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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11826, 2 December 1901, Page 3

Recently in the Old Country an extraordinary bunch of roses was the produce of a tree which "suffered" froiv fasciation of the stem. That is to say, several stems had become amalgamated in the course of growth and formed one thick stem, which measured fully three-quarter, of an inch across. The blooms sprang from the top of this enlarged stem to the number of a. dozen, forming a natural bouquet of several inches diameter. The tree from which, the bunch was taken was a John Hopper, grown for five or six years in the garden of Mr. W. S. Ila.-dman, of East Fincliley. We believe thr,t this freak of growth is rarely seen in rose trees, although of frequent occurrence in lilies. The Gardener reports as ft-Uows:—On September 17 the Royal Aquarium added to its already varied collection of odours those which usually emanate with uncontrolled vigour when leeks and onions meet together in friendly rivalry. For this alliaceous treat visitors were indebted to Messrs. Dobi-io and Son?, w ho offered prizes of sufficient value to lure from their lairs fifty-four growers of tho savoury onion and thirty-three of the not ?ess savoury leek. In this race of giauts Mr. C. Beckett, with six onions weighing 15J>lb, was first, being followed by Mr. C. Drew and Mr. .fohn Bond in the order mentioned. For leeks Mr. W. Liddell won with a lovely lot, whose leading member boasted a blanched part 132 in lung by 62m 111 circumference. Mr. McYinish and Mr. George Colo were second and third reepectively.

Here is an account of what is called a "cannibal" tree, a somewhat appropriate name —Tropical trees often commit strange freaks, owing to the vigour of their growth under the hoc sua and moist air, but we have not heard of a more curious case than that of a mahogany log 4ft- 6in in diameter which, on being cut up, was found to contain another log, or, rather, trunk, -with the hark on if. ISin in diameter, inside. Nor is that all; the second trunk enclosed a third stem, a mere sapling with a diameter of about Jin. Both of (lie two inner stems ran the whole length oC the log. The question is: Howdid the wain tree swallow up the two smaller ones as a snako swallows his weaker brethren? A united demonstration of the Presbyterian Sabbath-schools will take place in St. James' Hall, Wellington-street, on Friday evening next. A miscellaneous programme by representatives from 146 schools will be given on the occasion. The Rev. Hugh Kelly will lie the speaker, and Mesdames T. yeacock and Ik. Frater will present the prizes. Duchess covers, A.T. cloths, sideboardcloths, d'oyleyy, etc., etc., 111 drawn thread, linen, Swiss, and montmcllio work, suitable for presents.—Smith and Caughey, Limited.