THE
GARDENERS MAGAZINE,
CONDUCTED
By J.C. LOUDON, F.L.S. H.S. &c.
AUTHOR OF THE ENCYCLOPEDIAS OF GARDENING, OF AGRICULTURE, AND OF COTTAGE, FARM, AND VILLA ARCHITECTURE, AND EDITOR OF THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PLANTS.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMAN, PATERNOSTER=ROW.
1833.
é
25
CORRECTIONS.
Besides those indicated in p, 242. 368, 491. the following are necessary:—In p. 18. 43., and elsewhere, omit the word ‘‘ junior’’ from the name of Robert Mallet, Esq.
In p. 266. line 10. from the bottom, for * M.
Zeiher,”’ read ** M Held.”
In_p. 300. lines 29, and 30. for ‘‘ composition.
They,” read ‘‘ composition, they.”
In p. 483. line 18, from the bottom, for ‘ Plais- tow, Essex,” read “ Plaistow, Kent.”
In p. 506. line 18. from the bottom, for “‘ cor- nicina,” read ‘‘cornicina ;”’ the epithet com- pares the sound emitted by the Tipula to the sound produced by blowing a horn.
In p. 578. line 11, for ‘* you,” read ‘* he.”
In p. 587. line 8. from the bottom, omit the word “if; in line 5. from the bottom, for “‘ not necessary,” read “ not so necessary.”
In p. 634. line 4, from the bottom, for “ El/sha- mensis,” read ‘* Elihamensis.”
LONDON :
Printed by A. SporriswooDE, New-Street-Square.
PREFACE.
Tuts Ninth Volume of the Gardener's Magazine being the con-
cluding one of what may be called the First Series (because the
price, in future, will be reduced from 3s. 6d. to 2s. 6d. a Number),
we embrace the opportunity of taking a slight retrospective glance
at the work from its commencement, in order that we may notice,
45 succession, what may be called the leading features of each olume.
The First Volume, that for 1826, contains an enumeration of all, and an account of most, of the European and American Works on Gardening, Agriculture, Botany, &c., which had been published between the date of the second edition ‘of the Encyclopedia of Gardening, in April, 1824, and the date of the commencement of the Magazine. _ It also contains notices of the State of Gardening in every part of the world, supplementary to the historical and statistical parts of the second edition of the Encyclopedia referred to, with numerous corrections for that work generally.
The Second Volume, that for 1827, is characterised by a comprehensive List of Works suitable for a Garden Library, with hints on the necessity of a superior School Education for Gardeners (a subject enforced in the introduction to the First Volume, p. 8. and 9.) ; and by various papers on the importance of books, as sources of professional information.
The Third Volume, that for 1827-28, contains the history of Heating by Hot Water, including a number of interesting details on the subject, not to be found in any other work.
The Fourth Volume, that for 1828, contains additional important matter on Heating by Hot Water, and part of our Tour in France and Germany, with very interesting information respecting the state of education among the gardeners and agricultural labourers of the latter country.
The Fifth Volume, that for 1829, is characterised by anumber of papers, having for their object the promotion of Gardening Comforts among the Labouring Population, and by various articles on Domestic Improvement, including one on National Education, entitled ‘‘ Parochial Institutions.”
The Sixth Volume, that for 1830, contains three valuable Essays on Cottage Gardening (of which several thousands have been printed apart, and sold at cost price), with some important papers on other departments of Rural, Domestic, and Civil Economy ; all tending to the improvement of the labouring classes, and more especially of Gardeners. This Sixth Volume also contains the evidence relating to the ruinous management of the affairs of the Horticultural Society, which led to the reform of that body.
The Seventh Volume, that for 1831, contains anew modification of the Lists of Plants supplementary to those in our Hortus Britannicus; a table of plants for producing a Representative System of the whole Vegetable Kingdom in a small garden; the continuation of our Tour in France (portions of which appeared also in the Fifth and Sixth Volumes), and the commencement of a Tour in the north of England and in Scotland. This Volume also contains a great accumu- lation of valuable matter on the subject of Heating by Hot Water.
In the Eighth Volume, that for 1832, the supplementary Lists of Plants will be found to have assumed a still more perfect form than before, in consequence of improvements which suggested themselves, when completing the First Additional
A 2
iv PREFACE.
Supplement to our Hortus Britannicus ; and in this form we mean to continue these listsin future. Our Gardening Tour on the Continent is continued in this Volume, as is also our Tour in the north of England and west of Scotland.
The Ninth Volume, that for 1833 (just completed), contains accounts of some of the finest Gardens of France, Bavaria, and Baden; some valuable papers on Arboriculture and Landscape-Gardening ; part of our Tour in the west and south of England; Mr. Mallet’s Tour on the Continent ; the modes of Heating by Hot Water or other fluids, of Perkins, Weekes, Holmes, Ure, Kewley, and others ; and several yery interesting papers on Vegetable Physiology.
In the aboye rapid glance, we haye only noticed one or two subjects in each Volume, as features by which to characterise it; but, viewing the series of volumes as a whole, they will be found to contain all the accessions that have been made to the Science and Practice of Gardening throughout the temperate regions of both hemispheres, and more especially in Britain, since the commence- ment of the Magazine, in January, 1826. The facts and reasonings contained in these volumes are the more valuable, from having stood the test of retrospective criticism from their various readers and contributors. The liability to this test renders statements communicated to the public through a scientific periodical, of much greater value than such as are published in a work which, from its plan, admits of no discussion. The Gardener’s Magazine has been from its commence- ment, and will continue to be, open to the most rigid criticism of whatever appears in it, whether by Contributors or the Conductor ; the only condition being, that such criticism shall be concise, and in language free from personal abuse.
With the Tenth Volume, that for 1834, will commence a reduction of the price of the Gardener’s Magazine to 2s. 6d. a Number, or 15s. for the Annual Volume: a reduction which has been made in compliance with the suggestions of various Gardeners, and in con- formity with the spirit of the times. In this New Series, as it may be considered, so bulky an annual volume will not be produced ; but the size of the page will be increased, so as to enable us to insert a nearly equal quantity of matter; and, what will be of great advantage to young gardeners, to enlarge the size of the engravings, more especially when these contain plans of gardens, or of pleasure- grounds.
We are happy to state, that, notwithstanding the publication ot no fewer than six Gardener’s Magazines in England, besides one in Ireland, since this (the first Gardener’s Magazine which ever ap- peared in the English language) was commenced, the contributors to our work, so far from falling off, either in their numbers or in the interest of their communications, have steadily increased in both. These circumstances afford a gratifying proof of the widely spread- ing taste for our art, and confirm us in the sentiments we have expressed in reviewing in this work the first numbers of the different periodicals alluded to.
In returning our Contributors and our Readers our sincere thanks, we can assure them that no exertion whatever on our part, or on that of the publishers, shall be wanting to insure the con- tinuance of this Magazine in the same superior style in which it has hitherto been produced; and to render it, in all respects, what it originally professed to be, and has hitherto been, a perpetual sup- plement to our Encyclopedias of Gardening, of Agriculture, and of Plants, and to our Hortus Britannicus.
J.C. L Bayswater, Nov. 20. 1833.
CONTENTS.
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.
GENERAL SUBJECT.
General Results of a Gardening Tour, during July, August, and part of September, in the Year 1831, from Dumfries, by Kirkcudbright,
Ayr, and Greenock, to Paisley. By the Con- | 1
ductor 5 Observations on several Gardens in England. By Mr. W. Sanders 15 A Visit to the Gardens of T. “A. Knight, Esq, By Mr. John Pearson 17 Horticultural Jottanda of a recent Continental Tour. By Robert Mallet, Jun. Esq. 18. 270 On the Emigration of Gardeners to the United States of America. Ny Benjamin Poore, Esq., of New York - 29 Hints to Gardeners wishing to emigrate to the United States of North ANNE, By Mr. G. Thorburn - 32 On heating Hot-houses by hot Water; with some Account of a new Mode, the Invention of Mr. Weekes. By Mr. Main 34 A Short Notice of Mr. Busby’s Method a cir- culating Water, hot or cold, by the Aid of Machinery. By the Conductor - - 38 Mode of obtaining Uniformity of Temperature, and various wulestes of En SONS By Charles M. W— - 39 On a new System of labelling Plants in living Collections. By Robert Mallet, Jun. Esq. 43 Notes and Reflections made during a Tour through Part of France and Germany, in the Autumn of the Year 1828. By the Conductor 129, 257. 385 A few Remarks on the State of Gardening in Lower Canada, and particularly in the Neighbourhood of Montreal. By A. P. Hart, Esq., Barrister at Law, of Montreal, Fellow Mont. Nat. Hist. Soc., &c. = - 159 On the Disabilities experienced by young Gar- deners, in acquiring professional and general Knowledge. By Scientiz et Justitia Amator ; 165 Some of the Disabilities which enthral young Gardeners. By Ephebicus Horticuitor 173 On the Electricity of Nature, and its Connec- tion with Magnetism and with the other grand Natural Phenomena. By the Author of the “ Domestic Gardener’s Manual” 179 A Reply to Mr. Main’s Question to the Author of the ** Domestic Gardener’s Manual.” By the Author of the “ Dom. Gard. Man.”’ 186 Remarks on Mr. Main’s Question to the Au- thor of the ‘‘ Domestic Gardener’s Manual.” By Joseph Hayward, Esq., Author of the *< Science of Horticulture,” &c. - 192 An Economical Mode of building Garden
Walls, Sheds, and other Garden and Agri-”
cultural Structures. By R. Mallet, Esq. 193 Reply to some Remarks made by Mr. Main and the Conductor on Mr. Perkins’s Mode of heating by hot Water. ey A.M. Perkins, Esq. - ~ 202 Notice wa Method ‘of neste by the Circula- tion of hot Oil, instead of hot Water, for which a patent has been taken out by Mr. W. D. Holmes; and also of Dr. Ure’s Method of employing Muriate of Lime as a Medium for communicating Heat. By the Conductor
207 On heating by the Circulation of Fluids. By Robert Mallet, Esq. - Q77
Rejoinder to the Answer of the Author of the « Domestic Gardener’s Manual,”’ on Ques- tions proposed to that Gentleman in Vol. VIII.
. 652. By Mr. J. Main - = 983
On the Effects of Terrestrial Radiation on the Processes of Vegetation ; and some Account of the Chinese Method of propagating Fruit Trees. By J. Murray, Esq. = - 287
Notices of the present State of Gardening in Sweden, by Professor Agardh of Lund ; with a Plan of the Botanic Garden of Lund, com. municated by M. Petersen, of the Royal Gardens, Copenhagen - - 415 Some Account of a Floral Fair held at Mar- seilles in January, 1833, with a List of the Plants there exhibited for Sale. By Viator 420 Observations on several Gardens in Enea! By Mr. William SETS Nurseryman, Bristol - = 495 On the Advantages nich pond Faenilt from Gardeners not being compelled to work long- er on a Saturday than Artisans. By Scientiz et Justitize Amator - - 427 On the Professional and general Improvement of Young Gardeners. By A Young Gardener 432 On a Method of keeping Food warm, so that a working Gardener may lose as little Time as possible at Breakfast. By Mr. Peter Mac- kenzie, Gardener to EES Lowis, Esq., of Wester Plean - = 435 Notes on the Influence of Climate on Vege- tation, taken at a Lecture by Professor Lind- ley on that Subject, delivered at the Rooms of the Bonen ure! SOPteLy, Mayo. 1833. By
J. W. L. - 436 on what is soleertty called Blight on Plants. By Mr. James Webb - ~ 441
Notes on Gardens and Country Seats, visited, from July 27. toSeptember 16., during a Tour through Part of Middlesex, Berkshire, Buck- inghamshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Dorset- shire, Eerste: Sussex, and Kent. By the Conductor - 513. 641
A Reply to Mr. J. “Main’s Rejoinder (p. 283.). By the Author of the “ Denese Gardener’s Manual’’ - 529
A Consideration of the Relations of Light to the perfect Display of the Beauties of Form and of Hue in Plants and in Flowers. By Anon. = G > «= 534
Hints to Gardeners, incentive to their educat- ing themselves in a Knowledge of English Grammar, and of other Subjects of essen- tially useful ESRORMES SS: By Mr. William Taylor . - - = 536
GARDEN ARCHITECTURE.
Design for a Gardener’s House, to be situated on the North Side of a walled Kitchen-Gar- den - - 46
On the Construction of Fountains for Gardens. By the Conductor - -
On Fountains in Gardens ; with a Design. W. Mason, Jun. Esq. - 538
Notice of Saul’s Garden Chair, it Remarks on the Principles of Design with reference ta Chairs of this Kind. By Mr. M. Saul and the Conductor - - - 54)
ARBORICULTURE.
Physiological and Practical Remarks on the pruning of Forest Trees, particularly of the Scotch Pine. By Mr. W. Taylor - 48
Observations on some of the principal Causes why the most important Parts of the Science of Arboriculture, pruning and thinning, or rather the System to supersede the Necessity of much pruning, are not more generally known, or at least practised; with Hints for the Removal of JUNSSE Causes. By Mr. W, Billington ~ 50
On forming Live Fe ences with Larch Trees. By Mr. Gorrie, F. H.S. &ce. - = 59
vi
On the Culture of the Orange Tree in England. By B.S. . - 67 Notice of a new Method of transplanting large Trees, invented by Mr. James Munro, Ma- nager of Messrs. Dickson and Turnbull’s
Nursery Brechin. By the Conductor « 217 On Arboriculture in EBOR to Geology. By Causidicus = 291 |
A battering Axe for felling Timber. By Robert Mallet, sq. - - - 207 On the Gymnécladus canadénsis, or Coffee Tree of North America. By A. P. Hart, Esq., Barrister at Law, of Montreal, Lower Cana. da, F. Mont. Nat. Hist. Soc. &e. - - 298 The Fitness of the Evergreen Oak (Quércus Tex) for planting near the Sea Coast, in Groups, for Ornament; and a Comparison of its Fitness with that of the Cluster Pine (Pinus Pinaster), for a Nurse to Plantations on the Sea Coast: followed by a Description of St. Michael’s Mount, near the Land’s End, Cornwall. By Mr. T. Rutger = - 543 A Notice of the Effects of Wind on Trees grow- ing on the Coast near Poole, Dorsetshire. By the Rev. W, B. Clarke - - - 547 The Formation of a National Society for the Promotion of Arboriculture suggested; and Hints on the Disease prevailing in Plantations of the Larch Tree communicated. By Mr. James Munro = - 2 - 551 On training the Oak Tree, so as to mrodtice curved Timber, for Use in the Construction of Ships. By Mr, James Munro = 557
FLORICULTURE.
On laying out Flower-Gardens. By Masaroni 60
The Culture and a List of Herbaceous Plants which will thrive in the Air and Smoke of Cities. By Mr. William Boyce - 62 On raising Seedling REGGE, By the Rey. Joseph Tyso 66 A new Arrangement of the Doubles omered Chinese Chrysanthemums, with an improved Method of Cultivation. By A. H. Haworth, Esq. F. L. S. &c., Author of ** Synopsis Plan. _tarum Succulentarum Narcissinearum Mono- raphia,’’ &c. - - 218 A Mode of multiplying, and inducing to healthy Growth, the White double-flowered and Purple *double-flowered Rockets, By Mr. William Whiddon, Gardener ~ = 300 On the Effects of Barbadoes Naphtha on Trees and on BORE By Dr. Cs H. Wilkinson, Bath = = 300 An mmproredl Mode of tongueing HESTON By Mr. James Munro 301 A Notice of the Species of Eanes added to the Pinetum at Dropmore, and of some showy Species of flowering Plants which decorate the Garden there. By Mr. Philip Frost, Head Gardener at Dropmore - - 559 A Mode of preserving the greatest Number of Pelargoniums and other Kinds of Green- house Plants through the Winter, in the least
CONTENTS.
possible Space. By Mr. Peter Mackenzie, Gardener to Robert phowiss ne .» of Wester Plean - - = 563
HORTICULTURE.
On cultivating the Pine-apple out of Pots. By Mr. William Bowers, Gardener to Mrs. Shaw Lefevre, Heskfield Place, Hartford Bridge, Hampshire - 7
A Mode of cultivating Grapes and late Peaches, By Mr. J. Haythorn, Jate Gardener to Lord Middleton, Middleton Hall near Nottingham
A Description of a Pit suited to the Culture of early Cucumbers, and of a Mode of cultivat- ing them. By Mr. Edward Elliot are
On the Pruning and Training of the Morello Cherry Tree. By Mr. William Seymour 73
On the Culture of Onions. By Mr. John Mitchell, Jun., Gardener, SETRIOR near Dart- mouth, Devon 75
Remarks on Cobbett’s Indian Corn. By Wil- liam Rothwell, Farmer and Nurseryman, Spout Bank, near Bury, Lancashire - 76
On O’xalis crenata Jacquin, as a Culinary ore in Britain. By James Mifehel,
8
On culuiyanies Gabbages by Slips or Cuttings. By Peter Kendall, Esq. - 226 On pr oducing Mushrooms in plenty in the open
Air, from June to SIME By Mr, J. Elles © - 298 On cultivating the Pine-apple. “By Mr. Tho- mas Appleby - - - 303
Fertility aiciiced by Spur-pruning. By G. 1. +
A Proposal to water Peach and Nectarine Trees with Nitre, a Preparation from Blood, &c. By Joseph Hayward, Esq. - 319
On the evil Effects of cropping the Borders in which Fruit Trees grow. By R.T. - 321
On the Uselessness of earthing up growing Crops of Potatoes. By Joseph Hayward, Esq., Author of ‘* The SECA of Horticul- ture,” &c. 322
A Description ofa Mode of editivatine Onions, By Mr. William Whiddon - iS
Notes on Mildew, from a Lecture on that Sub- ject by Professor Lindley, delivered at the Horticultural Society’s Meets Room, on April 24, By J. W. L. - 325
Additional Facts on the Fungus (ZEcidium cancellatum Sowerby) parasitic on the Leaves and Fruit of the Pear Trees in the Garden at Buscot Park. By Mr. John Merrick - 332
On Coping for Garden Wels By Mr. Archi- bald Gorrie - - - 564
On the Advantage of marine Pine-apple Plants in Pots made with Holes in their Sides. By John Hawkins, Esq. = = 564
The Results of an Instance of growing the Cucumber and the Melon in [Heath Mould or] Bog Earth. By Mr. James Figgans 567
Short Communications - 80. 342. 446. 568
REVIEWS.
Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London. Second Series. Vol. I. Parts I. and Il. - 82. 344
Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural So- ciety. Vol. V. Part I. 5 - 89
Verhandlungen des Vereins zur Beforderung des Gartenbaues in den KOniglich Preussi- schen Staaten. Transactions of the Society for the Advancement of Gardening in the Royal Prussian States. Vol. V. - 94. 592
Catalogue of Works on Gardening, Agricul- ture, Botany, Rural Architecture, &e. &e.
lately published, with some Account of those |
considered the most interesting 349. 447- 606. 000
Hortus Woburnensis ; a descriptive Catalogue of upwards of Six Thousand Species of orna~ mental Plants cultivated in the Gardens at Woburn Abbey ; with numerous illustrative Plans for the Erection of Houses for Forcing, Green-houses, &c., and an Account of the Management of them throughout the Year. By James Forbes, A.L.S. C.M.H.S. &c., Gar. dener to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, K.G. - ~ - - - 601 Literary Notices - 96. 460. 611. 695
LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.
Vil
MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.
Domestic Notices e = 97. 230. 462. 613 Floricultural and Botanical Notices of new Plants, and of old Plants of Interest, supple- mentary to the latest Editions of the ‘* En- cyclopedia of Plants,” and of the Hortus Britannicus”? = 104, 235. 363. 483, 616. 000 Metropolitan Nurseries - - = 99 Notes on some of the London Nurseries, and on the Chiswick Garden . - 232 Provincial Nurseries - - - 102 A Selection of the rare and interesting Plants which flowered in the Epsom Nursery from March to July, 1833 - 489
Index to Books reviewed and noticed «
General Index
Calls at the Loridon Nu
urban Gardens - - - 467 Retrospective Criticism 116. 249, 368. 491. 623 Queries and Answers 122, 243, 375. 500. 627. 719 Covent Garden Market 126, 246, 380, 511. 634,
London Horticultural Society and Garden io 247. 382. 507. 632. 725 Societies - 248 Horticultural Societies
series, and other Sub-
Provincial Horticultural Notices of Provincial
for 1833 Obituary -
2 = 728 - 128. 256. 384, 519. 635. 751
752 753
LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.
OBJECTS RELATIVE TO LAND- No. SCAPE-GARDENING. Page
22, 23. La maison du Philosophe - 132, 133 26. Entrance lodge and iron gates to the
park of St. Quen, France - - 136 21. Chateau de Neuviller - - 144 36. The house of Bel Respiro, France - 151
37. Wooden bridge in the grounds of Bel Respiro « = 5 - 151 38. Bronze figure, and other objects in the garden at Bel Respiro C 62—69. Fountains for gardens 120. Fountain of a grand character = 539 72. The palace at Carlsruhe = - = 260 73. The villa and gardens of Watthalden, near Ettlingen - 0 - 74. The Durlacher Thor, one of the gates of the city of Carlsruhe - - 262 75. The Ettlinger Thor, another of the gates of the city of Carlsruhe = 263 20. Picturesque aspect of vine fields in France - eS é - 130 33. View in the garden of M. Boursault - 147 70, Artificial ruins of a Roman aqueduct in the gardens at Schwezingen - 258 71. The ruins of a temple of Mercury in the gardens at Schwezingen = 258 104. Front of the palace of Nymphenburg 393 109. The Glyptothek at Munich - - 401 111. Entrance to the botanic garden at Munich - = S 122. St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall - 543 115, 116. Forms for, and modes of con- structing, arches of ironwork for trailing plants over - = 461 121. Mr, Saul’s device for a garden chair - 541
PLANS AND MAPS.
16. A plan for the disposition of a series of beds of agiven form - - 24. Map of the grounds at Bagatelle in France - 6 oS ° 25. Map of the park at St. Quen, France 135 27. Plan of the style of planting which the ark at Villeneuve l’Etang, near arne, France, exhibits - - 136 28. Plan of the gardens, and pleasure. grounds of M. Doublat, at Epinal, France - 2 e o 29, 30. Plans of the villa and grounds of Admiral Tchitchagoff, at Sceaux, France’ - = - 142, 143 32, Plan of the garden of the Elysée Bourbon - = oS 35. Plan of the garden of M. Boursault, France - - - - 39. Plan of the garden of Bel Respiro, France = = oC Ss 40. Town garden of an architectural cha-
racter in Paris 5 - - 153 41. Plan of the garden and villa of M. Ternaux at St. Ouen, France - 155
- 15 - 209—216 |.
No. Page . Plan of the garden of the Margravine Amelia in the suburbs of Carlsruhe 264 . The principal cemetery at Carlsruhe - 265 . The burial-ground at Baden. ~—-:266 . Plan of the gardens of Nymphenburg 387 . Charles Sckell’s plan for laying out a flower-garden in front of the chateau of Baron Eichthal, at Ebersberg ~- 394 . Plan of the garden and grounds of Count Monteglas, at Bogenhausen, near Munich e = - 395 . Plan of the English garden at Munich 399 . Plan of the garden of the Glyptothek 400 . Plan of the garden of the general hos- pital at Munich S - - 402 . Elevation, plan, and section of the range of hot-houses in the Munich botanic garden - - ~ . Plan of the botanic garden of the university of Lund C - 419 114, Plan of the garden at St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall = - 546
GARDENER’S HOUSE AND GARDEN STRUCTURES.
14, 15. Design for a gardener’s house to be situated on the north side of a walled kitchen-garden «= - A477
34. Elevation of the largest of the hot- houses in the garden of M. Bour- sault, France - = a
103. Elevation, plan, and section of the range of stoves and green-houses, in the botanic garden at Nymphenburg 392
42. to60. Plans and diagrams explanatory of modes of constructing, cheaply, of iron, garden walls, sheds, and other structures for gardens and farms 193—201
MODES OF HEATING. 1, Diagram of Weekes’s mode of heat-
404
147
ing - - = D 2. Diagram of Busby’s mode of circu- lating water by machinery «- = 61. Diagram of Mr. Carpmael’s apparatus for heating asmall room = - 80, 81, 82, 83. A mode of heating by the circulation of fused metallic alloy 278-—28
MACHINES AND ENGINES.
Q1. Machinery by which stones are elevated out of quarries near Paris - 130 100, 101, 102. Machinery of a boat to be rowed by the feet - - 390, 391 84. A battering axe for felling timber - 297 117, 118. A press for preparing dried speci- mens, in use in the Chiswick garden 473 133. A mouse-trap formed with a small hand-glass and lever - » 580 19, Cottam’s cheap iron gate for fields - 61
oe AUN
Vili LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
Ne Page | Page >LEMENTS D UTENSILS, ~ | 128, A diagram exhibitive of a mode of DO US Se Sa ea ‘anne the oak tree into timber 114, 133. Forms for small hand-glasses 446. 580 shaped fitly for shipbuilding - ~ 559 119, A kind of hoe aerated from Jersey - 473 129, A utensil for transplanting, in use in a the Island of Guernsey - = 515 PLANTS. 130. An implement to enable an operator 79, A weeping willow, a branch of which to insert plants into beds or borders emitted, at some fect from the earth, without his trampling on the soil - 576 one aownlintortherel i ? 967 131. A double earthen flower-pot formarsh 85. Cylindrospdrium concéntricum Grev. 326 and aquatic plants - 576 86. Uredo effisa Grev. _ 396 10—13. Mallet’s devices for labels for, and 87, Acrospdrium monilidides INES ” 306 labelling of, plants in gardens —- 44, 45 88. Aspergfllus penicillatus Grev, > 397 132. Instances of *the kinds of labels to be 89, Uredo Fabe Pers. - ‘ - 307 affixed to plants prepared for export- 90. Aefdium Pini Pers. $ ~ 307 ation = - 9 3 - 579] 01, Aefdium Grossularie Dec. - ~~ 327 92. Acidium Berbéridis Pers. - - 327 OPERATIONS IN CULTURE. 03, ZEcidium laceratum Dec. 2 - 327 of propa go roses from 94, ZEcidium corntitum Pers. = - 397 a Paid E Sea - - 39] 95. Puccinia Graminis - iS - 398 4. A mode of laying a cutting - 40} 96. Phragmidium Rose Grev. - - 328 5—9, Vergnaud’s mode of shield. grafting, 97. /Ecf{dium cancellatum Sowerby - 329 and modifications of it - - 41,42] 98. Rhizoctonia Crocirum Dec. - - 330 17, 18. Mr. Seymour’s mode of training 94—127. Seven oaks distorted in figure the morello cherry tree = co 7h by the action oflee winds - 548, 549
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
Constant Reader - 380.723|E.S. _ - - 121, 122. 124] Murray, John, F.HLS., &e. 287 A Constante Reader, Man- EE. W. = - 97| 0. . ays} chester - 244 | FF. - -. 230. 631 Oxley, John = oR A Constant Reader, Perth. Farmer, J.C. - 504, 505, 506] Paterson, Richard - 376 shire - - - 117} Figgans,James_~ - | 567 Petersen, Jens Peter ~- 419 A Friend to Improvement 492 | Forbes, James, A.LS., PDs = - 631 Agardh, Professor - - 415 Author of Hortus Wo- Pearson, John - = Y7/ Agronome’s Nephew —- 630 | _ burnensis - ~ 623 | Penny, George, A. iB S. - 491 A Member of the Guernsey Frost, Philip - 559| Perkins, A, M. - 202 Horticultural Book So- G. C., 127. 247. 382. 519. 635.795 Polleck, J. - - 629 ciety - - 376.575 Godsall, Venn 580. 586. 723 | Poore, Benjamin - - 29 An Enemy to Deceit - 493| G. J.T. - 186, 317| Priest, Myles - - 465 An Enquirer - - 629 | Gorrie, Archibald, oe H.S., Prince, Mr. - - 32 Anon = - 534. 570 &e. 59. 564 Querist = - = - 500 Appleby, Thomas - - 303 | Green, EH « 5 TPN 1 NS z - 192 A Reader - - - 630 | Hart, A. P., Barrister at sy He 2 26 = = 378 Austin, C. - * 931,043| Law - =~ 194. 159,998| RLS. - 67 Author of the Domestic Hart, James u 589. 591 Rothwell, William =O Gardener’s Manual 179. 186 Hamilton, William, M. B. 618} R. T. Z = 231. 321. 377 529 | Hawkins, John - - 566| Rutger, T, - 379. 543. 583. 585 A pone Gardener = - 432 | Hawkins, Thomas - - 80] S. = - 243 B. - 723 | Haworth, A. H., F.L.S. -~ 218 Sanders, William - 15. 4295 Barnet, J. of the! Edin. Ex- Haythorn, J. - 70} Saul, Matthias 98. 465. 467. 503. perimental Garden ~ 544 | Hayward, Joseph, ee 319. 322 541. 579 Baron, Charles - - 338 | H. J. 128} Sclentiz et Justitiz Amator Belcher, Henry = - 98 | Hislop, Jes ~ S - 118 165. 427 Billington, W. - - 50 | Hitchen, Thomas’ - 114. 380) Scott, Alexander = - 475 Blair, Thomas = - 577 Howden; John = 31251343 Selim 5 - 118 Bowers, William - - 70 - - - 378) Seymour, William ~- 73. 498 Boyce, William = - =) x B Wika = - 243, 377| Simpson, Robert - - 246 Bree, Rev. W.T., A.M. 124.|J.D.,sen. - _- 343. 491.718| Smith, JD. - - 380 ” 249, 497. 722 | Jeffries, R.,& Son - - 494! Smith, John = - 103.495 Browne, H. A. - - 630 | Jennings, John = - 499 Taylor, Samuel - 369. 496. 503 Buchanan, W. J. - - 99 | Johnson, H. = = 375) Taylor, William - 48. 536. 628 Busby, C. A. 5 ote G i dhlin. Te - - 631| Thomson, George 586. 588, 589 Callow, Edward - - 123 | J.S. - - 723| Thompson, Robert . a8 Cameron, David, A.L.S., Juvenis . = - - 628) Thorburn, Grant 2 Curator of the Botanic J. W. L. - 325. 436. iL Trevelyan, W. C., F.L.S. ” 586 Garden, Birmingham 111. | Kendall, Peter oS Turner, Henry, Curator of ae 240, ae Kent, J. €. = 81. 120. 360. i. the Botanic Garden, ausidicus - Bury St. sD - 123. 374 Clarke, Rev. W.B., A.M. 547|LLL - - .729|7 ws, ee Cormacks and Sinclair - 99 Laundy, Henry 369. 624. 630) Tyso, Rev. Joseph - 66. 125 Cottam, George 81 | Mackenzie, Peter - 435. 563) Varvicensis - - 125 Couch, Jonathan, F.L.S. 337 Main, James, A.L.S. - 34, 283. | Viator . < - 420 Denyer,W. - - 573 287. 572| Vilmorin, M. — - - 495 DE = - 256 | Mallet, Robert, 18. 43. 122. 193.| W.B. - - =: 628 D. M. u a - 504 244, 270. 277. 297. 377. 446. | Webb, James - - 441 E. - - 511, 626. 5 128 ee zs 2 - 60) Weekes, Edward - - 370 E. B. - - 245 ason, W., jun. - 538! Whiddon illiam - 300. . Elles, J. - 228. 232. 949.591 | Merrick, John ~ F 332 ay go ee Ellicombe; Rev. H. T., Mitchell, James = 8| Wilkinson, Dr. C. H. - 300 A.M. = - 578 | Mitchell, John, jun. 75. 580. oar | Wilkinson, George - 379 Elliot, Edward - 71 | Munro, James - 217. 301. 551.) Willich, Charles M., 39.
Ephebicus Horticultor 173, 502 557, 724, 380. 502. 580. ie
THE
GARDENER’S MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY, 1833.
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.
Art.I. General Results of a Gardening Tour, during July, August, and part of September, in the Year 1831, from Dum- SJries, by Kirkcudbright, Ayr, and Greenock, to Paisley. By the CoNDUCTOR. :
(Continued from Vol. VIII. p. 521., and concluded.)
Paztacr Residences. —There*is no gentleman’s house in the west of Scotland, that, in its present state, can properly be denominated a palace residence ; but Drumlanrig, from its commanding situation, the extensive territory belonging to it, and the wealth and rank of its owner, we shall here consider as of this class. We feel the more justified in doing so, from the extensive improvements now carrying on in the grounds, and which will, doubtless, in a short time, be extended to the house. Nothing can exceed the dignity of the situation of this edifice; placed on a knoll, on the summit of an _ad- ~ vancing ridge, backed by an extensive range of wooded hills and mountains, and commanding, in front, and to the right and left, as far as the eye can reach, a varied surface of corn and pasture land, watered by a considerable stream which skirts the margin of the park, and terminating in hills of heath and pasture in the horizon. To whatever side the eye turns of this extensive and magnificent prospect, the whole is the property of the Duke of Buccleugh. |
As this property now exists, in a general point of view, there is little for the landscape-gardener to do, except form- ing two new approaches to the house, a new kitchen-garden ; and modifying, by planting and by some changes on the
Vou. IX.— No. 42. B
2 General Results of a Gardening Tour : —
surface, the park and pleasure-ground. An excellent kitchen- garden is already walled round, and the gardener’s house, about to be commenced, we were informed, will be the first in Scotland, not only as a commodious and complete dwelling, but as a specimen of cottage Gothic architecture. The designer of the garden, Mr. Hannay, is the present head gardener at Drumlanrig; and the architect of the house is Mr. Burn of Edinburgh. As far as we saw the new line of approach, it did not appear to us at all satisfactory; because we could not conceive how the ascent to the house by it could be rendered either easy to travel over, or agreeable to the eye. Judging from a hasty glance, we should say that the best way to procure two approaches of perfectly easy ascent and descent, of great beauty and variety in the views seen from it, and of striking effect on arriving at the house, would be, to commence two or three miles to the right and left, and to lead from the present public road, a private one, on a uniform but very gentle slope, along the side of the range of hills at the back, or what is, we believe, the south side of the present flower-gardens. We would there form a court-yard to the palace, instead of the present one on the western front, reserving the extensive prospect from the north front to be obtained by the stranger first from the windows. As pleasure- ground, we would follow up the present style of the place, and form such additions and variations as would place two ranges of terrace-gardens on each side of the east, west, and north fronts. The beautiful terrace-gardens already existing show with how much effect this might be done. Whether we might not change the course of the river in some places, or produce ramifications from it, in such a way as to show more water from the palace windows, we did not take time enough to consider; but, at all events, we think we ascertained the practicability of diverting a part of its waters in such a way as to produce a powerful waterfall in one place, and a lake in another. We have great pleasure in stating that the flower- gardens were in the highest order and keeping, and the grass edgings to the walks entirely to our mind. Mr. Hannay we found fully concurring in ail that we had said on that subject in our October article. (Vol. VII. p. 544.) Some instruction, as well as amusement, may perhaps be obtained by the reader, from the perusal of what the celebrated Gilpin said of this place, then called Queensberry House, in his Observations relative chiefly to Picturesque Beauty in Scotland, &c., published in 1776. The garden front of Queensberry House,” he observes, “ opens on a very delightful piece of scenery. The
ground falls from it, near a quarter of a mile, in a steep
Drumlanrig. 3)
sloping lawn, which at the bottom is received by ariver; and beyond that rises in lofty woody banks. All these objects are in the grandest style, except the river ; which, though not large, is by no means inconsiderable. It is amazing what con- trivance has been used to deform allthis beauty. The descent from the house has a substratum of solid rock, which has been cut into three or four terraces, at an immense expense. ‘The art of blasting rocks by gunpowder was not in use when this great work was undertaken. It was all performed by manual labour; and men now alive remember hearing their fathers say, that a workman, after employing a whole summer day with his pickaxe, would carry off in his apron all the stone he had chipped from the rock. How much less expensive is it, in general, to improve the face of nature, than to deform it! In improving, we gently follow; in deforming, we violently oppose. ‘The Duke of Queensberry of that day, who carried on these works, seems himself to have been aware of his folly. He bundled up all the accounts together; and inscribed them, as I have been informed, with a grievous curse on any of his posterity who should ever look into them.” (p.84.) The other observations made by Gilpin on this place are excellent, as, indeed, is all that he has written on picturesque beauty ; always, however, making allowance for his almost exclusive admiration of that kind of beauty. Of all the alterations which we should wish to make on the grounds at Drumlanrig, there is none that strikes us as of half the importance as that of forming new approaches. There is one now going on; but a more preposterous under- taking of the kind we have seldom or never witnessed in any country. An attempt is made, or was making in August, 1831, to ascend a steep acclivity directly in front of the house; a still more hopeless task than that of cutting the rock into terraces, above related by Gilpin, by the old Duke of Queensberry. ‘The duke did succeed, and the terraces were formed, and now exist; but this approach never can form an easy ascent; and we maintain that, even if it did, it would be in the very worst taste imaginable in the given situation ; for this specific reason, that it would show all the striking beauties of the spot before entering the house. Now, we hold it to be’ a fundamental principle, in laying out grounds, that the grand beauties of every situation should be first shown to the stranger from the drawing-room windows. If this be not a fundamental principle, we should be glad to know on what reasons either the situation for a house is fixed on, or the direction of a road to it is laid out. There are many points
in which a stranger taking a cursory glance at a place may be B 2
4: General Results of a Gardening Tour : —
mistaken; but, if he has his eyes open, he never can err in forming an opinion as to the approach. As to the terraces we certainly have no wish to alter them. At the time Gilpin wrote, terraces were common, and the great rage was for na- ture and the picturesque. That rage has now subsided; and in landscape-gardening, as in architecture, and in other arts which combine beauty with utility, reason is the governing principle.
Of Mansion Residences, the first we saw in order of time was Terragles, where some additions to the house were being made, and where the park had been sprinkled over with single trees, in the equidistant manner, so as to destroy all allusion to natural grouping, and, in a great measure, oblite- rate whatever variation of surface there was originally in the ground. ‘These trees were chiefly oaks, from 20 to 30 ft. high: they were removed without any preparation, in the preceding two years; and scarcely one of them had failed, much to the credit of the very intelligent gardener, Mr. Carruthers. Adjoining the house was an old architectural garden, consisting of a level square platform, with thick, lofty, hornbeam hedges, and on two sides a broad grass terrace, between 20 and 30 ft. higher than the exterior grounds. ‘The view from this terrace to a new kitchen-garden, which meets the eye on a gentle slope, backed by wood, is striking, because uncommon, and is, we think, agreeable. By the routine manner of improving, this garden would be turned into a pleasure-ground; but, from the impressions it made on us, we should be inclined to retain it as a garden of fruit and flowers. It was in excellent order.
Jardine Hall, in the midst of what was recently a wild country, and several miles distant from any similar mansion, is an imposing object; and, as we approached it, the broad flight of steps to the portico, with the group of stable offices with clock cupola on the one side, and the encircled boundary wall with its porticoed deors and ornamented railings on the other, had an Anglo-Italian air, the more charming, because unex~ pected in such a style of country. The ample entrance hall of this house contains some large handsome paintings, and rare specimens of natural-history subjects; and, like the first bar in a piece of music, it gives a note of preparation for the ornaments which prevail throughout the house, and for the almost complete museum of British birds collected by Sir William Jardine, and admirably mounted and displayed. There is a large botanic garden, which already includes a consider- able American ground; an arboretum, which will be as com- plete as the climate will admit, is commenced; and Linnean and Jussieuean arrangements of herbaceous plants are in
Mansion Residences. 5
contemplation. The object is, to combine general effect and ornamental display with science. On the whole, Jardine Hall, and the pursuits of its amiable and hospitable owner, show how much happiness a cultivated mind may enjoy in the country, without reference to towns, cities, or a populous neighbourhood.
Raehills is in a situation still more wild than Jardine Hall, but it has the advantages of having a hilly surface, a great extent of wood, and a river considerably below the house, and not on a level with it, as at Jardine Hall. It is singular that there should be considerable streams near both mansions, without the water being seen from either of them. This defect might be removed in both cases, but not without some expense. At Raehills, there is a holm which might easily be flooded, so as.to form a lake; or, the bed of the river, which is now along one side of this holm, might be changed to the other side, where it would be seen from the house. ‘The natural features of Raehills are all grand and picturesque; but, with the exception of the new additions making to the house, and the general masses of the distant plantations as seen from it, we cannot say much for the operations of art. Whoever may lay out the approach road will do well to consider what we have said on this subject in a preceding page; and the whole of the walks among the natural woods and rocks require reformation, agreeably to the principles alluded to.
Kirkmichael House is rebuilding, in a sort of Elizabethan style, from the design of Mr. Burns. There is a good kitchen-garden just completed, including a suitable gardener’s house, and forcing-pits. The situation of this house has little to recommend it, in a country abounding with so much natural beauty; but highly improved design and high keeping will effect much ; and, in a country where these qualities are less common than the beauties of nature, they will probably be valued more. r
Closeburn Hail is a plain but very commodious mansion, and its vicinity has been the scene of more improvements of the useful kind, than that of any other mansion in the south of Scotland. The extent of surface that, from useless bog heath or other sterile soil, has been turned into good pasture, irrigated, rendered arable, or planted with trees, during the last forty years, is astonishing. During this time, limeworks have been established on a highly improved principle, and the practice of liming both arable and grass land rendered general throughout the country. Saw mills have been erected, and the pines and firs planted by Mr. Menteath sawn up into
B 3
6 General Results of a Gardening Tour : —
boards, laths, and for other purposes, and sold in this manu-> factured state at very moderate rates ; thus at once creating a market for the article, and tempting the farmers and owners of cottages to increase their comforts. Mr. Menteath has formed many miles of excellent roads, some of them on the principle of alternate levels and inclined planes, with stone wheel-tracks on these planes, by which he has found that one horse can draw from thirty cwt. to two tons in small four-wheeled wag- gons (Ency. of Agr. 2d edit. § 3540-1.) He uses exten- sively bone manure ; and, as an Englishman, has of course practised his country’s method of making hay: but, though he has done this for nearly half.a century, his neighbours still continue the old practice of withering it in the field. (Vol. VII. p- 534.) Schools have been established by Mr. and Miss Menteath; and, in short, there is no good work that can be expected from a resident landed proprietor of great intelli- gence and the most active benevolence, that has not been engaged in (and that, too, with success) by this family. Munches affords an example of agricultural improvement, combined with great taste in landscape-gardening, as far as the latter art has been calledinto use. ‘The line of approach, though over a flat surface, is one of the most perfect things of the kind in this part of the country, and the trees seen from it, whether those formerly existing or recently planted, are all in natural combinations; the groups in the foreground varying with every change of the spectator, and all seeming to belong to larger masses; which, in their turn, appear to con- nect themselves with an interminable forest, which carries the eye to the woods that clothe the sides of the neighbouring granitic mountains. On arriving at the house, we found it unexpectedly close on the bank of a winding river, near which there are some very singular masses of naked granite, which rise abruptly in the lawn, and remind us of the rocks some- times observed in Chinese drawings: when the place comes to receive its finish, these masses will afford fine opportunities of displaying rock plants, trailers and creepers, with various half-hardy shrubs of rarity or ornament. We were informed by Mr. Maxwell, that, in his gardening improvements, he had received considerable assistance from the hints of his friend, the Rev. Mr. Carruthers of Dalbeattie; a gentleman whose taste and general views, judging from some hours passed in his company, and from his own beautiful little residence, St. Peter’s, appeared to us entirely to coincide with our own. The kitchen-garden at Munches was in the most perfect order and keeping: there was a little too much raking on the gravel walk, as at Terragles, for our taste; but not a weed, nora decayed shoot or leaf, was to be found; the walls were well
Mansion Residences. ”
covered with trees, neatly trained, and the gooseberry bushes judiciously pruned. It is gratifying to see a gardener, who, like Mr. Webster, has been forty years in his situation, not relaxing in any of his duties, and more especially in those of order and neatness. :
Gilston Castle, which, when we before saw it, in 1805, then nearly completed, appeared to be in a naked, barren, hilly country, is now embosomed in woods, and all the hills are more or less covered with thriving plantations.
St. Mary’s Isle is overgrown with wood, but with wood so beautiful, both as to the individual trees and shrubs, and their disposition in groups and masses, that we do not wonder at there being a reluctance to thin them out. The grounds have, however, one unpardonable fault, and that is, they are deficient in exotics; without which, when laid out in the natural style, there can be no gardenesque. At the time these grounds were planted, the gardenesque and the picturesque may be said to have been the same thing; that is, plantations formed in a picturesque or natural manner were then as cha- racteristic of the grounds of the country residence of a man of taste, as plantations in the geometrical style with straight rows and avenues, characterised similar residences half a cen- tury before. Both styles were gardenesque when it was their turn to be in fashion; but neither being at present exclusively the mode, the characteristic of the gardenesque is now the pre- valence of exotic trees and shrubs. ‘This change in taste shows a real advance in intellectual enjoyment; because it carries with it the associations connected with genera and species, in addition to those of form, colour, and combination. In the kitchen-garden, at St. Mary’s Isle, we found most abundant crops of grapes and peaches; the vine border, as we were informed by our esteemed friend, Mr. Nesbitt, had not been dug or stirred with the fork since we last saw it, twenty- SIX years ago.
Cally House is a plain granite building, in a park of recent formation, of great extent, of considerable variety of surface, and abundantly clothed with wood. ‘The situation of the house, near an estuary formed by the mouth of the river Fleet, is very fine; but, unfortunately, the entrance front is on the wrong side, and none of the windows of the principal rooms look towards the river. All the works executed about
Cally and the village of Gatehouse appear to be of the most substantial kind; but they are not all in that high and finished .taste that we expected to find them. ‘The masses of trees in _the park are in many places too formal and unconnected; and
-there are single trees which neither group with them nor with Mo By
8 General Results of a Gardening Tour : —
one another. Much might be done in this park by the intro- duction, near the masses, of a few small groups of trees of different sizes, with thorns and other shrubs; by opening the outline of the masses; and, above all, by thinning them. The scenery about the house, and the views, from its entrance front, of the richly wooded country beyond the river, with the moun- tains and their rocky summits on the one hand, and the sea on the other, are unequalled by any thing of the kind in this part of the country.
The approach to Blairquhan, on the banks of the river Girvan, is remarkably fine. The house is new, in a highly enriched Gothic style: and the grounds, forming part of the valley of the Girvan, are backed on all sides by rising hills and mountains. On the whole, Blairquhan is by nature a noble place; but there is no proper connection between the pleasure-ground and the house; so that, although nature and architecture have both done much, yet the details are very defective. A great deal of pains seems to have been taken in hoeing and raking some miles of approach road, which would have been much better left in its firm state, and the weeds pulled up by hand. Indeed, on such a road, in constant use, few weeds will be found to grow; and therefore nothing should be done to disturb the firmness of the surface, and infringe on its character of mellowness and age. We are the more par- ticular on this head, because the practice of raking walks, and having them covered with loose gravel, instead of gravel firmly rolled, seems, as already observed, to be a prevailing sin in the gardens in the west of Scotland. The gardener here is quite an original character, well versed in his profession, but very hard worked; the strength allowed him being insuf- ficient to keep what is under his care as it ought to be. The addition of one man to the yearly strength kept would make all the difference between a harassed mind, and a place always on the verge of disorder; and a mind at ease, not so fatigued with the work of the day as to be unable to read at night, and a place in high keeping. But there is evidently, among the Scottish country gentlemen, either a great want of taste, or a great want of means ; perhaps both.
Culzean Castle is a scattered building, in the mixed style of the architect Adams, placed on the brow of an irregular lofty cliff washed by the sea. Nothing can exceed the grandeur of the situation ; and the buildings, taking them as a whole, and speaking without reference to the correctness of architectural details, are varied and picturesque. None of the approaches are, however, judiciously conducted either for displaying the beauties of the place, or for easy conveyance. ‘There is a
Mansion Residences. 9
great extent of garden scenery, and a very large kitchen- garden. The whole is remarkably well kept by the gardener, Mr. Heppell, though evidently with the greatest difficulty, from a deficiency of hands. Mr. Heppell had in his hot-house crops of pines, grapes, and peaches, which were not surpassed by any we saw in Scotland: indeed, taking size, quantity, and flavour jointly into consideration, we think they were the best we saw any where north cf Knowlesley Park. But that which, in respect to horticulture, renders the kitchen-garden at Culzean more especially worthy of attention, is, the excellent crops of grapes obtained in the pine stoves, in the manner which we have noticed (Vol. VII. p.411. and p. 539.) as practised at ‘Trentham, ‘Tatton Park, and other places in England. The grass edgings to the walks, and groups of flowers on the lawn, were, generally speaking, entirely to our taste. ‘The young plantations were ina ruinous state, for want of thinning, but we have no room here for details.
Barganny has for the last 25 years been the scene of extensive improvements in the way of road making, draining, planting, &c. The kitchen-garden, laid out by Mr. Hay, has flued walls and hot-houses. It occupies, together with the pleasure-ground which surrounds it, about 13 acres. The whole is most economically and judiciously managed by Mr. Dodd, who, in the absence of the family, cannot, of course, attend to high keeping.
Kilkerran is remarkable for an excellent kitchen-garden, also by Mr. Hay, and for a singularly romantic wooded dingle. The rock through which the stream has furrowed its course down the face of a steep hill is of red sandstone ; and the cavernous sinuosities, waterfalls, and cascades are of endless variety. Among the trees are some magnificent silver firs, but either more exotics are wanted to render the dell suf- ficiently gardenesque, or those which are there ought to be removed, in order to render it perfectly natural. ‘There is an excellent gardener’s house, and the garden is admirably managed by Mr. Cullen, a reading gardener, who is fully aware of the importance of not digging fruit-tree borders, or paring the grass edgings of the walks.
We must pass over a number of mansions, to notice Auchin- cruive, a grand and romantic place on the banks of the Ayr. The house is placed in a most striking situation, but is not very fortunate with regard to the road by which it is approached. The kitchen-garden, as such, is badly situated; but, com- bining, as it does, architectural and Italian-like scenery, with the culture of fruits and flowers, it has an excellent general effect, and suits the style of scenery amidst which it is placed.
10 General Results of a Gardening Tour : —
There is a broad walk by the margin of the river, which is remarkably fine; and the place, when the family shall again reside there, and it be kept in high order, will be one of the first in the west of Scotland. Mr. Skinner, the gardener, is a man of a very superior order of mind, and nothing in the course of our tour gratified us more than to hear the manner in which he spoke of his employer; who, indeed, from his general character in the county, must be a man of a great and liberal mind, and of enlightened benevolence.
Caprington Castle has lately received great additions ; and a number of trees have been transplanted in the grounds, according to Sir Henry Steuart’s manner; but they are too much dotted instead of being grouped. We were very sorry to find here, that the gardener had recently had his cow taken from him; and we saw the carpenters at work fitting up his cow-house as a fruit-room, after having, for nearly 25 years, lodsed a cow for the same individual, the gardener. What
5 : Cae: a reward for a faithful servant of 25 years’ standing !
g
Most substantial gardening erections, stable offices, and a commodious and handsome gardener’s house, have been lately erected at Williamsfield, by Mrs. Farley, a lady who, as we were informed, possesses great kindness and liberality of disposition. We regretted to see the park spoiled by dotting ; but perhaps it is not yet toolate: and if Mr. Cooper, the gardener, a most willing and excellent man, will send us a correct plan of the trees, and other objects, as they now stand, we will return it to him gratis, with corrections.
The grounds at Loudon Castle are greatly improved, in as far as respects planting and farming; but the full share of expense and attention does not seem to have been devoted to the kitchen-garden and pleasure-ground, probably from the family seldom or never residing there.
Eglinton Castle is placed in a dull flat situation, surrounded by abundance of wood, including some very large beeches. There is an extensive kitchen-garden, and many hundred feet of hot-houses; but, in consequence of the minority of the owner, the grounds are not kept up as they ought to be. There is a gardener’s house, all frontage and show, but very small and inconvenient within.
Ardgowan is finely situated on a knoll, which has once been the highest point of an island in the Clyde. In the front is a terrace-walk, commanding extensive views; but we do not like the placing of the clumps on the lawn; because the principle of a sufficient reason is not obvious. The kitchen- garden is in a low damp situation, and is now undergoing a system of drainage.
Villa Residences. 11
At Erskine, a house in the church Gothic style, and on a most extensive scale, has been set down in a remarkably fine situation on the Clyde. We doubt if it will ever be occupied, as the day for building such houses, either in Scotland or England, is decidedly gone by. ‘The kitchen-garden here is new, and one of the best which we have any where seen. The gardener, Mr. Shiells, has received more prizes for superior fruits and culinary productions than any gardener in the west of Scotland. Here, as at most of the mansion residences above enumerated, the fruit is sold.
Castle Semple is a fine old place, with a magnificent lake, and extensive woods. Some of the oaks, chestnuts, ashes, beeches, sycamores, birches, silver and spruce firs, &c., are remarkably large. The kitchen-garden, by Mr. Hay, is in his most elaborate manner, with water-pipes in the walls, &c.; but we cannot approve of attempting circular work in wooden hot-houses, on account of the expense, and the obstruction of light produced by the converging rafters. Metal houses, however, are not yet popular in Scotland. The gardens here are well managed, by our correspondent, Mr. Lauder, who has the good fortune to be under an excellent master and mistress, Colonel and Mrs. Harvey.
Of Villa Residences we can only notice a few, remarkable either for their beauty, curiosity, garden culture, or keeping.
Castle Dykes is on a romantic spot, overlooking the Nith and the town of Dumfries. ‘The surface is broken, irregular, and rocky; partly from its having been the site of an old castle, and partly from its having served for many years as a quarry to supply red sandstone for the buildings of Dumfries. Nature and accident supplied a few old trees; and the late Mr. Stott, the proprietor, who formed the place, spared no expense in building and gardening, that could contribute to- wards rendering it a little wonder of romantic beauty, as well as a comfortable and elegant residence. ‘This gentleman’s widow, now in America, had a taste for art and also for botany; and to this cireumstance may be traced many beau- ties in the grounds, which it is probable would not otherwise have found a place there, and many rare trees and shrubs not common in this part of Scotland. Mrs. Stott had an ex- cellent collection of house exotics, the greater part of which, however, we were told, she took with her to America. The kitchen-garden is placed in the bottom of what was one of the largest quarries reduced to a level, and covered with suitable soil, brought from a distance. ‘This level is in the form of an oval, and on three sides of it there are steep grass banks, along the top of which is a terrace walk, whence the eye looks
12 General Results of a Gardening Tour : —
down on the garden on one side, and to the pleasure-ground, scenery, and distant country on the other. A great mistake committed here, in our opinion, is that of covering these steep banks with turf, instead of clothing them with low shrubs, such as rhododendrons, and all the genera belonging to that order which do not grow above 4 or 5 ft. high. The effect produced by these shrubs would have been delightful : whereas a grassy bank, too steep to be walked on, not being part of a regular terrace, is of no use in adding to the effect, and is commonplace in itself. The trouble of mowing this exceed- ingly steep bank, we were told, was very great; and the grass, notwithstanding, looked coarse and thin. The walls, offices, and buildings of every description are executed in the most sub- stantial manner, and with an extraordinary degree of attention to neatness, and to the perfection of minute details. Formerly, the whole place was kept in the very highest order; even the floors of the pigsties, we were informed, were scrubbed with white sandstone, like door-steps ; but at present, though still respectable in point of neatness, the walks in the lawn have sunk too deep for the grass edgings; the trees and shrubs have become crowded, and the grass is less frequently mown than it ought to be.
Hannayfield is remarkable for having been laid out by the owner, in a sort of geometric style peculiar to himself. The house, by Mr. Newall, is commodious and most complete in all its details. It commands the grandest and most Italian- like views of any place in the neighbourhood of Dumfries. The grass edgings are, however, pared, and the gravel raked to a degree that filled us with horror. We found here every disposition in the proprietor to make a fine place, except that of taking advice ; and he may be said, in consequence, to have quacked himself. After the kindness which we experienced from Mr. Hannay, it does seem cruel to find fault; but we have too much respect both for him and ourselves to deal in any thing but truth.
At Dalscairth, we were surprised to find some green painted iron bridges, an artificial ruin, and other things, be- longing, as we thought, exclusively to the cockney school.
Goldielee, a secluded spot, backed by high wooded moun- tains, which form at the same time a background to Dal- scairth; is in a state of neglect. <
St. Peter’s, the residence of the Rev. A. Carruthers, at the Gothic chapel, Dalbeattie, is a gem of beauty, formed out of an aggregation of granite boulders (large rounded fragments of stone found on the surface of the soil) and an immense mass of that rock. By covering part of the rock with earth,
Villa Residences. 13
Jeading a winding walk around and over and through among the boulders, and introducing rare and curious plants ane shrubs, especially climbers and trailers, a greatinterest is created as well by the variety of the near objects, as by the character of the distant views. In some places fruit trees and culinary vegetables are introduced in plots, where the soil is sufficiently deep for their growth; and, after following the mazes of the winding path in its various ascents and descents, we have the agreeable contrast of returning by a straight walk by the side of a neatly clipped hedge, which forms the boundary to a pad- dock. So highly do we think of Mr. Carruthers’s taste in landscape-gardening, that we would strongly recommend the neighbouring proprietors, who may propose executing any thing belonging to that art, to endeavour to obtain his opinion; as we feel confident that he would only recommend what every man of taste must approve. We hope our much esteemed friend (if we may take the liberty of so designating a man after our own heart) will excuse our having made these remarks.
Bargally, at the head of a most lovely narrow valley, be- tween hills and mountains whose sides are covered with wood, is not only interesting from its natural beauty, but from the accident of its having been the residence, a hundred years ago, of Sir Robert Heron, one of the greatest botanists of his country and time. He planted many rare trees, of which some fine specimens still remain, and which we shall here- after describe.
In the suburbs of Paisley there are some villas laid out in imitation of the newest taste; but which are liable to all the objections which we have stated in preceding articles. Who- ever knows these villas, and will look at fig. 72. Vol. VIL. p- 401., will understand what we mean.
Kirk-Alloway Cottage, the residence of Mr. Auld, well known both in England and Scotland for the interest which he has taken in the sculptor ‘Thom, and in every thing relat- ing to Burns, and more especially for being the principal cause of the completion of his monument, is situated close by the new bridge of Doon. Within the grounds is Mungo’s Well, so well known to the admirers of the poem “ ‘Tam o’ Shanter ;” and, as the public take a great interest in this spot, which the genius of Burns has rendered classic ground, Mr. Auld allows persons of all classes to pass through his garden to the well. One of the neighbouring gentlemen, on being told this, remonstrated with Mr. Auld on the danger of getting his garden robbed, and was astonished at being in- formed, that in no one instance had it ever happened that a single flower or fruit had been touched. ‘The laird was no
14 General Results of a Gardening Tour.
less astonished at the idea of treating his poorer fellow-coun- trymen with kindness, than he was at their returning this kindness with eratitude.
Crosslee Cottage, near Johnstone, though of less extent than any of the villas we have mentioned, being, in fact, more a cottage than a villa, is a gem as unique in its way as Castle Dykes or St. Peter’s. The cottage is placed on the top of a bank upwards of 200 ft. above the river Gryffe, just at a bend in the stream, and the ground slopes steeply down from the house to a narrow holm, which skirts the margin of the water. On the opposite side the bank is still higher and steeper, and it is covered with old wood from the water’s edge. The sky out- line of these trees, owing to the bend of the river, seems here to rise into a hill, declining both up and down the stream ; and conspiring, as it were, with the bend of the river, to mark out the situation for the cottage. ‘The portion of lawn in front of the dwelling is very small, but it contains a selec- tion of beauties and rarities such as we have not elsewhere seen in Scotland. At the end of the house, the lawn joins a terrace, from which steps descend to another, both supported by masonry; and below is a hanging fruit-garden. There are two other gardens; but we have no time to enter into details. On the whole, Crosslee Cottage is a fine example of the maudtum in parvo in ornamental gardening ; and, of all the places which we saw in Scotland, it has left the strongest impression on our mind: the next strongest was produced by Auchincruive.
Cottage Gardens. — We cannot say much for these in the west of Scotland. They are small, and, with the exception of some about Paisley and other manufacturing places, scarcely any thing is grown in them but. borecole and potatoes : onions and beans are not uncommon, but peas and turnips are rare; and kidneybeans (one of the most profitable of summer vegetables) are scarcely ever grown. At the village of Catrine, in addition to the small gardens behind the cot- tages or street houses, there are several acres feued out, somewhat in the manner of the town gardens of Birmingham and Lancaster ; and in these a variety of culinary vegetables, flowers, and the smaller fruits, are cultivated with care. ‘The gardens attached to the lodges at gentlemen’s seats must not be considered as included in the rude ones above alluded to. These being frequently the gardens of professional gardeners, and in all cases more or less under their eye, are generally ornamented with flowers, and the houses belonging to them with creepers. ‘They are not, however, always very profit- able gardens to the possessors, any more than the lodges
On several Gardens in England. 15
which they are meant to adorn are always comfortable dwell- ings. That part of these lodge gardens where kitchen crops are grown is in general behind the cottage, overshaded by the branches of trees above, and impoverished by their roots beneath. Much of what looks well to a stranger, in the dwellings and appurtenances of those immediately depending on the wealthy classes, is only surface comfort; and, before any thing better can arrive, the rich man must learn to sym- pathise with the whole of human nature, or the poor man to protect himself.
Art. II. Odservations on several Gardens in England. By Mr. W. SanveErs.
(Continued from Vol. VIII. p. 551.)
TRAFALGAR House, the Seat of Earl Nelson. — July 3. Situated on the opposite bank of the river Avon to Long- ford Castle. ‘The park is well wooded, and contains some fine old timber. ‘The mansion is of brick, and stands on_an eminence, which commands a fine and picturesque view of a large tract of country, with the river winding its way in the distance on the south-western side. ‘The idea struck my mind how easily the whole adjacent scenery might be appropriated as its own by a little judicious planting, to the total exclusion of the now partially to be seen seats in the immediate neighbourhood, and the opening of vistas where most desirable. A hint or two from Sir Henry Steuart would not be unserviceable here, where nature seems to be waiting for a finishing touch. I am persuaded that a few bold strokes froma masterly genius would go far to raise this place to no mean station among its compeers. ‘The gardens have not the good fortune to boast of an advantageous site, having been crammed away, as it were, in a dungeon, as not worth caring for; being “ squatted” down in a low marshy spot by the side of the river, thus almost precluding the possibility of obtaining any thing like a good tree, much more a crop of the finer stone fruits, and thereby doing away with one great source of gratification from the garden, while, from the want of such produce, the poor gardener is too often brought in guilty, in the judgment of his master. An ex- ceedingly good situation might have been chosen for a kitchen- garden within 500 yards of the present site, and one at the same time sufficiently removed from the mansion to have been entirely excluded from the view; but, through some
16 Observations on several
oversight, or want of skill, in the outset, a great expense has been incurred in the building of walls, hot-houses, sheds, &c., and all to little or no purpose. ‘The place was in tolerable keeping, considering the little assistance that was allowed to the gardener; but the present proprietor, I believe, is not distinguished for any great love of horticulture.
Norman Court, the Residence of Baring Wall, Esq. — July 3. This is an extremely well kept place; the gardens and grounds generally indicating that no small degree of attention is be- stowed upon them: but, indeed, under the care of such an intelligent man as Mr. Hughes, with any thing like a moderate share of support, they could not fail to present a scene of order and neatness. Here I saw some remarkably fine clusters of white muscadine grapes, far surpassing any I have before observed, either in point of handsome cluster or large berry. Mr. Hughes has got a peculiarly good method in managing his Alpine strawberries, by which he retards their bearing to August, when his crop is fit for the table, and continues so to the middle of November. ‘This he accomplishes by plucking off the first and second show of flower-stems, and allowing the third to come to perfection. To prevent the rain from splashing the dirt upon the fruit, flint stones are closely laid underneath the foliage, which not only keeps the fruit dry and clean, but, I doubt not, accelerates its ripening. In connection with the flower-garden, which is tastefully laid out, and well stocked with a choice collection of showy and rare plants, there are some very romantic walks leading through the woods adjoining the mansion, whence, occasionally, a beautiful peep of rich country opens to the view, varied by the thickly wooded rising ground to the west. ‘The stove and conservatory are well filled by a goodly number of excellent plants in high health and keepmg. ‘The Cactus family is well managed. Mr. Hughes succeeds in flowering Céreus truncatus better than I have generally seen it, and at almost any season of the year. He places the plants immediately under the glass roof of the stove, where they have light and heat in abundance; and, having various sets of them in preparation, he thus obtains a prolonged season of this beautiful flower.
July 5.— Batts, Esq., has a small place on the west bank of the Avon. ‘The gardens here possess very little to attract, with the exception of some good fig trees in full bear- ing, and a house of superior black Hamburgh grapes. The frames contained a good crop of melons, many of them very large. In the pleasure-grounds I observed some very fine specimens of cedars, larches, and pines.
_ After leaving this place, I called at Colonel Baker’s, in Salisbury ; a place which, before entering it, one might sup-
Gardens in England. 17
pose, could present nothing attractive, from its being appa- rently situated in the centre of the city: but the contrary is the case; for you are ushered into a large piece of ground, laid out with great taste as a pleasure-garden, and so arranged as that all the surrounding objects, except the beautiful spire of the cathedral, are completely hid, so that one may at once fancy oneself in the country. ‘This place was then under the able direction of the late Mr. Shennan, formerly gardener at Gunnersbury House, a well known pine-grower, and a man of very superior abilities. His pines were looking extremely well when I saw them; and we had some very handsome fruit in various stages of growth. Several specimens of hot-house climbers were in high perfection; such as Combretum pur- pureum, Passiflora Bonapartea, &c. Some specimens of Ixora coccinea were also well worthy of notice. ‘The grounds were bespangled with ornamental and rare plants ; but the kitchen- garden department was confined to a small space, and evidently looked on as of minor importance. ‘The crops, &e., were, how- ever, by no means deficient, and the whole place was character- ised by neat and orderly keeping. I remain, Sir, &c.
Wm. SANDERS. Laurence Hill Nursery, Bristol, Dec. 15. 1832.
Art. Ill. A Visit to the Gardens of T. A. Knight, Esq. By Mr. Joun PEARSON.
Sir,
KNOWING you are anxious to receive reports of different gardens, I beg to inform you that I again visited Downton Castle, September 7. Among the many things worthy of notice, Mr. Knight showed me his Persian melons. ‘Those grown in pots are certainly very good; but those that are grown in (what I shall call) his patent melon pit are much the best. This pit is built on the plan of heating cold air by passing it through flues heated with dung linings, the prin- ciple of which plan Mr. Knight has before described. I mention it here, because I think the melons will surpass those grown in pots, owing to the roots of the plants, in the former case, not being exposed to the variations of the atmosphere of the house, pit, &c.
Mr. Knight’s pines are looking very well: he considers them much better flavoured than those grown in the usual way. He cuts them when quite green (that is, before they show the least appearance of colour), as they are the best
Vou. IX. — No. 42. c
18 Horticultural Jottanda
flavoured at that time, when grown according to Mr. Knight’s plan. I tasted a fruit of the green olive pine, which was as green as a leek, but of the finest flavour Iever tasted. At the same time, I have no hesitation in saying that pines grown in the usual way are never better than when just beginning “to turn,” as gardeners term it. Mr. Knight has quantities of seedling pears, plums, potatoes, hybrid melons, &c.; but what I wish more particularly to inform my brother-gardeners of are some seedling nectarines, which, I think, ought to be in every gentleman’s garden as soon as it is possible for them to be procured.
The Downton nectarine is undoubtedly the best of these seedlings : it is a most beautiful fruit, large in size, oblong in shape, firm in the flesh, excellent in flavour, and with the stone small. The next in quality is the Althorp seedling; a very good nectarine, but not so large as the Downton: it more resembles the old Elruge, but is not so stringy in the flesh as that long-esteemed nectarine. ‘There is another, the name of which I have forgotten (not having taken any notes), which is nearly equal to the Downton in flavour, but differs widely in shape.
Although I have thus volunteered my humble opinion on these nectarines, I feel assured that gardeners will be very fond of them, from the good appearance of the trees on the walls; and that gentlemen and ladies will appreciate their excellence from their most delicious flavour, which far sur- passes the Murrey, and all the old favourites.
I am, Sir, yours, &c. Kinlet Hall Gardens, Sept. 1832. JoHn PEarson.
ArT. IV. Horticultural Jottanda of a recent Continental Tour. By Roserr Matter, Jun. Esq.
(Continued from Vol. VIII. p. 526.)
On looking over my last jottanda, I find some corrections to make, which I send you *, and many omissions, which I would now fill up, but that I should have to bring the reader back to where we started. I propose, however, when we
* Page 521. line 8. from the bottom, for “ expeditious” read “ expe- ditus” (Latin, light-armed). P. 521. 1.6. from the bottom, for “ these” read “ this.’ P.523. 1.11. for “ engrafted” read “ ungrafted”’ P. 523. 1, 25. for “ wonders” read “ wondrous.” P.525. 1. 14., “ Trois Journées” is properly translated “ three days of battle.” P. 526. 1.19. for “stormy” read “snowy.” P.526. 1.25. for “ seventy feet deep” read “ seventeen feet deep.”
of a recent Continental Tour. 19
have finished our rapid travels in company, if so it should happen, to give a slight sketch of the statistics of each coun- try passed over, so far as they are applicable to the general subject of this Magazine, in which such vacancies can be supplied.
Having arrived at Geneva, I shall, before proceeding farther, give the following list of such plants as I observed by the wayside, on the road from Paris to that city, by Dijon, &c. Most of them I was enabled to collect specimens of by walking up the hills ; which may always be done provided the traveller takes his place on the outside, or in the coupée, and secures the good offices of the conducteur by a small gra- tuity. Some of the plants, however, I cannot be absolutely certain of, as far as regards species, having only seen them from the diligence; and plants are not things that ‘ he who runs may read.”
Santolina incana, Tussilago alpina, Cacalia alpina, Acanthus mollis; 4'llium, two or three species, not in flower ; Gladiolus communis; Laéthyrus tuberdsus, also seen in cultivation for its large and esculent tubers; Spartium janceum; Sédum, many species, particularly Anacampseros and_ villosum ; Sempervivum arachnoideum, A'nthemis Pyréthrum, Melissa officinalis, Campanula grandiflora [ Platycodon A. Dec. grandi- florum A. Dec.], C. Spéculum [Specularia 4. Dec. Spécu- lum A. Dec], and another species, which I could not recog- nise; Dianthus barbatus, Rhododéndron ferrugineum (on Jura), Nigélla arvénsis, ZAthyrus praténsis, Achilléa Millefolium, Medicago lupulina (very common), Cichorium Z'ntybus, Aconitum Napéllus, Adonis vernalis, Bryonia alba, Juniperus Sabina, J. Ox¥cedrus, Clématis Vidrna, 7Zrifolium répens, Plantago lanceolata.
There was also occasionally, but rarely, a plant which I took for an Z*chium, but of which I was unable to collect a specimen.
Such are a few of the plants from the immense flora of France ; which are not given as a complete list of those to be found between Paris and Geneva, but merely to show the young gardener that some botanical knowledge may be snatched up even while whirling along on the diligence.
We now return to Geneva. The ground on which the town is built is hilly, which makes most of the streets tortu- ous and pénible [tiring]. ‘The houses are high, from five to six stories in general, and are not unfrequently deformed by shed roof arcades, supported by clumsy wooden posts, which reach to the top of the house ;, most of the streets are
rather narrow ; the pavement, however, is good. , a2
20 Horticultural Jottanda
There are numerous fountains, supplied by fourteen pumps, each of 11 in. diameter, wrought by the rushing waters of the Rhone, the whole of the machinery of which is made of wood. Yet they discharge water at the height of 100 ft. ‘The water- wheel, which is, of course, undershot, is enclosed in a dark wooden shed, standing, as the whole structure does, on wooden piles in the water. ‘The only light admitted into this shed is through and a little above the surface of the water; and the flashing and foaming of the bright blue water in the darksome gloom produces an effect almost magical.
Two wooden bridges cross the Rhone, which divides the — town into two parts, and, with the adjacent extremity of Lake Leman, insulates one of them.
The principal street runs nearly parallel with one of these branches, and near it a new quay is now being built for the small craft, which ply upon the lake, to moor at. From this lower part of the town there is but little view: but, on ascend- ing to the terrace walks, at the most elevated part possible, the view is extremely magnificent. It overlooks the whole city with its picturesque and scattered roofs, and its cathedral built on the spot where once stood a pagan temple of the sun. ‘The deep blue lake, stretching until the villages on its beautiful shores dip below the horizon; and with an atmo- sphere so pure, that village and church, tower and hamlet, piercing through the forestry, are seen as clear at forty miles’ distance as at five in our murkier clime.
Jura’s lofty ridge, clothed almost throughout with dark pine forests, on one side, on the other the everlasting Alps, enwrapped in clouds and snow, embrace the matchless land- scape. Between them and the lake, on which many a sail expands its placid wing, terraces of nature’s sloping smile with every variety of sylvan beauty and rural elegance, and rejoice in an educated gentry and an intellectual and contented peasantry. -
Geneva is wholly surrounded with walls and trenches, across which, in one place, a light and elegant wire suspension bridge is built; in the neighbourhood of which is the observatory, a small building, surmounted by two hemispherical domes of tin. The use of tin, that is, tinned sheet iron, is universal through- out Switzerland, for covering roofs, for eave shoots, trunks, &c.; and nothing can show more fully the exquisite purity and great dryness of the air, than that, in such exposed situ- ations, it retains its fine silvery lustre for years. By a mistaken and miserable parsimony, tin has been of late occa- sionally used for such purposes in these countries, even for
of a recent Continental Tour. 9]
government works, and in a short time presents nothing but a few shreds of rusty iron.
Geneva has always been the peculiar abode of political and religious freedom; and, even now, the inhabitants approach nearer to those healthy and peculiarly English habits of mind, which free institutions produce, than perhaps any other people on the Continent.
An admirable system of public instruction and public reward is, and has long been, in operation ; and its effects are manifest even on the lowest orders.
In fine, “ were the world all before me where to choose” to anchor my bark of life, that choice should be at Geneva.
In this rapid sketch, we must pass over any description of its library, with the homilies of St. Augustine, written on papyrus of the sixth century, its museum, with all the labours of Saussure and De Luc, and all the tempting glories of its elegant bijouterie, &c., to make an excursion to Ferney, and visit all that remains of the abode of him
« Who was all fire and fickleness; a child Most mutable in wishes; but, in mind, A wit as various, gay, grave, sage, or wild, — Historian, bard, philosopher combined.” —need I say, of Voltaire ?
The way from Geneva is through a rich and highly culti- vated country; corn and pasture, chestnuts and orchards, and here and there a vine or fig tree, embroider the face of nature into a garden. Well kept fences and hedge- rows skirt the shady roads, which not a little resemble some of the finer parts of our own country. The house in which Voltaire so long resided, where, he drew around him the learned and the noble of every nation, and where he re- ceived the ambassadors of the Russian empress, is now a tenantless mansion, the desolate goal of travelling curiosity.
“¢ Decay’s effacing fingers ” press heavily on all around: the house is disfurnished, save of some mouldy pictures, a few chairs and tables, and a bed, said to have been Voltaire’s. The grounds were laid out in the old French style of garden- ing. A straight avenue, many of the trees of which have fallen to decay, leads to the house.
The garden consists at present but of a long straight berceau[ bower walk of beeches, rampant and unclipped, where many of those works were composed which, while they de- lighted by their wit, poisoned the very sources of human morals. This walk, which commands a noble view of the high Alps, was the favourite musing-place of Voltaire.
Near the house is a circular fountain basin, half choked
c 3
22 Horticultural Jottanda
with rubbish and leaves, whose jet d’eau has long ceased to murmur; adark green moss covering every walk, and the old bosquet [thicket] is a jungle of weeds.
The reflections suggested by visiting this spot are any thing but pleasant. Perhaps no man ever attained greater literary popularity during his lifetime than Voltaire: in fact, his death was caused by overwhelming admiration and public honours; yet few men’s memories are dwelt on with less sym- pathy, or fewer praises. Among all that deserves repre- hension, it is consolatory to find some traits related that bespeak benevolence of disposition. All that deserves praise in his voluminous writings is his poignant wit, and the elegant speciousness with which he was able to clothe the weakest sophistry. But he has made no discoveries, and has added nothing to the stock of human knowledge; and, however he may have been instrumental in promoting the misery, it is certain he has devised nothing to increase the happiness, of man. [Our own opinion of Voltaire, and of the good done by him, differs widely from that of our correspondent. ]
A steam-boat now plies upon Lake Leman, from and to Geneva, touching at most of the principal towns upon the shores of this magnificent sheet of water. This lake, certainly the most beautiful and one of the most extensive in Europe, is of nearly the shape of a half-moon, the convex side of which is towards the north. It is about eighteen leagues in length, and four in breadth; its depth varies from 40 ft. to 900 ft. ; its height above the level of the sea is about 1000ft. It receives the waters of upwards of forty rivers, of which the Rhone is the largest. Owing to its great average depth, it never freezes, except near the edge in very severe winters. Similar agitations to those once observed in Loch Tay, in Scotland, have been seen in it; namely, sudden rising and falling of the waters, at particular spots, above and below their usual level, succeeded by oscillations, until they return-to their ordinary situations. This phenomenon may arise either from landslips, so to speak, taking place under the water ; that is to say, large masses of debris detached by the water falling from the sides of subaqueous precipices, or from the water suddenly forcing its way into large cavities or sub- aqueous caverns, which, from the nature of the strata, are not unlikely to exist_in Lake Leman. It contains a great many species of fish. I have not had an opportunity of examining the washes of its shores; but from their mineral composition, at least on the Jura side, they do not seem likely to afford a very rich botanical harvest.
There is but a single islet in the lake, so small as to be
of a recent Continental Tour. 23
probably but the pinnacle of an immerged mountain; two or three bushes grow on it, nevertheless: it is nearly opposite the rocks of La Meilleraye.
It was a morning of exulting sunshine and loveliness when we sailed from Geneva for Villeneuve, and so for some time it remained; but alas! fine weather, that most essential of all comforts to the traveller, soon deserted us. Behind the snowy Alps, that relieved themselves in dazzling whiteness, against the clear blue sky, a colossal nimbus, dark as despair, gradually rose, with rag@ed, whitish, thundery-looking rack sweeping about beneath it. Up it rose, and, with the rapidity of the lowering of the footlights in a theatre, it threw a cold gloominess over the before sunny landscape. The clear blue lake became black as ink. The great cloud now covered the whole heaven. ‘The rack seemed violently agitated over the crest of Jura. A few large heavy spitting drops of rain fell upon the deck of the steamer; a bright blinding flash of light- ning, and almost instantly a deafening thunder, that seemed to shake the very timbers of the ship, burst above us, and rumbled away in reiterated reverberations from crag to crag.
* Quo maxima motu Terra tremit, fugére feree, et mortalia corda Per gentes humilis stravit payor.”
* Barth feels the motions of her angry god: Her entrails tremble, and her mountains nod; And flying beasts in forests seek abode: Deep horror seizes every human breast ;
Their pride is humbled, and their fear confess’d.” Dryden's trans.
Down came the rain; and such rain as, in force and heaviness, I never saw equalled ; —
“ Fervetque fretis spirantibus aquor.”
“ And rocks the bellowing voice of boiling seas rebound.” Dryden's trans,
After about an hour, its extreme violence subsided; the clouds descended gradually to about within 100 ft. of the surface of the lake, and there they hung for the rest of the day, copiously distilling a thick, small, drenching rain, something of the Scotch mist order.
However, underneath this pluviose canopy, and that of an umbrella, we were enabled to see, though not to advantage, the many picturesque chateaus and villages past which we swept : — Copet, Lausanne, Vevay, Clarens ; names ever asso- ciated with the undying fame of De Staél, Gibbon, and Rous-
seau. a 4
24: Horticultural Jottanda
“ Lake Leman lies by Chillon’s walls: A thousand feet in depth below Its massy waters meet and flow ; Thus much the fathom line was sent From Chillon’s snow-white battlement, Which round about the wave enthralls ;”’ and beyond which the beetling brow of the mountain over- hangs, in almost perpendicular abruptness, yet clothed, for the most part, with a rich verdure of ivy and procumbent shrubs. Small seems the height of that lofty ‘ donjon,” ‘when matched against the loftier rock, that seems to frown haughtily upon it, the ancient abode of feudal tyranny, where once the magnanimous and patriotic Bonnivard chafed in un- just imprisonment. !
We arrived at Villeneuve tolerably soaked, and hav- ing had the comfortable assurance from one of those oracular personages sometimes met with, that there was no chance of the rain giving over for a week at least, and that there was small chance ef our being able to get into Italy, as the Sim- plon was mined, and an Austrian army of observation on the
- Italian side. We shall see how these matters turned out by and by. I mention this, as a caution to young travellers like myself not to swallow all they hear, or to rule their actions by the gossip of every chance camerado [companion].
From Villeneuve a singular conveyance, intended as a stage coach, but very like a modern hearse, with leathern sides, and benching along them, and moreover a kind of narrow table along the middle, which seemed to concentrate the rain that poured through the roof upon our knees, started with us for the little town of Bex, pronounced Bay, and celebrated for its salt brine springs, which, as a wag once said, must be day salt. The road lay through a fine valley, completely flooded over, the trees alone standing out of the muddy water; and the road so obliterated, that we more than once ran the danger of being upset. Arrived at Bex, we hired a calash to carry us on to St. Maurice, which we arrived at just as it became dark. We stopped to change our horses in the main street; and in a second or two a party of twelve or fourteen men, with lanterns and poles, accosted us, with the pleasant intelligence, that the torrents had broken up the road to Martigny in many places, and that the Rhone had so uprooted and overflowed it, near the Pisse-Vache, as to render it extremely dangerous; and they wished to know whether we would have their escort.
After endeavouring to find out what were the real difficulties of the way, we agreed to their offer; and, having obtained our change of steeds, we began to move slowly on, accom-
of a recent Continental Tour. 25
panied by our jacks-o’-the-lantern. We had not proceeded above a mile, when the noise of rushing water began to be heard, and presently we encountered the first, and, as it after- wards turned out, the worst torrent. At a place where the road was cut upon the declivity of a hill, which on one side rapidly declined, but on the other was a gentle but broken slope, a tremendous rain torrent was discharging itself over the road. It had already carried above two feet deep of shining slaty stone out over the road for the length of fifty or sixty paces; and in some places it had excavated deep hollows. At the other side of the road the water fell with prodigious noise over the abrupt bank; so that, in fact, it was the head of a temporary cataract.
Some of the guides seized the horses by their heads; the rest stood fast at each side of the carriage; the driver whipped the frightened animals; and we rushed in. But, before we had passed over ten feet, one of the wheels sunk into a gully, so deep as to require the utmost exertions of the guides to prevent its upsetting; which, had it happened, we and it would assuredly have been washed down the abrupt bank over which the torrent rolled. For some time the carriage remained immovable, and was every moment becoming less mobile, from the wedging of the stones into the spokes of the wheels, which we could hear over the noise of the water rattling and clashing along the bottom. ‘The torrent here was of a depth and force that rendered standing in it difficult, and falling destruction ; so that our unstable equilibrium in our carriage, lying nearly on -its beam ends, in the momentary expectation of a ducking, was by no means agreeable. However, a sud- den and united exertion of our guides and horses dragged us out of the gully, and we got in a second or two out of the main rush, and soon after on dry land again. We passed two or three similar, but less formidable torrents, before we came to where the whole breadth of the valley seemed, as far as we could judge by the light, or rather the darkness, to be entirely flooded. ‘The rain had now ceased ; and through the water we were dragged, the guides poking out the road with lantern and pole. In a short time we began to hear the hoarse brayings of the swollen Pisse-Vache. The guides, whenever they communicated with one another, spoke pafors, which was unintelligible to us; but it soon became apparent, by their hesitation, that they had lost the road track, which, I suppose, was, as roads in the Swiss valleys usually are, without side fences. However, we got on without accident, if not without danger, until we came close opposite the cataract ; and then the water became so deep that we came to a full
26 Horticultural Jottanda
stop, while the guides endeavoured to find out the track. — It was still very dark; but on our right, apparently at about 150 yards’ distance, we could dimly discern the whitish column of the foaming fall, and occasionally the wind wafted its wet- ting spray against our faces, and the water we were in was a deep and rapid eddying current. After a delay of about a quarter of an hour, during which our driver answered all our enquiries with ‘* sacres, ” and saintly invocations, the guides returned, having rediscovered the road a little farther on, lying high and dry, which by a lateral movement we soon gained, and then found that, in the way we were going, we stood a chance of a shower-bath beneath the Pisse-Vache itself, if not of a worse fate.
Here we dismissed our hardy guides with thanks and suit- able remuneration; and, with a grateful “ bon sozr,” they pre- pared at once to return to St. Maurice by the way we had come. ‘The hardiness and endurance of the Swiss peasantry is truly admirable; and it is most worthy of being borne in mind, that in no instance will a peasant seek to be employed as a guide, on such occasions as this, unless his assistance is necessary, which, when offered, should, consequently, be always accepted.
At about three o’clock in the morning we arrived safely at Martigny, wet, cold, and uncomfortable, and got into bed.
Such was our first day’s journey in the Alps. ‘The amount of debris carried down by the torrents of one heavy day’s rain in the Alps is inconceivable. I shall be enabled, in the progress of this little tour, to adduce some remarkable in- stances of these and similar phenomena, which Lyell has so ably illustrated, and founded thereon his geological system.
‘The morning appeared again, with all the beauty of the preceding one; and nought remained of the previous day’s inundation visible, but some muddy pools in the meadows, and the swollen Drance, rolling turbidly along past the town.
Martigny, said to be the ancient “* Octodurum,” stands at the extremity of a level and fertile valley, surrounded by lofty mountains. ‘Ihe Drance coming from the passes of the Great St. Bernard, which we will hereafter describe, sweeps past on its way to join the Rhone farther down the valley. Imme- diately behind the town, boldly perched upon a projecting shoulder of the mountain, stands the ruins of the old castle of La Bathia, once a bishop’s palace. The town itself is a scattered irregular collection of houses of the meaner sort : the new square, however, has some in better style, and shows a marked improvement in taste; some of the streets are
of a recent Continental Tour. 27
tolerably well paved; and, in common with every Swiss vil- lage, or even chalet, it has got its fountains of crystalline water, which are usually supplied from elevated mountain springs, conducted through wooden pipes. In Martigny I first observed the custom, common throughout many parts of Switzerland, of hanging mistletoes over the house doors; a superstition for which I have not been able to get any reason rendered. Martigny, although sadly injured by the inun- dation of the Drance in 1818, a catastrophe which we shall more fully touch upon when treating of St. Bernard, is a rising little town, from its convenient situation for Alpine tourists, and the celebrity it has acquired from having been Napoleon’s head-quarters, attracting travellers.
The valley of the Rhone, at the extremity of which it stands, is one of the deepest in Switzerland, surrounded, as it is, by mountains of great altitude, and its bottom but little more than 1000 ft. above the level of the sea. We may here remark an instance of the analogy that always subsists between the magnitude of rivers and the depth of the valleys in which they rise. One of the first objects that arrested my eye in Martigny was a crétin, or person afflicted with goitre. It was the first I had ever seen; and, as it happened to be a very bad case, it made a powerful impression on me. Perhaps, of all the ills that flesh is heir to,” none is more humiliating in the spectacle it presents of mind and body. As this disease has been the subject of much controversy in the learned world, and as few people are to be met with that have a correct notion of it, a short account of it, I presume, will not be out of place. Indeed, it seems to me that although this is intended chiefly for the use of gardeners, yet to exclude every thing but gardening from it, would be like a gardener tra- velling with his eyes obstinately shut, except when he was informed that a garden was in view.
The disease called goitre, and by physicians broncho- cele, is seated in the glands of the throat, affecting, chiefly, the thyroid gland. Its appearance is that of a swelling, varying in size from a walnut to 20 or 25lbs. weight. The protuberance generally remains of the usual colour of the skin; but in bad cases it becomes of a livid red, and some- times suppurates. It is sometimes congenite, and frequently appears in after-life. It is not wholly confined to man; dogs and other quadrupeds have been observed labouring under it.
It is not confined to Switzerland, but is or has been found in some parts of Italy, in Sumatra, in Tartary, in the East Indies, at Dresden, and in Derbyshire. It has been said not
28 Horticultural Jottanda.
to be indigenous at a greater elevation than about 4000 ft. above the level of the sea; but this is much disputed.
The swelling of the throat affects women and children much more than men. Except in extreme cases, it is never painful, and then it is always attended with idiotcy more or less com- plete. I have scarcely seen a woman in Switzerland that has not an unusual fulness of flesh about the throat, which, although not deformed, seemed to have a tendency to goitre. Foreigners are not supposed liable to it.
When incision is made into the diseased gland, it is found cellular, and filled with a viscous fluid, occasionally containing portions of calcareous or siliceous concretion. Various causes have been assigned for this remarkable affection; the principal of which are the following :— 1st, ‘That it is caused by drink- ing snow water. 2dly, By drinking water impregnated with, or holding in solution, siliceous or calcareous matter, which the water from glaciers generally is, although sometimes quite transparent. Sdly, That itis produced by the ardent heat and stagnation of the air of the valleys which is the opinion of Saussure. 4thly, That it is produced by an imperfect oxy- genation of the blood, from the rarity of the atmosphere in highly elevated countries affording a less quantity of oxygen to the blood, ina given time, than a denser atmosphere would. To all these theories cogent objections have been made, and the question still is matter of dispute. It is asserted, however, that of late the exhibition of iodine, as a remedy for the dis- ease, lias been attended with almost universal success.
The chief objections to the first supposition is, that snow water differs in nothing from common water but in temperature. and that goitres are found where snow is unknown. ‘To the second, that in the majority of cases no secretion of solid or earthy matter is found in the gland. To the third, that the disease is found existing under various climates and states of the atmosphere. And to the fourth, that the rapidity of respiration is accelerated in a rare atmosphere, to compensate for the diminished supply of oxygen.
However, amidst all this speciousness, the most universal coexistence, and probable cause of goitre, is: the drinking water loaded with earthy matter, which is the case with almost all the water of Switzerland; and, from my own observation, I know that the peasants pay no attention to what water they drink. I have seen them drinking the water of the Aar, a glass of which, when laid by, soon deposits a large quantity oF silex, and after some time an impalpable precipitate of tuta.
Idiotey, as one of the frightful attendants on the disorder,
On the Emigration of Gardeners. 29
has been attempted to be accounted for by supposing earthy secretions lodged in the brain as well as in the glands of the throat. Silex has been found in the pineal gland of idiots.
One remarkable fact respecting crétins remains to be noticed. ‘They are esteemed by their parents dlessings ; they are even said to prefer idiotic children, conceiving them the peculiar gifts of God, and certain of future felicity, because incapable of wilful sm. ‘These idiots are frequently married, and are always carefully tended in all their wants by their rela- tions. It is at least fortunate for these poor objects that such a superstition prevails. ‘They usually bask in the sun all the summer long, and are seldom employed at any occupation, however unintellectual. * .
In next Number we propose passing through the Téte Noir into Chamouny, &c. 5
Roserr Mater,
Art. V. On the Emigration of Gardeners to the United States of America. By BENJAMIN Poore, Esq., of New York. Sir,
In your Number for June last, your correspondent, now in this country (Vol. VIII. p. 288.), wonders you should advise gardehers and others to emigrate hither; and you very pro- perly give my name in the margin (p. 289.) as the person from whom you received the information as to price of wages, board, &c.
Understanding your correspondent was in Albany, I have endeavoured to see him; not doubting, from what I had heard of him as a gentleman, he would be open to conviction, and correct, in his next letter, the mistake he had laboured under when he wrote to you last: but, he having left Albany, for the purpose of purchasing a farm, as I was informed, it was impossible for me to procure his address; and I must, therefore, beg of you to publish as much of this letter as you may deem proper, in answer to him. I am anxious for this, as, after the reception I met with from every class of society with which I came in contact during my sojourn in the land of my forefathers (it being universally marked with frank hospitality without the smallest claim to it, although at the risk which always attends the bestowing confidence 7 advance upon a stranger), I should feel very unwilling (partial as I am
* Information on cases of goitre, and opinions on the causes of it, will be found in the Magazine of Natural History, vol. ii. p. 403. ; vol. ii. p. 191. 446. 470.; vol. iv. p. 86. 89.—J. D.
30 On the Emigration of Gardeners
to America, though still proud of my English ancestors) to make any statement that would not be realised by every per- son emigrating here. I hope ever to remember, with grati- tude and respect, the many acts of kindness which myself and family received while among you; and shall always endeavour to promote the wishes of all who visit this country, either for a short period or a permanent residence. Numerous enquiries were made of us, while in Europe, as to the class of people most benefited by emigration ; and those enquiries often pro- ceeded from persons who, like yourself, had no wish to emi- grate themselves, but who are devoted to the welfare of the whole community, and desirous of imparting facts to such as have not the means of obtaining them by personal observation. To these enquiries my reply was always the same. To those who have a competent income to live in England, and no desire to increase the property intended for their heirs, Remain where you are; but to those wishing to increase their property, America opens a wide field in any branch of industry. Should they not wish to attend to any description of business, an opportunity is here presented of investing capital in stocks of various descriptions, or on bond and on mortgages of real estates; by which 6 per cent interest can always be obtained, and oftentimes 7 and 8, and sometimes 12 per cent per an- num. ‘To all who labour for a livelihood, and particularly if they have families, I say, Come without fail; and, should you meet with every obstacle imagination could picture, and you should, in fact, enjoy less of the comforts of life than in England, you would have the satisfaction of seeing your children educated, however poor you may be; and to know that the highest offices of honour or profit that a numerous and free people can bestow are within their reach ; and, also, that they are in a country where the standard of morality is higher, although no religious sect has a preference by law, than in any other portion of the world. Most of your readers know the currency of the United States is dollars and cents; 100 cents making one dollar, and 444 cents the par value of the pound sterling. Of course, one shilling sterling is a frac- tion more than 22 cents. Multiply 22 cents by 7 (the num- ber of days in a week), and it makes 154 cents; for which sum, I say (and, from my own personal knowledge, without fear of contradiction), board, lodging, and washing can be ob- tained in any farming section of the twenty-four United States. I have been in twenty-two of the twenty-four, and, always feeling an interest in agriculture, am certain I am not deceived. I never intended to convey the idea that board could be ob- tained in our cities and their immediate vicinity at that price;
to the United States of America. 31
neither did I intend to quote the price of labour in such situations ; as living is higher, and labour also higher. Ihave paid as high prices for accommodations in hotels in this coun- try as I did at the London Coffee-house on Ludgate Hill: that is, however, no rule that a labouring man cannot live for much less here than in England. The labouring man receives as much wages in this country, in addition to board, washing, and lodging, as he obtains in England without either, as at least ninety-nine out of every hundred of the farmers in this country board their labourers; and I doubt much if they would give them 16 cents per day (say 8d.) in addition, if they would board themselves. ‘The living or board generally con- sists of coffee or tea, bread, cheese, butter, and cold meat, morning and night ; warm meat and vegetables, with a tart or pudding, for dinner; with good home-brewed beer or cider. I here subjoin a list of prices, which will enable at least housekeepers to see, and which will account for, the differ- ence in living in the two countries.
I can safely say, I.never knew a single instance of any per- son wishing employment in the agricultural or gardening way, that could not readily find it. We often have emigrants arriving among us like the Irishman, who, soon after landing, saw a half-dollar in the street, but passed it, and observed, he wouid not pick up any thing less than a dollar in America. Such had better not come. An industrious man is as certain to make himself and family comfortable in this country, as the sun is to rise and set. I think I could call on many, now holding respectable rank among us, who would say they had not the value of one pound when they arrived here. ‘The spring is the best time to find employ at the highest rates ; but the host of gardeners you have sent out, or rather those who have brought letters to me, have, I believe, without ex- ception, found employ immediately. ‘The Messrs. Prince are always ready to extend a helping hand to those coming out of season, by giving them employ in their extensive establish- ment, if at a low price, to begin with. If they prove compe- tent, places are always to be had; and a character from them (being so well known here) is much more advantageous than any they can bring; although it is best always to encourage their bringing certificates, not only of a competent knowledge of their profession, but of good moral character. I employ English and Scotch farmers and gardeners entirely, and pre- fer them: not that they work faster, but that, always being accustomed to one kind of work, they execute it better, and generally work more days in the year. One word more as to board. I know an instance where six men were employed on
32 Hints to Gardeners wishing to emigrate
a farm for one year, and every article consumed charged ; and also fuel, rent of house, wages paid the maid for cooking and washing, &c.; which amounted, for twelve months, to 347 dollars and 42 cents, or about 112 cents per week each, or 16 cents (about 8d.) per day. I now annex the market prices of articles here, and also in the interior.
gD Gh Soins Flour, per 200lbs. - City 1 0 0 Country 18 0 Wheat, per bushel - -0 4 6 2 = AB G Rye - - - -0 3 0 - - 2 0 Oats - - -0 1 6 - = 40 Indian corn - -0 2 0 - =o 40 Loaf sugar, 6d. to 8d. ' Jamaica spirit, 5s. Brown sugar, 4d. to 5d. Domestic spirit, 1s. 6d. Coffee, 6d. to 8d. Madeira wine, 7s. to 24s. Candles (tallow), 4d. to 6d. Champagne, 2/. per dozen. Candles (sperm), Is. to 1s. 3d. Common light wines, 8s. per dozen. Candles (wax), 2s. 6d. to 3s. Spanish cigars, 4/. per thousand. Green tea, 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. American cigars, 10s. to 2/. per Black tea, 2s. 6d. to 4s. thousand. Rice, 2d. Tobacco, 3d. to 6d. per lb.
Brandy, Cognac, 5s. to 6s. 6d.
You will observe that I have put down but one list of the prices of groceries: in the country they afford them as low as in the city, as the expense of transportation is small, and their rents and other expenses less. I fear I have tired your patience, but trust your kindness will excuse me.
Iam, Sir, yours, &c. New York, Oct. 15. 1832. BenJAMIN Poort.
Mr. Prince, writing to us on August the 6. 1832, thus adverts to the preceding subject: —“ I notice (Vol. VIII. p. 288.) some remarks about the price of board here, and some difference of opinion. The price for real good farmer’s board for labouring men is | dollar 75 cents ; and for village board for labouring men from | dollar 75 cents to 1 dollar 874 cents, seldom 2 dollars. I speak of this state, and of states east and south as far as the city of Washington : in the western states it is far less. In the city of New York, labourers’ board is usually 2 dollars to 2 dollars 50 cents. The fact is, there is board at every price and kind; but what we speak of is good wholesome board.” — Cond.
Art. VI. Hints to Gardeners wishing to emigrate to the United States of North America. By Mr. G. THorBuRN. Sir, Berne a well-wisher to gardeners, both from principle and interest (as it is by that craft I live), I think I may be of some service to those who intend coming to this country, by letting
to the United States. 33
them know on what footing they must stand on their arrival. We have neither lords spiritual nor temporal in this coun- try, with seventy thousand pounds sterling a year at their back; and who, to assist them in spending so much money, must employ perhaps thirty horsemen, a hundred labourers, and, it may be, thirty gardeners. Every tub here stands on its own bottom, and almost every man is his own gardener; and perhaps not in all America are there three gentlemen who employ two gardeners for the twelve months round. While our present system of government continues, as we have no hereditary estates, and property is consequently always shifting, we never shall have what are called overgrown fortunes. No man is able to“employ ten gardeners in this country; therefore, while the present system continues in Britain, gardeners will meet better encouragement there than in America. Such a thing as head-gardener, a grieve [bailiff], or overseer, is not known in this country, except some of the latter in the southern states, among the blacks.* But, not- withstanding all this, a gardener may live very comfortably in America; single men (that is, such as are not married) are generally engaged by the year, and receive from twelve to fifteen dollars a month, bed, board, and washing. It is ex- pected from them to raise vegetables sufficient to supply the family, to take the care of a few flower-beds, and sometimes a small green-house. If they are careful of their money, by attending church on Sunday, instead of travelling about in steam-boats, chairs, or frequenting ice-cream gardens, they in a few years will have enough to hire a few acres near the city,
* Some of the young cockneys who have visited this country, with more money in their purses than wit in their heads, have returned and got some one to write for them a book, or, as they generally style it, A Journal of their Journey overland in America. These would-be authors, almost without an exception, describe in lively colours (and it is generally the only lively paragraph in the book) the inconsistency of the people and government of America keeping slaves in the south. This charge is true in the abstract ; but these men forget, or perhaps they never knew (as they are not deep read), that these slaves were introduced into America under the reigns of George I, II., and ILI.: rather an inconsistent act of a govern- ment composed of lords spiritual as well as temporal, and kings by the grace of God, defenders of the faith, &c.! So, when the Americans were old enough to govern themselves, they found they were saddled with this last curse of the European dark ages. But there is no way to get quit of them, except they do as the Hessians. and other white slaveholders do in Europe; that is, sell them from one master to another, to be shot at for so much per head. However, they are now sending them back to their Own country as fast as practicable ; and, in the mean time, they eat better, sleep better, are clothed better, and have less hard work, than the white slaves in Birmingham, Manchester, &c. Another generation, I confidently trust, will not find a slave from one end of the Union to the other —G. T.
Vou. IX. — No. 42. D
34 Weekes’s Mode of heating
where they may commence market-gardening for themselves. I have known many who in a few years have established them- selves very comfortably in this way; and as land is cheap, and neither poor’s rates nor tithes to pay, if they mind their own business, they will get along very quietly. But I would not advise a gardener who has a family to come here, except he can bring with him 100 or 200 guineas ; for it often happens that some months go over his head before he gets into a situation. In the mean time, it takes considerable sums to support his family. If he has no children, and his wife understands taking care of a dairy, they may both get employed, and live in the same house with the family; he managing the garden, and she the dairy: but if he has sons grown up, or of the age of 18 or 20 years, he might hire a piece of land near the city, and commence raising green-house plants for sale. I have known some do very well in this way, and among them is your worthy friend, Thomas Hogg. But, ifa man come here from principle, he will not regret being put to a little inconvenience, when he reflects that he has delivered his children from the burdens and bondage of Europe, and placed them where their worth and industry will be suitably rewarded. Some of the wise men in Britain, of late years, have been devising plans whereby to stop the growth of the poor population; but in America there is room and sustenance for the whole population of Europe for very many centuries to come. A man wants only health (38 years I have been in New York, and have not been one day confined by sickness), hands, a good character, and a good spade, to work his way in this country. Yours, with respect, New York, Sept. 15. 1832. Grant THORBURN.
Art. VII. On heating Hot-houses by hot Water ; with some Account of anew Mode, the Invention of Mr. Weekes. By Mr. Main. Sir,
As the Gardener’s Magazine is a receptacle for every thing relating to horticulture, I beg to present’a few remarks on the various plans of heating houses by hot water.
Ever since the idea of using hot water as a medium of conveying heat was first entertained, various improvements have been suggested by professional engineers and cthers, ali approaching towards perfection in the form and efficiency of the apparatus employed. The first designs were ebjected to on account of their expensive massiveness, slow action, and
£ot-houses by hot Water. 85
the small saving realised in the article of fuel. ‘These at- tempts requiring nearly a dead level, and being therefore inapplicable to the irregular forms of many previously built hot-houses, soon called for improvements on the principle of conveying the heated fluid. The ascending tendency of heated fluids, and the impulsive effect thereon by cold, directed the artificer in the disposition of his conveying tubes; and by working in unison with these laws of nature, many most suc- cessful improvements have been made. Heating by steam, and admitting it into houses designed for the cultivation of tropical plants, is found to be a good plan; Kewley’s siphon principle answers every moderate purpose of forcing ; Cottam and Hallen’s improved boiler and conveying tubes are also perfectly efficient for pineries, vineries, peach-houses, or for any other similar erections; and Weekes’s flat tubes are par- ticularly convenient in houses built for the propagation and growth of exotic plants: so that it would appear, as every purpose of the forcing-gardener can be obtained by one or other of these several plans, there remains scarcely room for farther amendment.
During the progress of these improvements, however, it soon became manifest that, when apparatus of large dimen- sions and great quantity of water were employed, though more slow in action, and more expensive in fuel, yet, when once thoroughly heated, the required degree of heat was evolved for a much longer time than it would have been by apparatus of a lighter and less capacious construction. This cireum- stance was particularly satisfactory to the anxious gardener, who, from this plan of heating, found that he could confidently take his nightly rest in peace. ‘The reverse of this, also, became appa- rent; namely, that, the smaller the quantity of water used, and
the smaller the size of the boiler and circulating pipes, the more
rapid was the circulation, and consequently the more intense the heat which was evolved. This discovery also combined at the same time cheapness of first cost, economy in fuel, and economy of space; very little room being required for the range of pipes. On this latter principle Mr. Perkins has executed some excellently convenient apparatus, alike credit- able to his genius, and satisfactory to his employers; and, it may be added that, with the addition of a properly constructed safety-valve, if this be practicable, his apparatus, for celerity of effect, and for local and temporary efficiency, stands un- rivalled. ‘This plan, however, is objected to by some gar- deners, because it does not possess that accumulation, or store, of heat, which constituted the chief excellence of the old-
fashioned pipes and boilers. Whether this objection be D 2
36 Weekes’s Mode of heating
valid, or whether Mr. Perkins has made sufficient provision against all the accidents to which such apparatus is liable, does not as yet appear determined by public opinion. But if there be any such thing as a just medium between the fierce and fugitive effects of the light, and the more expensive and dilatory action of the heavy, apparatus ; and if permanence of effect be an indispensable property of such contrivances, in the business of forcing; then we would say that the newly invented boiler and apparatus of Mr. Weekes, horticultural builder, of the King’s Road, Chelsea, promise to be, as stated in the published opinion (Vol. VII. p.595.] of Mr. J. Knight, of the Exotic Nursery, Chelsea (for whom a small one has been erected), more effective than any other plan yet offered to public notice.
This invention, though very different in construction, is evidently a union of Mr. Perkins’s principle of applying the fire, with a new arrangement of the conducting tubes. complicated boiler produces almost instant effect, and the complication of the circulating pipes not. only gives extent of radiating surface, but a sufficient bedy of heated fluid to be depended on, when the manager is asleep. ‘The whole is an obvious improvement of Mr. Weekes’s flat conductors; and the facility with which steam can be admitted into houses thus heated adds greatly to the utility of the plan. The narrow space occupied by Mr. Weekes’s pipes is also a great recommendation, whether as applicable to hot-houses of con- fined dimensions, or to public or private buildings. For the vestibules or halls of large mansions the invention is, more- over, appropriate; as the pipes may be cast into the most elegant shapes, and, with gratings or curtains of brass or other polished metal, the most ornamental pieces of furniture may be designed. ‘The conductors may be carried in any direction, and as well delcw the fireplace as above it.
Whether we have reached, or are only approaching, the acme of this use of fire and water, for the purposes and ad- vancement of gardening, I know not; but, judging from what has already been accomplished, and contemplating the bound- less prospect before us, we may still expect results of which, at present, we have no kind of conception.
J. M. 6, Union Row, Chelsea, October, 1832.
TE principle on which Mr. Weekes’s apparatus acts will be readily understood by the following diagram (jig. 1.), in which ais a section of the fireplace, surrounded by cast-iron tubes, the uppermost of which com-
Fot-houses by hot Water. 37
municates, by means of the upright tube 6, with the open vessel c; and the lowermost is connected in a similar manner by means of the tube d, with one or any number of tubes under the level of the boiler at e. The uppermost of the tubes, at e is connected by the tube f with the open vessel c. Now, all these tubes being so connected as to admit of water circulating freely through them, when a fire is made in a, the heated water ascends by its rarification into the open vessel ¢; and its place in the tubes round the fire is supplied by the colder water from e, through d; the heated water descending to supply its place from the open vessel e, by the tube f. The object gained by this arrangement is, the circulation of water below the level of the boiler, the limits of the depth below being that of the height of the open vessel above. To pro- duce this circulation, it is not necessary that the water should boil; for, as every heated particle will ascend to the open vessel c (which might be closed, and then the apparatus would be in principle the same as that of Mr. Perkins), its place must be supplied by a cold par- ticle from d. When the fire is urged so as to raise the water in the open vessel nearly to the boiling point, the circulation goes on with the greatest rapidity.
It may be observed, that the substitution of tubes round the fire for a boiler over it, is by no means necessary for the success of this plan, though by tubes the rapidity of the circulation is greatly increased. Any close boiler with the tube 6 attached to its cover, and communicating with an open vessel fixed at any height, such as c, having another tube, similar to f, affixed to it, will circulate the heated water from such vessel to a point below the bottom of the boiler, nearly equal to the balance of atmo- spherical pressure, or, say 30 ft. below it. Messrs. Cottam and Hallen, and Mr. Timothy Bramah, have both circulated hot water on a large scale upon this principle, which is clearly laid down in Count Cha- bannes’s pamphlet; and in our review of it, Vol. IV. p. 28. If the reader will turn to p.30. of that review, he will there find an engraving, in which a is the close boiler, answering to Mr. Weekes’s tubes; 0, the ascending tube; c, the open vessel, answering to Mr. Weekes’s open vessel; and d, the descending tube, answering to Mr. Weekes’s tube, f. We mention this, not to undervalue Mr. Weekes’s apparatus, but merely to show that the principle has been known and acted upon since 1818. Mr. Weekes, who is one of the most ingenious men we know, has re-invented both the principle and the application of it ; and most sincerely do we wish him the success he so amply deserves. His plan is capable of varied and useful application, both in heating garden structures and dwelling-houses, manutactories, &c. ‘The tubes may be small, even as much so as those of Mr. Perkins; in which case, as the water circulates with very great rapidity, Mr. Weekes’s plan, like that of Mr. Perkins, may be adopted in situations where large pipes would be unsightly. 4
There is one objection, however, to all plans of boilers composed of tubes, which is, that, as they cannot be cleaned out, they soon become coated with deposit in the inside ; and, consequently, extremely difficult to heat. An extre-application of fire then becoming requisite, the tubes or boilers are soon burnt cut. For immediate and striking effects, there is no plan equal to the tube system ; but, for permanency, none are equal to the open boiler, or close boiler with a manhole, having a cover that admits of easy removal, for cleaning out the interior. We have seen so many
D3
38 Circulation of Water by Machinery.
boilers and tubes burnt out since the hot-water system commenced, that we deem it our duty to state, thus freely, our opinion. It is true that cast-iron tubes, such as those of Mr Weekes, or the wrought-iron ones of Mr. Perkins, may be renewed at very little expense; and also that, if distilled water only were used, the deposit would be much longer in taking place. In particular situations, therefore, the tube system may unquestion- ably be the best. — Cond.
Art. VIII. A short Notice of Mr. Busby’s Method of circulating Water, hot or cold, by the Aid of Machinery. By the ConpuctTor.
Tuis method is described at length in the Repertory of Patent Inventions for September, vol. iv. new series, p. 137. As it is not particularly adapted for hot-houses, we shall not go much into details; but simply state that the circulation is effected by an apparatus which may be compared to the wheel of a winnowing machine, and which is fixed on a perpendi- cular axis within the boiler (which must be circular), with its axis as nearly as possible over the end of a pipe which reaches from the circumference to the centre of the boiler. There is another pipe, which reaches no farther than the circumference. These two pipes may descend or be conducted to any distance, being united at their farther extremity so as to form only one pipe. The whole being then filled with water, the fan or cir- culator is made to revolve, by the action of the smoke and hot air of the chimney-flue, upon the fans of a common smoke- jack; and the result is, a rotatory motion communicated to the fluid in the boiler, the centrifugal force of which will so act against the fluid in the pipe terminating in the circumference, as to force the water down it, while it draws it out of the other. It is evident that, by this apparatus, either hot or cold water may be circulated with equal ease; the circulation depending entirely upon the centrifugal force, and the orifice of one pipe being in the centre, and the other in the circumference, of the boiler. The result is certainly such as would not easily have been anticipated. “ To prove the efficacy of his invention, Mr. Busby has had an apparatus, on his principle, fixed on the premises of Mr. Eckstein, ironmonger, in Holborn; and, on the 9th of August, a numerous meeting of engineers and gentlemen of science took place, to witness its performance. The furnace is situated in a workshop on the second floor ; and the heated water, urged by the circulator, passes through inch pipes to a receptacle in the open shop on the ground- floor, having descended 21 ft. below the furnace. The expe- riment succeeded completely, and gave universal satisfaction.
Mode of equalising Temperature. 39
«Mr. Busby considers his invention of general application; for, besides forcing the hot water downwards, an object never before accomplished, he causes so rapid a circulation in the ascending and level pipes, as to be enabled to employ tubes of much smaller bore than are now used. He can, besides, make water ascend and descend again about doors and win- dows, pass beneath floors; and, in short, he can carry his pipes in any direction whatever, without sensibly impeding the circulation of the hot fluid.”— C. A. B. (Rep. of Arts, vol. xiv. p. 143.)
We were present on the occasion of the trial alluded to, and were much gratified. The following figure (fg. 2.), taken from the Repertory of Arts, will give a general idea of the apparatus, as exhibited at Mr. Eckstein’s : —
a, A common fire-grate, fixed in a garret over the back shop. 6, The boiler, with the circulator within it. c, Smoke-jack wheel, fixed on the same axis with the circulator. d, Descend- ing hot-water pipe. e, Wase in Mr. Eckstein’s shop, 21 ft. below the garret, which is kept full of circulating hot water by the descending hot-water pipe. Jf; Ascending pipe, by which the water is returned to the boiler, to be re- heated. g, The garret floor. #, The shop floor.
In heating dwelling-houses, and in cooling or heating liquors in manufactories, it is evident that this most ingenious inven- tion may be turned to good account.
Art. 1X. A Mode of obtaining Uniformity of Temperature, and various. Modes of Engrafting. By Cuartes M. W : Sir,
I am not aware that the following method of obtaining uniformity of temperature has been tried. I placed a small pot with a cutting from a delicate fairy rose in a larger pot (fig. 3. a), containing charcoal, with a double glass over it (b), so as to leave a stratum of air between the glasses. Although it was tried late in the season, and placed in a green-house without any artificial heat, yet it succeeded. The
object in view was, to surround the pot by a non- D4
40 Hints from Evelyn.
conductor of heat, such as charcoal. The stratum of air between the glasses produced a similar effect.
The plan of inarching with a cutting, mentioned in Vol. IIl. p- 29., suggested to me the idea of laying a cutting, and inserting the end in a bottle of water ( ig. 4. c). I have lately tried a cutting of Lonicera flexuosa, and I feel very sanguine of success.
I have lately met with an old book written by the celebrated John Evelyn, which he calls Kalendarium Hortense. Iwas much sur- prised to find in it many remarks and advices which have from time to time been promulgated as novelties. It would appear that John Evelyn was the inventor of the method of warming green-houses with heated air. In the above book are drawings and descriptions fully explaining the way in which it may be effected. If I mistake not, patents were taken out some years ago for heating houses on that plan. In his remarks, under the month of July, he says: ‘¢ Now with lime, brine, potashes (which is the very best of all, because, being cast on fine turf, it destroys the worms and improves the grass, which most other applications mor- tify) and water, or a decoction of tobacco refuse, water your gravel walks, &c., to destroy both worms and weeds, of which it will cure them for some years.” Soot is also recommended. He also says, ‘In wall-fruit borders, which should be 4 or 5 ft. wide, plant neither herb or flower.” He mentions “that sick trees, as oranges, &c., are many times recovered by a milk diet; that is, diluting it with a portion of water discreetly adniinistered, as you find amendment.” I do not remember seeing this last recommendation in any late writer. It may, therefore, pass for a novelty. As to removing trees, of which so much is written in our time, he says, ‘ That you may transplant not only any fruit trees, but remove almost any of the foresters, even in the midst of summer, if, taking the trees with some mould about the roots, you imme- diately plunge them into earth made into a pap like mortar, keeping it fresh and under shade, and not suffering the ground quite to dry up and harden till rain comes down.” This very much resembles some of the modern plans. As to straw mats lately so strongly recommended, he says, in the month of November, ‘ Cover also your most delicate stone fruit and murals, screening them with straw hurdles, as long as the east and northern winds continue, even to the end of March, to be sure of the fruit. Stand, therefore, not so much upon the beauty, as for its preservation and pro- duction.”
Romagny’s Shield-grafting. 41
I think the following advice which he gives, though not entirely new, is good. [or plants not placed in the consery- atory, and not hardy, he recommends, “ that the pots should be placed two or three inches lower than the surface of a bed ’ with southern exposure, having clothed them first with sweet and dry moss; but upon all warm and benign emissions of the sun, and sweet showers, give them air,” &c.
I will not draw farther on the stores of the worthy John Evelyn; as, before I conclude, I wish to call the attention of your readers to a new ’ plan of grafting, called by Monsieur Verenaud Romagny*, écusson oreffe, or shield-grafting. It
may “be universally practised on all the ligneous tribe, whether trees or shrubs, either on the old or on the new wood; but the latter is to preferred. The stock should be vigorous, and the sap by preference ascending: it need not, however, be very abundant; nevertheless this disposition is more advantageous than Thal. The stock, whether young or old, should be clean cut horizontally, from half an inch to one inch (according to the species) above a bud which is some- what developed, and the extremity of which should be pinched off; or a small shoot on which one or two eyes may be left. The bark is to be divided by a vertical cut, from one to nearly two inches in length, according to the size and strength of the stock, the distance from die bud or shoct near ine horizontal cut, and also according to the species, as from a to c, fig. 5. Hither the right or the left side of the bark,
ee guided by the neighbourhood and posi- CG) , tion of the bud or shoot near the vertical LJ cut, is to be raised with the handle of sf), the budding-knife, taking great care not
to touch or injure the opposite side. In Jig. 5.5 the left side (a) is raised opposite the bud (d), and the right side (d) re- mains untouched. ‘The graft should be taken from a healthy and vigorous sub- ject. It is a shoot of young wood cut to a certain length, according to the position of the eyes (gemmee) of the species. If both the graft and the stock are in perfect health and full of sap, three or even four eyes may be left. Ig. 6. has three at 7. The shoot is to be cut across, a little above the first superior eye; and, below, it must be cut sloping (en séfflet), as from h to & At the notch h, half the thickness of the wood is to be cut away. The side g will be oblique, and the side f quite straight. 7g. 7.
* From the Recueil Industriel, par M. de Moleon.
42 Romagny’s Shield-grafting.
is a front view. It will be observed that at the notch 2 half the wood is scooped away, and that the graft has only a thin portion of wood two thirds of its length, and that at o only the peel or bark re- mains, also that the sides f and g (jig. 6.) have only bark or peel on their edges. The graft thus prepared will slide into the opening prepared in the bark of the stock (fig. 5.), so that the edge of the bark of the graft joins the edge of the u bark (6 c) in the stock. The notch
(x) resting on the horizontal cut of the
stock, and the bark of the stock (a c,
Jig. 5.) almost covering the graft. Held
in this position by the thumb and finger
of the left hand, it should be tied tight
with bass, covering the whole of the opening. Afterwards apply grafting-wax, * to prevent the contact of the air with the recent wounds of the stock and graft. The graft may now be left to itself. The only care which it requires is, that the stock should be freed, from time to time, of any buds which might absorb part of the sap; and sup- port given, if the graft grow very rapidly. Figs. 8. and 9. show an advantageous modification of shield-graft- ing, which M. Vergnaud Romagny believes has not been practised. It always succeeded, and is prefer- able to the other mode, when operating on the young wood, or with the more delicate species. ‘This modification consists in preserving an eye on the lower part of the eraft, as at 1 m, fig. 8., and
* The following receipt for grafting-wax will be found good, the heat of the body or the mouth rendering it sufficiently soft for use : — Take common sealing-wax, any colour, except green, one part; mutton fat, one part; white wax, one part; honey, one eighth of a part. The wax and the fat to be first melted; then add gradually the sealing-wax in small pieces ; keep it constantly stirred; and, lastly, the honey, just before taking it off the fire. It should be poured hot into paper or tin moulds, and kept slightly agitated, till it begins to congeal.
New System of labelling Plants. 43
to let it appear through an opening left in the folds of the bass, as at p gq, jig. 9. It will be seen that the graft, by this method, only bears two superior buds; and that the third, left on the lower part, forms the shield, and should be freed from wood, according to the species and to custom. The operations are the same; but the latter plan offers more chances for the success of the bud, without interfering with the graft. The results of a great number of trials of the new methods are given by M. Vergnaud Romagny. I will not take up more of your valuable space than to state that he considers the result to be more than a gain of one half the time usually required by the ordinary mode of grafting; and that these sort of grafts resist the effect of cold. Various kinds of delicate roses resisted an intense cold, while some by the old method, even of two or three years, perished.
Would steam injure fruit trees, if applied by the machine used for destroying bugs ; and would it not destroy the A’phis lanigera ? I am, Sir, yours, &c.
London, Dec 11. 1832. CuarLes M. W——.
Arr. X. On a new System of labelling Plants in living Collections. By Ropert MALLET, Jun. Esq. Sir,
A NEARER approach than has hitherto been made to per- fection, in all the requisites for good labelling, I suppose myself to have made, and am about briefly to describe. ‘The first object to be aimed at, in a good label, is immutability by the effects of climate and seasons; the next, quantity of information, and perspicuity in the mode of conveying it.
Labels have hitherto been made either of lead, iron, wood, or pottery. Lead bends, and is liable to be stolen ; iron rusts, and destroys the paint; wood rots; and pottery moulders, unless so hard as not’to receive paint, and is always clumsy.
Common paint has been used for the nomenclature of all but-the latter, which have, I believe, been stamped.
The labels I propose are composed partly of iron, partly of copper and enamel. Start not, reader, nor exclaim “ Expense !” for I purpose to show that the original and entire cost of this will not be greater than the sum expended in two or three years renewing the present defective ones. To proceed: my label consists of a cast-iron ring, elongated at one side into a prong, to stick into the earth; cast, into the centre of which is a disk of copper, not more than one twentieth of an inch in
44) New System of labelling Plants
thickness, which is covered on both sides with a coat of hard white enamel, on which latter the letters are also enamelled. The situation of the copper plate, in the cast-iron rim, is seen by the-section, fig. 10. a. The mode of casting the former in the latter is perfectly simple. When taken out of the moulding sand,
the copper will be found having a slight MEZEREUM.
L. C. 8. 0.1. } curvature, which is to be removed by THYMELEZ. ff
a few blows of a hammer.
The contraction of the rim in cool- ing is the cause of this, and has the advantage of completely preventing their being stolen, to sell as old cop- per; for the latter is held so tight that nothing but breaking the iron rim into small fragments can possibly detach it, and, together, they are unsaleable.
The hard white enamel is next to be applied, on both sides of the copper, and fused; an operation familiar to every clock-dial maker; after which the letters are to be painted in enamel colours, and burnt in. ‘The final operation is then to cover the iron rim and prong with a varnish, to prevent rust. An easily attainable and perfectly efficacious one is to be found in a mixture of ground black lead with the residuum which is drawn out of the retorts used in the manufacture of oil gas.
It is a black, solid, shining asphaltum, fusible at about 300° Fahr., and resisting, when applied with the black lead in sufficient quantity to give it a body, all vicissitudes of seasons.
To apply it, the labels are to be heated slowly in an oven, or hot sand, to about 200° Fahr., and the varnish, being pre- viously melted in a fit vessel, is to be applied with a hard brush.
So much for the material of the label: now for what it bears. It is obvious that the more information can be con- veyed bya label, consistent with due simplicity, the better. All that is generally useful, however, and that is not evident by the locality of the plant in the general arrangement of the garden, may, | think, be comprised as follows ; viz.,— 1. The place in the Linnzean system; 2. The place in the Jussieuean system; 3. The genus and species; 4. ‘The habitat, and year of introduction, if an exotic; cr the habitat, and year of dis- covery, if a native; 5. The month of flowering; 6. The colour of the flower; 7. The number in the catalogue of the garden. On the principal face of the label are enamelled the places of the plant in the Linnean and Jussieuean systems,
zn living Collections. A5
with the genus and species; on the other, the year of intro- duction or discovery, and the habitat.
The time of flowering is shown by the labels, being multi- lateral figures whose sides correspond in number to that of the month in the year, reckoning from January inclusive ; the Jabel for which is a circle or ellipse, as being the only regular figures bounded by one line ( fig. 10.6); for February,
=
So EEE SSSR
CHEIRANTHUS CHEIRI. LIN. CL. 15. CRUCIFERAE.
L.C, 13. 0.4. RANUNCULACER. ¥
of two segments of circles( fg. 11. c); for March, some modi- fications of a triangle (fg. 11. d); for April, a square or rect-
IRIODENDRON =} |2| pestis =
TULIPIFERA. Ef ; 2 L. C. 13. 0.5. & A 1.0.13 0.3 SEA CLIFFS. —
= : 1815. e LS
y
angle (fig. 11. ¢); for May, a pentagon (fig. 12.f); and so on (figs. 12, 13. g to m). ‘The colour of the flower is shown
KERRIA JAPONICA.
by the letters being all enamelled on the white ground of that colour, or, if white, on a coloured ground.
The number in the catalogue is cast in raised figures, on the edge of the iron rim. It is obvious, that much other in- formation might in this way be easily conveyed, e. g., whether the plant was deciduous or evergreen; by the rim being
46 Gardener’s House on the North Side
serrated or plain, and that the kind of information might be changed according to the application of the label. The prin- cipal facts in favour of this mode of labelling are, Ist, absolute immutability from climate and seasons ; 2d, no inducement to steal for sale, except as a label; 3d, beauty of appearance ; 4th, quantity of information simply given.
The argument of expense against it is set aside thus: — A common cast-iron label costs about 3d.; the painting costs 2d. more, and it requires to be painted twice a year, to keep the iron from rusting and the letters legible; so that at the end of two years the label has cost 11d., and will cost 4d. more every year it exists: but an enamelled label can be made, where a number are required, for about 9d., and never costs a halfpenny afterwards.
Any argument on the score of difficulty of manufacture I am prepared to rebut. It may be said that the label, being lettered on both sides, would be inconvenient to read: this is obviated by placing it perpendicularly in the ground, with the plane of the label transverse to the line of plants, and between them and the walk or alley; by which arrangement a person walking along can see each face equally well.
This method is obviously applicable to inside plants, in which case the iron rim might be dispensed with.
Rozert Matter. Ryder Row, Dublin, Sept. 23. 1830.
Art. XI. Design for a Gardener's House, to be situated on the North Side of a walled Kitchen-Garden.
Tue whole of the living-rooms of this house are on one floor, about 4 ft. above the level of the garden; and, below this floor, there are, a cellar for beer and roots (jig. 15. a); a wash-house (6), with an oven and boiler, the former for baking, and at the same time heating the floor of the kitchen, passage, and office on the floor over it; and the found- ations (cc). The living-floor contains a parlour (d) ; a master and mistress’s bed-room (e); children’s bed-room (f); office (g); and kitchen, with pantry and closet (4). ‘The exterior offices are obvious, and need not be particularised.
The architecture of this dwelling (jie. 14.) is in the plain- est possible style; the object being, to produce a cheap, and, at the same time, commodious and comfortable house, for a master-gardener, with a wife and two children.
of a walled Kitchen-Garden.
14
eS Si nS ae
Tim TOT ALL CUCU TARTU eS =
a a RTT aa iio or q
¢ 15 V —— Ss == 7 a | Vy D I A ff A pez) g | p ] | 'Yy ¥ | a Pl ib if V oy ie / @ iY | = : a,j So / Cla = VE le = on pice LOIRY, / L 7 a Le rete 7 7 c. | e 7, eS a L ak Lig. - : - = oS aha Tz. — ea \ [ a \ peepee sy ue ESE
30 Ft Ft. 10 0
48 On the Pruning of Forest Trees,
Arr. XII. Physiological and Practical Remarks on the pruning of Forest Trees, particularly of the Scotch Pine. By Mr. W. TAYLOR.
Sir,
From what you have published (Vol. VIII. p. 303.) as the forerunner of Mr. Main’s book on forest trees, there is reason to anticipate that it will be a valuable work, as he is a man of science and practical experience. Such a book is much wanted ; and it is to be wished that it may treat of soils and subsoils scientifically, as well as of trees. I have just read an article in Chambers’ Edinburgh Journal on trees, wherein we are told that no science was known or applied in arboricul- ture until 1828, when Sir H. Steuart published his Planter’s Guide. It also advises landowners to form an arboricultural society ; and adds, ‘* Were phytological science to become a favourite study with them, then, of course, gardeners and nurserymen would acquire it..... Before many years pass over us, we are confident that a revolution must take place in our arboricultural skill and science, as complete as in political. The future, compared with the present race of our planters, will then be like that of mariners who have long been at sea without a compass; or like men working in the dark, when the light of the sun was let in upon their labours!” Mark this, ye, my brethren of the old school, who still maintain that practice is every thing ; and who will not go beyond, nor alter from, the system you were taught. Yes; all in the dark, not
=) 1.) one redeeming man among us. Much has been discovered by men of learning and science, which could not have been ac-
complished by practical men, from their want of education ; but, more so, from want of means and time to try expe- riments. Well: but do men of science see clearly through all nature’s laws? It seems not. At any rate, they differ in opinion, for instance, on the cause of the ascent of the sap ; and whether or not fruit trees can be perpetuated by graftings. But the great light is soon to be let in upon us, when our great men, in imitation of Peter the Great, learn the arts, trades, &c.; turn their old swords “ into pruning-hooks, and learn the art of war no more.” Establish a horticultural society in all its branches (pity it was not dpne fifty years ago), at which all must pass before they can obtain situations as kitchen-gardeners, foresters, or flower-gardeners. ‘Therefore it is time for those who do not think themselves already fully qualified, to begin to get their catechisms ; for, if we are not able to pass the “ Hall,” we shall be turned to making roads
° . . . co} . in forests, and transplanting large trees. This will be no joke.
particularly of the Scotch Pine. 49
In this awkward squad, besides men of the blue apron, there will be not a few farm overseers, carpenters, cartwrights, &c., who all were foresters before they were examined and found wanting.
I have no doubt that your able correspondent, Mr. How- den, will pass; but his new bill will not pass, unless it be amended. He does not put a proper value on leaves and their functions. He knows that the taste of grapes, gooseberries, and other fruits, is not very palatable when the trees have been stripped of their leaves either by man or beast; and has he not seen forest trees, whose leaves had been blasted in the beginning of summer by storms, stunted in their growth; also beech, and other nonreproductive leaf trees, stunted for years by severe pruning? His stripping a tree of its leaves in summer puts me in mind of a paper forwarded to the Lon- don Horticultural Society, by Sir John Sinclair, from “ Sir Brook Boothby, then at Brussels; to say, that he keeps his peach trees free from the red spider by plucking off every leaf the moment he sees any on it.” On the other side, it must be admitted that a tree can have too large a head; and all large rambling branches are robbers as well as feeders of the tree. Such branches should be foreshortened, and are not to be seen on a well-pruned tree. A newly transplanted tree, shrub, or even a‘cutting, may have too many leaves; by which too much of its sap, in a dry season, is carried off b evaporation before new spongioles can be formed to afford a sufficient supply.
We of the heath and fir covered mountains are still of opi- nion that thick planting and timely thinning is the better treat- ment of the pine tribe. I state, without fear of its being called exaggeration, that, on an average, one man has upwards of a million of those trees to care for, of all ages. If he get assist- ance to thin, it is all he can expect, and all that is necessary *: and the best Scotch pines ever grown in Scotland were nei- ther pruned nor thinned.
In the Quarterly Journal of Agriculture, a year or two ago, there is an essay on pruning deciduous trees, by a Mr. Gavin Cree, nurseryman at Biggar. I know nothing of the man, but his system appears to me to be of the very best; and, were it generally followed, there would be less over-
* Scotch firs, planted on a suitable soil, at 34 ft. distant, or 4500 per Scotch acre, and properly managed in thinning, will be in general clean- stemmed 20 or 30 ft. up before they are 50ft. high, and of a size for common rafters. Were a few extra men, with 30 ft. ladders, set to prune 200 acres of them higher, it would not pay, unless they were of more value than at present. — W. 7’.
Vou. 1X. — No. 42. E
50 Causes of Ignorance in Arboriculture,
pruning, no-pruning, and rot-tree-pruning. I do not think you published Mr. Cree’s essay; perhaps you will. Not having been able to see the four Numbers of this Magazine preceding the last two, I am ignorant of what made John Howden give his new bill. Hoping he will come to the scratch again (for we cannot do without him), I remain, Sir, yours, &c. Thainston, Nov. 10, 1832. W. Taytor.
Arvt. XIII. Observations on some of the principal Causes why the most important Parts of the. Science of Arboriculture, pruning and thinning, or rather the System to supersede the Necessity of much pruning, are not more generally known, or at least practised ; with Hints for the Removal of these Causes. By Mr. W. BiL- LINGTON.
Sir,
From reading the numerous conflicting opinions on the science of arboriculture, published in the Gardener’s Magazine and some other works, which have come under my observation within the last few years, I am induced to offer a few remarks, which you are at liberty to publish in your Magazine, if you judge them worthy a place in such a useful publication. What has induced me to resume my pen is the extraordinary, yet still too common, opinion Mr. Howden has advanced relative to the subject, in Vol. VIII. p.560., which heterms the ¢rue system ; and of which he says, that he will stand or fall by it. But I can assure Mr. Howden, that it is not with any desire to bring him to the “ scratch” again, as he terms it, that I notice what he has advanced on the subject, but to prevent others from im- bibing or retaining such erroneous opinions. For possibly I may not see what he can further say about it; or, if I do, I shall probably not notice it. He may, from his ready talent at humour, get the laugh against me; but, I trust, I have philosophy enough not to mind such a method of “ shutting people’s mouths ;” as my desire is to be useful to others as far as Iam able, without hurting any one, and to seek for the true knowledge of the subject, in order to divulge and spread it as clearly and extensively as I am able.
Seeing that there are such clashing opinions (let them be called systems, methods, or what you please), I am put in mind of a circumstance which I have proved in myself, and which may tend to elucidate my remarks a little. Some years ago, I purchased a famous British Herbal, that professed to cure all manner of diseases incident to mankind, by the virtues of herbs, upon an entire new plan, by a Mr. J. Ingle.
with Hints for their Removal. 51
Well, after the specification of a disease, there are the ge- neral and particular remedies, internal remedies, and external applications, preventives, preservatives, abaters, provokers, with namerous and different herbs, and methods to effect the object ; and, as Shakspeare says,
“ like a man to double business bound, I stand in pause which [I shall first begin, And both neglect.”
Consequently, among so many, not knowing which to prefer, I neglect all, or adopt any remedy that another recommends. So, I am afraid, the case is too often with respect to pruning and thinning of plantations, when the owner has not a com- petent knowledge of it himself; and this is very rarely the case.
Mr. Howden says, *“* Some people are of opinion that the branches, twigs, and leaves assist the growth of timber; and a certain author, Mr. Withers, compares the leaves of trees to its mouths,” and ‘* advises such authors to shut their mouths till they can open them to better purpose.” Mr. Howden says he should rather have called the leaves “nostrils, or mere excrements,” because the trees discharge them annually. It would thus appear that trees have a won- derful power of retaining their excrements for six or eight months. I happen to be one of those persons who think that the branches, twigs, and leaves do assist the growth of timber ; also, that the leaves of trees take in nourishment for the sup- port and increase of the wood, or timber, if you like; which persons Mr. Howden affects to hold up to ridicule, and desires to shut their mouths, but not their eyes or ears, I presume, to hear or see what he says upon the subject.
Some of our physiologists say that leaves have a power of absorbing and imbibing nutriment from the gases in the atmo- sphere; which a common person, like myself, who pretends to none of that great learning, would term, to take in or to draw in nourishment, when discoursing with persons of his own size or make; but not to mean, to eat, chew, or swallow it. If Mr. Howden had read carefully what Mr. Lindley (the professor of botany) has advanced on these two subjects in his late lectures, extracts of which have appeared in the three last Numbers of your Magazine [Vol. VIII. p. 380., 507., 615.], letting alone other authors, he would not have been so ready, perhaps, to have ridiculed, and desired him, with others, to shut his mouth, if he could open it to no better purpose ; nor, had he read Mr. Main’s remarks on the use of branches
and twigs in forming timber, whose ideas and rules for E 2
52 Causes of Ignorance in Arboriculture,
pruning, and the functions of branches, are in substance the same that I published some years since.
I cannot see the analogy of Mr. Howden’s comparison of the leaves of a tree and the wool of a sheep: “ that we might divest the tree of its leaves in summer without injuring it, if we could keep the sun from blistering it.” This is wonderful, if it were true ; as it is evident a tree could make little, if any, progress, till it had produced fresh leaves.
Mr. Howden further asserts that * the branches are only the offspring of the tree;” and quotes St. Paul to prove it. That “they draw up sap only to enrich themselves,” and that they are “ complete bloodsuckers ;” consequently, that they add nothing to the stock whence they sprang: a very ungrateful progeny, to be sure, if they return nothing !
Before I quote any author who seems to be of my opinion, to corroborate what I shall have to say, I would just premise that there appear to be but three ways, as I humbly conceive, by which the trunk and branches of a tree are increased in bulk. First, by the descending radicles, roots, filaments, tissue, or fibres, as they are variously termed, from the leaves and leaf-buds annually, as Dr. Darwin supposed. Secondly, from ascending fibres from the root or collar upwards. Or, thirdly, in a horizontal direction, from the sap only, in its ascension and descension, or rather flowing state, adding to the trunk, like paint or plaster to a wall, or, as Mr. Howden says, like as candles are increased in thickness by frequent dipping. In that case, one would suppose every part of the stem, branch, and twig would thicken equally alike, which, we find, is not the case. Then, if timber is not increased by something that grows longitudinally, it must, according to Mr. Howden and others, be by the condensation of the sap, in the fashion of candlemaking. Query, Were this the case, would not timber, when dry, break to pieces like candles ? and if it would, Mr. Howden, perhaps, can inform us of what use it would be.
Now, we see, as the young shoots ofa tree increase in length, they increase in thickness, from the extremities downwards or backwards; so also with the branches and the trunks. But if the increase in thickness of the timber and branches were from the root upwards, one would suppose, by analogy, that the case would be reversed, and that every part of a tree would be thicker upwards. What sort of trees they would be, I cannot conceive, or how they would be supported in the earth: there must be cleverer men, I presume, than either Mr. Thom or Sir Henry Steuart, to transplant and support them afterwards.
There is a nectarine tree in my garden, which I have been
with Hints for their Removal. 53
examining, to refresh my recollection. The part above where it was budded is more than one third thicker than the part below. Now, the stock must have been of a considerable thick- ness before the bud was inserted ; therefore, if the tree were increased in thickness from the root upwards, or, as I have suggested, horizontally from the bark to the alburnum or stem by the sap only, each part contiguous must have thickened alike, and the stock must still have been the thickest part, particularly if all the sap ascends from the roots every spring. As, however, this is not the case in the instance noticed, and in many similar ones, it would appear that wood is increased from the top downwards; as it is well known that some stocks, when the engrafted scion and stock are nearly alike in their habits, increase regularly in size with the engrafted part, to the very point of union with the roots, the same as trees raised from seeds or cuttings: hence it appears clear, that the branches, twigs, and leaves do increase or assist the growth of the timber.
I can understand perfectly what Mr. Howden says of ** having seen a weeping ash getting on to the size of a pyramid, on a common ash stock with a bole not fit fora ladder.” ‘This is an instance of the disproportion which I have been endeavouring to elucidate. Mr. Howden’s remarks on another ash tree which he has seen, that was planted at the same time with that named, “ with a top that barely makes room for three rooks’ nests, yet with a trunk fit for sawing into 11-inch planks, I cannot comprehend. As Mr. Howden does not inform us whether it ever had any more branches, or when it was divested of them, nor what length of time it would take to make 22-inch planks, with no more branches than would contain three rooks’ nests, it would be
well if Mr. Howden would explain that to those whom he advises to * shut their meuths.”
In Mr. Lindley’s late lectures on the relation of botany to horticulture, I observe that he appears to have the same opi- nion that I have on these subjects, which I take the liberty to quote : —
In Lecture 1. (Vol. VIII. p. 382.) he says : — * Leaf-buds (so called to distinguish them from flower-buds) in trees, are, in fact, trees in embryo, and afford the only certain means of multiplying varieties. ..... . Leaves may be called the lungs of plants ; as, through them, the sap is exposed to the infln- ence of the atmospheric air. ‘They are furnished with pores (vulgarly, perhaps, called mouths), which can imbibe nou- rishment as well as throw off superfluous moisture.”
Lecture 5. (Vol. VIII. p. 619.) :—* The sap, having reached
E
2 >)
54 Causes of Ignorance in Arboriculture,
the leaves, is there exposed to the action of the atmospheric air, much in the same way as the blood in lungs; with this important difference, that, while animal blood principally absorbs oxygen, and gives out carbonic acid gas, cic. eae sap appears to have the greatest affinity for carbonic acid, and to be compelled to give out a portion of its oxygen, before it is fit to afford proper nourishment to the plant. As the sap, during the process of its elaboration in the leaves, has not only to imbibe certain qualities, but to throw off others, plants, like animals, are provided with the neces- sary organs for a double kind of respiration [which Mr. Howden would rather have called excrements. Have excre- ments organs?]. ‘These functions, however, are never per- fectly performed without the assistance of light. When a plant is exposed to the full action of the sun’s rays, it gives out pure oxygen, and absorbs carbonic acid ; which is after- wards decomposed in the plant, the carbon being only re- tained. Carbon has been proved to be essential to the existence of plants; and it appears that their vigour depends upon the quantity of carbonic acid they are enabled to ab- sorb.”
Lecture 6. (p. 621.) : — “ He had before stated that leaves absorb carbonic acid during the day, and oxygen during the night, forming carbonic acid in proportion to the oxygen they have absorbed ; that they decompose their carbonic acid during the day, setting free the greatest part of the oxygen it contains, and retaining the carbon, which appears to afford them food; and that this process is necessary to their vege- tation, though the exact manner in which it acts is at present unknown to botanists.”
Thus far Mr. Lindley, on the use of the leaves to imbibe nourishment or food for the support of trees; consequently, to assist in the growth of timber. Before I proceed to the other question, Whether the branches and leaves are the principal means of the increase of timber, or are perfectly useless to this end, I would just beg leave to ask Mr. How- den, and others that are of his opinion (as I have asked before in my publications), whether trees that grow in hori- zontal fissures of sandstone and other rocks, with immense thicknesses or layers of rock over and below their roots, and, of course, no soil, and where no rain or dew can get at their roots, and, in some countries, where it seldom if ever rains; I ask, whether such rocks do contain all the necessary ingre- dients or matter that constitute the food of trees; and that the roots actually imbibe, extract, or introsuscept (as Sir Henry Steuart would say), all the sap or blood necessary for the
with Hints for their Removal. 55
growth of the tree, out of the very stones or sand (which Sir Humphry Davy has proved to be perfectly barren), for the support of not only the stem, but that offspring of “ complete bloodsuckers,”’ as Mr. Howden terms the branches and leaves.
If any able chemist can satisfactorily prove by analysis that the very rocks, sand, or sandstone, where such trees are found to grow, some in great luxuriance, contain all the carbon and other ingredients that constitute the food of trees, and form the sap, wood, and leaves, we might then be con- vinced that leaves were of no use to imbibe any part of the necessary food from the gases in the atmosphere: but how they will reconcile the difference between such barren rocks and sands, and the best of soils, I must confess I am at a loss even to conjecture.
Now, to the use of the branches and leaves in the increase and growth of the wood or timber. In Lecture 3. (Vol. VIII. p. 512.), on the formation of timber, Mr. Lindley says: — ‘* The timber is increased by concentric layers, formed one every year between the inner bark and alburnum, or surface of the young wood, the manner in which this layer is depo- sited is the point where botanists do not agree.” Of the various opinions that have been broached on this subject, Mr. Lindley said, he should only state two, which he considered the principal.
«Kirst, That the increase in diameter of timber trees is effected by the annual transformation of the inner bark into alburnum, hardening into wood, and a new inner bark being formed by the exuding juices of the tree.” Perhaps Mr. Howden’s opinion, probably the candlemaking way. Se- condly, “ That fibres are constantly sent down by the leaves, which, embedding themselves in the cellular tissue formed by the descending sap, make a new layer between the inner bark and the alburnum. Various experiments have ,been tried by the supporters of the first«of these opinions; one of which seemed almost conclusive, .A portion of the outer bark having been removed, andja thin plate of silver having been bound on the outside of the inner bark, this plate of silver was buried in the tree.” wild
On the other hand, the advocates for the second hypo- thesis, viz., that the layer of: new wood is formed by deposi- tions from the leaves, assert that, if a tree be ringed to such a depth as to cut off the communication between the albur- num and the leaves, the stem below that ring will not increase in size; but that the part above the division will exhibit an extraordinary swell, as though the nourishment intended for
the whole trunk were concentrated to that point. In further E 4
56 Causes of Ignorance in Arboriculture,
support of the second hypothesis, it had been observed that trees planted on the edge of a wood, in such a situation as only to have one side exposed to the full benefit of the sun and air, and which, of course, have partially developed their leaves and branches, are found invariably to have their con- centric layers of wood broader on the vigorous than on the stunted side. Mr. Lindley further stated that many ob-- jections had been raised to the second of them, because its first supporters- had asserted that each individual leaf, ‘or rather bud, sent down fibres through the whole body of the tree, directly to the ground. This, he observed, seemed to be carrying the doctrine rather too far. Now, from what I have observed and stated before, the second hypothesis appears, at least to me, to be the true one. But let us see what further Mr. Lindley has said on this subject, before I state what more I have to say.
In your Number of this Magazine for October, 1831 (Vol. VII. p. 584.), in Mr. Lindley’s introduction to his book entitled 4 Guide to the Orchard and Kitchen-Garden, 1 find the following statements on this subject : —“ A plant is really an animated body, composed of an infinite multitude of sys- tems of life; all, indeed, united in a whole, but each having an independent existence. ‘These systems of life are buds, each having a power of emitting descending fibres in the form of roots; and also of ascending, in the form of stem. The first of these buds is the embryo (in the seed); the others are subsequently formed on the stem emitted by the embryo (in the progress of germination). As these secondary buds develope, their descending roots combine, and form the wood. ‘Their ascending stems give rise again to new buds.
“* Budding and Grafting. Budding differs from grafting in this, that aportion of a stem is not made to strike root on another stem; but, on the contrary, a bud, deprived of all trace of the woody part of a stem, is introduced beneath the bark of the stock, and there induced to strike root.” Here, then, we have Mr. Lindley’s opinions of the use of branches, leaves, and leaf-buds, in combining and forming the wood.
Let us now see Mr. Main’s opinion respecting branches and leaves assisting in the growth of timber. In his Essay on Vegetable Physiology, now under preparation for the press; extracts from which appeared in this Magazine for June last (Vol. VIII. p. 304. and 306.), on pruning forest trees. °* If,” says he, “ we except the failure of the lowest branches of trees, there are few indications in nature showing the necessity of pruning. In natural forests, trees grow generally close together: of course, their branches, being deprived of air and
with Hints for their Removal. 57
light, quickly perish ; but when, by accident, they stand singly, the lower branches are as permanent as those of the top, nay, even more so; and, moreover, they appear to be as necessary a part of the system.... A great deal has been written,” he observes, ‘‘ relative to the propriety of reducing the head of a tree, as a means of increasing the bulk of the trunk. The question lies in a nutshell. The larger the head, the larger must be the trunk: also the diameter of the latter is increased by the number of branches which are, or have been, produced by the former. In proportion as the roots are increased and extended, in like manner are the stem and head. Severe mutilations of the head paralyse the energies of the roots ; and, wice versa, reducing the number of branches, to give mag- nitude to the stem, is ridiculous. Every individual twig of the head is a part of the stem; and the former could not be de- veloped without the assistance of the latter, which, while it conveys support, is itself enlarged by this very function. In fact, every part of a tree depends on, and, in its turn, lends assistance to, every other.” Here, then, we have Mr. Main’s opinion. He says further, “that probably Dr. Darwin got his ideas of the stems of trees being increased by descending fibres from the leaf-buds, from the spectacle of a hollow willow tree being partly filled with roots, which, from time to time, had descended from the head;” but, he adds, * that was no corroboration of the doctor’s conclusion.”
After such evidence as this, I may presume to state my own observations. Let any one strip a leaf; when in a growing state; and he will find, as Mr. Lindley observes (in Lecture 4. p- 615., when speaking of leaves), “ that their intimate con- nection with the bark might easily be discovered, by tearing the petiole of a growing leaf from its point of union with the branch ; when it would be found that a portion of the bark, and even of the alburnum, would be stripped off with it.” But I advise to go farther, and to strip it off when it has done growing; and it will be found to break off quite smooth at the point of union with the branch, without tearing any of the bark or alburnum with it, and leave every part that connected it to the shoot behind, for the increase of the bark or wood; which, I think, clearly proves that the descending fibres of the leaf and leaf-buds are incorporated with the bark and alburnum. But those who still doubt should examine farther, and begin with the last formed leaf and bud at the end of the shoot ; and they will find that the bud springs directly from the pith, then with a knife separate the leaf and bud together, when they will find how the new shoot is formed, and in- creased from the descending fibres of each successive leaf
58 Causes of Ignorance in Arboriculture.
and leaf-bud; then, descending still lower, strip off the last year’s lateral (side) shoot from the preceding year’s wood (which operation may be done with the fingers and thumb), and they will then see it farther illustrated; and, pursuing the examination still farther, strip off a two years’ lateral shoot from the main one, when it ‘will be seen (more con- vincingly, if possible) how the descending fibres from above have increased and enclosed it to the main stem; also, how the descending fibres turn over, and to each side of, the pro- tuberance at the base of the lateral shoot, at its emission from the pith or centre, and descend downwards. ‘These exa- minations, I think, must convince the most incredulous, of leaves and branches being the means of supplying the mate- rial, and the cause of the increase of the diameter, of the stem: hence the absolute necessity of numerous branches, twigs, and leaves, in a healthy state, to produce much good timber in the shortest time; whatever Mr. Howden and others may assert to the contrary.
Thus we see how the bulk is increased regularly from the extreme point of each year’s young shoot, from leaf to leaf on the young shoot, from lateral shoot to lateral shoot, and from branch to branch progressively down, to the collar or junc- tion of the stem with the root. ‘This is beautifully exempli- fied in some of the conical trees, such as the larch and poplar ; and I am inclined to think that the roots of trees are in- creased in a similar manner; that the office of the trunk and branches is, only with differently formed organs, to imbibe necessary nourishment. Mr. Lindley, however, seems to be of a different opinion ; as he says, Lecture 3. (Vol. VIII. p. 510.), ‘¢ Those portions of the roots nearest the trunk are, in fact, only elongated portions of the stem, stretching into the ground for the purpose of giving stability to the tree.” On this point I must beg to differ from such high authority ; for, let any one take the same method to examine the roots that has been recommended for the stem and branches. It will be found, I believe, to increase by ascending fibres towards the collar, common centre, or the point where the ascending stem and descending root spring from in the seed. I have stated this merely for more skilful persons to investigate, as it is rather foreign to the present subject. It would hence appear to be clearly demonstrated that leaves and branches are indispens- able for the increase of timber, at least according to such recent authorities as Mr. Lindley and Mr. Main, whom you so highly applaud. Still, from what Mr. Howden and some others have published on the subject, some may and do think that the leaves and branches are of little or no importance, as
On forming Live Fences with Larch. 59
the means of increasing the trunk of trees; witness the numer- ous instances which we see of the whole of the branches being cut off to nearly the top of the tree, or else the trees suffered to grow so close that they can make but few side branches. I am, Sir, yours, &c. Rue Wood, near Shrewsbury, W. BiLuneton. Oct. 20. 1832.
WE have left out the remainder of this long communication (at least, for the present), as not being essential to the object which the author appears to have in view. — Cond.
Art. XIV. On forming Live Fences with Larch Trees. By Mr. Gorrig, F.H.S. &c. Sir,
In the spring of 1831 I had occasion to enclose a four-acre park, of high, dry, and rather poor land. Economy and immediate protection being objects of consideration, I had a 4-ft. ditch cast, at the rate of 6d. per fall of six ells (we still generally keep by the 37-inch ell in Scotland); and having some plantations of larches, of nine years’ standing, on an adjacent eminence, which required thinning, it occurred® to me that it might be possible to construct of them a live fence, that would have immediate effect; and, with this view, I employed two men to take them up carefully, as marked out for thinning, about the beginning of March. I employed two other men in planting them among the earth thrown out of the ditch; myself holding the tree, and giving it the intended position. It occurred to me that wind-waving was one prin- cipal preventive of the growth of larches transplanted at that age, which would be aeaided by laying the trees ina slanting direction ; besides, fewer trees would form an efficient fence, than if standing perpendicular. ‘The trees were from 10 to 12 ft. long, and were laid at about an angle of 30° with the horizon, the tops inclining a little over the ditch to the inte- rior of the park, whence the danger, from cattle attempting to break through, was to be apprehended; the surface of the ditch bank “being about from 20 in. to 2ft. above the ordinary level of the “ground, and the upper part of the root. about 3 in. below that sinrae when the earth was dressed off. The plants were well feathered to the bottom, with side- branches, which were all allowed to remain on the trees; and at the surface the roots were from 30 to 36 in. distant, but
60 On laying out Flower-Gardens.
the stems or centres of the tree, from the sloping direction given them, were only from 15 to 18in. distant, ** centre from centre,” which, with the branches, presented an obstruc- tion more apparently formidable than really so; and which had the effect of preventing any of the enclosed horses or cattle from making an attempt at taking a leap. ‘The expense of planting did not exceed another 6d. per fall; and thus an effective live fence was put up, at less than would have erected a three-railed paling, the decay of which would commence the day on which it was erected, while the living larches, that otherwise would have been almost useless, acquire yearly strength, which will soon present an insurmountable barrier to the passage of live stock, besides affording immediate shelter, which will be annually increasing. ‘This year I find (as was to be expected) the leading shoot begins to assume a perpendicular direction; and every fourth or fifth tree I intend to allow to grow to full maturity, when the proprietor of future times may find it convenient to have them cut up for naval timber.
I did not expect that every plant transplanted at that age should grow; and the dry weather which followed, in the summer of 1831, was by no means favourable to their suc- cess: about 80 plants died of 760. These I this spring inter- lined with young plants of about 3 ft. in length, transplanted larches from the nursery, inserted under the backgone plant, the dead branches of which give the young plant, with a little assistance, the proper direction. In order to make assurance doubly sure, I planted a row of young transplanted larches from the nursery at about a foot apart, and a foot separate from the old plants, to which they had a contrary direction given them. Here I would have taken blame to myself, if I had to record the death of a single plant. The whole are now in a thriving condition; and I can, with some degree of con- fidence, recommend the process to those who may have upland. fences to form, and thinnings of larches of nine or ten years’ standing to spare. I am, Sir, yours, &c.
Annat Gardens, Oct. 1. 1832: Arcu. GorRIE.
Art. XV. On laying out Flower-Gardens. By Masaront. Sir, I wave read-the remarks on laying out flower-gardens by Mr. Robert Errington, in this Magazine (Vol. VIII. p. 562.), and hope they may meet the eyes of some of that numerous
On laying out Flower-Gardens. 61
band of amateur gardeners, who make Flora blush at their awkward arrangement and disposal of her gifts. How often do we see parks laid out in good taste, so far as water, trees, and drives are concerned, with a flower-garden, composed either of “* gaudy masses” and “ lumpish forms,” or of stars, and hieroglyphics of all sorts, for which no name can be found. It may be said by some, that the flowers have nothing to do with the landscape scenery of a park, and are to con- tribute to its embellishment by their individual beauty only. I differ from this opinion zz toto; but, without formally attempting to controvert it, shall beg leave to submit a few ideas of my own on the subject. It appears to me, that the most general fault, in laying out flower-gardens, is the total absence of connection or unison between the several beds or borders. It is admitted by most persons, that, in park scenery, all details should be subservient to the effect of the whole; and I consider that the same rule is applicable to the arrange- ment of a flower-garden. Where the shape of any individual bed can be changed at pleasure, without injuring or altering the general effect; where stars can be transformed into garters, full moons into crescents, oblong meat-dishes into round cheese-plates, and vice versé; I cannot consider the flower-garden as approaching to perfection, notwithstanding any sum which extravagance may have been pleased to throw away upon it. I concur in several of Mr. Errington’s re- marks, but cannot say that I at all like his plan or design, of which your Magazine contains a woodcut (fig. 106. p. 564. Vol. VIII.). I do not see any bed or beds in it that might not be replaced by others of a different form; I cannot dis- cover any other principle than that of placing large groups outside, and little groups in the middle. I venture to subjoin a sketch (iz. 16.) illustrative of my own opinions on the subject.
Allow me here to enter my protest against the little iron basketwork with which many flower-beds are surrounded, to the very great detriment of the toes of gouty or contemplative amateurs. Where the little monstrosities are visible, they give a rigid and harsh outline, which has any appearance but that of nature; and, when they are covered or overhung with flowers, such as heliotropes, geraniums, or the bright scarlet beauty of Verbéna chameedrifolia, in which case, being out of sight, they look best, as the Irishman said ; why, even then, Sir, suppose a lady or gentleman wishes to reach a rose or honey- suckle growing in the centre of a group ; cautiously stepping here and there among the front ranks, his or her foot catches in the basketwork, and a fall is the consequence, by which
62 Culture and List of Herbaceous Plants
the flowers are broken and destroyed, not to mention the danger which “ eyes, nose, mouth, and chin” may encounter from the fixed-bayonet defence of sharp-pointed iron flower- stakes, number sticks, and various other sticks with which the border may be furnished. I am, Sir, yours, &Xc. London, Dec. 6. 1832. : Masaronl.
Art. XVI. The Culture and a List of Herbaceous Plants which will thrive in the Air and Smoke of Cities. By Mr. WiLL1AM
Boyce. Sir,
No person having given the information desired by “ A would-be suburban Gardener” (Vol. VII. p. 721.), I now attempt to do so; and although I regret that the subject has not fallen into more able hands, still, I shall hope the motive,
which will thrive in Cities. 63
and not the value, of the offering, may propitiate its acceptance. The two principal causes of the want of success attending the cultivation of plants in town gardens are, the want of a proper soil and a congenial air: the former is generally composed of too much lime and brick rubbish, which is any thing but good for showy herbaceous plants. I would first ascertain if such were the nature of the soil. Should it prove to be of these materials, take it out of the clumps and borders to the depth of a foot, and fill them up with fresh loam, mixed with a little rotten cow manure: in this soil will grow all the plants named in the accompanying list.
I shall endeavour now to assist the suburban gardener in rendering the air which surrounds his plant department more healthful to them. Dr. Hunter observes, that air con- tains the life of vegetables, as well as animals: ‘it is a com- pressible elastic fluid.” The smoke of populous towns and cities, where coal is the fuel, greatly lessens its elasticity and its fluidity, and consequently renders it uncongenial to plants. The practice observed by town gardeners in general is, to give an abundance of water to the roots of plants: this should be discontinued, or, at least, given much more sparingly and less frequently: it is by over-watering, in such gardens, that plants are, as it were, surcharged with crude juices, which the leaves, while they are covered with dust, cannot pass off. I would, therefore, instead of watering so much to their roots, give frequent syringing over leaves and stems, and keep them as free from dirt as possible. They will then be able to per- form their proper functions, perspire during the day, and during the night fill themselves with fresh juices. Cleanliness is as necessary to plants as to animals. ‘The syringing should be performed at the approach of evening in the summer months, and just before sunrise in early spring and autumn. Keep the mould in the clumps and border loose, by fre- quent stirring with a Dutch hoe; water with a fine rose any vacant compartment. By this, and the syringing, the air will be rendered more humid. The China rose may be induced to grow more than 2 ft. high, by giving it, in addition to the soil I have mentioned, a good supply of rich manure, and keeping its leaves clean. ‘The fuchsias, particularly Fachsa gracilis, should be kept to one principal stem; the side shoots to be shortened to an inch of the stem: they then flower more freely. A suburban gardener will do well to examine whe- ther his georginas [dahlias] are not infested with earwigs: if they are, hang a few lobster’s claws on the sticks they are tied to; in these they may be caught: if he has a bloom he par- ticularly values, tie loosely tow, dipped in sweet oil, just below the flower-bud.
64 Culture and List of Herbaceous Plants
In the list below, I have confined myself to hardy herba- ceous plants, such as are showy, and will, with the treatment I have described, not only grow, but thrive, even in town gardens. I had intended to have made a few observations, respecting the care of plants kept on balconies, and in apart- ments, in London, but shall reserve these for a future commu- nication. Should the above remarks be considered worthy a place in your Magazine, which has done much service to gardens, gardeners, and their employers, and be of use to « A would-be suburban Gardener ;” the little trouble I have
had will be amply rewarded. The Lady Gifford’s,
Iam, Sir, yours, &c.
Wm. Boyce.
Roehampton, Surrey, Sept. 23. 1832.
Achilléa rosea. Aconitum echroleticum. variegatum. versicolor. Acte‘a spicata. Adonis vernalis. Allium Moly. Anchusa italica. Antirrhinum majus bicolor. Aquilégia sibirica. glandulosa. atropurpurea. hybrida. Asclépias pulchra. purpurascens. Asphodelus ramosus, A’ster alpinus. Amellus. Nove A’nglize ruber. sibiricus. mutabilis. spectabilis. serotinus. puichérrimus. Baptisia exaltata. australis. tinctoria. Betonica grandiflora. Campanula carpathica.
persiceefolia ceertilea 4lba.
latifolia czertlea alba. Trachélium bicolor. speciosa. azurea. alliarizefolia. sarmatica. Catananche czerulea. alba. Chelone glabra. obliqua.
Chelone Lyon.
Coreépsis verticillata. senifolia. lanceolata.
Coronilla ibérica.
montana.
Corydalis nobilis.
Delphinium grandiflorum.
mesoleticuin. Barlowz. Dianthus latifclius. japonicus. supérbus.
Dictamnus Fraxinélla.
albus.
Digitalis micrantha.
lanata.
Dodecatheon Méadia. albiflora. gigantéa. élegans.
Dracocéphalum specidsum.
variegatum. altaiénse.
Eranthis hyemalis.
Erigeron philadélphicus.
glabellus.
Erythronium Déns-canis.
Déns-canis album. americanum.
Fritillaria imperialis, in variety.
Galanthus nivalis. Gaillardia aristita. Gentidna asclepiadea. cruciata. acaulis. Géum coccineum majus. Gladiolus byzantinus. communis. Glatcium falyum.
which will thrive in Cities.
Hed¥sarum obscirum, Helénium autumnale. Helianthus decapétalus. Helléborus niger.
Hemerocallis graminea. disticha. falva.
Hepatica triloba, all the varieties.
Hippocrepis comosa.
Hyacinthus orientalis, all the vars.
J’nula glandulosa.
Layatera thuringiaca.
Leucojum vérnum. zestivum.
Liatris spicata. scariosa. squarrosa. élegans.
Zjlium candidum. Pomponium. chalcedénicum. tigrinum. MMartagon.
ZTithospérmum davuricum. paniculatum.
Lupinus nootkaténsis. polyphyllus.
albus.
Lythrum difftisum.
Monarda Kalmiana. Russelliana. punctata.
Muscari comdsum. monstrosum. botryoides.
azureum. pallidum. album.
C#nothera speciosa. macrocarpa. fruticésa.
Fraseri. serotina. pumila.
Ornithégalum umbellatum. pyramidale.
O’robus /athyrdides. variegatus. véernus. varius. niger.
Peonia officinalis rubra.
carnéscens.
Papaver orientale. bracteatum.
Pentstémon réseus. campanulatus. atropurpureus.
Vou. 1X.— No. 42.
65
Pentstemon pulchéllus, Phiomis pingens. Phl6x. All the species except pildsa, amoe‘na, subulata, canadénsis, ni- valis, and setacea, Phytetima orbiculare. campanulatum. Polemonium gracile, pulchéllum. Potentilla pedata. formosa. Russellidna. Hopwoodiadna. Prunélla grandiflora. Pyrethrum roseum. Raninculus aconitifolius. Rudbéckza hirta. falgida. serotina. purpurea. Salvia Tenorez. Saponaria ocymOides. Scilla nutans. sibirica. bifolia ceerulea. Alba. carnea. amoe‘na. hyacinthordes. Senecio Doronicum. Sisyrinchium convolutum. calif6rnicum. striatum. Spire‘a Filipéndula. Statice latifolia. Sternbérgza lutea. Taxantheéema Jellidifolia. flexuosa. Teucrium hyrcanicum. Thalictrum aquilegizfolium. anemonoides. Tradescantia virginica. nivea. congésta, rosea. Trollus europee‘us. asiaticus. patulus. americanus. Verbascum formosum. pyramidatum. cupreum. pheeniceum. Veronica neglécta. incisa. corymbosa. incarnata.
multifida.
66 On raising Seedling Ranunculuses.
Art. XVII. On raising Seedling Ranunculuses. By the Rev. Josepu Tyso. Sir,
SEVERAL of your correspondents have noticed my com- munications on raising seedling ranunculuses (Vol. VI. p. 548., Vol. VII. p.565.); and others, by private letter, have in- formed me that they have adopted my plans with success. As I am anxious to promote the growth of seedling flowers in general, and of ranunculuses in particular, I shall readily communicate to you any additional knowledge I may acquire - from observation and experience. During the last season, I sowed about forty boxes of seed. My first sowing was on the 8th of August, 1831; my second on the 15th: both these failed, which I attribute to the dryness of the atmosphere. My third sowing was performed on the 22d, which did well, and produced a quantity of fine large roots. The fourth sowing, on Sept. 24., did well; the fifth, on Sept. 30., did equally well; the sixth, on Oct. 10., did well. At the seventh sowing, on Oct. 13., I sowed three boxes: all came up well, but two failed soon after the seeds came up. On close inspec- tion, I found that all my boxes were infested with a great number of very small brown insects, scarcely visible to the naked eye, except when in motion. They resemble lobsters in shape, and had the power of hopping about by the sudden pressure of their tails against the ground. I should guess there might be sixty or eighty in every square foot. I applied tobacco smoke, and found they were easily destroyed; but, in a month or six weeks, I found them increasing upon the boxes again. I applied the same remedy, with the same suc- cess, until they disappeared. They may be discovered by breathing or blowing on the surface of the box. I examined several of them in a microscope, and I found the power of motion lay in their forked tails. I have not been able to ascertain their name; but, to my great regret, I found that they had made great havoc among the young plants; and, I believe, they were the cause of an entire failure in many of my boxes. The eighth sowing, Oct.21., did well: I took up 228 roots in one box, which was 16 in. by 14 in., and 4 in. deep. The ninth sowing, Oct. 27., did middling; the tenth, Nov. 7., good ; the eleventh, Nov. 10., very good ; the twelfth, Jan. 7. 1832, a complete failure; the thirteenth, Jan. 17., a complete failure, the weather being too cold to produce ger- mination; the fourteenth sowing, Jan. 24., did well; the fif- teenth sowing, Feb. 20., did badly.
I do not attribute the success or non-success entirely to
Culture of the Orange. 67
the time of sowing; but, from many years’ observation, I am prepared to say that the middle of October and the latter end of January are the best times for sowing; and, at the latter time, they will succeed without any protection by glass: but they should be defended from heavy rains when very young, and from scorching suns at all times, until they begin to fade, which will be in June. ‘They should be taken up in July, and planted the ensuing February, in the same manner as old roots. I have about 100 fine new varieties, which I have raised from seed; several of which I have sold for 5J. per root, and others at different prices, according to their worth. I have raised about 2000 this year from seeds saved from the best old flowers, impregnated with semidoubles possessing good properties. I have long ceased to sow seed from semidoubles, because they rarely produce one good flower in five hundred. Let all who attempt to raise seedling ranunculuses utterly destroy the insects de- scribed above, and slugs which harbour about the boxes. The king has graciously condescended to become the patron of our Horticultural Society; which has given an increased stimulus to its members, who are manifesting a becoming zeal to excel in the exhibition of the finest spe- cimens of flowers and fruits which skill and industry can produce. I am, Sir, yours, &c. Wallingford, Nov. 1832. JosEPH Tso.
Mr. Tyso has published a sheet catalogue of ranunculuses, tulips, pelargoniums, &c., for 1832, which may be had, gratis, on application to him, post-paid. — Cond.
Art. XVIII. On the Culture of the Orange Tree in England. By R. S$. Sir,
Havine often observed with astonishment the inconsistent manner in which the orange tree is cultivated in this country, and the bad success which generally attends such a mode of treatment, I take the present opportunity, through the medium of your Magazine, of describing the method of management by which I have found them to succeed best. After having procured a quantity of good seed from the com- mon citron, sow it about the middle of February, or beginning of March at the latest, in 24-sized seed pots filled with rich light mould ; covering it half an inch thick with the same sort
of soil, and spread a little moss over the top, to keep the mould F2
68 On the Culture of
moist. Plunge your pots in a hot-bed, previously prepared for them, of about 70 to 75 degrees of heat, taking good care not to let the heat sink below that temperature. In a few days the plants will make their appearance through the moss, after which a little air must be given them when the weather permits. As soon as they attain the height of five or six inches, which, if properly managed, will be im five or six weeks after they are sown, pot them into 60 or small 48 sized pots, taking good care to drain the pots well, which is a very necessary thing towards the growing of any plant well, and especially orange trees; after which plunge the pots in the hot-bed as before, taking good care that the bottom heat is not too violent for their roots, and keep a steady heat, so as not to let them get any way stunted in their growth, and by the month of July the greater part of them will be ready for being engrafted. Prepare a gentle hot-bed in a shady situation ; or, if that cannot conveniently be done, turn the back of the frame towards the south: then graft the plants, which may be performed in various ways with equal success: but the manner I would recommend, as in my opinion best, is that of cleft-erafting, as the scion heals over the wound much sooner than by any other way. I generally take off the top of the scion before inserting it in the stock, which, in my Opinion, acts as a stimulus to make the sap flow afresh, and make them unite much sooner than if left untopped. At this time much care is required to keep up a proper heat; and that the plants be well shaded with double mats, for the clear sun will often cause a complete failure. When you find that they have properly taken, admit a httle air ; but it must be but very sparingly at first. If convenient, I would recommend the plants to be kept in a frame during winter, as they are sure to keep much better there than any where else, if good care be taken not to overwater them, otherwise the roots will rot. If about the beginning of April a little dung heat be given, to set them growing, they will benefit much by it, pro- vided plenty of air be admitted, to prevent them growing weak. If one shoot be likely to take too much the lead of the others, pinch off the top, which will cause the sap to go to the others, and by that means form a fine head to the plant. By such treatment, I am of opinion that orange trees might be grown to much more advantage than by the present manner of raising stocks, which are generally two years old before they are fit for use. I have seen orange trees cul- tivated in this manner with great success. The orange tree does not require to be shut up in a house, like stove plants, as most people treat it in this country; but ought to get plenty
the Orange in England. 69
of air at all seasons, and in summer should be put out early in the season, and not treated as they are at Hampton Court, and several other of His Majesty’s gardens, where they have -some of the finest in the country, or at least which were the finest when they arrived there; but at present they assume another appearance. ‘The treatment these trees receive must convince every reasonable person that it is impossible they can be otherwise, when it is known that they are kept in a house all summer, with only a few windows in front of it, and then, in August, after they have made young wood, like windlestraws, by being kept in such a place, they are turned out of doors for two or three weeks, for the winds to blow off their leaves, and blast the young shoots. On the contrary, they should be turned out early, as in France, which is, in most seasons, from the Ist of May till October.
Perhaps it may be argued that our climate is not so good. That I will allow; but if our early part of summer is not so hot, our month of August is sometimes more so. I would never wish for a better place than that at Hampton Court for wintering orange trees, when in many parts of France they are kept in cellars and caves, and in very few places have they a better place than an old coach-house or barn. I know an English candle manufacturer at Rouen, who has 80 of the finest orange trees I ever saw, and has no place to keep them in except an old barn, in which they are obliged to set the large plants on pillars five or six feet from the ground, in order that the smaller ones may be placed under their branches, where they stand without injury until the following spring, without scarcely losing a leaf. M. Vallet, who is well known about London as an importer of standard roses, has upwards of 300 orange trees from four to sixteen feet high, and has no better place than the sheds under a cotton manufactory in which to winter his trees; and many other instances I could mention, if necessary.
There is another thing that I have often observed in France, namely, that orange trees in small wooden boxes, made ae- cording to the size of the plant, always thrive better than in pots. The reason, I presume, is merely this, that the boxes generally stand on four small feet, about two inches from the ground, and of course always keep the plants free from stag- nant water, which orange trees cannot endure without injury.
I am, Sir, yours, &c. Upper Clapton, Nov. 29. 1830. R.S,
F3
70 Cultivation of Grapes and late Peaches.
Art. XIX. On cultivating the Pine-apple out of Pots. By Mr. Wittiam Bowers, Gardener to Mrs. Shaw Lefevre, Heskfield
Place, Hartford Bridge, Hampshire.
Sir
I BEG to say that I have treated my fruiting pines, these last three years, in nearly the manner described by Mr. Mitchinson, Vol. VIII. p. 576.; only that, instead of turning the plants out into mould, I turn them out, and bury the plants six inches deep in