Chapter 35

FIG. 303. FLOWER-SPIKE, PSEUDO-BULB,ANDLEAFOFBURLINGTONIADECORA.

Generally speaking, this genus is not a difficult one to cultivate; its great enemy is a small white scale, which secretes itself in the sheathing bases of the leaves. Here it rapidly multiplies, to the great detriment of the plants; the leaves soon turn yellow at the base, and drop off; the whole plant looks sickly, and soon dies, or else requires a very long time and much trouble to achieve its recovery to health. To prevent this, the bases of the leaves must be carefully looked into every time the plants are taken down to be dipped in water; and, should the slightest sign of this pest appear, a thorough washing with soft soap and tepid water must be given, repeating the operation every day until all traces of the insect are removed. Red thrip are also apt to work much mischiefwith these plants. They take up their abode in the same way as the white scale, and if not speedily removed or destroyed, soon make sad havoc. To put a stop to the ravages of this pest, a wash should be given, as before recommended, and after the soap has been rinsed out of the base of the leaf, a little tobacco powder should be sprinkled into the hollows, and allowed to remain for a day or two before brushing it off. This process will, however, cause a somewhat dirty appearance, but it will ensure ultimate health and vigour. Propagated by dividing the plants.

B. Batemanni(Bateman's).*fl.white, deliciously-scented; lip beautiful mauve. A very pretty South American species, resemblingB. candida.B. candida(white).*fl.snowy-white, with a slight stain of yellow on the upper part of the lip, in substance and appearance like white satin, trimmed with gold; large, sweet-scented, in gracefully drooping three to four-blossomed racemes, produced from the axils of the leaves. April and May, lasting about three weeks in perfection, and sometimes having a second flowering season.l.one or two in number, dark green, and firm in texture.h.1ft. Demerara, 1834. A very compact species, well suited for basket culture; it should never be allowed to get dry. It may be distinguished from other species by having a single row of tubercles, forming a ridge upon each side of the slightly hastate lip. (B. R. 1927.)B. decora(comely).*fl.white or rose-coloured, spotted with red; lip pure white; scapes erect, five to ten-flowered. Winter. Brazil, 1852. This species differs entirely fromB. candida, inasmuch as it possesses a long slender-rooting stem, from different parts of which arise small oval pseudo-bulbs, each bearing a leaf; a lesser leaf appears at the base of a bulb, and from the axil of this the scape springs. It is a rather straggling but nevertheless beautiful species, and is best grown fastened upon long strips of cork, a little sphagnum being used in the operation; whilst, to prevent the plant getting too much "away from home," the young growths should be twisted back as they advance, and the practice continued until the pseudo-bulb is ultimately left near the centre, or in any spot which may appear bare. It likes strong heat and a very moist atmosphere, when growing; but during the period of rest, it should be kept cool and dry. SeeFig. 303.(B. M. 4834.)B. d. picta(painted).* A beautiful variety, differing from the type in having shorter and more acute leaves; flowers produced in greater profusion, rose-coloured, beautifully mottled and blotched with dark purple. October. Brazil. (B. M. 5419.)B. fragrans(fragrant).*fl.very gratefully fragrant, disposed in erect racemes. April, remaining in perfection about three weeks.l.long, rigid, dark green. Habit compact. Brazil, 1850.B. pubescens(downy).fl., sepals and petals snow-white; distinguished by the somewhat hastate lip, which has three yellow ridges on each side, and also by the downy column. November.h.6in. Brazil, 1850.B. rigida(rigid).*fl.purplish-white, spotted with pink on the lip; produced in heads.h.1ft. Brazil, 1838. A handsome plant, but difficult to flower. (L. S. O. 36.)B. venusta(charming).*fl.white, slightly tinted with pink; produced in heavy pendulous clusters at various seasons of the year; lip stained with yellow.l.rigid, dark green. Brazil, 1840. It forms a compact mass, and requires less heat than the kinds previously described. It is often confounded withB. pubescens, from which it may be distinguished by its larger and more loosely arranged flowers, by its smooth column, by the lip not being hastate in shape, and by the numerous shallow ridges borne near the base upon each side. (L. S. O. 2.)

B. Batemanni(Bateman's).*fl.white, deliciously-scented; lip beautiful mauve. A very pretty South American species, resemblingB. candida.

B. candida(white).*fl.snowy-white, with a slight stain of yellow on the upper part of the lip, in substance and appearance like white satin, trimmed with gold; large, sweet-scented, in gracefully drooping three to four-blossomed racemes, produced from the axils of the leaves. April and May, lasting about three weeks in perfection, and sometimes having a second flowering season.l.one or two in number, dark green, and firm in texture.h.1ft. Demerara, 1834. A very compact species, well suited for basket culture; it should never be allowed to get dry. It may be distinguished from other species by having a single row of tubercles, forming a ridge upon each side of the slightly hastate lip. (B. R. 1927.)

B. decora(comely).*fl.white or rose-coloured, spotted with red; lip pure white; scapes erect, five to ten-flowered. Winter. Brazil, 1852. This species differs entirely fromB. candida, inasmuch as it possesses a long slender-rooting stem, from different parts of which arise small oval pseudo-bulbs, each bearing a leaf; a lesser leaf appears at the base of a bulb, and from the axil of this the scape springs. It is a rather straggling but nevertheless beautiful species, and is best grown fastened upon long strips of cork, a little sphagnum being used in the operation; whilst, to prevent the plant getting too much "away from home," the young growths should be twisted back as they advance, and the practice continued until the pseudo-bulb is ultimately left near the centre, or in any spot which may appear bare. It likes strong heat and a very moist atmosphere, when growing; but during the period of rest, it should be kept cool and dry. SeeFig. 303.(B. M. 4834.)

B. d. picta(painted).* A beautiful variety, differing from the type in having shorter and more acute leaves; flowers produced in greater profusion, rose-coloured, beautifully mottled and blotched with dark purple. October. Brazil. (B. M. 5419.)

B. fragrans(fragrant).*fl.very gratefully fragrant, disposed in erect racemes. April, remaining in perfection about three weeks.l.long, rigid, dark green. Habit compact. Brazil, 1850.

B. pubescens(downy).fl., sepals and petals snow-white; distinguished by the somewhat hastate lip, which has three yellow ridges on each side, and also by the downy column. November.h.6in. Brazil, 1850.

B. rigida(rigid).*fl.purplish-white, spotted with pink on the lip; produced in heads.h.1ft. Brazil, 1838. A handsome plant, but difficult to flower. (L. S. O. 36.)

B. venusta(charming).*fl.white, slightly tinted with pink; produced in heavy pendulous clusters at various seasons of the year; lip stained with yellow.l.rigid, dark green. Brazil, 1840. It forms a compact mass, and requires less heat than the kinds previously described. It is often confounded withB. pubescens, from which it may be distinguished by its larger and more loosely arranged flowers, by its smooth column, by the lip not being hastate in shape, and by the numerous shallow ridges borne near the base upon each side. (L. S. O. 2.)

BUR MARIGOLD.SeeBidens.

BURNET(Poterium Sanguisorba; frompoterion, a cup; being used in cooling drinks). ORD.Rosaceæ. A native perennial. The leaves are sometimes used in soups, and with Borage in cooling drinks; they are also put in salads. The foliage only being useful, keep the flower-spikes removed, as this tends to increase the luxuriance of the plants. It thrives in any light soil. Propagated by division.

BURNET SAXIFRAGE.SeePimpinella.

BURNING BUSH.SeeEuonymus atropurpureusandE. americanus.

BURN ONION.SeePotato Onion.

BUR REED.SeeSparganium.

BURSARIA(frombursa, a pouch; the capsules very much resemble those of the Shepherd's Purse). ORD.Pittosporaceæ. A handsome, much-branched, greenhouse evergreen shrub, forming a very pretty object when covered all over with its elegant white blossoms. It thrives well in a compost of sandy loam and peat, in equal proportions. Young cuttings will root freely in sand, under a bell glass, with a little bottom heat.

B. spinosa(thorny).*fl.white, small, disposed either in lateral or terminal panicles. July to December.l.small, oblong-cuneated, entire.h.10ft. New Holland, 1793. (B. M. 1767.)

BURSERA(named after Joachim Burser, a disciple of Caspar Bauhin). ORD.Burseraceæ.Stove balsam-bearing trees. Flowers polygamous, or hermaphrodite; calyx small, four to six-toothed; petals four to six, spreading, generally valvate in æstivation; stamens eight to twelve; disk annular, with usually six to ten teeth; drupe oblong, covered by a three-valved succulent rind, containing three to five nuts. They thrive in a compost of loam and peat. Propagated by cuttings, placed under a glass, with bottom heat.

B. gummifera(gum-bearing).fl.whitish, hexandrous; racemes terminal and axillary.l.deciduous, usually impari-pinnate; leaflets ovate, acute, membranous.h.60ft. West Indies, 1690.B. serrata(serrate).*fl.whitish, decandrous; panicles axillary, shorter than the leaves.l.impari-pinnate, with three to five pairs of broad-lanceolate, bluntly-acuminated, serrulated leaflets; petioles and pedicels pubescent.h.25ft. India, 1818.

B. gummifera(gum-bearing).fl.whitish, hexandrous; racemes terminal and axillary.l.deciduous, usually impari-pinnate; leaflets ovate, acute, membranous.h.60ft. West Indies, 1690.

B. serrata(serrate).*fl.whitish, decandrous; panicles axillary, shorter than the leaves.l.impari-pinnate, with three to five pairs of broad-lanceolate, bluntly-acuminated, serrulated leaflets; petioles and pedicels pubescent.h.25ft. India, 1818.

BURSERACEÆ.An order of shrubs or trees, abounding in resinous juice; with opposite compound leaves, full of pellucid dots, and axillary and terminal fascicles of flowers. Fruit indehiscent, somewhat drupaceous. The genera best known areAmyris,Balsamodendron,Boswellia,Bursera, andCanarium.

BURTONIA(named after D. Burton, a plant collector for Kew Gardens). ORD.Leguminosæ. A genus of handsome greenhouse dwarf Heath-like shrubs, natives of West Australia. Flowers axillary, often thickly gathered at the ends of the branches; corollas rich purple; keel generally of a deeper colour, and the standard having sometimes a yellow blotch at its base. Leaves simple or trifoliolate, sessile, usually awl-shaped. They thrive well in a mixture of loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand, in equal proportions, with thorough drainage; but care must be taken not to give them too much water, as they require to be kept moderately dry, and are difficult to preserve in a living state. Young cuttings root freely in a pot of sandy soil, in a cool house, with a bell glass placed over them; but some of the species produce seed in abundance, which are the best means of increasing them.

B. conferta(cluster-flowered).*fl.violet. July.l.simple, very much crowded, six to eight lines long, linear-subulate, with revolute margins, and are, as well as the branches, smooth.h.2ft. 1830. (B. R. 1600.)B. minor(smaller). A synonym ofGompholobium minus.B. pulchella(beautiful). A synonym ofB. scabra.B. scabra(rough).*fl.purple; peduncles axillary, bi-bracteate. April.l., leaflets glabrous, linear-mucronate. Branches puberulous.h.2ft. 1846. SYN.B. pulchella. (B. M. 5000.)B. villosa(villose).fl.purple, large; peduncles axillary, bi-bracteate. May.l., leaflets linear-subulate, bluntish, scabrid.h.2ft. 1846. (B. M. 4410.)

B. minor(smaller). A synonym ofGompholobium minus.

B. pulchella(beautiful). A synonym ofB. scabra.

B. scabra(rough).*fl.purple; peduncles axillary, bi-bracteate. April.l., leaflets glabrous, linear-mucronate. Branches puberulous.h.2ft. 1846. SYN.B. pulchella. (B. M. 5000.)

B. villosa(villose).fl.purple, large; peduncles axillary, bi-bracteate. May.l., leaflets linear-subulate, bluntish, scabrid.h.2ft. 1846. (B. M. 4410.)

BUSHEL.SeeMeasures.

BUTCHER'S BROOM.SeeRuscus aculeatus.

BUTEA(commemorative of John, Earl of Bute, once a munificent patron of botany). ORD.Leguminosæ. A genus of very ornamental stove evergreen unarmed trees. Racemes many-flowered; flowers three together, on short pedicels, and furnished with two bracteoles each, under the calyx; corolla deep scarlet; down on the calyces usually black and velvety. Leaves pinnately-trifoliate; leaflets large, ovate, roundish, stipellate. For culture, &c.,seeErythrina.

B. frondosa(leafy).fl.2in. long.l., leaflets roundish, obtuse, or emarginate, rather velvety beneath. Branches pubescent.h.40ft. India, 1796. (B. F. S. 176.)B. superba(superb).*l., leaflets roundish, obtuse, velvetybeneath. Branches glabrous. Coromandel, 1798. This approaches the preceding species, from which it differs mainly by its scandent habit, and not by any botanical characters. (B. F. F. 143.)

B. frondosa(leafy).fl.2in. long.l., leaflets roundish, obtuse, or emarginate, rather velvety beneath. Branches pubescent.h.40ft. India, 1796. (B. F. S. 176.)

B. superba(superb).*l., leaflets roundish, obtuse, velvetybeneath. Branches glabrous. Coromandel, 1798. This approaches the preceding species, from which it differs mainly by its scandent habit, and not by any botanical characters. (B. F. F. 143.)

BUTOMACEÆ.An order of aquatic plants, now usually included underAlismaceæ.

BUTOMUS(frombous, an ox, andtemno, to cut; in reference to the sharp leaves, which injure the mouths of cattle that browze upon them). Flowering Rush. ORD.Alismaceæ. A very handsome hardy perennial aquatic, of extremely easy culture on the margins of ponds or muddy banks. Propagated by divisions of the roots, in spring.

FIG. 304. BUTOMUSUMBELLATUS, showing Habit and single Flower.

B. umbellatus(umbelled).*fl.rose-coloured, umbellate; pedicels with scariose sheathing bracts at the base; scape naked, terete, longer than the leaves. Summer.l.all radical, 2ft. to 3ft. long, linear, acuminate, triquetrous. Ditches and ponds; frequent in England, and rare in Ireland. See Fig. 304.

BUTTER AND EGGS.The double-flowered variety ofNarcissus aurantius(whichsee).

BUTTER AND TALLOW TREE.SeePentadesma.

BUTTER-BUR.SeePetasites vulgaris.

BUTTERCUPS.SeeRanunculus.

BUTTERFLY ORCHIS.SeeHabenaria bifoliaandH. chlorantha.

BUTTERFLY PLANT.SeeOncidium Papilio.

BUTTER NUT.SeeCaryocarandJuglans cinerea.

BUTTERWORT.SeePinguicula.

BUTTON FLOWER.SeeGomphia.

BUTTON-TREE.SeeConocarpus.

BUTTON-WOOD.SeeCephalanthus.

BUXUS(frompyknos, dense; referring to the hardness of the wood). Box Tree. ORD.Euphorbiaceæ. A genus of hardy evergreen shrubs or small trees. Flowers unisexual, monœcious; male flowers, calyx of four minute segments, stamens four, inserted under the rudiment of a pistil; female flowers singly, at the tips of groups of male ones. Fruit, a regma, leathery, beaked with the styles. Leaves simple, opposite, exstipulate, evergreen. These well-known plants thrive in any light, well-drained soil. Seeds should be sown in similar situations as soon as ripe. Cuttings, made of the young shoots, from 4in. to 6in. in length, inserted in a shady place, in August or September, root readily. Layers of either young or old wood, made in autumn or early spring, will make good plants. They can also be increased by suckers and division.

B. balearica(Balearic).*l.yellowish-green, oblong-elliptical, emarginate, coriaceous, about 2in. long, with a cartilaginous margin.h.15ft. to 20ft. South Europe, 1780. This is a handsome species. The cuttings will require a shelter in winter, and in exposed situations it will be better to afford the plants protection.B. sempervirens(evergreen).* Common Box.l.oval-oblong, retuse, convex, coriaceous, shining; stalks slightly hairy.h.various. England. There are numerous forms of this popular shrub:argentea, silver-variegated;aureahas its leaves variegated with a golden colour;marginatahas leaves with a golden margin;myrtifoliahas small, oblong, narrowish leaves;obcordate-variegatais a variegated variety, with obcordate leaves, from Japan;suffruticosais the form usually cultivated for edgings, its leaves are small, obovate, this is readily increased by divisions, and requires to be planted firmly, in order to keep it dwarf.

B. sempervirens(evergreen).* Common Box.l.oval-oblong, retuse, convex, coriaceous, shining; stalks slightly hairy.h.various. England. There are numerous forms of this popular shrub:argentea, silver-variegated;aureahas its leaves variegated with a golden colour;marginatahas leaves with a golden margin;myrtifoliahas small, oblong, narrowish leaves;obcordate-variegatais a variegated variety, with obcordate leaves, from Japan;suffruticosais the form usually cultivated for edgings, its leaves are small, obovate, this is readily increased by divisions, and requires to be planted firmly, in order to keep it dwarf.

BYRSONIMA(frombyrsa, a hide, andnimius, much used; because the bark of some of the species is used in tanning, in Brazil). ORD.Malpighiaceæ. Ornamental stove evergreen trees or shrubs. Flowers racemose, terminal, simple or branched. All the species thrive very well in any light soil, or a mixture of loam and peat. Cuttings made of half-ripened shoots will root freely in sand, under a hand glass, in a moist bottom heat.

B. altissima(tallest).*fl.white; racemes clothed with rufous hairs. July.l.ovate-oblong, covered with rufous down beneath, but beset with bristles above, which are fixed by the centre.h.60ft. Guiana, 1820.B. chrysophylla(golden-leaved).*fl.yellow; racemes simple. August.l.oblong, short, acuminated, acute at the base, rather wavy on the margin, and revolute, smooth above, clothed beneath with silky down, which is of a rusty golden colour.h.14ft. South America, 1823.B. coriacea(leathery-leaved).fl.yellow, sweet-scented; racemes densely spiked, pubescent, erect. May.l.ovate, acute, quite entire and smooth.h.30ft. Jamaica, 1814.B. crassifolia(thick-leaved).fl.yellow; racemes erect, elongated, brownish-velvety. July.l.ovate, acute at both ends, at length smooth above, but clothed with brownish down beneath.h.6ft. Guiana, 1793.B. lucida(shining).*fl.pink; petals hastately kidney-shaped; pedicels hispid; racemes spiked, erect, short, smooth. May.l.obovate, cuneiform, obtuse, or mucronate, smooth, veinless, shining.h.8ft. Caribbee Islands, 1759. Described as "a beautiful shrub."B. verbascifolia(Verbascum-leaved).fl.yellow; racemes terminal. July.l.lanceolate-obovate, quite entire, downy on both surfaces.h.6ft. Guiana, 1810.

B. chrysophylla(golden-leaved).*fl.yellow; racemes simple. August.l.oblong, short, acuminated, acute at the base, rather wavy on the margin, and revolute, smooth above, clothed beneath with silky down, which is of a rusty golden colour.h.14ft. South America, 1823.

B. coriacea(leathery-leaved).fl.yellow, sweet-scented; racemes densely spiked, pubescent, erect. May.l.ovate, acute, quite entire and smooth.h.30ft. Jamaica, 1814.

B. crassifolia(thick-leaved).fl.yellow; racemes erect, elongated, brownish-velvety. July.l.ovate, acute at both ends, at length smooth above, but clothed with brownish down beneath.h.6ft. Guiana, 1793.

B. lucida(shining).*fl.pink; petals hastately kidney-shaped; pedicels hispid; racemes spiked, erect, short, smooth. May.l.obovate, cuneiform, obtuse, or mucronate, smooth, veinless, shining.h.8ft. Caribbee Islands, 1759. Described as "a beautiful shrub."

B. verbascifolia(Verbascum-leaved).fl.yellow; racemes terminal. July.l.lanceolate-obovate, quite entire, downy on both surfaces.h.6ft. Guiana, 1810.

BYSTROPOGON(frombyo, to close, andpogon, a beard; in reference to the throat of the flower being closed up with hairs). ORD.Labiatæ. Greenhouse evergreen sub-shrubs, nearly allied toMentha. Flowers small, in dichotomous, sub-corymbose, or panicled cymes; or else disposed in dense spicate whorls. Bracts lanceolate or subulate. This genus contains easily cultivated species, which are, however, of no value for garden purposes.

CAA-CUYS.SeeIlex paraguariensis.

CAA-MINI.SeeIlex paraguariensis.

CAAPEBA.SeeCissampelos Pareira.

CAAPIM DE ANGOLA.SeePanicum spectabile.

CAA-QUAZU.SeeIlex paraguariensis.

CABARET.The French name ofAsarum europæum.

CABBAGE.The common name forBrassica; but especially applied to the plain-leaved hearting garden varieties ofBrassica oleracea. To obtain good tender Cabbages in early spring and throughout the summer, it is necessary that they should be planted on rich, deeply-trenched ground, in a position free from the shade of fruit or other trees. Stable dung or good farmyard manure is best for this crop, and should be applied when trenching is being done, burying the manure a spit below the surface. Cabbages should not be planted successionally on the same ground, nor should they follow any of the other species ofBrassica, if it can be avoided. A warmer position, not too much sheltered to make the plants tender, will be found beneficial for the earliest spring crop. This should not be planted too soon in autumn, as the plants are more subject to run to seed, especially if the winter be mild. The several forms of Cabbage are well known, being somuch cultivated by cottagers as well as gardeners. None of those forming close hearts will bear severe frost, but the Savoys are improved by a little in the early autumn. The Coleworts are very useful in winter, being perhaps the hardiest of all; and, as the hearts do not get so close and hard as the Savoy and other Cabbages, the frost, unless it is very severe, does not injure them so much.

Cultivation.The crop obtained in April and May is usually the most important one, young Cabbages being then much appreciated by everyone. The time for seed-sowing varies in different localities, from the third week in July to the middle of August. The first date would probably prove suitable for the northern parts of the country; and the latter would be early enough for the south. The seed should be sown thinly in beds of rather light, well pulverised soil, afterwards covering these with netting, to protect the seed from birds. The plants will be ready, in most cases, for placing out during September, or as soon as the ground can be cleared of other crops and prepared for their reception. The Early Battersea, or one of its many allied sorts, is best for sowing at this season; and, when planting out, an allowance of 2ft. apart each way will be sufficient. Seed should again be sown on a mild hotbed in February, and occasionally afterwards, for succession; and a second crop may be obtained from the plants put out in autumn if they are allowed to remain. Drumhead and other strong-growing sorts, sown in spring, will require from 6in. to 1ft. more space when planted out. These are not, however, of such good quality as the smaller-growing varieties.

Savoys.The seed of these should be sown in March or April, according to the locality, in the same way as described above, in seed beds; and the after treatment is also very similar. The young plants must not be allowed to starve in the seed bed, but should be kept watered, and planted out in June and July, choosing dull weather for the operation. The ground should occasionally be hoed between the plants, to keep the surface open and destroy weeds. Distances of from 15in. to 30in. between the plants, according to the variety, must be allowed. See Fig. 305.

FIG. 305. SAVOYCABBAGE.

Coleworts.Seed of these should be sown about the end of June, and planted out 1ft. apart on a sheltered border, when large enough. Rosette is one of the best varieties; but the early Cabbages are often grown and used as Coleworts before they have had time to form close hearts.

FIG. 306. EARLYYORKCABBAGE.

Pickling Cabbage.The Red Dutch is the variety generally grown for pickling, and is probably the best to keep its colour when so treated. Seed should be sown in August, to stand the winter, and again in February for a succession; only a few plants will, in the majority of cases, be required, as, if liberally treated, they grow to a good size.

FIG. 307. OXHEARTCABBAGE.

Sorts of White Cabbage.These are extremely numerous, and selections or improved forms are of annual appearance. Some of the old types are, however, still much cultivated. The following are a selection of the best sorts for general purposes: Atkins' Matchless, Carter's Heartwell, Early Battersea, Early York (see Fig. 306), Ellam's Early Dwarf, Enfield Market, Little Pixie, Oxheart (see Fig. 307), St. John's Day (see Fig. 308), Sugarloaf, Wheeler's Imperial, and Portugal or Couve Tronchuda. The last-named variety was introduced from Portugal some years ago, where it ismuch grown. It has a large midrib, and does not form very close hearts. It is very tender when cooked, and is only suitable for culture in summer. Under the name of Gilbert's Cabbage Broccoli, or Chou de Burghley, a variety of Cabbage was recently distributed which produces, if left long enough, hearts resembling Broccoli. Although there are different opinions as to its merits, it is said to be very tender when cooked, and is considered a decided acquisition.

Of Savoys, the best are: Drumhead, Dwarf Green Curled, Early Ulm, Large Late Green, and Tom Thumb.

FIG. 308. ST. JOHN'SDAYCABBAGE.

Insects, &c.The majority of the Cabbage tribe is attacked by a very large number of different caterpillars and other pests, both above and below ground. The plants in their young stages are always a prey for snails and slugs, and often require a dusting of soot and lime as a protection. When planting out, many of the plants are often found with a protuberance at the root, caused by an insect, and termed "clubbing." Those so injured should be thrown away if they can possibly be spared, and the others dipped in a thick solution of soot water. This is the worst kind of disease the Cabbage tribe is subject to. The caterpillars of several moths and butterflies are very destructive in summer, often eating through the hearts of Cabbages and Cauliflowers, and so rendering them totally unfit for use. Hand-picking, or dusting with lime, is apparently the only means of diminishing the numbers of these pests.

CABBAGE CATERPILLARS.Large Cabbage White(Pieris brassicæ). From May to July, and again in September and October, this, the most common of our butterflies, may be seen in great numbers, frequenting gardens, lanes, and fields, being especially numerous where Cabbages are growing. Their beautiful yellow eggs are laid singly on the under surface of the leaves, and securely fastened by a natural glue; from these, in due time, issue the small, but destructive, "green caterpillars." Shortly after birth, they become quite green in front and yellow behind. They then get hairy and dotted over with black; they have eight pairs of feet, of which the three front ones only are "true" legs, or those which ultimately develop into the legs of the butterfly. They change their skin several times, and at each moult become larger in size. When full grown, they are about 1½in. long, of a light green or bluish hue above, and yellow beneath; along the back of the adult caterpillar is a conspicuous yellow line, edged on each side with black dots.

FIG.309. CATERPILLAR ANDCHRYSALIS OFLARGECABBAGEBUTTERFLY.

The chrysalis, or pupa, is commonly found on window-ledges, palings, walls, and similar places; but is sometimes attached to the plant (see Fig. 309). It is a rather curious object, of the colour of stone, and prettily chiselled. It is fastened to the plant by the tail and by a belt of silk round the middle.

FIG. 310. LARGEWHITECABBAGEBUTTERFLY.

FIG. 311. SMALLWHITECABBAGEBUTTERFLYANDCATERPILLAR.

The perfect male insect has the body black and wings white on the upper side, except the tips of the fore-wings, which are black and crescent-shaped; and on the upper edge of the hinder wings there is a black spot. On the under side, the fore wings are white with yellow tips, and two black patches on each; the hind wings are yellow, with small black markings. The antennæ are alternately black and yellow, with the club black above and yellow beneath. The female (see Fig. 310) differsfrom the male in having two large black spots on each of the fore or upper wings, and a spot on the inner margin.

The Small White(Pieris rapæ, see Fig. 311) has two broods in the year, the first batch about April, and the second in July. The eggs are always placed on the upper side of the leaf, and are hatched in from ten to thirteen days, the caterpillars becoming full grown in about three weeks after emerging. The colour of the caterpillar is dark green, with a fine line of yellow, and a row of yellow spots down the sides. The chrysalis is attached by the tail and a band of silk to the place selected by the caterpillar, and varies greatly in colour, although generally it is of a whitish-brown.

Cabbage Moth(Mamestra brassicæ). Newman, in his "British Moths," thus describes the Cabbage Moth: "The antennæ are rather long and slender, and scarcely ciliated in either sex; the fore-wings are dark, smoky, grey brown, mottled and marbled with confused markings, both darker and paler; the orbicular spot is inconspicuous, but decidedly to be traced; the reniform stigma is delicately outlined with white or whitish-grey, and has a pale anterior disc, in which the same pale grey colour predominates; the hind wings are dark, smoky brown with rather pale base, and rather darker crescentic discoidal spot and wing-rays; the head, thorax, and body have the same colour as the fore and hind wings." The eggs are laid on Cabbages, or similar plants, and are hatched in a few days. The caterpillars are very voracious, feeding by day and night, and, what is worse, they spoil with their excrement, in the case of Cabbages, more than they eat. They are of a dark colour, with a kind of marbling, more or less distinct, on the back, the effect being produced by a triangular mark containing two white dots on each of their segments. On being disturbed, they roll themselves into a tight ring, and so remain until they suppose that danger is over. They descend into the earth for change to smooth red-brown chrysalids, and remain there till the following spring. If the chrysalids were collected and destroyed during the autumn and winter digging, much injury would be obviated through the succeeding spring and summer.

The destruction of these pests is a very troublesome matter, as the grubs of the last-named kind bore into the heart of the cabbage. Hand-picking is the only sure method. Anything emitting a distasteful odour will also keep them at bay. Miss Ormerod recommends throwing gas-lime over the plants, but it must be previously weakened by a few months' exposure. The following remedy may also be recommended:

Paraffin, orCoal Oil. Mix one ounce of oil with a gallon of soapsuds, and water the plants with the mixture before the caterpillars appear. If any have appeared, an application at the rate of two ounces to the gallon will generally clear them off. Of course, this operation must not be performed less than a month previous to cutting the cabbages, on account of the smell. Soapsuds alone will also clear caterpillars from most smooth-leaved subjects if frequently applied.

CABBAGE FLY(Anthomyia brassicæ). Among the injurious insects which infest Cabbages, none commit greater havoc to both stem and root, than the maggots of the Cabbage Fly. "They are whitish, cylindrical, and legless, tapering to the head, and blunt at the tail, which has short teeth on the lower margin, and two brown tubercles in the middle. When full grown, they are about ⅓in. long. They then leave the plants, and turn, in the earth, to pupæ, with a few black spots at the head, and short teeth at the tail, inside which the flies form, and emerge in about a fortnight or three weeks. The fly is of an ashen-grey colour, and smaller than the Onion Fly, which it much resembles. The male is of a darker grey, and has a short black stripe along the back between the wings, with a curved one on each side of it, and one black stripe along the abdomen" (Ormerod). The presence of these maggots may be easily detected by the flagging and change of colour of the leaves. The infested plants should be immediately removed and destroyed. The following remedy will be found beneficial:

Lime.Hot lime should be soaked in water for about twenty-four hours. When clear, the infested Cabbages should be well washed with the liquid. Superphosphate of lime may also be applied with advantage.

CABBAGE GALL WEEVIL(Ceutorrhynchus sulcicollis). This is a pretty little beetle, about three-quarters of a line or one line in length. Its colour is dark, but the insect is really of a coppery hue; on the thorax and head are rather large depressions; the wing-cases vary in colour from green to greenish-blue, or even black, and along the entire length of the elytra are parallel lines or holes, as may be seen with the aid of an ordinary lens. This insect, which causes much damage to plants of theBrassicafamily, is, in some places, very difficult to eradicate. It is also very destructive to other crops, and, therefore, any effectual remedy is valuable. The following methods may be recommended:

Carbolic Acid.Mix 1oz. Calvert's No. 5 carbolic acid with two gallons of soapsuds, and add sufficient loam or clay to make a thin paste. Dip the roots of the whole of the plants into this before they are set out. Well stir the mixture, and put the plants out in a damp soil, so that watering will not be necessary.

Paraffin, orCoal Oil. This, applied in the same manner as recommended for Carbolic Acid, is also very good.

Guano, Superphosphate of Lime, and Nitrate of Soda.A good dressing of either of these, given after the ground is dug, and in wet weather, about a month before the plants are put out, has been found very beneficial; but, although preventatives, they do not totally clear the crop from insects for the season.

Soot and Lime.Take equal parts of air-slaked lime and soot, and mix together. Set the plants with a trowel, and, having placed some soil over the roots, throw in a little of the mixture, filling up the hole with soil.

CABBAGE MOTH.SeeCabbage Caterpillars.

CABBAGE PALM.SeeEuterpe oleracea.

CABBAGE POWDERED-WING(Aleyrodes brassicæ). A small four-winged powdery fly, closely allied to the Aphides. As implied by its name, this pest infests the various sorts of Cabbages. It is more particularly prevalent in autumn. Its presence may be readily detected by the partial discoloration of the leaves attacked. The head and body between the wings are black, with yellow variegation; abdomen yellow or rosy; wings white and mealy (whence its common name), the upper pair each having a darker spot, near the centre. Its destructive power resides in the rostrum, or sucking-tube, with which its head is furnished.

Remedies.The only effectual means of exterminating this pest is to destroy the leaves, preferably by burning. If its presence is detected early, an application of tobacco water, or diluted soft soap, may prove beneficial.

CABBAGE ROOT-EATING FLY.SeeRoot-eating Fly.

CABBAGE-TREE.SeeEuterpe oleracea.

CABBAGE WEEVIL.SeeCabbage Gall Weevil.

CABOMBA(the native name in Guiana). ORD.Nymphæaceæ. SUB. ORD.Cabombeæ. Small and very interesting aquatics. They thrive well in a cistern 1ft. deep, with 2in. of loam in the bottom, for the plants to root in, then filled up with water, and placed in a warm part of the greenhouse during summer, being allowed a rest in a cool part of the stove in winter. Propagation may be effected by root division.

C. aquatica(water-loving).fl.yellow, small; peduncles long, axillary, solitary, one-flowered. July. Submerged leaves opposite, stalked, cut into five divisions even to the petiole; segmentsmultifid; floating leaves alternate, on long petioles, peltate, orbicular, entire. Guiana, 1823. SYN.Nectris aquatica.C. caroliniana(Carolina) is somewhat similar toC. aquatica. It is a native of the Southern United States.

C. caroliniana(Carolina) is somewhat similar toC. aquatica. It is a native of the Southern United States.

CACALIA(fromkakalia, a name used by Dioscorides). ORD.Compositæ. A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, here treated as distinct fromSenecio, of which genus, from a botanical point of view, it is but a section. Heads five to many-flowered; florets all tubular and perfect; scales of the involucre in a single row; receptacle naked; pappus of numerous capillary bristles. For culture,seeSenecio.

C. atriplicifolia(Atriplex-leaved).fl.-headswhite. August.l., lower ones triangular-kidney shaped, or slightly cordate; the upper rhomboid, toothed. Stem terete.h.3ft. to 6ft. United States of America.C. hastata(hastate).fl.-headswhite, nodding, racemose. Autumn.l.stalked, three-lobed, hastate, serrate.h.1ft. Siberia, 1780.C. reniformis(reniform).fl.-headswhite, disposed in large corymbs. August.l.dilated, fan-shaped, 1ft. to 2ft. broad, repandly-toothed and angled, petiolate. Stem grooved and angled.h.4ft. to 9ft. New Jersey, 1801.C. suaveolens(sweet-scented).*fl.-headswhite. Autumn.l.triangular-lanceolate, halbert-shaped, pointed, serrate; those of the stem on winged petioles. Stem grooved.h.3ft. to 5ft. North America, 1752.C. tuberosa(tuberous).*fl.-headswhitish. June.l.thick; lower ones lanceolate or oval, nearly entire, tapering into long petioles; upper ones on short margined petioles, sometimes toothed at the apex. Stem angled and grooved.h.2ft. to 6ft. North America.

C. hastata(hastate).fl.-headswhite, nodding, racemose. Autumn.l.stalked, three-lobed, hastate, serrate.h.1ft. Siberia, 1780.

C. reniformis(reniform).fl.-headswhite, disposed in large corymbs. August.l.dilated, fan-shaped, 1ft. to 2ft. broad, repandly-toothed and angled, petiolate. Stem grooved and angled.h.4ft. to 9ft. New Jersey, 1801.

C. suaveolens(sweet-scented).*fl.-headswhite. Autumn.l.triangular-lanceolate, halbert-shaped, pointed, serrate; those of the stem on winged petioles. Stem grooved.h.3ft. to 5ft. North America, 1752.

C. tuberosa(tuberous).*fl.-headswhitish. June.l.thick; lower ones lanceolate or oval, nearly entire, tapering into long petioles; upper ones on short margined petioles, sometimes toothed at the apex. Stem angled and grooved.h.2ft. to 6ft. North America.

CACOUCIA(its name in Guiana). ORD.Combretaceæ. A small genus of stove twining or climbing shrubs. Flowers large, showy, racemose. Leaves opposite, oblong or ovate-elliptical. For culture,seeCombretum.

C. coccinea(scarlet).*fl.scarlet, alternate, bracteate at the base, disposed in long terminal racemes. May.l.ovate, acuminated, shortly petiolate. Guiana. (A. G. i., 179.). A handsome stove climber.

CACTEÆ.A large order of succulent plants, with remarkable spines clustered on the cylindrical, angular, two-edged, or leafy stems. Flowers very variable, showy or minute, usually solitary, sessile, rarely in fascicles, ephemeral; petals disposed in two or more series, hardly distinguishable from the inner sepals, and sometimes united with them; sepals numerous, united and adnate a great length to the ovarium. Fruit fleshy, one-celled, many-seeded. Well-known genera areCereus,Melocactus,Mammillaria,Opuntia,Pereskia, andRhipsalis.

CACTUS(fromkaktos, a name used by Theophrastus to describe a spiny plant). This generic term is popularly applied to all members of the extensive familyCacteæ, which order may be distinguished by the following characteristics: Calyx composed of many sepals, usually indefinite in number, the inner series not readily distinguishable from the petals, united and adnate a great length to the ovary; with the tube smooth in the generaMammillaria,Melocactus, andRhipsalis; or with the lobes of the sepals crowning the fruit, and having the tube scaly, as in the generaCereus,Opuntia, andPereskia. Petals disposed in two or more series, hardly distinguishable from the inner sepals, and somewhat united to them; sometimes irregular, and disposed in a long tube at the base, but distinct at the apex, as in the generaMammillaria,Melocactus, andCereus; sometimes equal and distinct to the very base, forming a rotate corolla, as in the generaOpuntia,Pereskia, andRhipsalis. Stamens indefinite, disposed in many series, more or less cohering with the petals or inner sepals; filaments slender, filiform; anthers ovate, versatile, two-celled. Ovarium obovate, fleshy, one-celled. Fruit fleshy, one-celled, many seeded, either smooth and crowned by the calyx, or covered with scales, scars, or tubercles, and umbilicate at the apex. This order contains fleshy or succulent shrubs, very variable in habit and size. Flowers very variable, showy, or minute, usually solitary, sessile, rarely in fascicles, ephemeral, expanding by night or day. Leaves usually wanting, but, when present, small, caducous, and terete, rarely flat and expanded, sometimes alternate and disposed in a spiral order, always glabrous and fleshy. Prickles or bristles disposed in fascicles, rising from the axils of the leaves. In the leafless genera, the fascicles of spines are disposed on the angles of the stem, rising from tubercles. Stems usually angular, winged, or regularly beset with tubercles, rarely terete, usually jointed; joints compressed. A group of Cacti is shown at Fig. 312, for which we are indebted to Herr Fr. Ad. Haage, jun., of Erfurt, Germany.SeeCereus,Disocactus,Echinocactus,Epiphyllum,Leuchtenbergia,Mammillaria,Melocactus,Nopalea,Opuntia,Pelecyphora,Pereskia,Phyllocactus, andRhipsalis.

Cultivation.Perhaps no class of plants more easily accommodate themselves to a general system of treatment, than do these; although certain genera would undoubtedly thrive better than when subjected to the lower temperature, suited to the requirements of those coming from cooler regions. Notwithstanding that nearly all the species are natives of the western hemisphere, they occur in various geographical and altitudinal areas, in which the temperature is proportionately lessened or increased, as the case may be; yet, presuming a special house is set apart for their culture, the majority of the species may be happily suited therein. The warmest end of the structure should be selected for the tropical kinds; while those found in cooler regions may be grown in the other portions of the house; even those which are hardy in our climate are really best wintered in a house or frame. Granted that several species will endure our winter outside, it is yet necessary to give them the shelter of a friendly ledge of the rockery, or frame, or to cover them in their permanent position with a hand light, or sheet of glass, in order to prevent the ill-effects of excessive moisture. Generally, a winter temperature of from 50deg. to 55deg., and a summer one of from 70deg. to 80deg. during shade, or in sunshine up to 90deg., will be found advantageous. When thus treated, it will be necessary to keep the tropical species, on the whole, very dry during the winter. As regards soil, potting, and general treatment, all may be treated alike, exceptEpiphyllum,Disocactus, andPereskia(whichsee). Some growers give them the protection of a house in winter, and stand them outside during the summer, which is not, however, a very commendable plan, as, in consequence of the very variable character of our climate being especially prejudicial to several of the tender and more delicate species, the often excessive amount of moisture they would receive, will produce a weakly state of health in many, while others will be lost. It is far better if their culture is attempted at all, to give them the proper treatment. The numerous species and varieties found on the Rocky Mountains are a most interesting series, and may be well managed in a cold frame facing south, arranging them on shelves as close to the glass as possible, and keeping them very dry through the winter. If the weather is very severe, the lights should be matted. One of the best collections of these in the country, is in the possession of E. G. Loder, Esq., Floore House, Weedon, Northampton, where a great number are admirably grown in frames, and under a large ledge of the rockery outside. Amateurs may grow quantities of handsome Cacti either in dwelling rooms near the window, or in small frames or greenhouses. As they are slow growing, not much space will be occupied; at the same time, a great deal of interest will be centred in their culture. As regards watering and insect pests, they are but little trouble. Miniature Cacti, of numerous kinds, are now often sold in small pots, and most attractive little subjects they prove.

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