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bears about six most lovely nodding blossoms; but, according to Mr. Skinner (who introduced it), it varies from three inches to a foot, producing as The expanded many as twelve flowers in a raceme. flowers are nearly three-and-a-half inches across, their colour is a bright lilac. The labellum is white at the base, lilac at the edges and point, and richly marked with small blood-red spots along the middle; below the column, are five purple lines, which pass into three elevated colourless ridges beyond the place where the anther touches the lip. It is with Cattleyas, and such charming and beautiful plants, that this elegant species is worthy to be arranged. This is a correct description of this fine species. It was exhibited, for the first time, by Mr. Brewster, gardener, at that time, to Mrs. Wray, of Cheltenham, We were prein July 1842, at the grand exhibition of the London Horticultural Society, at Chiswick. sent at the time, and with pleasure record our testimony to the skill shown in its culture. It has never since been shown in finer condition. We remember well the great sensation shewn by the orchid growers present, when Mr. Brewster opened the box that contained his beautiful, well-grown, and finely-bloomed plaut. It had, most deservedly, the highest prize given to a single plant awarded to it. Mr. Brewster, with that true liberality which always distinguishes real merit, made no secret of his mode of culture, but immediately published it for the benefit of all future cultivators. We are quite sure he will not think we are taking too great a liberty by copying it for the benefit of our readers too! We quote his own words "The plant was imported in July, 1841, when it immediately began to grow; late in autumn it showed flower scapes, but the season was too far advanced to bring them to perfection; it then remained dormant, and lost its leaves, till March 1842, when it again commenced growing, and expanded its first flowers on 12th of June.

These

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

AURICULA AND POLYANTHUS.-These lovely spring flowers will now be awakening from the sleep of winter. The centre of each plant, if healthy, will indicate appearances of growth. They will require a little trimming; remove all decayed leaves, and stir the surface of the soil a little. Should any worm casts show themselves on the surface, turn the ball carefully out of the pot, pick out all that are visible, and pat the ball gently with the hand, which will often alarm the worm that may be concealed inside the ball, and he will soon poke his nose out, and work his way out of the imaginary danger. Do not touch him till you are quite sure he cannot slink back again. As soon as you think you have got rid of them all, replace the ball again carefully in the pot, and, if necessary, put a little fresh compost to fill up the pot. A little water of moderate temperaCover up ture may now be given, but be sure to apply it on the morning of a promising fine day. securely every evening, however mild it may be. In this country we are never safe from frosts till May sets in with its genial warmth. If these flowers once get crippled by a frosty night, the fine bloom will be It will be a good time sadly spoiled for this season. now to place under cover a portion of compost for the purpose of top-dressing. At this time, an addition to the usual compost, of about one-eighth of three-years-old, very rotten, and mellow cow-dung, would be useful, and help to bring out the blooms fine, both in size and colour. Mix it now with the compost, so as to be ready whenever you begin to The time for this operation top-dress the plants. depends upon the season and the state of the plants. If both are earlier than usual, the top-dressing may be safely done by the end of this month; but, if backward, the first week in March will be early enough. Another important point to be particularly attended to,j is to give abundance of air and light on all favourable occasions. Every fine, dry morning, draw the lights completely off, and expose the plants to the invigorating influences of early spring. This will refresh and strengthen them greatly. Even ou rainy mornings, give air by propping up the lights;

but until auriculas have done blooming, we do not recommend exposing them to even the gentlest shower. Polyanthuses, on the contrary, may, previously to the blooms opening, have the benefit of a gentle spring shower. The reason for this difference is obvious. One of the great attractive beauties of the auricula is, the beautiful white powder scattered over the leaves profusely by nature. Now, rain, be it ever so light, will wash off this natural powder, and disfigure, if not positively injure the plants. It is not so with the polyanthus. A gentle shower may be allowed to fall upon this flower with advantage. This difference asks for a separate habitation, and if our florist and amateur friends possess sufficient of each to fill separate frames, by all means use them, as, even in giving the necessary supplies of water, a difference may be made in its application. Auriculas must be watered with a watering-pot with a small spout without a rose, so as not to wet a single leaf; but polyanthuses may have that necessary element applied with a watering-pot with a fine rose, with great benefit, provided they are strong, and have plenty of fine healthy leaves. There is another reason why this difference will be beneficial to the latter. Auriculas are not so subject to the attacks of the red spider as polyanthuses are. It is well known to gardeners, and, we hope, to florists too, that moisture is a great preventive to that destructive insect. In consequence, as happily the polyanthus will bear with impunity occasionally a shower of water, it is advantageous to apply it, either with a rose watering-pot, or to allow a gentle shower now and then to fall upon them.

CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES.-We have nothing to add to our remarks last week upon these flowers, but that it is time to get under cover the suitable compost for potting. It is time to think about putting them into their blooming pots. Have both pots and compost ready for that operation, as it must be done shortly. T. APPLEBY.

THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. POTATOES.-Be active in planting potatoes in all favourable weather; let this work be finished in the present month. Plant whole sets of a suitable size rather than cut sets, and allow them plenty of room to grow-say from nine inches to a foot from set to set in the row, and two feet to two feet six inches apart from row to row.

BEANS.-Still continue to plant broad beans of the best kinds, and to the extent required. Let the soil be rich and good for them.

PEAS of early and second early kinds may be sown to any required extent; and both early and second early may be sown on the same day, which will form a nice succession at picking time. Keep a watchful eye on those peas that are already above ground, that they are not destroyed by either sparrows or mice, or by the slugs. If annoyed by the sparrows, strain a string of worsted along each row, as before directed; and if by the slugs use quick-lime dust, applied by means of the dusting-bag; also stir the earth often between the rows. Keep the rows well backed up with dry earth, and if any are ready for sticking let it be done; and a few evergreen boughs run along the outside of the sticks will be found a nice protection from severe frosty weather.

RADISHES.-Sow as bountifully as required in the open borders, to succeed the before sown crops; also, thin out those that are up, and sift a little dry earth among them. Give plenty of air to those that are in

frames, by taking off the lights in fine days. Carrots in frames treat in the same way.

CAULIFLOWERS may be planted out in fine open weather. The ground should be rich and good for them. The plants from frames, or the like places, may be taken up with good roots, and planted in rows from two feet six inches to three feet apart from row to row, and two feet from plant to plant in the row. When all are planted, an inverted flowerpot would be found a good protector, o be put over the plant every night, and taken off every morning; that is, in frosty weather. These will be found a good successional crop to those which were planted out in the autumn, under hand-glasses. Here, under the hand-glasses, let the earth be often stirred, remove any decayed leaves, and be watchful for the slugs.

CABBAGES.-Plant freely at this time, of any of the best early kinds, in a well-worked, rich soil; also a little seed may be sown.

Plant shallots, garlic, and underground onions without delay. Allow them plenty of room. If in four feet wide beds, let them be planted in rows lengthways, 10 to 12 inches from row to row, and from six to eight inches in the row.

PARSLEY may be sown as well as thyme, marjoram, savory and hyssop, in some suitable warm border. The old plants of each kind may be taken up and divided, and planted out again in warm open

weather.

SPINACH may be sown in succession.

BROCOLI.-Clear away all decayed leaves from these crops, and be on the look out, on clear frosty-looking evenings, to see that no heads either want to be cut and taken in or the outside leaves turned inwardly over the young growing heads.

RHUBARB may be forwarded much by inverting either large flower-pots, tubs, or hand-glasses over the crowns.

SEA-KALE.-Lose no time in covering-up. Those who have not done so yet, may plant mint and tarragon, in gentle heat.

Sow small salading in succession.

W.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.

OUR VILLAGE WALKS.
(No. 19.)

How surprisingly sudden and unexpected are the changes in our variable climate! In the moment of time, in the twinkling of an eye, the scene of nature shifts, and we are presented with a new and beautiful subject for wonder and delight.

We had been gazing on a scene of snow for one entire fortnight; cold, piercing east winds swept the earth, and so dense an atmosphere hung over us, as completely to conceal the cheering beams of the sun. Occasionally at night the air cleared, and the glittering stars sparkled in their dark-blue setting; but, when morning dawned, the sky was as much overcast as ever, and the sun did not, for many days, appear. All looked so frost-bound, so intense, so steady, that it seemed as if no change could possibly take place; and an intelligent cottager assures us, that, as far as he could observe, this weather was likely to continue "these two months to come." This was on the morning of a Friday, and many farmers had announced their intention of discharging their men the following evening, for no work could possibly be done. This was indeed a gloomy prospect; but are the poor ever forgotten by the

Lord? I appeal to my cottage readers-have one of you ever been tried " above that ye are able to bear?" When a night of sorrow has set in, has not help appeared with the morning's dawn? I am sure there is not one of you that, on looking back, cannot recount many speedy and great deliverances.

In the course of two hours from the time this distressing news was received, on approaching the window, I beheld the weather-cock pointing quietly to the south! The snow that had been lazily falling at intervals, had turned into a chilly rain; and the heavy splashing drops that fell from the roof, announced a decided thaw. The following morning not a vestige of snow remained; the beautiful earth appeared in all her natural apparel, and bright gleams of sunshine shot across the valley, lighting it up with a radiance that looked quite like spring. Nothing could be more complete-more like magic-than the change; and nothing could be more cheering to the heart, or more delightful to the feelings. When we threw open the windows, we felt such a soft breeze! and heard that lofty rushing of the wind which is so peculiar to the gales of spring and autumn. I am sure that morning, every heart and lip must have uttered-"Thank God," for the sake of the poor labourer.

Spring is not yet come, and we shall have many vicissitudes before it opens fully upon us; but this seemed a kind of earnest-an herald of its approach, and spoke to us strongly of the power, the mercy of our God. Though he "casteth forth his ice like morsels, who is able to abide his cold?" Yet in one moment His Word goeth forth, melting the sternest severity of winter, softening" the clods of the valley," and renewing the verdure with which the summer fields are clad! What a mighty appeal to the heart of man! Who is there that has not some grief, some trial or adversity, pressing them sorely? Who has not, at least some anxiety, that disturbs the peace of an otherwise prosperous course? Cannot the same Hand whose touch has wrought such wonders in the natural world, work in the same resistless manner among the affairs of men? Is there anything too hard for God? Has he not thus, before our eyes, stood up to maintain the cause of the poor," and need we fear to commit ourselves and all our ways into His gracious Hands for time, as well as for eternity? Clouds conceal the sun from our dim sight, yet he is shining as brightly as ever, above those lowering vapours. How much more bright, how much more glorious, is the Sun that never sets, who carries "healing in " the rapid "wings" with which he flies, to comfort and shield his people!

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The very morning of the day on which the thaw took place, I heard the first twitter of the starling that built in some hiding-place upon the roof of the house. It was a cheering sound; and my own little pet canary, whose advancing years have long silenced his once vociferous song, uttered a low, soft note or two, as he sat peacefully within his prison. The instinct with which God has endued the dumb creation, no doubt revealed to these little creatures what man in his vaunted intellect could not perceive, and taught them to utter their simple gladness at the return of spring. Our reasoning powers are misapplied, if they do not lead us to praise and magnify God's Holy Name for all His wondrous works.

A frost for a couple of nights followed the thaw; but it has again given way. There will, of course, be fluctuations; but the depth of the winter is over, and the spring labour will soon begin once more. We may now watch hopefully for the first snow-drop;

and how delightful it is to see the little snowy blossoms depending from the slight stalks among the bunches of green leaves! The rosemary has-or ought to have been-blooming already in the cottage gardens: it is quite a winter flower, and should find a place in gardens of high degree, not only because of its early habits, but also for its salutary properties, which were well known to the Arabs and Romans, although it is much less esteemed now. It is excellent in all nervous disorders, taken as tea-relieving head-aches, trembling of the limbs, giddiness, swimmings, &c., when arising from that cause. The tea should be made of the young tops when in flower, fresh gathered. The weak infusion is a pleasant and wholesome substitute for tea; but when taken as a medicine, it may be made stronger, and persevered in for some time. A conserve of rosemary tops may be used medicinally instead of tea; it is made by beating up the young tops with three times their weight of sugar. An old quaint writer says, of the conserve of rosemary, that it is "singular good to comfort the heart; " and of the decoction taken in wine, that "it is very comfortable to the stomach, in all the cold griefs thereof, helping both retention of meat and digestion." He also says, "it helpeth the cold distillation of rheums into the eyes, and all other diseases of the head and brain, as the giddiness and swimming therein, drowsiness, and dulness of the mind and senses, like a stupidness." Strong rosemary tea is a most excellent wash for the hair; it strengthens and beautifies it, and has none of the deleterious properties of some oils and poma

tums.

The poor are extremely fond of tea; they will procure it often, in defiance of its cost and its bad quality. I have often seen them drinking what I thought was tea, but which proved to be only an infusion of burnt crusts, to look like the favourite beverage. It seems to me, that where tea cannot be procured, or only at such a price as the poor ought not to pay, herb teas would be useful, and not unpleasant to the taste. The little strip of garden might contain a store of simples for this purpose; and in the course of a little time, the taste would be accustomed to the flavour, and the stomach benefited by their use-especially of rosemary. The poor are not generally a thrifty class at least, not in our southern counties. As we travel towards the northern districts, their character, in this particular, improves. It is difficult to introduce new customs; they will often rather go on with the discomforts they are used to, than try what is new and strange; but I think, in the matter of tea, they might profit, without much inconvenience, by a hint. They cannot buy tea, at small village shops, under 3d per ounce at least; they thus drink it at a higher price than some of the higher classes, and have a much worse article. The weekly threepence, when it can be found, would be usefully spent in firing, or even laid by for winter, when additional clothing is so much needed, and wages sometimes fail. Now, rosemary or sage might be pleasantly substituted. The dried leaves of the latter plant are so much valued by the Chinese as a substitute for tea, that they have long been in the habit of ex changing their own fragrant production, with the Dutch, for the dried leaves of sage. They will give four pounds of tea for one of dried sage! Is not this a reproof to the English cottager? Will not this fact induce him to try and like an herb so highly prized by those among whom the tea-tree flourishes, that they have expressed surprise at the European taste for that which is so distant and inferior? The rosemary, now putting forth its fragrant flowers, is still

used, among the humbler classes, as a funeral decoration. In the olden time, it was always selected for this purpose, but now the custom is not so general. Still, as connected with the dead, it may teach us a useful lesson. It bids us remember that we, also, are hurrying to the tomb-the dark and silent grave, in which there is no repentance. It reminds us that "the dust" shall "return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return to God who gave it." These are solemn, salutary truths: let us pause and listen. Old and young are alike called upon to hear them; and let us remember, before we go down into "the valley of the shadow of death," that "the rod and staff" of Christ alone, can "comfort" us in our pas sage through it.

EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.

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THE EFFECT OF GASES ON OLD AND YOUNG LEAVES. -At page 255, vol. I., of THE COTTAGE GARDENER, Mr. Beaton invites a solution of the following query: How is it that a deleterious gas will kill the old leaves of a plant, without affecting those leaves that are newly formed on the same plant?" As a mere amateur," I venture, with great diffidence, to offer the following explanation:-The organs of young leaves not being perfected-I mean those organs by which they inhale and respire not being fully developed-they are, therefore, in that condition, not liable to be injured by being surrounded by a noxious gas; whereas, the older leaves being fully organised, they are in a state to imbibe the deleterious gas, and are, consequently, destroyed.—T. O.

[T. O. is perfectly right in this explanation; and, moreover, has thus furnished a key which will some day reconcile the existing difference between theory and practice, on the subject of pruning the grapevine-a subject, by the way, which has never yet been explained properly. Practice has been right all along on this point, but is still groping in the dark for the true answer to the question, Why is it right? An unforseen accident in a grapery, some seven or eight years since, revealed the real principle on which this practice is founded to half-a-dozen gardeners, who have since instituted experiments which confirmed their view of the question. But the subject is out of my beat here; and I conclude by answering T. O., that it is not proper to retain vine-leaves which are produced with us after the end of August-that is, on plants which have been growing since the spring.— D. BEATON.]

A DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF CAMELLIAS.

WHITE.

Alba plena.-The old double white, not surpassed by any other; a full double flower of good substance, and handsome form, 2s 6d.

Alba plena, var. fimbriata.—Like the first, with the petals beautifully fringed, 2s 6d.

Alba plena fimbriata, var. insignis.-A large round flower, formed like a ranunculus, 5s. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton.

Candidissima.-The purest white, finely imbricatedthat is, with the petals laid over each other; growing less and less to the centre; a good old kind, 2s 6d.

Curvatiflora-Curved flowered, very double imbricated. Decus Italicum.-Imbricated form; magnificent flower, of the first order, 2s 6d.

Due de Brabant.-Poony-shaped; sometimes imbricated; deep pure white, 2s 6d.

Edita.-Milk-white; finely imbricated; centre well raised very double, 5s.

Frederica alba.-Pure white, imbricated, 3s 6d.
Grunellii-Very pure white; finely-formed petals.

Apollinea d' Italie.-Imbricated; very double. Ariadne. Another of Dr. Herbert's seedlings; very pretty; pœony-shape.

Caroline.-Large flower; delicate rose.

Chandlerii elegans.-First-rate flower; fine form; delicate rose.

Felecite.-Fine large flower; very handsome; first order. Floyii.-Lively rose; large petals; well-rounded; imbricated; stamens and pistils visible; very pretty. Hendersonsii.-Fine form; delicate rose.

Lefebvriana.-A finely-formed variety, of a most beautiful rose.

Pictorium superbum roseum.-A grand flower; well imbricated; superb.

Pulasky.-Imbricated rose; superb form. Rubini.-Admirable satin rose, perfectly imbricated. Reticulata.-Large petals; deep rose; fine large flower. Triumphans amablis.--Charming rose; first order. Vexillo di Flore.- Imbricate; very grand; superb flower. Triumphans de Gand.-Very grand; pœony shaped ; brilliant rose.

Woodsia,-Deep rose; very large.-T. APPLEBY. (To be continued.)

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We request that no one will write to the departmental writers of THE COTTAGE GARDENER. It gives them unjustifiable trouble and expense; and we also request our coadjutors under no circumstances to reply to such private communications.

VINE AGAINST BACK-WALL OF VINERY (W. H. B.).-If in your vinery you keep your vines solely to the rafters, and keep your back-wall whitened so as to reflect heat and light, you may confidently train vines against the back-wall, placing a main shoot opposite the centre of the light. Mind, however, your success will depend upon having a space in the centre of each light unoccupied by the foliage of the vines under the rafters, and, also, to having no such thing as a stage for plants to prevent the rays of light reaching the back-wall. In such circumstances, we have had fine-coloured black grapes, but we should recommend you to try chiefly, in such a position, the Dutch sweet water, and the Royal muscadine. Vines in pots would also answer admirably being placed upon a shelf in such a position. You would have the produce earlier, but with less certainty, and with more trouble, than from vines planted out. Failing to adopt these means of covering the back-wall, you might plant figs with great propriety. If you did not commence forcing until the middle of February, you might plant it with Camellias. stimulated at the early part of the season, they would set their buds early, and commence blooming in the end of October, continuing to do so during the winter, when there would be nothing interesting in the appearance of the vines.

Being

AURICULAS AND HEATHS IN THE SAME HOUSE (Ibid).-We see no objection in the shape of the air that both require; but we fear that the shade so indispensable to the Auricula, at its most interesting period, would not agree with the heaths. See what friend Appleby says.

ERRATA.-At p. 234, for Mrs. Think on, read Think in Time; col. 2, fifth line from top, read shoot for short; 14th line from top, for heut, read touch; 41st line from top, read Persicum for Persian; 51st line from top, read vegetation for regulation; 52nd line from top, read latter for laeter; 56th line from top, read leaves for bows.

GREEN FLY ON BLACK CURRANTS (Omega).-The louse, or Green fly, on the underside of your black currant-trees, is the Aphis ribisnigri, or Black-currant louse. It is of a pale whitish-green colour. Cover each bush with a table-cloth, or other covering that will retain the smoke, and then fumigate it with slowly-burning tobacco. Tanner's-bark, when thoroughly decayed, is a very good manure. Even applied fresh to heavy soil, it helps to improve its staple, by rendering it more porous.