2nd. What creepers will grow most quickly and look most ornamental? Of course it is heated in winter.-CONSTANT READER.

intended for sale, so you will, perhaps, give me the names of the freest bearers, best setters, and largest bunches ?-JACK KETCH. [Two Victoria Hamburgh and one Black Prince for black varieties. The whites should be two Buckland Sweetwater and one Royal Muscadine.]

THE NEW AND RARE VARIETIES OF BLECHNUM SPICANT,

Found in the Neighbourhood of Todmorden and some other Places.

The climbers that would suit you are Passiflora coerulea, cærulea racemosa; Tecoma Cheriri and jasminoides; Mandevilla suaveolens; Kennedya Marryattæ and nigricans, &c.]

NEW AND RARE PLANTS. PENTSTEMON SPFOTABILIS (Showy Pentstemon). Nat. Ord., Scrophulariacea. Linn., Didynamia Angiospermia. "A lovely Californian species." Flowers numerous, in a panicle, on a stem nearly 2 feet high. Introduced by Messrs. Low, of Clapton, where it flowered last May.—(Botanical Mag., t. 5260.) DENDROBIUM HILLII (Mr. Hill's Dendrobium). Nat. Ord., Orchidacea. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. Named after Mr. Walter Hill, superintendent of the Botanic Garden at Moreton Bay, who sent it to the Kew Gardens. Flowers white. -(Ibid., t. 5261.)

GOMPHIA OLIVEFORMIS (Olive-fruited Gomphia). Nat. Ord., Ochracea. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. It has also been called G. decorans. Native of Brazil, introduced by Messrs. Hendersons, Wellington Road Nursery. "It produced its panicle of bright yellow flowers in the Kew stove during May of 1861.”—(Ibid., t. 5262.) CALADIUM BICOLOR, var. VERSCHAFFELTII (Verschaffelt's Twocoloured Caladium).

Nat. Ord., Aroideæ. Linn., Monacia Monandria. Sent to Kew by M. Chantin, of Paris. "Upon the deep green ground of the blade of the leaf are numerous irregular blotches of a rich blood [almost carmine] colour, the largest of which are ocel lated that is, have little eye-like spots of green in their centres." —(Ibid., t. 5263.)

CERINTHE RETORTA (Curved-flowered Cerinthe). Nat. Ord., Boragineæ. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. Hardy herbaceous plant 18 inches high. Racemes of flowers terminal, recurved; bracts large, blue; corollas yellow, tipped with reddishpurple ; "leaves glaucous green, spotted like those of a Pulmonaria. It is a native of Caria, in the Peloponnesus, where it was found by Sibthorp; and in wooded places in Dalmatia, according to Viviani. Lovers of hardy plants will do well to rear this in the open borders of their gardens. It is [best treated as an] annual, may be increased by seeds, and should be planted in tufts. Our plant was raised from seed sent to us by Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich."-(Ibid., t. 5264.) CHYSIS AUREA, var. LEMMINGHEI (Lemming's Golden-flowered Chysis).

Nat. Ord., Orchidaceae. Linn., Gynandria Monogynia. Named in honour of Count Lemminghe. Instead of the flowers being golden coloured they are nearly white or cream coloured, the lip only being tinged with yellow; purple or lilac blotches are on the sepals and petals, and dark purple streaks and spots Sent to Kew from Hamburgh by Mr.

inside the labellum.

Schiller.-(Ibid., t. 5265.)

VINES FOR AN EARLY VINERY. PLEASE to let me know the names of six of the best Grapes for an early vinery. They will be planted inside in a pit in the centre of the house, three white and three black. The fruit is

STANSFIELD.)

(Continued from page 360.)

5. BLECHNUM IMBRICATUM.-This I found last autumn in Walsden, near the top of Henshaw Wood, also in Staups valley. But it was found nearly twelve months before by Mr. James Horsfall, a little to the right of Walsden Church; and it is somewhat remarkable that it was found about the same time near Barnstaple, Devonshire, by our friend Mr. Jackson, formerly of Guernsey. Mr. Jackson's plant is certainly identical with that found by Mr. Horsfall, those found by myself being slightly different, and it is very probable they will prove another variety. It fruited in our fernery last season, and we have now plants from spores in the protothal state; we shall look after their further development with intense interest. Fronds ovate, 6 inches to 8 inches long, lobes ovate, turgid, very much imbricated, so as to make the frond almost appear double, as if the frond was superimposed upon another; fertile frond also imbricated, not much longer than the barren, having much the appearance of a fertile frond of Lomaria nuda. Rare, constant, and perfectly distinct.

6. BLECH NUM CRASSICAULE.-This was also found in Walsden by Mr. John Fielden; and I have again to notice the remarkable coincidence, that it was also found about the same time near Barnstaple by Mr. Jackson. In general resemblance it approaches the imbricatum, but is still distinct; the lobes are not quite so much imbricated, or so convex, as in that variety, and the whole plant has a smoother and softer aspect. We shall look forward to the development of its fruiting fronds with much interest. New, and very rare.

7. BLECHNUM PROJECTUM.-This extremely curious variety was gathered by Mr. James Horsfall in September last, between the head of Lochlomond and Ben Lawers, in Scotland. Fronds smaller than the common type, but thicker and more coriaceous; many of the lobes are abbreviated or altogether wanting, whilst others are projected beyond the usual length in the most heterodox manner. It was designated by the discoverer as the ugliest Blechnum he had ever seen. I have little doubt but its irregularities will be permanent under cultivation; and if so, it will prove a highly interesting variety, from the many freaks it will play. It is new and extremely rare.

8. BLECHNUM RAMO-DEPAUPERATUM.-This was also found by Mr. James Horsfall, last September, on the Clova mountains, in Scotland. Fronds about the length of the common type, variously branched terminally, lobes much depauperated downwardly. New and very interesting.

9. BLECHNUM CAUDATUM (Moore).-I gathered some good plants of this very rare Fern in September last, by the side of an old lane in Eastwood. Fronds from 6 inches to 8 inches long, entire or caudate for about one-third the distance from the apex, gradually enlarging in breadth to the middle of the frond, then suddenly contracting downwards to about one-fourth of an inch in breadth. Fronds thick and leathery. A new and very extraordinary, unique, and rare variety.

10. BLECHNUM HETEROPHYLLUM (Moore).-A solitary plant of this variety was found last October by Mr. Thomas Stansfield. Fronds exceedingly varied; some nearly normal, others depauperated throughout, others again have pinnæ projecting beyond the margin, intermixed with abbreviated and normal quite permanent under cultivation. It is altogether an extraordinary and rare variety, and

ones.

11. BLECHNUM TRIDACTYLON (Moore).- This variety was also found in October last by Mr. Simon Nowell, in Towerclough, near Portsmouth. Fronds shorter than in the species, more fleshy and coriaceous; some of the fronds entire at the ends, or slightly cordate, others divided into three-finger-like processes: hence tridactylon. It is a new variety, and, should it remain permanent, will be very interesting.

12. BLECHNUM SINUATUM (Moore).-This is a tall-growing

Fern, with the pinnæ much abbreviated in the lower half of the frond; so much, indeed, as to run into simple sinuosities. I gathered it last season, in Staups-clough. (To be continued.)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE SEASHORE.

(Continued from page 282.)

MOLLUSC.

XYLOPHAGA, OR WOOD-EATERS.-These creatures are also members of the Pholas tribe, and are so similar to the Teredines both in their form and habits, that a distinct and particular description of them becomes unnecessary. They penetrate, in the same manner as the Ship-worms, into the substance of timber which has been for any length of time under salt water, forming receptacles for their lodgment there; these receptacles have one orifice only, and are altogether destitute of anything like a shelly deposit. The only method which has been discovered of protecting ship-timber from the ravages of these destructive little creatures, is by studding the surface with broad-headed iron nails; in a very short space of time the iron becomes oxidised by the action of the sea-water, and the wood is speedily and thickly coated with rust, to which it would seem the Ship-worms have an invincible antipathy.

On

PHOLAS, OR BORER.-This creature may be looked upon as the type of the tribe, and is certainly one of the most singular animals in the whole range of marine zoology. The shell is a bivalve, and contains a creature of an ascidian conformation, having a long tube, or rather two tubes, or syphons, placed close together on the principle of a double-barrelled gun. The Pholas is not only found in submerged wood, but in hard clay, chalk rocks, lime, and sandstone. the south coast of England it is very common, and its shells are found in wonderful profusion. If any piece of rock running well out to sea be examined at low water, it will be found perforated with holes: these are caused by the Pholas; but how so small, and, to all appearance, powerless a creature can effect this perforation is as wonderful as it is up to the present time incomprehensible. The celebrated French naturalist, Reaumer, was of opinion that they work their way into limestone and similar substances by the perpetual rotation of their valves, which thus act like a rasp. But this is anything but a satisfactory solution of the mystery; for, in the first place, the shell is not hard enough to act as a rasp, even if all the shells of the species were furrowed, which is not the case, many being quite smooth; and, in the second place, if the hole were bored by the action of the shell, it would be uniform and almost circular: whereas it is found to be perfectly conformable to the shape of the shell. But by whatever process the boring is effected, it is generally admitted that the creature insinuates itself into the substance in its young state, and increases the cavity as it increases in size. In Normandy the Pholas is considered a great luxury, either dressed with herbs and breadcrumbs, or pickled with vinegar.

We must not overlook one remarkable peculiarity of the Pholas-namely, its phosphorescent property. It contains a liquid which shines with extraordinary brilliancy in the dark, and imparts a light to whatever it touches, it is even said to illuminate the mouth of the party who eats it. It is the more remarkable, also, that, contrary to the nature of other fish, which emit light only when approaching putrescence, the Pholas, the fresher it is, so it is the more luminous; even when dried, however, salt or fresh water will revive the light, although spirit instantly extinguishes it. I hardly like to be presumptuous enough to hazard a conjecture; but may there

not be some peculiar property in this very liquor which may assist the creature in its task of boring? perhaps it may contain some active principle which tends to soften the wood or stone, and so to facilitate the difficult process.

SOLEN ENSIS (Razor Shell).-This is another burrowing species,

having a long, straight, oval shell. It is found in large quantities depth of 18 inches or 20 inches, and generally near low-water on most sandy shores, where it sometimes buries itself to a mark; it is very frequently, however, much nearer the surface, in which it dwells is perpendicular; ascent and descent being its that it may be able to project its tube from the sand. The hole only modes of locomotion. It is at the ebbing of the tide that The retreat of the it descends, rising again as it flows out. Solen is easily distinguished when the tide is out by a small hole in the sand, and there are two or three methods of capturing its tenant. If some salt be put into the hole, the irritation causes the creature to ascend, and if the hunter be quick he may secure him; but, if it contrives to descend again, it would be useless to repeat the attempt, for the cunning Mollusc has retreated to the extremity of its burrow, and the salt would never reach it. Sometimes they may be dug out of the sand by spades; but the ordinary means adopted by the fishermen who seek them for food or bait, is to plunge a thin, barbed iron rod into the hole, when, if good aim be taken, the creature is harpooned and dragged out; but, if it be missed the first time, it is useless to try again, for, as in the case of the salt, the Solen on being aware of the proximity of an enemy, burrows far away out of reach of a second stroke. existence is passed in a residence saturated with salt water, and by the way, that salt should annoy a creature whose entire which must derive its nutriment from the impregnated element.

It would seem strange,

MYADE (Gapers).-This tribe is more widely distributed than any other of our native Molluscs, there being no less than fourteen British species, but it will not be necessary to individualise each one of them. They have strong oblong shells, gaping in some species at one extremity only, in others at both. They all of them bury themselves in the sand, at such a depth only that their tubers can be conveniently protruded above the surface. They are said to be very palatable eating, and are sought for for that purpose on many parts of the coast.

One species, Mya margaritifera (Pearl-bearing Mya), which is vulgarly known as the Pearl Mussel, has been known to yield pearls of very considerable value, and it is by no means uncommon now to find pearls in these shells which will bring from 20s. to 30s. each.-W.

(To be continued.)

VARIEGATION IN PLANTS.

As there has been a great deal said lately in our pages about variegation in plants, we take the opportunity of publishing the following views of Dr. Morren, Professor of Botany at Liege, on 'Dodonæa, ou the subject. They were published originally in " Recueil d'Observations de Botanique." Brussels.

When we see a form of variegation strictly confined to the nerves of the leaf; when we see the discoloured tissue abruptly limited to the median nerve, we are led to infer that here there exists an action which depends on the fibrous system. We are confirmed in this opinion when we observe those beautifully reticulated leaves, in which the whole fibrous network is white or yellow, while the intervening spaces (intervenium) remains green. But when the number of examples brought under consideration becomes multiplied, the frequent examples of leaves which are marginate, or bordered, or zoned, or discoidal, or fasciated, or variegated at the ends, present facts which could never be made to accord with this hypothesis. In the leaves which are fasciated, and those which are variegated at the end, the nerves like the intervenium, are distinctly cut by a discoloured part, and the transition is abrupt. It would, therefore, seem impossible to admit that this phenomenon of variegation is caused by any excess of air forced into the leaf by the pneuma

variegation, attributes this phenomenon to several causes though he has not sought to resolve the question by an anatomical examination of the variegated parts-an essential point in a case of pathology, in which it is of the first importance to know the seat of the disease. According to this botanist, these causes would appear to be as follows:

1. "The seed being too old, imperfectly ripe, defective conformation, &c."-Here it is not clearly stated how these conditions should produce variegation; the affirmation is vague, because it explains nothing.

2. "Variegation in the parent plants."-This fact is true; we have seen proofs of it in several gardens.

3. "Accident, or injury from insects."-Here we must remark that the difference of colour in a leaf pierced by an insect, or which is used as its nest, is not a true variegation. This phenomenon is local, and caused by a degeneracy or death of the tissues, as in the growth of epiphytal cryptogams on the green parts of the plants. Most frequently, the yellow tint which we observe on Pear and Apple trees, &c., is only an indication of

the death of the tissue.

4. "Hybridation with a plant not variegated by the pollen of one variegated."Here we must understand illegitimate crossing (impregnation taking place between two varieties of the same species), and not true hybridation (impregnation between two different species).

5. "Imperfect impregnation, in consequence of immaturity of the pollen; "-perhaps, more properly speaking, by the difference of coloration in the pollen, as has been observed in the production of the striation of the corolla.

6. "Contagion inoculated by the graft."-This result is placed beyond all doubt by daily experience.

To these we shall add one or two others.

7. Growth of the plant on a warm, arid soil, impregnated with air. The facts cited by M. Treviranus have been fully confirmed by what we have seen in every garden where there are trees with variegated leaves.

8. Propagation in dry weather. The fact cited by Miller belongs to this category of causes; and M. Sageret himself says, that budding, layering, twisting, ringing, and tying, have produced variegation. We think these are secondary causes, and that with them there is a certain concomitant motion in the respiration so active that it is followed by emphysema in the secreting tissues. This last condition, which is fulfilled by exposure in a warm, aërated aspect, and an arid soil has been entirely neglected by observers. It could only be detected by anatomical experiments on the plants, and but few have paid attention to the dissection of tissues.

9. The destruction of important organs of nutrition, by animals or other causes. The facts mentioned by Burgsdorf, are to be explained by excess of the respiration directed to the surviving parts of the plant.

After this exposition of facts, it appears that :(a) Variegation may be regarded as a malady.

(b) That it has its source in the cellular tissue of the diachyma. (e) That it attacks especially the superior mesophyllar system, and spreads by layers, always from above downwards, so as to extend sometimes to the whole of the diachyma.

(j) That variegation is closely connected with disturbed vegetable respiration, and that consequently, it is to plants what pulmonary emphysema is to animals: with the former, its seat is in the leaves, which are the true lungs of plants.

(k) That in this it is necessary to distinguish general emphysemas which affect the whole plant from local variegations.

up.

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Broccoli, where there has been any planted between the Peas, the latter should be removed as soon as they are done with, the ground should then be dug, and the intermediate spaces filled Cauliflowers, the plants which are now coming in to be liberally supplied with water to cause them to form close heads. Chervil, make a sowing for autumn use. Endive, continue to transplant as circumstances may require. Another sowing may also be made. Lettuce, keep a succession sown and planted; they will now require a liberal supply of water to make them eat crisp and fresh. Keep the ground between all crops frequently hoed, both to keep down weeds and to retain moisture by pulverising the soil. Stick and earth-up the late crops of Peas and Scarlet Runners, and cut any herbs that may yet remain out.

FLOWER GARDEN.

The cuttings of choice Hollyhocks to be put in, as those rooted about this time will make strong plants for next season. Attend to the tying of them and Dahlias, and go over the masses of Verbenas, &c., frequently for the purpose of regulating their growth. Sow immediately Ten-week and Intermediate Stocks for spring blooming.

FRUIT GARDEN.

Give attention to the preservation of wall fruit from birds and insects. The bean-stalk earwig traps to be frequently examined. Haythorn's hexagon netting can be employed with advantage to protect Green Gage and other Plums, a precaution the more necessary from the scarcity of fruit this season. Look carefully over Peach and Nectarine trees, and remove nails that press too closely on the fruit or branches. In stopping and arranging the wood let only as much as can conveniently be laid in be allowed to remain with sufficient space for the influences of the sun and air to accomplish the perfection of the fruit and the ripening of the wood. Apples and Pears, both on walls and espaliers, to have their second growth spurred in, and the leading shoots nailed or tied in as they require it. The lateral growth of Vines to be removed and the shoots spread out as openly as possible, they will need all the influence of the sun to attain to maturity. The sooner the new beds of Strawberries are planted the better. All stone fruit to be gathered as soon as ripe, as they seldom, if ever, improve when left to get over-ripe, and they will keep a day or two longer in a cool place than on the walls.

STOVE.

(e) That this emphysema is confined to the intercellular passages, the intercellular substance or enchyma being replaced by air or gas, the nature of which is unknown.

(f) That this emphysema causes the discoloration of the granules of chlorophyll contained in the cellules of the variegated diachyma.

(g) That the variegation is always produced according to a certain number of types, which are repeated throughout numerous different orders and species; and that all variegated leaves may be distinguished by the following terms: 1, margined; 2, bordered; 3, discoidal; 4, zoned; 5, spotted; 6, reticulated; 7, striped; 8, marbled; 9, variegated by half; 10, variegated at the point; 11, fasciate; 12, entirely discoloured.

(h) That this last phenomenon constitutes albinism or complete whiteness in the leaf, and is never reproduced from seed; so that it is an individual malady.

(i) That the occasional causes of variegation are numerous, and have their source in many assignable conditions.

+ Sur le Moyen de faire naitre les végétaux à feuilles panachées. Belg., 1836, p. 145.

Hort.

air with a decrease of temperature during the night. Give every encouragement to the hard-wooded spring-blooming stove plants to ripen the wood while there is sufficient sunshine for the purpose, as the short, sunless, damp days and long nights are approaching fast.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

Chrysanthemums to receive their last shift, using fibrous loam to produce a stiff habit, and to preserve their leaves; liquid manure to be applied liberally when the flower-buds are formed. Successions of Brugmansias, Clerodendrons, Euphorbias, Poinsettias, &c., to receive a last shift to produce a fine display in the conservatory. Climbers on ornamental trellises to be cut back for the purpose of producing a succession of blooms late in the season. The winter-blooming plants of common character, such as Cinerarias, Heliotropes, Roses, Verbenas, &c., to be potted on if they require it. Scarlet Garaniums bloom best when they are somewhat potbound. Look very carefully after the Luculias, and keep them clear of their great enemy, the black thrips, giving them plenty of water at the roots, and an occasional supply of weak clear manure water to old plants that may not be growing freely until they have made plenty of wood to insure an abundance of bloom; but manure water should not

be given to young specimens in vigorous health, as it is apt to induce a too gross habit, in which state they seldom or never bloom freely. Attend to the Cinerarias for early blooming, with shifting, &c., as may be necessary, for if large specimens for winter blooming are wanted they must not be allowed to sustain a check after this time; also, take off suckers as they can be obtained, and pot them off for spring blooming.

PITS AND FRAMES.

The propagation of the stock for next season to be commenced at once, so as to have a lot of strong, well-established plants before winter, and without the necessity of keeping them so close and warm as to induce a weakly and watery habit of growth. To be able to winter bedding stock safely with ordinary care, it is necessary to put in the cuttings sufficiently early in the autumn to allow of having them well established and fit to be exposed to the open air for some time before they are housed for the winter. W. KEANE.

DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK.

OUT OF DOORS.

PLANTED out Lettuces, Cauliflowers, Endives, &c. Moved off early Peas, that the sticks might be obtained for late sowings, putting the haulm in sheds to get the seed knocked out on a wet day. Raised early Potatoes, there being just a symptom here and there of disease, that the ground might come in for Onions, Turnips, &c. Took up Potatoes also, where Savoys had been planted between the rows, to help the plants by the forking, and give them the ground for themselves. The early Ulm Savoy is a nice, compact, small kind, forming nice, firm heads even now, when other kinds are nothing hardly but a mass of leaves as yet. The week of dry weather has been of service to all crops. Dwarf Kidney Beans show signs that they will need a good soaking to keep them in continuous bearing. Sowed some in pots to be moved under protection as the weather gets cold. Sowed also Spinach, of the prickly and Flanders kind; also Onions, and a pinch of Cauliflower, to come early, deferring the main sowing for the spring crop until the end of the month. Forked slightly and watered freely with weak manure water rows of Peas, and very freely beds of Celery, and cleaned the plants of suckers, placing a dusting of dry soil over the beds after being watered a few hours to keep the moisture in. If the weather continues dry will throw mowings off the lawn along the rows of Peas to keep them moist. Nipped or clipped off pods getting too old for use, and placed them in a house to dry. These, though old for the table, are hardly old enough for seed if shelled at once, but they will mature themselves in the pods. Watered Globe Artichokes to cause what the frost left to bear more plentifully. Pruned and watered Vegetable Marrows bearing plentifully. Have not met, but would like to have, the bush Custard Marrow. Our Custard grows with rather too much luxuriance, and, in fact, on the whole, is more luxuriant than extra fruitful. Regulated and pinched Cucumbers, and turned, or rather made a lining to Cucumbers and Melons in frames, taking care that the soil was so hard pressed against the sides as to prevent any steam entering from the mixture of dung and lawn mowings used.

Nipped the points of Pear and Apple shoots. Of fruit we have a very scarce crop. Regulated and fastened shoots of Peaches and Apricots; netted Florence and Morello Cherries, Currants, Gooseberries, &c. Syringed Plums and Cherries, especially the latter on being cleared, with sulphur lime water. Watered a few trees planted in spring, and which the sun seemed to be distressing. Cut off Strawberry-runners laid in pots, to be repotted shortly for forcing; and as soon as possible will clear the Strawberry-beds by removing all runners, and even some of the smaller buds on stools above two years old. What is dug down will come in for Broccoli, that is now standing thickly pricked out in beds.

HOUSES.

Looked over vineries, picking out any decayed, and also removing a few scalded berries from a late house, chiefly Muscats. A few berries will be apt to be thus scalded, even with plenty of air given early, if the glass is not without spots, and especially if very bright sun succeeds a period of dull weather. Syringed and watered the early Peach-house, and top-dressed the surface of pot fruit trees in the orchard-house, watering the ground also, to keep the surface of the ground moist, and thus keep the house cool. By-and-by we will let it get warm to promote heat and the

hardening of the wood. Just raised the pots to arrest the growth of any roots that might be protruding. Regulated Melons in pits, thinning out extra shoots, and raising the fruit on inverted saucers, and slightly sprinkling the foliage about half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, and shutting up close for an hour, and giving a little air at night if warm enough. The above applies to cases where the fruit is set. When just in bloom air is kept on night and day, and the atmosphere kept in a dryish state. If fruit swelling and ripening need moisture, that is given for the water to get down by, without wetting the surface. A to the roots by drain-tubes left on purpose, or by making holes slight dewing in a warm afternoon will do them good, if the air is not taken away. If shut close the fruit will be apt to crack. Figs bearing copiously have recently required a little extra care. Those swelling freely are apt to decay or ripen faster than when wanted if much water is given, and then, on the other hand, if the plants get at all dry the second and succession crops are apt to suffer. When there are rather more Figs than can be used as fast as they ripen, it is a good plan to give plenty of air night and day then, to keep the house cool, and when the glut is nearly over to water well and give air still. This will bring on the next forwardest, and the succession will not be injured. If a few dull days come a little fire heat will bring them in very fast after the watering. But after all, when it is found that a good surface watering would make the ripening fruit damp or mouldy, and withholding it would starve too much the advancing crop, it is a good plan to make holes for the watering as mentioned above for Melons. Failing that, when after bright weather, and a good watering in the usual way, dull weather for several days has succeeded, we have found it a good plan to strew the bed or floor with dry soil or dry old Mushroom-dung. This leads me to say, that we have made our first bed in the Mushroom-house, about 6 inches or 7 inches deep, and have just spawned it and beaten it down. The beds made in the thatched open shed have done admirably. They will succeed very well in the house after this, unless this and the following month be extra warm indeed.

Plant-houses now require constant care in potting advancing plants; repotting or top-dressing Camellias, Azaleas, &c.; repotting and giving rich surface-dressings to such ephemeral plants as Balsams and tender annuals, which are very interesting whilst they last. Almost all the crops of Pelargoniums are now removed out of doors, but even the earliest are hardly dried and ripened enough yet to be cut down, or rather pruned in. A score or two of young ones have been nipped in and repotted for autumn blooming. A lot of Scarlet Geraniums have been done the same way. Even these Scarlets in the conservatory now can hardly be recognised as belonging to the same kinds as those in beds out of doors, the trusses being so much larger and the colours so much brighter. If we were certain of having such dull dripping seasons as the last, and wanted to have Scarlet Geraniums at their best on a grand scale, we must either plunge them well established in pots, in beds, and either so plunge them or plant them out under a canopy of glass, with plenty of air all round, so that they could get all the heat and light the season could give us, and be completely under our control as respects moisture. What little I have seen in this way leads me to imagine the effect would be magnificent. We know some who think and say there is nothing in flowers at all comparable to the glory of the different Scarlet Geraniums well bloomed, and we hope they will take the patent we freely offer, and have a simple glass covering full in the sun for their Scarlet Geraniums. I need not say how by a system of bordering, such a glass-covered promenade of Geraniums might be made to combine what was dazzling in gorgeousness.

Top-dressed Fuchsias with a little old Mushroom-dung, cowdung, and a little soot, to keep large plants in vigorous bloom a month or so longer. There is nothing better for this purpose than a little superphosphate of lime dusted over the pot, and a little fresh soil put over it to conceal it. A quarter of an ounce might be placed on an eight-inch pot, and so on in proportion. The virtues are washed into the soil very gradually, and no harm will be done. I generally manage to get a bag in the twelvemonth; but this season the manure merchant sent me guano instead, which not only costs much more, but is a far more gingery affair to handle if genuine, for the above amount would be apt to cause the finest Fuchsia to drop all its leaves. If used at all it is best used in the liquid form, and then 1 oz. to four gallons is strong enough for anything.

Kept potting Calceolarias and the fine-leaved Begonias, and