1878. ]

attended to in the outdoor culture of the Fig is to prevent its making coarse, over-luxuriant growth. Short-jointed, well-ripened wood and moderate vigour of growth are sure accompaniments of fruitfulness, and when these are secured, there is little difficulty in getting plenty of fruit.

The Fig produces two crops of fruit in the year; the first ripens in August and September, and is borne on the previous season's shoots; and the second is yielded by the young summer shoots, and which rarely ripens in this country. The young shoots of the current season's growth should be well thinned, retaining only sufficient to fill up the spaces, without crowding. The young shoots must not, on any account, be nailed close to the wall, as that would cause the young Figs to grow to a large size; and in that case most of them would drop off, and the first crop-that which ripens the next season-would be very light. By allowing the young shoots to hang loosely from the wall, the young Figs will not be so large in size as when they are nailed closely to the wall, consequently

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a greater quantity of embryo Figs remain during the winter, and the crop of fruit is better.

of

Early in the autumn, as soon after the fall of the leaf as possible, the trees should get what pruning they require. The terminal bud every shoot should be removed; this causes a greater number of embryo Figs to grow the following season than would be the case when the terminal bud is not removed. The trees should then be covered for the winter. If

straw or other loose covering be used, the trees should be occasionally looked to, as rats are apt to harbour in it, and will sometimes In April, when all seriously bark the trees.

danger from frost is over, the trees should be uncovered, and nailed carefully and neatly to the wall; the young Figs will soon begin to show signs of growth, and will in due time ripen nicely, and are then a great acquisition to the dessert.

If I recollect rightly, I think the late Mr. Rivers advocated the growth of Figs as bushes in gardens, taking the plants up annually with a ball of earth, and placing them in cellars until the following spring, when they should be planted in the places they were removed from.-M. SAUL, Stourton.

HE Plums here represented are not chosen for illustration on account of their novelty, but by reason of their utilitarian character. They are Plums which deserve to be largely grown, and even better known than they are, on account of their general usefulness.

DIAMOND (Fig. 1).—In this we have one of the largest and most beautiful of Plums grown, and one which is especially valuable for the exhibition table. The fruit is very large, of long oval shape, and marked with a very distinct suture. The skin is very dark purple, almost black (so that it is sometimes called Black Diamond), and is covered with a thick bloom. The flesh is yellowish, rather coarse, but juicy, and of a brisk pleasant flavour, slightly adherent to the stone. This is a very excellent Plum for cooking or preserving, and is much cultivated in some parts. It is a

strong grower, and a good cropper. Ripens in September. Raised by Mr. Hooker, of Brenchley, in Kent.

BELGIAN PURPLE (Fig. 2).-For amateur cultivators there are few better Plums than this. The tree is of an excellent habit of growth, the shoots forming naturally very close short-jointed spurs, and being nearly always covered with blossom-buds. It is an almost certain cropper. The fruit is large, or above medium size, of a roundish shape, and marked with a very distinct suture. The skin is dark purplish on the exposed side, occasionally splashed with crimson and greenish yellow in the shade, and covered with a fine bloom. The stalk is rather short, inserted in a cavity. The flesh is greenish, thick, but juicy, and richly flavoured, slightly adhering to the stone. This is generally classed as a cooking Plum, but it is well suited for dessert. Ripens midseason. It is of Belgian origin.-M.

My flowering, there

treatment necessary for mid-winter flowering, and producing such an abundance of deliciously fragrant blossoms with the least possible attention. Thus the Common Lilac, as it is termed,

has become the plant of the general public; it is everybody's plant, and is found in every conceivable situation, and one might say under almost every condition, always accommodating itself to the circumstances in which it is placed. Indeed, the Syringa vulgaris is not only serviceable as an indoor decorative plant, but one of the most reliable and effective shrubbery plants that we possess, in some degree luxuriating even in the vitiated, murky atmosphere of our large cities, where vegetation, as a rule, has to struggle for existence.

With all this, the Lilac, like most other subjects, is benefited by careful culture, and deserves far more general attention than, as a rule, it receives in English gardens. We are particularly wanting in varieties, of which so many of improved character exist, and are procurable at a trifling cost. It is really surprising how limited our collections generally are, for it is quite exceptional to find other than the following sorts represented in our grounds:-Syringa vulgaris, and its white variety; S. persica, purple and white forms; the Siberian variety, occasionally represented; and very recently we have added such sorts as Charles X., a stronggrowing variety of vulgaris, which forces freely in a moderately large state; and Dr. Lindley, a dwarf, compact, free-growing kind, well suited for forcing. These latter are doubtless two superior varieties, to which may be added with advantage such kinds as rubra insignis, a very remarkable, fine variety, well meriting attention, Duchesse de Nemours, grandiflora, spectabilis, Vallettiana, Ville de Troyes, Princesse Marie, Princesse Camille de Rohan, &c. There are doubtless others of the many kinds now in existence which possess superior merits. However, in these general remarks I am somewhat diverging from the point meditated, which was the early forcing of Lilacs, and more particularly the varieties of the Persian Lilac, such as Syringa persica, S. persica alba, and S. persica incisa, to which may very fittingly be added Dr. Lindley, on account of its compact habit and free-blooming properties.

It is a usual practice, which is not always attended with perfect success, as they seldom bloom or stand so long as established plants, to pot-up plants from the ground with balls, and introduce them at once into the forcinghouse. Certainly, it is not the most judicious

method to adopt, with such plants as are expected to produce flowers during the months of December and January. This I have repeatedly proved, and I would guarantee that one-quarter of the plants, properly prepared and potted twelve months previous to forcing, and having encouragement so as to secure thorough development and maturation in the previous summer, will produce a much greater amount of satisfaction, with the additional advantage of greater compactness of habit and profuseness of blossom, which renders them far more efficient for association with small plants in different combinations. For this purpose they are as superior to lifted plants as it is possible to conceive, and the practice involves but a trifling amount of labour.

I have grown the Persian varieties grafted upon stocks of the Ligustrum, which answers well for standard plants, as they form vigorous growth; and in this form are very serviceable to stand amongst plants for effect, being so light and elegant. The only objection to them is the growth of an abundant crop of suckers, which are troublesome to keep under.

It will be obvious that a little care in the preparation of store plants for potting-up will be necessary, and the stools should be frequently divided, selected, and sized, cutting them into form, and planting in good soil in an open situation, where the only care necessary is the trimming-in of unruly shoots which mar the symmetry of the plants, sedulously watching to keep under any root-suckers which may appear. Plants potted up in from 6-in, to 12-in. pots, according to size, and plunged up to the rim in a sunny spot during the summer, may be brought forward in a moderate temperature during November, where they will quickly produce an abundant and lasting supply of fragrant blossoms, which at that dull season of the year are especially welcome. Where space is not limited, a profusion of blossoms may be obtained after the turn of the year, by lifting moderate-sized bushes with large balls, and placing them in heat. If they have been prepared by cutting round or lifting some time previous, so much the better. The Lilac is so accommodating as to management as to produce average results under any moderately careful treatment.

At

leaves. The petioles are long, slender, roundish, and of a dark-green colour; the lamina is bipinnatisect and spreading; the pinnules are firm in texture, obliquely falcato-lanceolate, acuminate, the margins prettily toothed or serrated. It may be added, that the gracefully

drooping habit of the broad spreading leavesso different from the stiff formality common to the order-very much enhances its beauty, and whether permanently serrated or not, it may take its place amongst the most ornamental of the palms and larger ferns with which it would become associated in cultivation.-T. MOORE.

MARKET PLANTS.-V. VARIEGATED ZONAL PELARGONIUMS. OHE Tricolor Pelargonium has certainly ceased to be the pet plant with many that it was a few years ago, when there was something like a passion for new and expensive varieties. But the rage soon subsided, for it was quickly found it was only under special circumstances that the plants could be well grown and finely coloured, as they were when shown by their introducers. A few failures with any particular plant socn affect the demand for it; but though the Tricolor or Variegated Zonal Pelargonium declined as a

pet, it has never ceased to be an acceptable and most useful plant in the garden, for pot-culture

and for beds.

One particular grower of this plant, Mr. Thomas Pestridge, of the Boston Park Nursery, Brentford, sends to market twelve thousand in a season, a goodly number in large 60-pots, the larger quantity in small 60-pots. It is during the months of April and May that they are sent to market. A dozen plants are put into a small light box-sometimes consisting of one variety only, sometimes of two, and not infrequently of several varieties mixed together. A model market plant in a small 60-pot is from four to five inches through, short-jointed, branching, dwarf in growth, and with richly-coloured leaves feathering to the pot. Such plants command a good price, and there is a very ready sale for them, as London nurserymen, who find it difficult to grow the tricolors, become large purchasers for supplying orders. Bronzes or bicolors are also largely grown by Mr. Pestridge, as he gets through some ten thousand plants in a season; and they also are nice bushy, compact, dwarf specimens, with grandly

coloured leaves.

The leading market Tricolor varieties are Achievement, with a very bright, evenly-marked zone; Masterpiece, very fine and attractive; Golden Queen, excellent in every respect; Miss Goring, very good, and of fine habit; Mrs. Little, very fine in colour, and much in demand in the market in consequence; Prince of Wales, a useful variety, but much like Mrs. Pollock; Marie Stuart (Pestridge), large, bold, circular leaf, rich marking and excellent habit; Florence (Wills), in the way of Mrs. Pollock, but having more colour, besides being a more compact grower, and a great improvement on this old variety; Salamander (Pestridge), very fine colour; Peter Griève, finely marked, large, bold leaves, but a slow grower; and Macbeth, a capital grower, with fine, high-coloured foliage, well fitted for a large bed, because so free and robust.

The Silver Tricolors are grown also, but only in the proportion of an eighth part, as compared with the Golden. But a few varieties of silvers are grown; the best for the purpose are Lass o' Gowrie, Miss Bond, Empress of India (Pestridge), the best grower among the Silver-edged varieties, very fine and effective, a variety that will become the leading one for market purposes; Dolly Varden, very effective; and Mrs. John Marshall (Pestridge), fine in colour and of excellent habit.

The best Gold and Bronze, or Bicolor varieties grown for market, are:-W. E. Gumbleton, having a fine, broad, reddish zone, a good, robust variety, that sells well; the Shah, distinct and fine, and excellent habit; Mrs. Harrison Weir, not a heavy zone, but a taking variety; and Mrs. Quilter.

The main part of the work of propagation is done in January, February, and March, from plants wintered in 48-pots. The kind of wood preferred for cuttings is the young hard growths, such as might be expected to come on semistarved plants. A sappy, vigorous growth makes but indifferent cuttings, and they are slow and uncertain in rooting, while the former roots quickly. The later cuttings, as a rule, make the best plants, as they start away into growth at once when the weather has become more genial, and there is no check to their onward progress. In May and June some of the lateststruck cuttings, being too small to market, are planted out in the open ground, and as soon as the shoots are large enough, cuttings are taken from them during the summer. These plants, lifted and repotted in September or early in October, also make capital stock plants, from which to get cuttings in the winter and early spring months. The cuttings are put singly into small 60-pots, and stood on shelves near the glass, and when sufficiently well rooted are potted into large 60-pots, and some of the biggest into 48's.

The houses in which the plants are grown during the winter and spring are rather more roomy than those in which market plants are generally grown; they are light, airy, and dry, and in sunny positions. The temperature maintained during winter is from 50° to 55°, rising to 60° and 65° with sun-heat. Plenty of air is given on all favourable occasions; water is given sparingly till growth sets in. Indeed, the rule is to keep fairly dry on dull days. Water does not hurt the plants when the temperature in which they are growing is genial and kindly, and the plants healthy. An unhealthy plant is an exception to the rule in Mr. Pestridge's nursery.

Then as to soil. For the gold and silver tricolors, Mr. Pestridge uses about two parts of light loam and one part of leaf-mould, with a good sprinkling of silver sand. The gold and bronze varieties stand a stronger loam and a little old manure, as they root more freely than the tricolors.

The great secret of success with these gailycoloured plants, as indeed with all market plants, is the constant attention they receive at the right time. They are never neglected cr forgotten. This is the golden rule of plant cultivation. It is because of this, and the observance of the conditions named above, that the leaves flash out with such brilliancy of burning hues,-painted by the sun, and intensified and refined by touches of human skill. These charming foliaged plants, splendid with leaf-tints that put into the shade their best flowers, "their Maker's name in silent pomp display," and set the seal of goodness on His marvellous handiwork.-RICHARD DEAN, Ealing, W.

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VILLA GARDENING FOR JULY. PAPER having this heading might very appropriately commence with some observations on the importance of watering-for is not July the season of heat and drought, when the sun shines clear out of an unclouded sky, when the winds are low and soft, and living creatures seek the shade? What if it is the month of St. Swithin? The traditions of the watery Saint are not always observed; and indeed, so much of rain has fallen of late, that it will soon be necessary for the clouds to seek a fresh supply, to recoup their overtaxed resources. But July may be as wet as May and June, and it would appear as if St. Swithin has anticipated his annual visitation by a month or two. At present, except for plants in pots, there is little need for the use of the water-pot out-of-doors.

GREENHOUSE.-Unforced Azaleas, that is, those that have come on into flower without the quickening influences of artificial heat, have been late, but have done flowering, and all the seed-pods should be picked off, and the plants put into the warmest part of the greenhouse, to make growth and set the buds; a shift can be given to such as require it. All greenhouse plants required for late blooming will be the better for a shift, for the purpose of growing them on into good size before blooming. Camellias may be shifted if necessary, but if well potted in the first instance, the villa gardener may console himself with the fact that they will flourish in the same pots for three years in succession; and to overpot them is an injury from which they may never recover. When Camellias and other plants have become potbound, and it is inconvenient to give them larger pots, they are greatly helped by a slight topdressing of Standen's Amateur's Friend manure, or Amies' prepared manure, carefully applied twice a week, by sprinkling a little over the surface of the soil, and washing it in the act of watering. Fuchsias represented by last year's plants, cut back in early spring and repotted, are now very gay and effective subjects for the greenhouse. Fuchsias are so bounteous of bloom, and on the whole so easily managed, that they may well be relied on to be a staple feature in the summer display. Frequent syringings overhead and plenty of water at the roots are necessary, and an occasional dressing of the manures mentioned above, in the case of densely-rooted plants, will be found of great service. A few spring-struck Fuchsias, potted on as fast as possible, and stood out-of

doors till about the middle or end of the month, will be found very useful in the conservatory during August and September. By pinching back some of the Zonal Pelargoniums, and by potting on cuttings struck in May; by