Chapter 15

FIG. 113. ANTIRRHINUMCAPSULE, with Persistent Style.

FIG. 114. ANTIRRHINUMASARINA, showing Habit and Flower.

ANTIRRHINUM(fromanti, like, andrhin, a nose or snout; alluding to the shape of the corolla). Snapdragon. ORD.Scrophulariaceæ. Hardy herbaceous plants. Flowers in terminal racemes, or solitary and axillary; corolla personate; tube ample, saccate at the base; lobes of the upper lip erect; lower lip spreading, having the middle lobes smaller than the lateral ones, with an ample bearded palate, which closes the throat. Seed pod or capsule two-celled, upper cell bursting by one pore, lower by two many-toothed pores. See Fig. 113. Leaves entire, rarely lobed. The genus contains several very handsome species, suitable for borders and the rockery, while innumerable varieties have originated fromA. majus, which are very popular, and extremely useful for bedding purposes; these may be increased by cuttings or seeds; if it is desired to increase certain colours or varieties, the former is the only sure method to adopt. They should be taken in September, when they will readily root in a cold frame, or under a hand glass, or they may be rapidly propagated in gentle heat in spring. Seeds should be sown in July or August, when they will produce good plants by the following season; or if sown in March in warmth, the plants will bloom late in the same year. The "Tom Thumb" strain is especially desirable for bedding, being very dwarf and free. All the other species may be increased by cuttings and seeds treated in the same way. Light soil, well enriched with manure, is most suitable for all of them, especially for the varieties ofA. majus.

FIG. 115. FLOWER-SPIKEOFANTIRRHINUMMAJUS.

A. angustifolium(narrow-leaved). Synonymous withA. siculum.A. Asarina(Asarina).*fl.axillary, solitary; corolla 1½in. long, white, sometimes tinged with red; palate yellow; tube glabrous, compressed on the back, marked by purple spots, and bearded by yellow hairs inside. June.l.opposite, on long petioles, five-nerved, five-lobed, cordate, and crenated. South France, &c., 1699. A greyish clammy procumbent plant, requiring a warm position on the rockery. See Fig. 114.A. hispanicum(Spanish).fl.in loose spikes; corolla hardly an inch long, purple, with a golden yellow palate; tube villous. Summer.l.oblong-lanceolate, contracted at the base, bluntish; lower ones opposite; superior ones alternate, narrower.h.1ft. Spain, 1878. SYN.A. latifolium.A. latifolium(broad-leaved). Synonymous withA. hispanicum.A. majus(large).* Greater, or Common Snapdragon.fl.racemose, approximate; corolla 1in. to 2in. long, shades infinite; palate yellow at top, very prominent; tube downy outside. Spring, summer, and autumn.l.oblong-lanceolate, 1in. to 3in. long; upper ones narrower, attenuated at both ends, glabrous. Branches erect, usually branched again.h.2ft. Europe (naturalised in Britain). The named varieties are numerous, but it is unnecessary to enumerate any, as an equal amount of variation can be obtained from seed. See Fig. 115.A. molle(soft).*fl.few, at the tops of the branchlets; corolla 1in. long, whitish, with a yellow palate; upper lip striped with purple. July.l.opposite, petiolate, clothed with glandular and clammy hairs, about ½in. long, and little more than ¼in. broad; branches procumbent, slender, clothed with woolly hairs. Pyrenees, 1752. A very pretty plant, which should have a warm position on the rockery.A. sempervirenscomes close to this species.A. Orontium(Orontium).fl.axillary, distant; corolla rose-coloured or white, striped with purple; tube furnished with a few glandular hairs; palate veined with purple; sepals linear-lanceolate, large. June.l.oblong-lanceolate, acutish, attenuated at both ends, glabrous, 2in. long.h.6in. to 12in. Europe (British cornfields). Annual. See Fig. 116.

A. angustifolium(narrow-leaved). Synonymous withA. siculum.

A. Asarina(Asarina).*fl.axillary, solitary; corolla 1½in. long, white, sometimes tinged with red; palate yellow; tube glabrous, compressed on the back, marked by purple spots, and bearded by yellow hairs inside. June.l.opposite, on long petioles, five-nerved, five-lobed, cordate, and crenated. South France, &c., 1699. A greyish clammy procumbent plant, requiring a warm position on the rockery. See Fig. 114.

A. hispanicum(Spanish).fl.in loose spikes; corolla hardly an inch long, purple, with a golden yellow palate; tube villous. Summer.l.oblong-lanceolate, contracted at the base, bluntish; lower ones opposite; superior ones alternate, narrower.h.1ft. Spain, 1878. SYN.A. latifolium.

A. latifolium(broad-leaved). Synonymous withA. hispanicum.

A. majus(large).* Greater, or Common Snapdragon.fl.racemose, approximate; corolla 1in. to 2in. long, shades infinite; palate yellow at top, very prominent; tube downy outside. Spring, summer, and autumn.l.oblong-lanceolate, 1in. to 3in. long; upper ones narrower, attenuated at both ends, glabrous. Branches erect, usually branched again.h.2ft. Europe (naturalised in Britain). The named varieties are numerous, but it is unnecessary to enumerate any, as an equal amount of variation can be obtained from seed. See Fig. 115.

A. molle(soft).*fl.few, at the tops of the branchlets; corolla 1in. long, whitish, with a yellow palate; upper lip striped with purple. July.l.opposite, petiolate, clothed with glandular and clammy hairs, about ½in. long, and little more than ¼in. broad; branches procumbent, slender, clothed with woolly hairs. Pyrenees, 1752. A very pretty plant, which should have a warm position on the rockery.A. sempervirenscomes close to this species.

A. Orontium(Orontium).fl.axillary, distant; corolla rose-coloured or white, striped with purple; tube furnished with a few glandular hairs; palate veined with purple; sepals linear-lanceolate, large. June.l.oblong-lanceolate, acutish, attenuated at both ends, glabrous, 2in. long.h.6in. to 12in. Europe (British cornfields). Annual. See Fig. 116.

FIG. 116. ANTIRRHINUMORONTIUM.

A. O. grandiflorum(large-flowered). A variety with larger, paler, and more approximate flowers, and with broader leaves, than the type. Europe (British cornfields).A. siculum(Sicilian).fl.in loose racemes; corolla hardly 1in. long, white or yellowish, rarely purple; tube rather hairy; lobes of the upper lip and the middle lobe of the lower lip emarginate. July.l.1in. to 1½in. long, linear-lanceolate, opposite, alternate or three in a whorl, narrowed into petioles at the base. Branches erect.h.1ft. to 2ft. Sicily, 1804. SYN.A. angustifolium.A. tortuosum(twisted).*fl.disposed in spiked racemes, approximating by threes and fours; corolla (the largest of the genus) purple; tube short; upper lip large. June.l.linear, acute, opposite or three in a whorl, 2in. long, attenuated at both ends; upper ones very narrow. Branches erect.h.1ft. to 1½ft. Italy.

A. O. grandiflorum(large-flowered). A variety with larger, paler, and more approximate flowers, and with broader leaves, than the type. Europe (British cornfields).

A. siculum(Sicilian).fl.in loose racemes; corolla hardly 1in. long, white or yellowish, rarely purple; tube rather hairy; lobes of the upper lip and the middle lobe of the lower lip emarginate. July.l.1in. to 1½in. long, linear-lanceolate, opposite, alternate or three in a whorl, narrowed into petioles at the base. Branches erect.h.1ft. to 2ft. Sicily, 1804. SYN.A. angustifolium.

A. tortuosum(twisted).*fl.disposed in spiked racemes, approximating by threes and fours; corolla (the largest of the genus) purple; tube short; upper lip large. June.l.linear, acute, opposite or three in a whorl, 2in. long, attenuated at both ends; upper ones very narrow. Branches erect.h.1ft. to 1½ft. Italy.

ANTONIA.A synonym ofRhynchoglossum(whichsee).

ANTROPHYUM(fromantron, a cavern, andphuo, to grow; referring to its place of growth). IncludingPolytænium. ORD.Filices. A small genus of stove ferns, very rarely seen in cultivation, all with simple fronds, of firm but fleshy texture, and copious, uniform, hexagonal areolæ. Sori carried along the veins, imperfectly reticulated. For culture, &c.,seeFerns.

A. cayennense(Cayenne).sti.1in. to 4in. long.fronds6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, lanceolate-oblong, narrowed at both ends; edge thickened, entire; areolæ half as broad as long.sorisub-superficial, often forked. Guiana, &c.A. coriaceum(leathery).fronds6in. to 8in. long, about ½in. broad, narrowed very gradually from the centre to the base, very acute at the apex, very thick; areolæ very long and narrow, distinctly raised on the upper surface.soriquite immersed, sometimes confluent. Himalayas, &c.A. lanceolatum(lance-leaved).*fronds1ft. or more long, ¼in. to ½in. broad, point acute, edge entire, the lower half narrowed very gradually to the base; areolæ two or three times as long as broad, about three rows between the midrib and the edge.sorislender, superficial, often joining. West Indies, southwards to New Grenada, 1793.

A. coriaceum(leathery).fronds6in. to 8in. long, about ½in. broad, narrowed very gradually from the centre to the base, very acute at the apex, very thick; areolæ very long and narrow, distinctly raised on the upper surface.soriquite immersed, sometimes confluent. Himalayas, &c.

A. lanceolatum(lance-leaved).*fronds1ft. or more long, ¼in. to ½in. broad, point acute, edge entire, the lower half narrowed very gradually to the base; areolæ two or three times as long as broad, about three rows between the midrib and the edge.sorislender, superficial, often joining. West Indies, southwards to New Grenada, 1793.

ANTS(Formicidæ). Well-known pests, easily distinguished from all other insects. There are a great number of species, differing more or less in habits; but, as a rule, they dwell underground in communities, and construct extensive ant-cities, which are occupied by three classes—the neuters or workers (by far the most numerous), the males, and the females. There are often, in addition to these, larger and stronger neuters, known as the "soldiers," or defenders of the community. Ants have a long, slender body, supported on long and slender legs. The head bears a pair of elbowed horns or antennæ, constantly waving about and touching everything the insect comes across. They have powerful mandibles for cutting, sawing, and biting, and it is with these instruments that Ants do mischief in gardens. The winged males and females become mature in summer, and on a warm day they ascend in a body into the air; after a short time, they fall to the ground, the females at once free themselves from the henceforth useless wings, and begin to form new colonies. Vast numbers of eggs are laid, from which issue larvæ, and these soon become pupæ, and then perfect Ants. Some kinds are injurious from their habit (in some species) of collecting aphides together, and farming them for the sake of the honey secreted by the aphides, and that passes out from their honey-tubes (thus helping to perpetuate the stock of these most injurious insects); and also from the mechanical damage they do in pots, and other receptacles for plants. They likewise cause unsightly hills on lawns and paths, and the large black species that live in decayed wood often injure the framing of greenhouses, &c., when the woodwork has become somewhat decayed. Where fruit, such as peaches or wall pears, are grown, Ants will at times inflict damage, and, therefore, they should be kept away; but this is a comparatively easy matter, as the placing of an obnoxious substance along the base of the walls and around the stems of the trees will deter them. For the extirpation of Ants from indoors, the Arsenical solution described below is most efficacious, but it is extremely dangerous.

Lime.Air-slaked lime plentifully dusted, in warm, dry, weather, over and around the hills and other places infested, will cause the Ants to vacate them in a short time. A thick chalk line drawn round a smooth tree, or across an upright board or post, will render it impassable.

Arsenic.This must be used with the utmost caution, as it is a poison most fatal to animal life. Recipe: 1oz. of ordinary arsenic is placed in an old iron pot with a quart of water, and then boiled until reduced to a pint or a little more of liquid, to which is added ½lb. of coarse sugar. This mixture can either be dropped about the runs and around the nests, or placed in saucers in the Ants' haunts.

Ferrocyanide of Potassium.This is also very dangerous: Ferrocyanide of potassium, 1dr.; raspings of quassia, 1dr.; and enough sugar to form a syrup. Use in the same way as the preceding.

Calomel and Sugar.Mix together one part of calomel and ten parts of finely-powdered loaf sugar, and lay it in little heaps about their nests and runs; the Ants will eat it and die. Spring is the best season for this method.

Guano, when fresh, if sprinkled on and around their quarters, is said to be efficacious in driving them away.

Camphor.If a piece of camphor, about the size of a filbert, be placed in two quarts of hot water, and this, when cool enough, applied to pot or other plants infested with Ants, the insects will be driven off without injury to the plants.

Bones.Lay a quantity of partially-picked boiled bones in the haunts, and they will be quickly covered with insects. As soon as this occurs, throw the bones into hot water. Before laying them down again, let all superfluous moisture drain off. This is a cheap remedy, and, if persisted in, is very effectual.

Carbolic Acid.This, if of good strength, diluted with about ten or twelve times its bulk of water, and well sprinkled over paths or other places where there is no vegetation, will keep the Ants away. It has, however, an objectionable smell.

Paraffin Oil.Paraffin, mixed with six times its bulk of water, and sprinkled over the nests every few days, will kill and drive away Ants; but the smell is disagreeable.

Quassia.4oz. of quassia chips, boiled in a gallon of water for about ten minutes, and 4oz. of soap added to the liquor as it cools, if used like the preceding, is fairly effectual; but this, like the other remedies, must be persisted in for some time.

Fly pans or saucers, nearly filled with thin honey or sweet oil, attract Ants, and they are drowned in them. Ants are very hard to clear effectually out of a place, and therefore it is very desirable, in all attempts to be rid of them, to persist in the above remedies. When not living close to the roots or stems of plants, the best and surest remedy of all is to flood them out or scald them in with boiling water. The specifics are endless, but the best are mentioned above.

ANTWERP HOLLYHOCK.SeeAlthæa ficifolia.

AOTUS(froma, without, andous, an ear; in allusion to the absence of appendages in the calyx, which distinguishes it from its allied genus,Pultenæa). ORD.Leguminosæ. Elegant little greenhouse evergreen shrubs, with yellow flowers, and simple, linear-subulate leaves, revolute at the margins, alternate or nearly opposite, or three in a whorl. They should be grown in a compost of equal parts loam, sand, and peat, with a little charcoal, and the pots should be well drained. Cuttings of half-ripened wood, made in April, root freely in sand, under a bell glass.

A. gracillima(most slender).*fl.yellow and crimson, small, on long, dense, graceful spikes, which are often over a foot long; pedicels short. May.h.3ft. New Holland, 1844. A very pretty slender growing shrub.A. villosa(soft-haired).fl.axillary, disposed in racemose spikes along the branches; calyx silky. April.l.smoothish on the upper surface.h.1ft. to 2ft. New Holland, 1790.

A. villosa(soft-haired).fl.axillary, disposed in racemose spikes along the branches; calyx silky. April.l.smoothish on the upper surface.h.1ft. to 2ft. New Holland, 1790.

APEIBA(the native name in Guiana.) ORD.Tiliaceæ. Very handsome stove evergreen trees or shrubs, clothed with starry down. Flowers large, golden yellow, pedunculate, bracteate. Capsule spherical, depressed, rough from rigid bristles. Leaves broad, alternate, entire or serrate. They thrive in a mixture of loam and peat. The best way to induce them to flower in this country is by cutting a ring round the bark of a large branch; by this means the growth is stopped. Well ripened cuttings should be planted in sand in heat, under a bell glass, which should be tilted occasionally, so as to give a little air to the cuttings, otherwise they are apt to damp off.

A. aspera(rough).*fl.golden yellow; peduncles opposite the leaves, branched, many flowered. May.l.ovate-oblong, somewhat cordate, quite entire, smooth.h.30ft. to 40ft. Guiana, 1792.A. Petoumo(Petoumo).fl.yellow, similarly disposed toA. aspera. August.fr.densely clothed with bristles.l.ovate-oblong, somewhat cordate at the base, entire, hoary beneath.h.40ft. Guiana, 1817.A. Tibourbou(Tibourbou).*fl.dark yellow. August.fr.densely clothed with bristles.l.cordate, ovate-oblong, serrated, hairy beneath.h.10ft. Guiana, 1756.

A. aspera(rough).*fl.golden yellow; peduncles opposite the leaves, branched, many flowered. May.l.ovate-oblong, somewhat cordate, quite entire, smooth.h.30ft. to 40ft. Guiana, 1792.

A. Petoumo(Petoumo).fl.yellow, similarly disposed toA. aspera. August.fr.densely clothed with bristles.l.ovate-oblong, somewhat cordate at the base, entire, hoary beneath.h.40ft. Guiana, 1817.

A. Tibourbou(Tibourbou).*fl.dark yellow. August.fr.densely clothed with bristles.l.cordate, ovate-oblong, serrated, hairy beneath.h.10ft. Guiana, 1756.

APETALOUS.Without petals.

APEX.The summit or point of anything.

APHELANDRA(fromapheles, simple, andaner, a male; the anthers being one-celled). ORD.Acanthaceæ. Very handsome stove evergreen shrubs, mostly of an erect habit of growth, and having handsome shining leaves, which in some instances are variegated. Flowers produced in terminal four-sided spikes—the preponderating colours being brilliant shades of orange or scarlet—conspicuously situated above the foliage; they are exceedingly attractive; corolla ringent, two-lipped, upper lip three-lobed; central lobe large. They bloom generally during the autumn months, and if the plants are removed to a warm dry atmosphere so soon as the flowers begin to open, they will continue much longer in perfection than if left in the moisture-laden atmosphere of the stove. From the time the flower spikes are at first seen till they bloom, the plants will derive much benefit from frequent applications of clear manure water. When the plants have finished flowering, they should be allowed to rest, by reducing the supply of water, but never allow them to shrivel. During this time they may be kept in a house or pit, where the atmosphere is rather dry, with a night temperature of 50deg. to 55deg. Here they may remain till March, when they should be pruned. This operation is commenced by thinning out the weakest shoots altogether, and cutting the others back to one or two of the strongest joints or buds above the old wood in order to keep the plants dwarf and bushy. When pruned, the plants should be placed in the stove, giving moderate supplies of water at the roots, and occasionally sprinkling the stems overhead till growth commences. When the young shoots have attained an inch or so in length, the plants should be turned out of the pots, removing the crocks and as much of the old soil as can be got away easily, at the same time shortening-in any of the straggling roots. They should then be placed into smaller-sized pots, keeping them rather close, and watering them carefully for a time till growth has commenced. When fairly started, they may be transferred into larger-sized pots, in which they are to flower. During the summer, these plants require a moist atmosphere, with a temperature of 65deg. by night, allowing it to rise 15deg. or 20deg. by day, and whilst active growth is taking place they should be frequently supplied with moisture at the roots, keeping them well exposed on all sides to the light. After growth has commenced, it is not advisable to stop the shoots, for the stouter and stronger they grow up the finer will be the flower spikes when they appear. The compost should consist of equal parts fibry loam, leaf soil, and peat, with a good proportion of sand added. In preparing it, it should be rather lumpy, and, before using, should be warmed to about the temperature of the house in which the plants are grown. Clean pots and perfect drainage are most essential. Cuttings are best prepared from half ripened wood, or taken off when young with a heel. The base of each cutting should invariably be cut clean across. These may be inserted an inch apart, in pots of sandy soil, and plunged in a brisk bottom heat. To obtain young shoots for cuttings, if the old plants break freely after pruning, and very large specimens are not required, when the shoots are 2in. long they should be thinned out, leaving the requisite number of the strongest to form the plant. If the surplus pieces are removed with a slight heel of the older wood, they make good cuttings, and should be treated the same as the others. These cuttings strike root quickest, and when rooted, if potted into 5in. or 6in. pots, and allowed to grow up without stopping or pinching out the tops, they will flower the first season. Although Aphelandras can be grown into large sized specimens, it will be found to be more generally satisfactory to have specimens of neat and moderate dimensions. The mealy bug and scale insects are very troublesome, and must be kept down, otherwise they will prove most prejudicial to the plants.

A. acutifolia(acute-leaved).fl.large, deep vermilion red; the upper lip of corolla concave, and projected forward, the lower one consists of three oblong-obtuse spreading lobes. October.l.broad, oblong-ovate, acuminate. Columbia, 1868.A. aurantiaca(orange-coloured).*fl.deep orange scarlet; upper lip of corolla erect, bidentate, concave; lower one spreading horizontally, three lobed. December.l.broad, ovate, opposite, dark green, somewhat wavy at the edge.h.3ft. Mexico, 1844.A. a. Roezlii(Roezl's).* Differs chiefly from the type in the curiously twisted leaves, which are dark green, shaded with a silvery hue between the primary veins; in the brighter scarlet of the flowers; and a few other, but purely technical, points. It is one of the best. Mexico, 1867. SYN.A. Roezlii.A. cristata(crested).*fl.brilliant orange scarlet, 2in. or 3in. long, in large terminal branching spikes. August to November.l.large, broadly ovate, and tapering to a point.h.3ft. West Indies, 1733. A handsome and continuous bloomer. SYN.Justicia pulcherrima.A. fascinator(fascinating).*fl.bright vermilion, in very large spikes. Autumn.l.ovate acuminate, olive green, beautifully banded with silvery white, whilst the under side is of a uniform purplish violet.h.1½ft. New Grenada, 1874.A. Leopoldi(Leopold's).*fl.citron-yellow.l.opposite, ovate-oblong, acuminate; ground colour on the upper surface dark green, the midrib and primary veins pure white; under surface uniformly pale green. Brazil, 1854.A. medio-aurata(golden-centred).fl.unknown.l.ovate-lanceolate, sinuate, bright green, with yellow central brand. Brazil, 1871. SYN.Graptophyllum medio-auratum.A. nitens(shining).*fl.glowing vermilion-scarlet, very large, in erect, simple, terminal spikes, which, after the flowers have fallen, are clothed with the imbricating, lanceolate, appressed bracts.l.ovate, sub-acute, leathery, brilliant glossy on the upper surface, dark vinous purple underneath.h.2ft. to 3ft. Columbia, 1867.A. Porteana(Porte's).*fl.in fine terminal heads; corolla and bracts bright orange.l.rich green, with metallic silvery-white veins.h.2ft. Brazil, 1854.A. pumila(dwarfish).*fl.orange-coloured; upper lip erect, concave, entire; bracts large, purplish.l.large, cordate, ovate-oblong, acute.h.8in. Brazil, 1878. Very distinct from all others.A. punctata(dotted).*fl.bright yellow, in large and rather dense spikes; the spiny-edged long pointed bracts are also yellow, with the exception of the tip, which is green, and forms a pleasing contrast. November.l.opposite, elliptic, acuminate; the green midrib is conspicuous in the middle of a white central band, which also extends beside the green veins, this silvery band breaking up on its margin into numerous small white dots, producing a pretty and distinct form of variegation. South America, 1881.A. Roezlii.A synonym ofA. aurantiaca Roezlii.A. variegata(variegated).fl.yellow; spike, 6in. long, with bright orange-red bracts.l.ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, dark green with white veins.h.1½ft. Brazil.

A. aurantiaca(orange-coloured).*fl.deep orange scarlet; upper lip of corolla erect, bidentate, concave; lower one spreading horizontally, three lobed. December.l.broad, ovate, opposite, dark green, somewhat wavy at the edge.h.3ft. Mexico, 1844.

A. a. Roezlii(Roezl's).* Differs chiefly from the type in the curiously twisted leaves, which are dark green, shaded with a silvery hue between the primary veins; in the brighter scarlet of the flowers; and a few other, but purely technical, points. It is one of the best. Mexico, 1867. SYN.A. Roezlii.

A. cristata(crested).*fl.brilliant orange scarlet, 2in. or 3in. long, in large terminal branching spikes. August to November.l.large, broadly ovate, and tapering to a point.h.3ft. West Indies, 1733. A handsome and continuous bloomer. SYN.Justicia pulcherrima.

A. fascinator(fascinating).*fl.bright vermilion, in very large spikes. Autumn.l.ovate acuminate, olive green, beautifully banded with silvery white, whilst the under side is of a uniform purplish violet.h.1½ft. New Grenada, 1874.

A. Leopoldi(Leopold's).*fl.citron-yellow.l.opposite, ovate-oblong, acuminate; ground colour on the upper surface dark green, the midrib and primary veins pure white; under surface uniformly pale green. Brazil, 1854.

A. medio-aurata(golden-centred).fl.unknown.l.ovate-lanceolate, sinuate, bright green, with yellow central brand. Brazil, 1871. SYN.Graptophyllum medio-auratum.

A. nitens(shining).*fl.glowing vermilion-scarlet, very large, in erect, simple, terminal spikes, which, after the flowers have fallen, are clothed with the imbricating, lanceolate, appressed bracts.l.ovate, sub-acute, leathery, brilliant glossy on the upper surface, dark vinous purple underneath.h.2ft. to 3ft. Columbia, 1867.

A. Porteana(Porte's).*fl.in fine terminal heads; corolla and bracts bright orange.l.rich green, with metallic silvery-white veins.h.2ft. Brazil, 1854.

A. pumila(dwarfish).*fl.orange-coloured; upper lip erect, concave, entire; bracts large, purplish.l.large, cordate, ovate-oblong, acute.h.8in. Brazil, 1878. Very distinct from all others.

A. punctata(dotted).*fl.bright yellow, in large and rather dense spikes; the spiny-edged long pointed bracts are also yellow, with the exception of the tip, which is green, and forms a pleasing contrast. November.l.opposite, elliptic, acuminate; the green midrib is conspicuous in the middle of a white central band, which also extends beside the green veins, this silvery band breaking up on its margin into numerous small white dots, producing a pretty and distinct form of variegation. South America, 1881.

A. Roezlii.A synonym ofA. aurantiaca Roezlii.

A. variegata(variegated).fl.yellow; spike, 6in. long, with bright orange-red bracts.l.ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, dark green with white veins.h.1½ft. Brazil.

APHELEXIS(fromapheles, simple, andexis, habit). ORD.Compositæ. A genus of elegant dwarf evergreen greenhouse shrubs. Flower-heads large, solitary, or small and two or more together. Leaves small. These plants are valuable for exhibition purposes, on account of their bright colours, and the length of time they last in perfection; they are included among what are familiarly known as "everlastings." The most suitable soil is a compost of two parts of good fibrous peat and one of leaf mould, with a liberal supply of silver sand, and a few pieces of charcoal added to it. Repot the plants firmly in February, and allow thorough drainage. Cuttings can be made in spring or summer; small half-ripened side shoots are best; and these will root in sandy soil, under a bell glass, in a cool greenhouse.

A. ericoides(heath-like).*fl.-headswhite. April.l.very small, three-cornered, imbricated, appressed; branches numerous, very fine, filiform.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1796.A. fasciculata(fascicled).fl.-headspurplish, solitary, terminal; peduncles scaly. March.l.acerose linear, roundish, downy above; lower spreading; upper appressed.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1779. There are two or three forms of this species, varying in the colour of the flowers.A. humilis(humble, or dwarf).*fl.-headspink, solitary, terminal, opening only in sunshine; peduncles scaly. April.l.subulate, erect, imbricate. Branches numerous, slender, covered with white tomentum.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1810. A handsome greenhouse plant, with much-branched stems, terminated by the flower-head. SYNS.A. macranthaandHelipterum humile.A. h. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.-headsrosy-purple, produced in great abundance. Habit rather dwarf, and free branching. Very highly esteemed.A. h. purpurea(purple).*fl.dark purple, very abundant.l.silvery white and shining. A vigorous grower, and perhaps the best for exhibition purposes. It is known in gardens asA. macrantha purpurea; also under the name ofA. spectabilis.A. h. rosea(rose-coloured).*fl.-headsdelicate rose, very profuse. Habit very compact and free-branching. A very showy and desirable variety, known in gardens asA. macrantha rosea.A. macrantha(large-flowered). Synonymous withA. humilis.A. sesamoides(Sesamum-like).fl.-headspurple and white, sessile, solitary, terminal. April.l.acerose linear, keeled, smooth, appressed.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1739.

A. ericoides(heath-like).*fl.-headswhite. April.l.very small, three-cornered, imbricated, appressed; branches numerous, very fine, filiform.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1796.

A. fasciculata(fascicled).fl.-headspurplish, solitary, terminal; peduncles scaly. March.l.acerose linear, roundish, downy above; lower spreading; upper appressed.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1779. There are two or three forms of this species, varying in the colour of the flowers.

A. humilis(humble, or dwarf).*fl.-headspink, solitary, terminal, opening only in sunshine; peduncles scaly. April.l.subulate, erect, imbricate. Branches numerous, slender, covered with white tomentum.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1810. A handsome greenhouse plant, with much-branched stems, terminated by the flower-head. SYNS.A. macranthaandHelipterum humile.

A. h. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.-headsrosy-purple, produced in great abundance. Habit rather dwarf, and free branching. Very highly esteemed.

A. h. purpurea(purple).*fl.dark purple, very abundant.l.silvery white and shining. A vigorous grower, and perhaps the best for exhibition purposes. It is known in gardens asA. macrantha purpurea; also under the name ofA. spectabilis.

A. h. rosea(rose-coloured).*fl.-headsdelicate rose, very profuse. Habit very compact and free-branching. A very showy and desirable variety, known in gardens asA. macrantha rosea.

A. macrantha(large-flowered). Synonymous withA. humilis.

A. sesamoides(Sesamum-like).fl.-headspurple and white, sessile, solitary, terminal. April.l.acerose linear, keeled, smooth, appressed.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1739.

APHIDES, orPLANT LICE. These belong to the orderHomoptera, meaning "same winged," and the name has reference to the fact that the fore wings are uniform in their structure from base to apex, not divided into a leathery base and a membranous tip. Aphides are all minute in size, soft bodied, and generally long legged; the mouth is furnished with a curiously-constructed beak, or rostrum, for sucking the juice of plants; the antennæ, or feelers, are long and slender; the legs have usually two joints in the tarsi, one of which is generally very ill-developed; and near the tip of the abdomen, on the back of a ring, in many kinds, stand two prominent tubes, called honey-tubes, from which a sweet secretion, much sought after by ants, is emitted. They are very destructive, and nearly every plant has its own peculiar Aphis; but among the worst are the cherry fly and bean fly. All these insects are very destructive to the young shoots and foliage of plants, on which they cluster in large numbers, sometimes completely hiding the stems, increasing with marvellous rapidity. They produce eggs in autumn, which lie dormant through the winter, and upon the approach of warm weather in spring, hatch and produce individuals which, during the summer, are viviparous, budding off young insects at a surprising rate, which quickly in turn become possessed of the same marvellous power; hence the enormous number which are produced in so surprisingly short a time. It has been computed that in a few weeks many millions of young might be produced directly or descended from a single female.See alsoBlack FlyandBean Fly.

The following remedies may be successfully employed:

Tobacco.This is applied, as a rule, in three forms, each of which is useful for particular purposes. Tobacco powder is useful as a dry application to plants where, from any cause, the other modes of employing it are not desirable. It causes no smell, and is useful in conservatories, &c., for that reason. The mode of applying it is to dredge or dust it over the foliage of the plants affected, and to syringe off in from three to thirty hours, according to the nature of the plants. Fumigation with tobacco, if done in a proper way, is very effective, but it leaves an unpleasant smell. The foliage of the plants should be quite dry, and a still day must be chosen for the work; the house should be filled with smoke, but no flame must arise in the burning. The plants should be well syringed the next morning, and full ventilation allowed; if the fumigation is repeated twice or thrice, it will prove very effectual. Tobacco water is made by soaking a pound of coarse shag in 6gals. of hot water, to which ½lb. of size or soft soap has been added. The plants should be dipped into or syringed with this mixture, and well syringed with clean tepid water about twelve hours after. It should not be employed for plants having woolly or hairy foliage. Tobacco paper and cloth are used for fumigating in the same manner as tobacco; but as they vary in strength, more care is necessary, as they sometimes cause the leaves to become spotted. Judiciously employed, they are cheaper than Tobacco.

Quassia.Boil 1lb. quassia chips in 4gals. of soft water, for about ten minutes, and after straining off the chips, add 1lb. of soft soap. Apply in the same way as Tobacco water, and syringe the plants with clean water after ten minutes or a quarter of an hour.

Soft Soap.This, in proportion of 8lb. to 12gals. of rain water, and 1gal. of tobacco water added after it is cold, is a cheap and good remedy out of doors, and requires the same mode of application as tobacco water.

Soap Suds.Where bleaching powder, or much soda, is not mixed with these, they make a good insect killer for hard-foliaged plants, but should be washed off with clean water in twelve hours. No mixture containing chloride of lime should be used.

Various.Fir-tree Oil, Gishurst's Compound, and Fowler's Insecticide, are all serviceable, if used as directed on the labels. Hardeman's Beetle Powder, applied with the little French powder-bellows which is sold with it, is very efficacious. For outdoor work, nothing surpasses clean cold water, applied often and forcibly with a syringe.

The best mode of clearing Aphis off Beaus, Currants, &c., is to remove the tops of the infested shoots, and to wash the plants with soapy water, or a solution of Gishurst's Compound. In some cases, a good dusting with soot and wood ashes, while the plants are wet, will keep them in check. The "Golden Eyes" or "Lacewing" fly, and also ladybirds, are to be encouraged, as the larvæ of each of these wage incessant war against Aphides, especially the green varieties, and thin them out considerably.

APHROPHORA.SeeFrog Hopper.

APHYLLANTHES(fromaphyllos, leafless, andanthos, a flower; the flowers are on rush-like branches). ORD.Liliaceæ. A very pretty rush-like hardy perennial, forming dense, erect tufts. It thrives best in sandy peat, requires a warm sunny situation, and slight protection in winter. Increased by division of the roots, and seeds; the latter should be sown in pots in a cool greenhouse as soon as ripe.

A. monspeliensis(Montpelier).*fl., perianth six-cleft, spreading at the apex, deep blue, nearly an inch across, disposed in a small head, on slender scapes. June.l.absent; the very slender scapes are leaflike, with membranous sheaths at the base. South of France, 1791.

APHYLLOUS.Without leaves.

APICRA(fromapicros, not bitter). ORD.Liliaceæ. A group of succulents allied toAloe, and having the following among other characters:—Flowers small, loosely sub-spicate; perianth regular, cylindrical, with short spreading segments; peduncles simple or forked. Plants small; rosette leaves always elongated. Leaves thick, diffuse, never spinosely dentated. They require treatment similar to Aloes, under which genus they are included by some authors.

A. aspera(rough).*fl., perianth ½in. long; raceme loose, 3in. to 4in.; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncle slender, simple, nearly 1ft.l.dense, in many rows, spreading, rounded, deltoid, six to seven lines long and broad; face rather flat; middle three to four lines thick; back convex hemispherical, wrinkled. Cape of Good Hope, 1795.A. bicarinata(double-keeled).*fl.unknown.l.dense, in many rows, ascending, deltoid-lanceolate, nine to twelve lines long, six lines broad, dirty green; face flat; middle two lines thick; margin scabrous; back copiously tubercled. Cape of Good Hope, 1824.A. congesta(congested).fl., perianth six to seven lines, whitish; raceme loose, sub-spicate, about 1ft.; pedicels short; peduncles 6in. long, simple.l.dense, spreading, in many rows, deltoid-lanceolate, eighteen to twenty-one lines long, three to four lines thick; back convex; top unevenly keeled towards the margins. 1843.A. deltoidea(deltoid).fl., perianth greenish, five to six lines long; raceme about 1ft. long, sub-spicate; pedicels short; peduncles 6in., simple or branched.l.in five regular rows, spreading, nine to twelve lines long, deltoid, shining green; when mature, upper surface rather flat, apex pungent; middle two to three lines thick; back distinctly keeled upwards; margins and keels minutely serrated. South Africa, 1873.A. foliolosa(small-leafy).*fl., perianth greenish, five to six lines long; raceme loose, sub-spicate, about 1ft.; pedicels two to three lines long; peduncle 6in., simple.l.dense, spreading, in many rows, rounded deltoid, cuspidate, six to eight lines long and broad, without spots or tubercles; face rather flat; middle one and a half to two lines thick; back obliquely keeled upwards towards the margins. Cape of Good Hope, 1795.A. imbricata(imbricated). Synonymous withA. spiralis.A. pentagona(five-angled).*fl., perianth whitish, ½in. long; raceme about 1ft., loose; lower pedicels two to three lines long; peduncles 1ft., often branched.l.dense, regular, lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending, lanceolate-deltoid, fifteen to eighteen lines long; bottom six to eight lines broad, shining green; face flat; middle three to four lines thick; apex pungent; margin scabrous; back irregularly one to two keeled at top. Cape of Good Hope, 1731.A. p. bullulata(little-blistered).l.irregularly spiral, five rowed; back with spreading close wrinkled tubercles.A. p. spirella(small spiral).l.smaller and more deltoid, 1in. long, six to eight lines broad at the bottom, irregularly five rowed, or as if in many rows.A. spiralis(spiral).*fl., perianth reddish-white, ½in. long; raceme loose, nearly 1ft.; pedicels ascending, two to three lines long; peduncles 6in., simple or branched.l.dense, in many rows, strong, ascending, lanceolate-deltoid, twelve to fifteen lines long, six to eight lines broad; face almost flat, without tubercles; apex pungent; back swollen, scarcely keeled; margins obscurely crenulated. Cape of Good Hope, 1790. SYN.A. imbricata.

A. bicarinata(double-keeled).*fl.unknown.l.dense, in many rows, ascending, deltoid-lanceolate, nine to twelve lines long, six lines broad, dirty green; face flat; middle two lines thick; margin scabrous; back copiously tubercled. Cape of Good Hope, 1824.

A. congesta(congested).fl., perianth six to seven lines, whitish; raceme loose, sub-spicate, about 1ft.; pedicels short; peduncles 6in. long, simple.l.dense, spreading, in many rows, deltoid-lanceolate, eighteen to twenty-one lines long, three to four lines thick; back convex; top unevenly keeled towards the margins. 1843.

A. deltoidea(deltoid).fl., perianth greenish, five to six lines long; raceme about 1ft. long, sub-spicate; pedicels short; peduncles 6in., simple or branched.l.in five regular rows, spreading, nine to twelve lines long, deltoid, shining green; when mature, upper surface rather flat, apex pungent; middle two to three lines thick; back distinctly keeled upwards; margins and keels minutely serrated. South Africa, 1873.

A. foliolosa(small-leafy).*fl., perianth greenish, five to six lines long; raceme loose, sub-spicate, about 1ft.; pedicels two to three lines long; peduncle 6in., simple.l.dense, spreading, in many rows, rounded deltoid, cuspidate, six to eight lines long and broad, without spots or tubercles; face rather flat; middle one and a half to two lines thick; back obliquely keeled upwards towards the margins. Cape of Good Hope, 1795.

A. imbricata(imbricated). Synonymous withA. spiralis.

A. pentagona(five-angled).*fl., perianth whitish, ½in. long; raceme about 1ft., loose; lower pedicels two to three lines long; peduncles 1ft., often branched.l.dense, regular, lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending, lanceolate-deltoid, fifteen to eighteen lines long; bottom six to eight lines broad, shining green; face flat; middle three to four lines thick; apex pungent; margin scabrous; back irregularly one to two keeled at top. Cape of Good Hope, 1731.

A. p. bullulata(little-blistered).l.irregularly spiral, five rowed; back with spreading close wrinkled tubercles.

A. p. spirella(small spiral).l.smaller and more deltoid, 1in. long, six to eight lines broad at the bottom, irregularly five rowed, or as if in many rows.

A. spiralis(spiral).*fl., perianth reddish-white, ½in. long; raceme loose, nearly 1ft.; pedicels ascending, two to three lines long; peduncles 6in., simple or branched.l.dense, in many rows, strong, ascending, lanceolate-deltoid, twelve to fifteen lines long, six to eight lines broad; face almost flat, without tubercles; apex pungent; back swollen, scarcely keeled; margins obscurely crenulated. Cape of Good Hope, 1790. SYN.A. imbricata.

APICULATE,APICULATED. Terminated in a little point.

APIOS(fromapion, a pear; in reference to the form of the tubers of the root). ORD.Leguminosæ. An elegant little hardy twining perennial, easily trained into almost any shape. It must have a well-exposed, sunny position, and the soil should be of a warm or light sandy nature. Propagated by division of the tubers.

FIG. 117. APIOSTUBEROSA, showing Habit and Flower.

A. tuberosa(tuberous).* Ground Nut.fl.brownish-purple, sweet-scented, in axillary racemes. Summer and early autumn.l.pinnate. Tubers edible, farinaceous. Habit very light and graceful. Pennsylvania, 1640. SYN.Glycine Apios. See Fig. 117.

APIOSPERMUM.A synonym ofPistia(whichsee).

APIUM(fromapon, Celtic for water; in reference to the habitat). ORD.Umbelliferæ. This genus contains no species worth growing for ornament, and nearly all are more or less acrid and poisonous. A.graveolensis the Celery of gardens, for culture of which,seeCelery.

APLECTRUM(froma, without, andplectron, a spur; flower spurless). ORD.Orchideæ. A monotypic genus from North America. A curious, hardy, terrestrial orchid, requiring a shady spot in light loam and leaf mould, moderately damp. Very difficult to cultivate.

A. hyemale(wintry).*fl.greenish-brown, large, racemose, borne on a naked scape after the leaves have died down; labellum as long as the sepals; column sessile, rather long, wingless. April. Stem pseudo-bulbous, with one large, broad, ribbed leaf.h.1ft. 1827.

APLOTAXIS.Included underSaussurea(whichsee).

APOCARPOUS.Having the carpels or fruit separate, or disunited.

APOCYNACEÆ.A large order of trees, shrubs, or rarely herbs, usually with a poisonous, milky sap. Flowers regular, solitary or corymbose; corolla salver-shaped or campanulate. Leaves simple, opposite, sometimes alternate or whorled. Well known genera belonging to this order are:Allamanda,Nerium,TabernæmontanaandVinca.

APOCYNUM(fromapo, away, andkyon, a dog; adopted by Dioscorides, because the plant was supposed to be poisonous to dogs). ORD.Apocynaceæ. Dog's Bane. Perennial erect herbs, with cymose flowers and membranous, opposite leaves. There are several species belonging to this genus, but only the one described below is worthy of being cultivated. They are of extremely easy culture, thriving in any ordinary soil; and may be propagated by suckers, divisions, or seeds. The best time to divide is just as they are starting into fresh growth in spring.

A. androsæmifolium(Tutsan-leaved).*fl.pale red, with darker stripes; corolla campanulate; cymes terminal and lateral. July.l.ovate, glabrous, petiolate, pale beneath.h.1ft. to 2ft. Virginia, and Canada, 1683. A very old garden favourite, thriving best in peaty soil, with Azaleas, &c. See Fig. 118.

FIG. 118. INFLORESCENCEOFAPOCYNUMANDROSÆMIFOLIUM.

APONOGETON(fromapon, Celtic for water, andgeiton, neighbour; alluding to the habitat of these plants). ORD.Naiadaceæ. Very ornamental aquatic perennials. There are several species, butA. distachyonis superior to the others. This species may be cultivated in small tanks or aquaria; it delights in an abundance of light and air, and is perfectly hardy, having become naturalised in many parts of the country. Pot the plants in rich sandy loam and rotten cow manure, using, of course, small pots, if the vessel in which it is to be grown is restricted. When introducing it to large tanks or lakes, commence with strong, previously well-established plants, in large pots, breaking the latter when the plants are immersed. Place them in positions where the water is about 1ft. 6in. to 2ft. deep; they will then rapidly increase by offsets and seeds, and, when established, will flower nearly all the year round. The other kinds will thrive with the same treatment; but they are neither so hardy nor so vigorous, and should only be grown in small tanks or aquaria.

FIG. 119. APONOGETONDISTACHYON, showing Habit and Flower-spikes.

A. angustifolium(narrow-leaved).fl.white. July. Cape of Good Hope, 1788. Half hardy.

FIG. 120. APONOGETONDISTACHYON, showing Flower-spikes, Leaf, and Root.

A. distachyon(two-spiked).* Cape Pond Weed; Winter Hawthorn.fl.with a delicious Hawthorn-like perfume; petals none; bracts, or showy portion oval, entire, white; anthers purple-brown; scape two-spiked, each spike being from 2in. to 4in. long.l.oblong-lanceolate, entire, bright green, on long stalks, floating. Cape of Good Hope, 1788. See Figs. 119 and 120.A. monostachyon(simple-spiked).fl.pink. September.h.1ft. East Indies, 1803. Stove species. Rare.A. spathaceum junceum(rush-like).* A very pretty, but rare, half-hardy aquatic plant, with the forked inflorescence having both bracts and flowers suffused with a delicate blush colour.l.rush-like, standing clear up out of the water. South Africa, 1879.

A. monostachyon(simple-spiked).fl.pink. September.h.1ft. East Indies, 1803. Stove species. Rare.

A. spathaceum junceum(rush-like).* A very pretty, but rare, half-hardy aquatic plant, with the forked inflorescence having both bracts and flowers suffused with a delicate blush colour.l.rush-like, standing clear up out of the water. South Africa, 1879.

APORETICA.A synonym ofSchmidelia(whichsee).

APPENDICULATE, APPENDICULATED.Having appendages.

APPLANATE.Flattened out.

FIG. 121. APPLEBLOSSOM.

APPLE(Pyrus Malus). The Apple is one of the most useful, and probably most largely cultivated, of our hardy fruits. It is known as the Crab in its wild state, and is indigenous to Britain and to all the temperate and warmer parts of Europe. It is supposed that the progenitors of the varieties now grown were introduced to this country at various times from the Continent, and not obtained here as direct improvements on the native Crab. Those now cultivated are extremely numerous, and include good varieties that can be made to prolong the season all the year round. Apart from its great value as a fruit, the apple is a strikingly handsome tree when in flower (see Fig. 121). A fruiting branch is shown at Fig. 122.

FIG. 122. FRUITINGBRANCHOFAPPLE.

Propagation.Seeds are sown extensively, chiefly for raising stocks to graft approved sorts on; also with a view to raising new varieties. The seeds do not retain their germinative properties very long, consequently they must be sown soon after being taken from the fruit. As grown in this country, they are generally sown in the autumn, transplanted the following year, and so on until they are of sufficient size for Grafting purposes. The standard of excellence being at present so high, improved forms raised from seed are comparatively scarce.

Grafting.This method of propagation is the one generally adopted for most purposes, the stocks being previously prepared for size or height of tree required. Cordon and other dwarf-trained trees should be worked near but not below the ground, while standards are best worked on stocks of the desired height. The practice of working standard trees low, and growing the scion to form the stem of the future tree, is not recommended, as many of the tenderer sorts will not grow straight or strong enough for the purpose. Whip-grafting is the most preferable mode adopted. The scions should be selected from healthy trees not later than January, and laid in singly in the ground until the stocks have slightly advanced in growth, which is generally about the middle of April. Several other methods of Grafting may be adopted with success, but the one above recommended is considered the best.

Budding.Apples may be successfully propagated by Budding, and this method is practised much more now than formerly. It has many advantages, as it requires to be performed at a season when there is not so much work in hand. It should be done in damp, dull weather, if possible, as the weather if dry soon destroys the buds. July and August is the proper time for the purpose. The stocks and woods from which the buds are taken should be as much as possible in the same condition.

Propagation by Cuttings, Layers, &c.This system may be made use of in the case of new varieties or where it is desired to increase any one variety with a limited number of scions, but the results are uncertain—at least in the case of cuttings; consequently, it is much better to resort to the safer method of Grafting.

Pruning.SeePruning.

Training.SeeTraining.

Planting.The best time to plant is as soon as most of the leaves have fallen, which is generally about the end of October. The roots being then in an active state, and the ground still retaining a certain amount of heat, they will form new roots before winter, which is a material advantage. Where it is impossible to plant at this time, it may be done in suitable weather any time during the winter, but it is best not deferred till spring. It is important in planting that the soil should be moderately dry and free from frost; this condition cannot always be obtained during winter. The effects of soil and situation have a very important bearing on the Apple, specimens of the same sort from different places being often hardly recognisable. Although not over fastidious in the matter of soil as far as growing is concerned, the best results are obtained where it is of a rich loamy character and well drained. Dry, sandy soils invariably produce canker, while the trees are often overgrown with lichens in undrained land. The addition of heavier loam, or sometimes trenching and mixing the sub-soil with that at the top, will convert light soils into those suitable for Apple culture; while, on the other hand, heavy soils may be improved by drainage, the addition of lime, vegetable refuse, burnt earth, and other matters. Rank manure should on no account be used anywhere near the roots, but a little well-decayed manure, mixed with the soil or used as a mulching, is beneficial. The site best suited is an open, though not exposed one, with a south, south-east, or south-west aspect. Shelter from north-east winds in spring, which destroys the bloom, and from west and south-west winds in autumn, which blow down the fruit, should be the aim of cultivators. Planting in a valley should be avoided on account of spring frosts. In Planting, care must be taken to make the bottom of the hole tolerably firm, and slightly raised under the base or bole of the tree. The roots should then becarefully spread out all round, and if any have been ruptured in transplanting, cut them clean off on the upper side, thus inducing new roots to be formed near the surface. The soil should be trodden firmly after a quantity has been filled in, if it is in a dry, suitable condition, as previously recommended. Secure with stakes in proportion to the size of tree, or injury will be caused by the wind. The distance at which Apple trees are planted varies considerably. Standards in orchards may be planted in good soil, from 20ft. to 40ft. apart, especially if they are strong-growing culinary sorts. Pyramids may be planted from 5ft. to 15ft., according to size; and similar distances will suit Bush trees. The oblique Cordon system of training admits of a large number of varieties being cultivated in a small space, as they may be planted as close as 18in. or 2ft. apart. Horizontal Cordons should be planted about 5ft. asunder, and one branch trained each way. Watering will be necessary after planting in most cases, especially should the winter and following season be at all dry. Thinning the fruit is sometimes advisable for obtaining good specimens, but it is not generally necessary, at least with many of the shy-setting sorts. If, however, the crop should be exceptionally heavy, it is best to thin the fruit, or the tree may be unable to make and ripen its wood for the crop of the succeeding year.

Gathering.The three following tests are sure indications of the gathering period: (1) The apples will begin to fall of their own accord; (2) their seeds will be plump and brown in colour; and (3) the fruit will separate with a mere touch from the trees; the second test may be said to be infallible. All Apples should be gathered before the end of October, for none will bear frost with impunity. They must be gathered in dry weather, and handled with the greatest care, laid gently in baskets and trays, in single file only, and conveyed to the store room.

Storing.The simplest and best method is in choosing or forming some room or place free from extremes of heat and cold, dryness or damp, where a temperature of about 45deg. is maintained. A current of air is not necessary. The shelves should be made of poplar, sycamore, lime, or other white wood. Deal, oak, ash, elm, and almost all other woods, give a bad taste to the fruit. One sheet of paper—and paper only—should be placed under the fruit. They ripen best, and are of the highest flavour when left fully exposed to the free atmosphere of the fruit room, and in order to preserve a more even temperature the light should be shut out. Early and late ripening varieties must be stored in separate places, as well as all inferior or injured fruit. The plan of isolating each fruit by packing in tissue paper, sand, burnt earth, or other substances, often destroys the flavour of the fruit, and possesses no material benefit otherwise.

Diseases.Apple Mussel Scale,Apple or Codlin Grub,Canker, Mildew,American Blight, Scale, and Insect Pests, such as Caterpillars, Maggots, and Weevils,seeunder their separate headings.

The following are some of the best varieties in cultivation:—

Adams' Pearmain.Dessert. Fruit medium, very handsome; flavour juicy and sugary. December to March.Alexander.Kitchen. Very large, showy, and good. September to December.Alfriston.Kitchen. Very fine, large, white flesh. November to April.Ashmead's Kernel, orCockle Pippin. Dessert. Fruit below medium; flavour very rich and sugary. This variety is, according to Mr. Rivers, much esteemed in Gloucestershire. November to January.Bedfordshire Foundling.Kitchen. Fruit large. One of the finest and most useful sorts, a great bearer. February to May.Bess Pool.Kitchen. Fruit large. Good late cooking apple. December to May.Betty Geeson.Kitchen. Fruit large, produced in great abundance. February to May. A valuable sort.Blenheim Pippin.One of the best kitchen sorts. November to February.Boston Russet.Dessert. Fruit medium; flavour very sugary and rich, similar to the Ribston Pippin. An excellent American variety. January to May.Brabant Bellefleur.Kitchen. Fruit large, round, pale yellow, red-streaked. A most useful cooking variety, also useful for dessert. November to April.

Adams' Pearmain.Dessert. Fruit medium, very handsome; flavour juicy and sugary. December to March.

Alexander.Kitchen. Very large, showy, and good. September to December.

Alfriston.Kitchen. Very fine, large, white flesh. November to April.

Ashmead's Kernel, orCockle Pippin. Dessert. Fruit below medium; flavour very rich and sugary. This variety is, according to Mr. Rivers, much esteemed in Gloucestershire. November to January.

Bedfordshire Foundling.Kitchen. Fruit large. One of the finest and most useful sorts, a great bearer. February to May.

Bess Pool.Kitchen. Fruit large. Good late cooking apple. December to May.

Betty Geeson.Kitchen. Fruit large, produced in great abundance. February to May. A valuable sort.

Blenheim Pippin.One of the best kitchen sorts. November to February.

Boston Russet.Dessert. Fruit medium; flavour very sugary and rich, similar to the Ribston Pippin. An excellent American variety. January to May.

Brabant Bellefleur.Kitchen. Fruit large, round, pale yellow, red-streaked. A most useful cooking variety, also useful for dessert. November to April.

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