DAFFODILS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2471, 24 July 1901, Page 10

DAFFODILS.

By Rev. J. G- W: Ellis, F.R.H.S., Lawrence, Otago.

Being a Paper Read befoie the New Zealand Horticulturists' and Fruit Growers' Association's Conference, held at DunediD in June. No flower is more deservedly popular than the Narcissus, or Daffodil, r.nd the enthusiasm that attends its cultivation, and that has attended if for many years in Knglund, bids f;ti r to be equalled here in New Zealand. In every part ot our colony, there are i\al enthusiasts, who spend laige sums of ' money in procuring the newest and best varieties, and large amounts of energy in giowing beautiful specimens For this leason, if for no other, no apology in necessary for the appearance of this paper among the many produced at this conference. I confess that it could come at a more appropriate season of the year — i.e., when the flowers themselves were present, as an inspiring illustration, with their elegance, grace, and beauty, charming the eye, and lavishing the senses of the beholder, and awakening n desire to do homage in the Court of the Queen of Spring Flowers. j I presume that the object of the promoters of this conference, in requesting m© to produce this paper, nas to increase, if possible, the number of growers of this delightful flower. This shall, at all events, be mine. I am conscious that for two ! reasons I must not attempt to instruct expert ' growers. If, however, the conference I were composed entirely of those who for many years had assembled in her court, my paper would necessarily be of a different character. It must now be plain and simple, more for the guidance and assistance of those who at present knovy little or nothing about her, than for the instruction of those, who know as much or more than I do. In order to avoid the mixing of terms, I shall throughout speak of the whole family (genus) as daffodils. Scientifically this ib wrong. The family name is "Narcibsvw," and the distinguishing names are daffodil, narcissus, and jonquil. Scientifically all daffodils are narcissi, but all narcissi are not daffodils ; they are only so by courtesy, and that courtesy we propose to extend, and to call them all daffodils in this paper. Even jonquils, which may be easily distinguished by their rush-like foliage, instead of the broad, flat foliage of the other two inembeis of the genus, may be called "Daffodils," foi 1 propose to use the popular term, instead of the scientific one ; not merely because it is popular, and not scientific, but because the true narcksus is a very small section of the whole family. CLASSIFICATION. In classifying, you can begin your work ■ before you see a sign of dower, for the first stage in this work has to do with foliage. I am somewhat surprised, that in nearly every paper or lecture on the subject this is overlooked. To classify correctly, you begin by drawing a long, straight line of distinction between the flat-leaved and rushleaved varieties, and on either side of this line you will find representatives in all the sections, that you are bound to discover as the flowers begin to show, and this, of ■ course, is the second stage in classifying. j Arrived there, your work will still be fairly ' easy, though rather more arduous. There ■ are three sorts of flowers, as everybody can see. One with long trumpets (thc«,e arc true daffodils), one with no trumpet, but merely a flat crown (these are true narcissi), and a third group much bigger than the othel' two combined, iv whicfc the flat 1 crown is elongated to about half the size of . the trumpet, and this is exactly what you would e"xpect to find, when its origin is explained. This group is pioduced by^hybridisation (natural or artificial) betwen*"the first ' group which is called Magni-coronati, and the second, which is known as the Parvi-coronati ; and once more you find just what you expect — viz., it is known as the Medii-coronati, and is called the second group, and pushes the Parvi into third position. I There is a curious fact that may be referred to here, which was discovered and vouched for by the Rev. GJ. H. Engleheart, I who is, perhaps, the most succesoful hybridiser in the world. "The offspring produced by a marriage between a long trumpet dafI fodil and a poet's narcissus, never more produces from its seed its parents, but only itself ; while on the other hand, the seedling , from two closely akin trumpet varieties will ' give in its turn seedlings which reproduce both of its parents." I The third stage in the interesting process of classification is the division of the groups into sections. In the first group, you have ' on tlie one side of the dividing line we drew at the outset, the trumpet daffodils, and on the other side those very pretty little things that are called "Medusa's trumpets," or "hoop petticoats" — charming little things, scientifically known as Corbularia, or Bulbocodium, but not of much interest to the ordinary grower ; and also Calathinus, which is similarly uninteresting. The divisions generally applied to trumpet daffodils with flat glaucous leaves, apply entirely to the colour of the flowers, and are stated as : (1) Yellows, (2) Bi-colours, (3) Whites; but just here I wish to refer to another line of division, which I have never yet seen recognised. In all sections of trumpet daffodils, it will be noticed that some have, narrow perianth segments, which are inclined to ourl, and are frequently somewhat flimsy, and others have bold, broad, expanded, and somewhat stiff perianths. I am of the opinion that the difference is sufficient to be recognised in any scientific classification. In the Yellows, Princeps is one type of flower, and Emperor is another. Which is the true Ajax? I Iv th« M«du-MC«Mkli *i'«v# Uif okiei sec-

tions on the broad-leaved side aie: (1) Incomparabiiis, \2) Mucleaii, (3) MontanuP? and on the rush-leaved side : (1) Odorus, \ (2) Triandrus, (3) Juncifolius. But here vye must pause, for the term Incomparabilis covers several sections, which hay c in themselves distinctions easily lecogniisable, and which are now known by the names, of persons, who have become famous in the world of daffodils as the raiseis of new varieties, or workers in the cause in some other way. They are not necessarily pioneers of the fciictions bearing their names. Incomparabilis is, however, the name of a section, which is the lesult ot a cro^s between yellow trumpet daffodils and Narcissi poetieus. .Some of the best flowers in the whole genus aie located in this section. Another section takti* its name— Barrii — from Mr Peter Barr, Y.M.H., the king of classifiers, and the pioneer gatherer of natural hybrids, but the choicest flower in the section is too frequently erroneously spoken of by the uninitiated as "Barry conspicuu«." The difference between this section and Incomparabilis is uot in the rich markings of the cup, at some people suppose, but in that it io rather shorter than the cups of the flowers in the Incomparabilis section. The tection is derived from crossing Incomparabifc and Poetieus and that will account for the shorter cup and the marked edges. Another section — Leedsii — was named after a Mr Leeds, who was a stockbroker in Manchester in 1850, and raised many fine flowers. It is a cross between white trumpet daffodils and Poeticus, though some of the flowers in it, have Montanus blood in their veins. Leedsii elegans, is a cross between Montanus and Poeticus angustifolius. This section is sometimes called the silver star narcissi, and includes all the white forms of Incomparabilis with either primrose or white cups, and the flowers are amongst the mobt popular members of the family. They are chaste and beautiful, and combine the excellencies of botli parents.

The Backhousei section was named after Mr Backhouse, another of the pioneer raisers of new varieties. He was a banker at Darlington, and, according to Mr Barr, he raised all the most refined flowers which came into commerce up to 1884, including Emperor, Empress, .1. B. M. Camm, Mrs Camm, M. J. Berkley, and C. J. Backhouse. The section is a cross between Bi-colour trumpets and Poeticus. The perianths are of good substance, and tiie trumpets short and welJ shaped. The Nelsoni hection is a similar cross, with a goblet-shaped cup and snowwhite perianth, and was named after Rev. John Nelson, a cousin to the great Admiral the British nation is do proud of. The flowers in the section named Humei, after one of Mr Barr's co-workers, are sometimes called "dog-eared daffodils." They are a eros 3 back between trumpets and Incomparabilis. The Macleaii, Bernardi, and Montanus sections are natural hybrids, and are only interesting to experienced cultivators, or would-be hybridizers, as are also the rush-leaved varieties previously mentioned. In the third group, called Parvi-coronati, we have the true narcissi on one side of the line, and true jonquils on the other. The poet's daffodil Poeticus (not infrequently railed "the pheasant's eye'i), with its purple and crimson rings, is really a delightful product of .Nature, and it is worth mentioning perhaps, that it is only now that the Rev. Mr Englelieart's patient work to improve the flowers in this seotiou is bearing, fruit, and the somewhat limited number of varieties in it is being increased. Another section in this group— Bxirbidgei— is named after Mr F. W. Burbidg«, V.M.H., whose name deserves to be perpetuated, for the valuable work he has done in connection with the literature and classification of the daffodil. The section is a cross between Barrii and Poeticus. The flowers are distinguished by the cups being slightly larger than those of Poeticus, the perianths are mostly white, "and many of the cups have reddened margins. The Polyanthus narcissi are classed in this group, as also is the variety called Bi-florus. On the rush-leaved side of the line, there are Intermedius, Jonquilla, Grarilia^. and several other varieties not commonly known. Many sections in the Mcdii and Parvi-coronati groups are scientifically interesting to enthusiasts, but they do not lend themselves to ordinary culth ation in our gardens. CULTIVATION. There is really no difficulty in growing daffodils, and if you choose, very little work needed. If you bo desire, she will take care of herself for a few years, when once planted ; but if you give her care and attention, she will repay you in increased ftock and lovply flower. The greater number of varieties will do very well in almost any kind of soil, and there is really good news for the would-be cultivator iv tbis colony — viz.. that many of *the varieties which come to us from the Home land, with the reputation of being weak in constitution, and generally poor doere, have been proved to do excellently in these coutlieru latitudes. The Rev. W. Wilks, S.R.H.S., of Shirley, says : "I cannot gyow Obvallaris." Mr A. Wilson, of Dvmedih, aays "Obvallaris grows like a weed, bulbs like fair-sized potatoes." Barr's catalogue says "Mary Anderson has a weak constitution" ; Professor Thomas, of Auckland, says "Mary Anderson increases rapidly," and Mr Marshall, of Dunedin, says "It is very easily grown." Colleen Bawn is reported in the »ame book to be '"rather a weak grower," and my own experience with her is the very opposite.

You must not, however, expect that every variety will do equally well in the same soil and situation ; but it will be found that a well-drained soil, not too heavy, with a cerain amount of grit through it, is the be.*t soil for most varieties. The soil should be well dug, and the digging should be done com« time before you plant your bulbs; if you plant them in loose soil they will siuk down as the soil settles, and the result will be deeper planting than you intended. In most of the localities 111 this part of the oolony, real deep planting is not necessary for any variety, though Maximus and Sir Watkin may be planted deeply to advantage, but where there is less grey sky ancl wintry climate, or rather, more sun and drying winds, and the soil is liable to be baked, deep planting is desirable. Mr Barr lays great stress on securing a cool bottom in the soil wherein you plant daffodils, and no grower of experience will say to the contrary. If it is necessary to plant deeply to get it, then do so. In planting you must, of course, take into consideration the particular constitution of the different varieties. Remember that the more Poeticus blood there is in Rny variety, the better will it do in strong soil. You will be helped in this matter by referring to the origin of the section, in the chapter on classification. Plant your Poeticus in moi6t rich, candy loam, and taper off until you plant your white trumpet and delicate yellow ones in rathei poor soil, in shady situations. The way Co nurse the delicate dafioclil is t© sUrye it. That h uot the tieat-

ment for most persons or things, but the daffodil likee it. The yeliow trumpets with robust constitutions, will give thoir best results in heavy soil, provided with good drainage, for though the daffodil likes plenty of moisture when in vigorous growth, it does not like the moisture to stand stagnant in the soil, and only a few varieties can stand being water-logged. Tbe little hoop petticoat gives of its best when grown as a. bog plant. A change of soil is highly beneficial. To be transferred to a different locality occasionally is a real good thing for the bulbs. It isn't everybody who can gne their bulbs guch a change, but those who can should, and those who cannot should simulate it as far as practicable, by shifting the bulbs from one part of the garden to another. If you can plant your bulbs in fresh soil, or what is akin to it, every time so much the better. Virgin loam is= the very best nourishment you can supply. When you are tempted to apply manure, alway o hesitate, for in this case, "He that hesitates is not lost." Never apply it when planting, if you are going to manure at all, do go when the bulb is ripening in the autumn in the form of top-dressings., with either bone, basic slug, or well-rotted stable manure. It is at that time that the quality of next year's flower is being formed. If you can get good bulbs, and the soil ig at all fit, you are bound to get good flowers. You may tprinkle a little lime over the soil, after planting, and protect the young shoots in winter by some lightly-spread straw litter, and then leave them alone. Don't be late in planting. Your bulbs should all be well planted, before they begin to want to grow, and when they are hod planted early, you can sometimes see a swelling at the base of the bulb ; that is a sure indication of its desire to make roots, and root-growth should always be commenced without unnecessary delay. All your bulbs should be lifted every two or three years ; some growers lift annually, and Ido not think they err. The same principle must guide you in this process as in that of planting— do your work early, so an not to inetrfere with the new roots they make at the first chance they get. Some of the varieties have no period of rest : they start next year's growth at the root before this year's foliage is dead ; these are the Poeticus varieties, and it appears that the closer allied to the Poeticus section the daffodils are, the earlier they begin to grow. You must do your planting and re-planling to meet that habit of theirs. With most of the varieties, you can tell when the bulb is ripe enough to lift — the foliage will tome away in your hand with a very gentle pull, but in the case of Maximus, you will need to lift it before it gets to that stage: Henry Irving. Ard Righ, and Horsfieldii are amongst the earliest in the Magni-coro-nati group that you must plant or lift. You must lift Maximus when you lift them ; they will be fully ripe when he is not. This paper is already longer than it ought to be, perhaps, so that my remarks on forming a collection must be few. The wise beginner will seek assistance, and the true lover will readily render it. You cannot secure a good collection without considerable expense, and considerable knowledge ; and if you haven't the latter, you may spend a lot of money and still have an unsatisfactory collection. It is a mistake to spend money in buying poor varieties, because they are cheap ; it is equally a mistake to deepise a good variety- because it is common. It is also a mistake to include the finer, delicate, and. uncertain kinds in your collection, until you have some experience in growing the moie vigorous ones, and though you* may not fall into this error, there is another that you may be tempted into very easily — i.e., growing varieties that are too much alike until you are fairly conversant with their little differences. There are three varieties amongst the bi-colour trumpets, — viz., Empress, HorsSeldii, and Grandis. They are all worth having, as yon get more experienced, and your collection gets bigger ; but at starting, be content with Empress ; she is the best of the three. Many people say that the blooms are not distinguishable, but I believe the expert eye could do it every time; and because they are so close that this is said, may be, about them, I advise you to grow only one variety for a year or two. I offer no suggestions as to varieties you should grow, but shall be pleased to give advice on that to anybody who is anxious to know.