxuriantly. Seen under the heavy and continuous rain which so sadly marred the pleasure of our visit two combinations stood out as singularly pleasing. One was a mixture of the old silver bedding Pelargonium Lady Plymouth, and a capital blue Viola, well named by Mr. Herrin, the gardener, Chalfont Beauty; the other was Marshal McMahon bronze Pelargonium set in a carpet of dwarf blue Ageratum. This latter gave one of the most pleasing effects we have seen for a long time. A few carpet beds were looking in the rain clean, fresh, and pleasing; their flatness and formality more than recompensed in the ever bright smiles they reflect under dismal weather aspects. It would not be right to pass from the pleasure-grounds without making allusion to the charming appearance presented by the large quadrangular courtyard, round which stand the servants' offices. Here—unwonted sight!—may be seen not only groups of plants in pots, effectively arranged, but also many large plants. Still farther, all available wall space is covered by climbers of some sort, even Vines being used to hide from view some unsightly roofing.

The kitchen gardens adjoin the pleasure-grounds, and are very conveniently placed in reference to the kitchen department. At the farther end, embowered in luxuriant shrubs, stands the gardener's cottage, approached from the park by an independent entrance; behind, however, it opens into a roomy plant-house, from which, on either side, run the fruit-houses. Coming from out this plant-house there is seen on either hand an old-fashioned flower-garden, and from the centre runs right through the kitchen garden a broad pathway bordered on either side by flowers in various forms, and backed by espalier fruit trees, not a few of which seem of considerable age. Some are yet fruitful, but others are well-nigh spent. Existing conditions allow gardening to be done under the reverse of high-pressure. It is of a useful, plodding, satisfying kind, keeping pace with the wants and needs of an establishment that is not exacting. None the less we see evidence of good cultivation all round, and of plenty.

In the vineries were hanging many capital bunches of Grapes; and as not a few readers will perchance regard the condition of a man's Grapes as the highest test of his gardening abilities (a point about which there may be two opinions) it may not be uninteresting to state that Mr. Herrin exhibited not a few of the capital bunches we saw hanging in the Chalfont vineries with excellent results at the Crystal Palace in September last. Amongst kinds not at all common was fruiting a rod of Abercairney Seedling, a fine well-coloured black Grape that seems to be intermediate between Black Hamburgh and Alicante. The berry is rather oval, and of rich brisk flavour that, allied to its evidently good fruiting qualities, should make it a popular variety. Of better known kinds Hamburgh, Alicante, Lady Downe's, and Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat, were all good, the bunches large and well-finished. Golden Queen, also fruiting, was not in such good condition as was Muscat of Alexandria, although these latter Vines had been only recently lifted and replanted with capital results.

Peach-houses newly planted were promising well, the trees making fine growth. Of Strawberries in pots the favoured sorts are Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, President, and Keens' Seedling. These are in first rate condition.

In plant-houses there is a good collection of useful furnishing stuff, and not a few good specimens; and upon a roof Passiflora racemosa is blooming finely. Mr. Herrin is a successful grower of large-flowered Chrysanthemums for exhibition, and some 250 plants in pots, tall, robust, and carrying, even so early, large plump buds, testify that the conditions of culture which lead to success are being largely complied with. D.

SARRACENIA ALBA.—A specimen of this charming novelty may now be seen in Messrs. Veitch's nursery, Chelsea, bearing three fine ptchers of remarkable size, beautifully variegated towards the top, and nearly 2 feet in length.

FORESTRY.

FOREST WORK FOR DECEMBER: PLANTING.— The mild open weather that we have experienced during November has been in every way favourable for planting operations, which in most districts should now be in an advanced state. Where the soil consists of stiff clay, or a peat-bog which retains a large quantity of water by capillary attraction, planting had better be deferred till spring, as we have found the antiseptic properties of peat to be very injurious to the roots when allowed to lie for any considerable time on the cold bog before commencing to grow. Drain, pit, and otherwise prepare ground intended for spring planting, also see that the fences are in a good state of repair, so that the inroads of cattle and sheep may be averted, nothing being more injurious to newly planted trees than having their leaders or branches nibbled off by sheep or hares. Where the latter are numerous, it is well to provide against their attacks by the timely use of wire-netting around the plantations, which will also be a guard against rabbits, the ravages of these during severe weather being quite as much to be dreaded as that of either sheep or hares. It is advisable when a home nursery is on the estate, only to lift at one time sufficient plants for a couple of days' work, as by this means the roots never become dry—a matter of much importance for the future welfare of the trees; but, of course, on this a great deal must depend upon the distance the nursery and plantations are apart, as well as on the number of men employed.

THINNING.—The thinning of all hardwood plantations (Oak excepted) should now go on, but however anxious the forester may be to prosecute this work, he will probably have to give way to game preservation. Hedgerow timber should now be grubbed or felled, and cut into convenient lengths, advantage being taken of the first dry frosty weather to have it removed, so that the fields may be as little cut up by cartage as possible. Dead or dying trees on the lawn, pleasureground, or park, may be removed during suitable weather. Prune off all dead branches or those that have become broken by the wind, and either have them carted away or burned. Plantation drives and rides should be gone carefuly over, and any protruding branches cut back so that the sportsman may have an uninterrupted view; also see that rabbits have not undermined the roads, leaving holes alike dangerous to horses or foot passengers. Scour out and deepen plantation drains, leaving them of such a width at the bottom that a spade can be conveniently used in cleaning. Cut new drains where such are needed to remove stagnant surface water, and see that the gratings of all closed drains do not become choked by an accumulation of leaves, which at this season give no little amount of trouble.

NURSERY.—During open weather the transplanting of strong seedlings may be proceeded with, more especially where vacant ground of a suitable quality is at hand. In some cases, however, this is better left over till spring, for, should hard frost succeed, the young plants are apt to get thrown out of the ground, but by a little attention this may to a great extent be averted. Turn compost heaps, and during suitable weather wheel on manures, road-scrapings, lime, &c.; also trench or ridge up vacant patches to receive the full benefit of frosts during winter. It is advisable to have a portion of the nursery under green crop every year, as it not only cleans the ground but leaves it in prime condition for being planted with seedling forest stuff. All seeds recently collected should be examined, especially those in the rot-heap. Collect tree seeds as they become ripe, and have them stored away in a dry and airy situation until required for use.

ROADS.—All roads and drives should now be put in thorough repair, when they will become settled and solid by traffic before spring. In repairing them avoid using boulders, as they are both disagreeable and unsatisfactory. The formation of new roads may also be carried out, in which thorough drainage, a sound bottom, and finely broken surface metalling are the main requisites. Collect leaves on lawns and drives, and have them conveyed at once to the rubbish heap.

HEDGES.—Where not already finished, the trimming of hedges should be prosecuted and speedily brought to a close. Now is a good time to form new hedges or to fill up gaps in old ones by planting young quicks. The ground alongside existing hedges should be cleaned at least once during the season, which will much enhance the value of such fences by promoting strong, healthy growth. The hoe and rake we find best for this purpose. A. D. Webster, Penrhyn Castle, North Wales.

The Herbaceous Border.

HARDY PLANTS AT GRASMERE, BYFLEET.—So much has been said about the pleasure to be derived from the cultivation of hardy herbaceous plants and shrubs that I resolved to pay Mr. Joseph Stevens a visit at this dull season of the year, knowing that his choice collection of over 10,000 distinct species and varieties would afford a fair opportunity of forming a correct opinion. I am bound to say that I was quite unprepared for the treat that was in store for me, as I was under the impression that I had delayed my visit a little too long, and that the recent heavy frost or two must have destroyed everything in the shape of bloom. Such was not the case, however, as a fair sprinkling of flowers remained, and the immense dried stems of Lilies on the edges of the shrubberies needed only to be clothed by the eye to form subjects to wonder at. I never saw anything like the growth of these Lilies. On a single stem of L. Dalmaticum 5 feet in height I counted fifty-two flower-scars, and many of the clumps of L. auratum bore a score of stems each from 6 to 8 feet in height. Other plants exhibit here equally amazing proportions, such as Delphiniums 8 feet in height, with stems as large as a broomstick, and Polygonum cuspidatum 10 feet in height and 12 feet across. Such plants as these, and many others seen in perfection at Grasmere, cause the hardy plantsmen to rave about them so, and well may they be excused.

Years of pleasant care have been given by Mr. Stevens to his hardy plant collection, and their present condition compensates him for his systematic method of labelling, arranging, and proving all the plants of which it is composed. Never is a plant planted without having a neat oval zinc label bearing its number corresponding to that in the book being placed to it. Had this important matter been neglected (as it too often is) a great part of the interest of the collection would have been lost, and quite one- half of the plants would be subjects of doubt and useless speculation, so far as their names go, at various times throughout the year. The plan of the garden is also well conceived; first, near the house, comes the large rockery, then a broad border runs around the lawn and pinetum, supplemented by occasional beds for distinct classes of plants; and another sunk rockery for dwarf plants is constructed at the further end of the garden; add to this the large trial ground, at present containing small specimens of all the rarest Coniferæ, &c., and we have a garden well arranged both for the plants and for those who wish to admire them. Beside the rockery is a bed containing all the varieties of Laurel, many of them being very distinct, the variety Cerasus lusitanica azorica having thick blackish-green leaves; C. camelliæfolia, curious curled foliage; and C. latifolia, resembling the Indiarubber plant in growth more than the common Laurel.

On the rockery we find Bambusa aurea 10 feet in height greener than in summer; B. Ragamowski, broad and solid-looking; B. Maximowiczii, and B. Fortunei, beautifully variegated; a few Hepaticas still in bloom. The evergreen British Ferns, such as the varities of Scolopendrium (one beautifully crimped mass of S. vulgare crispum 3 feet across), Polystichum, Polypodium, Lomaria spicant looking as clean and bright as ever, while Helleborus orientalis, H. abchasicus multiflorus, and many others, had already flowers open, and were somthered with well advanced buds, which will probably receive a check before long as a punishment for their precocity. Still bearing its pretty Marigold-like flowers is Tagetes Parryi, and near it Iberis Pruiti, 2 feet across, covered with pale lilac flowers, and Myosotis elegantissima, beautiful with its coloured leaves. Crowning one of the peaks is a fine purple form of Veronica Andersoni, while still displaying flowers are several varieties of Menziesia, Erica, Calamintha alpina, Alyssum argenteum, A. saxatile, Aster Reevesii and other Asters, Diplopappus Parryi, Veronica spicata, Potentilla colorata with the most brilliant carmine flowers, mule Pinks, and Rubus rosæfolius coronarius.

Noticeable in the rockery for their beautiful foliage are large tufts of Stobea purpurea var. alba, Thymus corsica, T. montana, T. stricta, dwarf Veronicas, patches of Draba, Saxifraga valdensis}Saxifraga Valdensis, Linaria genistifolia, and many other beauties, all looking very happy in their comfortable nooks. The broad border