The Queen of Flowers

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIX, Issue 21, 23 November 1907, Page 21

The Queen of Flowers

BE antiquity of the rose Jjp is so great that all ac- ' Til /AN count of its origin has l/o been lost. The rose is mentioned in the earliest Coptic manuscripts. India’s traditions take the rose to the times of the gods on earth. Etymologically “rose” is from the Celtic rhodd or rhudd—red; also the root of "ruddy.” The Greek name, rhodon, has the same meaning. Botanists know of over 1000 species of the wild rose, and the varieties are innumerable. Every continent in the world, with the solitary exception of Australia produces wild roses. The Queen of Flowers constitutes only a very small proportion of the rose family, of which, roughly speaking, no less than about 100 genera and 1000 species are known, while many species boast of practically innumerable varieties. The rose still maintains her proud title. Many competitors press her hard, and sometimes it would appear she had been out-distanced, but, by the time the winning post is reached, she is found to still carry the blue ribband. The earnation occasionally is a very formidable rival. The sweet ]>ea has made great exertions. The paeony has a try, and these three, when in their best form, may pass the rose: but onee in good form, the rose has no difficulty in coming in an easy first. Tt is no exaggeration to say the rose is loved by everyone; there is an attractiveness about the flower, which is

an open sesame to every heart. It affords a fine field to those with some spare time, who are the possessors of a suitable piece of land to make a hobby of their cultivation; to collect plants of the great rose family; to experiment in budding, in grafting, in growing them on their own roots, and in raising them from seeds is enough—ay! and more than enough to fill any man's lifetime, how-

ever long. The late Dean Hole, an English clergyman, was an enthusiast in rose growing, and derived a life-long pleasure from the pursuit; probably many an inspiration was got in that rose garden. We are not surprised at the number of clergymen who take to gardening as a recreation, nor should we think their sermons were any the worse, but all the better for it. More likely, we fancy to have a freshness and life which the con-

stant delving in old Greek and Hebrew books could not impart. Men of all ranks in life have been fascinated by the rose, king and peasant. 11.R.11. the Duke of Connaught is, we understand, a keen gardener, taking a great pride in his rose garden. Men, famous in politics, in literature, in science, and art, find pleasure in her charms. Poets sing her praises. Queen Alexandra visited the National Rose Show this year, and was pleased with the exhibits, and we hardly think there is any lady who does not expand a smiling face when roses are within her reach. We have known a man so enamoured on discovering a plant of grass he had been searching for that

when he found it he lay down beside it uttering its name lovingly. A lady would have had more sense and would hug a rose, but this man was content to bestow his attention on grass. The rose gives of her charm to all who give her any attention. She is not proud, but will flourish quite as well in the plot of the artisan as in the king’s grounds. Many working men find in rose growing a most healthy recreation. We have

known labourers, men earning a few shillings a week and supporting a family, have a small collection of roses, grow them really well, and carry off the honours at their local show. We remember an instance which occurred during our apprenticeship. The nursery where we worked had supplied roses to a farm labourer who lived some ten miles distant. After the usual lapse of credit we were sent to this man’s house to collect. Evidently he knew where we hailed from, and what our errand was, for no sooner did he observe us near his humble dwelling than we were taken round the end of the house into his garden; whispering to

follow him, which we did; he started to expatiate on the good qualities of his rose blooms. Presently we were rather startled by a shrill voice, and the appearance of a formidable looking female, demanding what he was doing wasting his time. It was his wife, and we were not surprised when the husband meekly promised to do what she required in ten minutes. He then led the way to his little greenhouse, and, placing us on sentry to signal if his wife again appeared, dived into a heap of mould! As the threatened danger did not appear, he beckoned us and, cramming an old paper bag into my pocket, said I would find it all right, and so it was. Time went on, and when the show came off, that labourer got first prize for his roses, and King Edward could not be a happier man than that old chap was on that day, and along with him I chuckled as big as anyone, because, to my boyish idea, he was too many for the old girl. These were the good old days, when labour had not the same advantages it has to-day. In clearing rose stocks ready for budding about 5/ a week was boys’ wages for ten hours’ work, and nothing for overtime, of which he had abundance, especially when show’s were on. but after all they were happy’ days, and we doubt if the boys of to-day are any happier. Certainly. wages are better, but there seems to be such a restless, discontented spirit prevailing, which augurs no good for the business these lads enter, and we know of no profession where this applies more forcibly than to that of gardening. Rose growing to-day is a very special study, and those who make it a special line are designated rosegrowers or rosarians. Paul and Son, of London, are perhaps the oldest and best known British growers who have done really good work with this plant. Many of the best-known and highly-prized varieties originated w’itli this firm. “Paul’s Roses” is a household word-in the homeland. Mr Dickson, an Irish grower, has elbowed his way to the front of late years, and he has sent out a large number of new kinds, chiefly hybrid perpetual, teas and hybrid teas. Messrs R. B. Cant and Sons. Colchester. and Messrs Frank Cant and Co. are the raisers of some fine forms of roses, notably Lady Roberts and Ben Cant. The popular white rose. Frau Karl Druschki, was raised, and sent out by Mr Peter Lambert in 1901, and took the popular fancy by storm, ft has been sold in immense numbers, and is gener ally included in all collections. Whilst

writing of rosegrowers, we must not overlook New Zealand, and it is a pleasure to know that Mr Lippiatt, of Otaliuhu. has done some very creditable work in the way of raising new varieties. Some of his productions are Sir Robert Stout, a fine, velvety red. which, on several occasions, was champion bloom at the Auckland Show. Another line crimson is Mrs Lippiatt. His Otahuliu Hybrid, a climbing pink rose, is one we always grow. for. although there is nothing very striking about the blooms, it is one of the sweetest scented varieties with which we are acquainted, and we confess to lieing a bit old-fashioned in this respect we like scented roses. The present day fashion in rosea is not

altogether to our liking, and we hope rosegrowers will not overlooK the fact that the great majority prefer scented blooms. Some years ago we sent some roses of Mr Lippiatt’s raising to a relative in Scotland, who, in turn, presented a couple of plants to the late Sir W. Cuncliff Brooks. Sir William was so pleased with the New Zealand blooms that he renamed them. One he called Kia Ora, the other name we cannot re-

collect. Anyway, in the far-off Highlands of Scotland, and almost within sight of King Edward’s summer residence, Balmoral Castle, the Otahuhu roses were planted and flourished exceedingly well. Standard roses, it would appear, do not grow well here, but we are not sure that sufficient trial has been given them. Anyone with spare time could easily make the attempt. All you have to do is to secure straight, hardrooted shoots of sweet briar, 4ft high for Standards or 24 feet for half Stan-

dards; transplant in June, and bud on small side shoots of the briar. If successful the Standard rose is one of the finest ornaments to any garden. We did not set out with the intention of giving cultural notes, pruning advice, or anything of that kind. Our desire was and is to direct “Graphic” readers, who may contemplate planting roses in the autumn, to make a note of the varieties which they are sure to see during the rose season. Many opportunities will no doubt present themselves, as, for instance. when visiting friends, or in florist’s windows, and we would strongly advise paying a visit to some of our nurseries where all kinds of roses can lie seen, and where information as to col-

ours, habits of growth, and suitability for various objects may be gleaned. To grow roses successfully, some such plan should be adopted instead of worrying the nurseryman when he is so busy at planting time. We strongly advocate carrying pencil and notebook, not only for rose growing, but for all who take a pride in having nice gardens well cared for and stocked with good things. Be a seasons ahead by having all your in-

formation gathered, and “the how to proceed” at your finger-tips before commencing any’ important garden work; then it will be all plain sailing, and you can proceed without having to find out the colour, height, or suitable position for the plants you intend to plaee.

The old rose of Parkinson’s day has been immensely improved. The China rose was introduced into Britain about the year 1789, the tea-scented making its appearance about 1840; then known as rosa indica fragrans, the flowers were semi-double, and the scent resembled green tea, colour pale, and notwithstanding all the efforts of rose specialists, this colour remains paramount in modern types. Hybrid perpetuals originated from the Damask crossed with the Bourbon and China. The name is somewhat of a misnomer, because a large proportion are not perpetual, and compared with the tea-scented have no right to such a term. Some 14 years ago the National Rose Society in the face of considerable opposition decided to form a separate class for hybrid teas. Now, what is a hybrid tea? The old definition would be a cross between a hybrid perpetual and a tea-scented variety, but so many methods are now employed by raisers in order to produce hybrid teas. For instance, a raiser may produce one by crossing hybrid perpetual with a China, or he may cross a hybrid tea with another, or he may cross a tea with a hybrid tea; the resulting progeny would in each of these instances be called hybrid teas. Therefore, so far as parentage is concerned, it is absolutely impossible to define a hybrid tea. Were it not for the fact that hybrid teas are very deficient in good, bright colours, the so-called hybrid perpetuals would soon decline in popular favour, but where good red. or crimson colours are wanted, the hybrid perpetuals are unrivalled, and until our rose specialists succeed in producing a race of hybrid teas equal in richness of colour, vigour, and hardiness to our perpetuals. these will remain popular favourites. MOSS ROSES. More than one hundred years have now elapsed since this oldBritish flower gardens. Doubtless the much improved teas, hybrid teas, noisettes. and other up-to-date varieties have almost ousted this sweet and charming little rose from its pride of place. Yet moss roses have a charm of scent and association which many of their more fashionable rivals lack. What a pity it is that so dainty and beautiful

a flower should be so neglected, for where it is retained, even amongst its more showy fellows, it seldom fails to attract attention. Most of the old garden roses are better, perhaps, grown upon their own roots, although many prefer them budded. There are two sections, the early’ or summer-flowering varieties, and the perpetuals, or autumnbloomers. Amateurs ean easily increase their stock by cuttings, or by layerings, the latter method being, perhaps, preferable, although not always so convenient, on account of the space required. Cuttings will readily strike it prepared as follows: —Select half-ripened shoots of

the current year’s growth, which have already flowered. Cut about nine or twelve inches long—with a heel of the old wood attached, if possible, although this is not imperative. They should then be planted one half of their entire length in a mixture of loam, sand and leaf-mould. To layer, bend down any long, vigorous growth, and cut through a joint in an upward direction (after the manner of layering carnations). They should then be pegged down at least • three inches below the surface (and more if the soil be very light) to ensure a constant dampness. The layer should then be bent upwards, and staked, thus opening the wound to its fullest extent, and encouraging root formation. Silver sand or decayed road grit, added to the soil, will cause them the more quickly to form roots. They may then be severed from the parent plant and removed. ROSES FOR WET WEATHER. Which roses will successfully defy constant rain? Certain varieties come out of the ordeal with flying colours; others, again, withstand the inclement weather so successfully as to deserve particular praise. The following sorts can be recommended as roses which open their blooms freely, and do well. The hybrid teas especially are valuable, and ought to be more extensively grown in beds and borders, exposed to all conditions of weather. Hybrid Perpetuals.—Frau Karl Druschki, Boule de Neige, Mrs. R. G. Sharman Crawford, Fisher Holmes, Captain Hayward, Prinee Camille de Rohan, General Jacqueminot. Hybrid Teas.—Antoine Rivoire, Viscountess Folkestone, Caroline Testout, Killarney, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Gustav Regis, Madame Pernet-Ducher, Liberty, Gruss an Teplitz, Madame Ravary, Madame Abel Chatenay, Marquise de Salisbury. Tea Roses and Noisettes.—William Allen Richardson, Safrano, Glorie de Dijon, Bouquet d’Or. Of other classes, mention must be made of the climbing, Crimson Rambler; the Penzance Hybrid Briers; the dwarf Polyanthas, Cecile Brunner, and Marie Pavie, also the common China Rose, ever in bloom. It would be of little use were we to attempt to give a list enumerating all the varieties of roses; we should weary our readers, if we have not already 7 done so, and Mr. Editor would jog our elbow, but we cannot conclude without referring to a few choice varieties: some are new. while others are old favourites. VERONICA. A VERY EFFECTIVE ROSE, REV. ALAN CHEALES. It blooms fairly early, and was at the National Rose Show, in the stand of Messrs. Frank Cant and Co., Braiswick

Rose Gardens, Colchester. The colour of this H. P. Rose is described as cerise, with the reverse of the petals of silvery white. It might almost be described as a bright carmine, and most people who do not make a study of colours would describe it as red or scarlet. The bloom is quite full in the centre, and the outer petals, which first become rolled back, are very broad. As a rule, the bloom comes in perfect form, and is highly conspicuous and effective in the garden where a bush or two of it are grown. The plant is of vigorous growth, and though it has been in commerce for the last ten years, it is not so widely represented in gardens as it might be. Jit Jfi ROSE, FIELD MARSHAL. A. climbing China Rose, which is being put into commerce as a new variety bv Messrs. William Paul and Son, Waltham Cross, Herts. Even when not disbudded, the blooms are of a large size, onlv one being produced, as a rule, upon the short side shoots arising from the main stems. The bloom is cup-shaped crimson red and rose on the reverse of the petals. The edges of the latter are all revolute, giving the variety a dstinct and characteristic appearance. The outer petals are also shorter than the inner ones, thus giving rise to agreat depth in the flower. Consistently with laJLe size, these blooms are freely produced bv the plant, and are amongst the darkest in cultivation, leaving out of consideration the velvety crimson Monthly Rose, which is, of course, a dwarf grower, and altogether different from the elimber under notice. The flowers are slightly fragrant P la ™ is a strong grower and walls, pillars or arches, accord „ the requirements of the grower. J* ROSE, MARECHAL NTEL. _ vaarc ATareclial Niel was reone of the parents. The -ost up-to-date rosarians now ™™ ld^ e^aut i fu l deep to -ke «iis of the mostpopular -nd , ■ this handsome and sweeny *«* from winds is sufficient. A NEW DWARF ROSE, BABY DOROTHY. Rambler Roses this and similar habit haVe tlvTut °s7m g there -ems to hers recently, but stu * tablishments where Roses are m a r rf „a”gsr?. »’ 157.2 . r»P”TJX & MRS. EDWARD MAWLEY. (The Premier Tea Rose at Regents Park) • Judging from the large number of fine Ji” In It •»">-* .nd aw.U.r. classes, so that at least two blooms of H in the same show took premier rank for size and quality. Even under ordinary circumstances the bloom is of depth and of a beautiful light shade of nink, tinted with carmine. P With some growers this variety is onlv of moderate vigour, and possibly climate has a good deal to do with it. It was nut into commerce in 1899, and ever since then it has been constantly

present on the exhibition boards during the rose show season. The centre is highly pointed with broad outer petals, usually dropping away so as to show this centre. J* HYBRID TEA ROSE, WILLIAM SHEAR. The style and colour of the above hybrid tea reminds us of Mrs. Edward Mawley, but the bloom is wider at the base, with more numerous petals, mak-

ing -altogether a more massive rose. The colour is of a soft salmon pink, quite different from Dean Hole, which is more or less marked with yellow towards the base of the petals. In this case the colour is very uniformly developed. Messrs. Alexander Dickson and Sons, Newtonwards, co. Down, Ireland, were accorded the gold medal of the National Rose Society for it as a new seedling rose. J* A NEW H?.T. ROSE. DR. J. CAMPBELL HALL. As roses go. the above is yet quite a new variety, having been put into commerce as recently as 1905. It appeared in fine form in one of the stands of Messrs. Erank Cant and Co., Colchester, on the occasion of the National Rose Society’s "Exhibiton at Regent’s Park. The blooms are of medium to large size, and are perfectly double, and full in the centre, which is inclined to be conical. The outer petals may be described as silvery pink, tending to a coral pink in the centre. When seen in its best form for exhibition, it is therefore a beautiful rose that stands out rather distinctly from most others. It is a very free flowering rose of vigorous constitution. J* HUGH DICKSON. The above is a new hybrid perpetual, put into commerce by Mr. Hugh Dickson. the Royal Nurseries, Belfast. The flowers are of intense and bright crimson, fading at the margins to a brighter hue, where thev appear to be shaded with scarlet. The bloom itsef is cup-shaped and made up of a large number of broad petals, which become reflexed at the edges after a time. The blooms are deliciously scented. The plant itself is of strong, vigorous growth, with very large and almost leathery leaves. It is a great acquisition to its class, and besides gaining several first-class certificates, was also accorded the gold medal of the National Rose Society when first shown at their exhibition. J* A NEW ROSE OF HANDSOME FORM. MAMIE. A hybrid tea. but bears a considerable resemblance to one belonging to the hy-

brid perpetual class, though the resemblance is chiefly in the beautiful form of the flower. The broad outer petals arc folded back, just exhibiting the firm and conical centre. The whole bloom is nearly of uniform rose carmine, with a distinct yellow zone at the base of petals though while the bloom is still quite fresh the yellow is mostly hidden. It is chiefly valuable for exhibition purposes on account of its beautiful form and clear colour. Several very handsome blooms of it appeared in the stands of the exhibits at Regent’s Park on the

occasion of the National Rose Society’s Exhibition. One of the finest blooms was that in the stand of Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, The Old Rose Gardens, Colchester. It, was originally put into commerce about six years ago. that is 1901, and is now finding its way into gardens, especially where roses are grown for exhibition. HYBRID TEA ROSE, LADY BATTERSEA. One of the most useful roses for decorative purposes is Lady Battersea, a hybrid tea of unusual depth of colour for that section. The buds are oval, pointed, and retain that form for a considerable period owing to the breadth of the petal and the way they are rolled round one another in the bud. They are of a rich cerise crimson, with an orange base, and when almost fully expanded the petals become more or less distinctly shaded with rose, tinted with crimson or .some other rich shade towards the edges. In their final stages they are of a. pure ,soft rose, and beautiful till the blossoms fall to pieces. The variety was a seedling raised by Messrs. Paul and -Son, Cheshunt.

The long stems with which they may be cut is a great recommendation to a rose used in the cut state. As the Howers are mostly produced singly, there is little or no necessity for disbudding. As o result of this habit of growth, the Howers are well thrown above the foliage which is of a rich green colour and otherwise good. A pleasant fragrance also adds to the value of the variety for cut-flower work. The Royal Horticultural Society honoured it with an award of merit. The annual event of the National Rose Society—the great exhibition of Roses—was again held in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent’s Park. London, on the 4th July. Unfortunately, the weather was very boisterous, the wind and rain beating on the canvas at intervals as if intended to wreck the show. This failed, however, to prevent the thousands of votaries of the queen of flowers from filling and crowding the tents to an inconvenient degree. Soon after noon her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by Princess Victoria, and attended by the Hon. Charlotte Knollys and Sir Dighton Probyn, passed through the tents, and the Queen showed great interest in Roses of all classes, but was particularly charmed by the ramblers in the form of pillars, arches, and standards, and by the monthly Roses. The Royal party were received by the president, Mr. E. B. Lindsell, himself an ardent rosarian and successful exhibitor, and Miss Willmott, who was ever ready to furnish her Majesty with information concerning the exhibits, and the latter appeared quite charmed with the display. During the afternoon it was exceedingly difficult to get near the principal stand to inspect the blooms, as well as the new Roses. Still they come, and are evidently more than welcome. The secretary, Mr. E. Mawley. was kept busy all day, and performed his duties not only efficiently but with great good courtesy. NURSERYMEN. The Champion Trophy, consisting of a Gold Medal and money prize, for 72 blooms, distinct, was secured by Messrs. Harkness and Co.. Hitchin, Herts. The blooms were fresh and in splendid form, save for the damage to the outer petals by the boisterous weather. Grand blooms wore Caroline Testout, Mrs. Edward Mawley, Capt. Hayward, Gustave Grunnerwald, Medea, Ulrich Brunner. Bessie Brown, White Lady. Capt. Christy, Gladys Harkness, Mildred Grant. Hugh Dickson, Frau Lilia Railtenstrauch, La France, Dr. Andry, Mrs. R. G. Sharman Crawford, Maman Cochct. Francois Michelon, Marchioness of Downshire. Oscar Cordell. Ulrich Brunner, Bessie Brown. Ulster, Lady Helen Vincent, Le Detroit. Gustave Piganeau, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Oberhof Gartner Terks, Horace Vernet. Frau Karl Druschki. Helen Keller. William Shean, Mrs. John Laing. Gloire de Margottin, J. B. Clark, Mme. Gabriel Luizet, Marechai Niel. Souv. d’Elise Vardon and others. It was exceedingly difficult to examine the flowers on account of the crush of visitors.

Messrs. Ben. Cant, The Old Rose Gardens, took the second position in the trophy class with handsome blooms of Mildred Grant, Mme. Melaine Soupert, Gustave Piganeau, Bessie Brown, Duke of Edinburgh, Souv. d’Un Ami, Mrs. John Laing, Maman Cochet, White Lady, La France, Lohengrin, etc. J* ROSES AT WINDSOR. An immense number of Rose trees were planted by special command of the Queen in the moat garden which encircles the Round Tower, at suitable spots on the slopes below the North Terrace, and in the sunk garden which was formed when the East Terrace was enlarged by George IV. The Home Park formerly extended over the ground which is occupied by the sunk garden, and it is overlooked by the windows of the private apartments of the King and Queen in the Clarence and Victoria Towers. ROSE CUTTINGS STRIKING IN WATER. This is an easy and quick way of increasing one’s stock of Roses, and as the Rose bushes thus obtained are on their own roots, they will thrive well and not be robbed of their strength by brier suckers, as is the case with budded plants. Cuttings can be taken any time when the sap is rising freely. They should be from six to nine inches long, with a heel of older wood attached, and should consist of well ripened, “middleaged” wood, young wood being too soft and sappy, and old wood not having enough vitality. The cuttings being ready, all that is now required is a perfectly clean glass jam pot filled with pure rain-water, in which has been placed a lump of charcoal to keep the water sweet. To this should be added some silver sand to a depth of one or two inches, so as to provide a firm base for the cuttings to rest upon. The cuttings having been placed in the water about two-thirds their length, the jar should? be put as near the glass in the greenhouse as possible, and will then require no more attention for three or four months ,beyond adding a little more water- to replace that lost by evaporation, and gradually filling up the jar with more silver sand for the roots of the cuttings to cling to. When the cuttings begin to put forth shoots and fresh leaves, the jar should be carefully broken and the cuttings, with a good ball of sand round their roots, transferred to small pots and gradually hardened off, so as to be eventually planted out in the garden. For weeks and weeks there may be no signs of growth, and the greenfly will be a great nuisance, but suddenly a strong shoot will push up from below the water line, and then the plants will make steady progress. The moral of this is, that you must not be in a hurry to throw the cutting away as useless. R. E. TOMSON. J* J* AN ITALIAN GARDENER’S MODE OF STRIKING CUTTINGS OF ROSES. Tn the month of July small tin funnelshaped cases are slipped over selected shoots, after first ringing the rind at the point from which roots are desired. These eases are filled with soil mixed with moss, which mixture is kept in a moist state. The method in principle is the same as that which gardeners adopt with Draesenas, Crotons, etc. A callus soon forms and roots follow, the cutting being reaily to plant out or place in a pot. j* J* ROSES FOR COVERING OLD TREES. What magnificent objects Roses arc on old trees—that is, when proper sorts are chosen and a little trouble is taken in planting them, as then they grow freely and send their long shoots up and over every branch where they can find support. Any tree going into decay, or that is half dead or shabby, will do, as all that is wanted is a support for the Roses, lhe way to give the Roses a good start is to well break up the ground where they are to l»e planted and to work in a heavy dressing of rotten manure. If, however,

the soil is poor and bad, it is advisable to dig out a large hole and put in some fresh soil, as much depends on the way toe Roses are treated at first and the attention they get at that time. Jt J* PROPOSAL IN A BUTTONHOLE. Among the attractions at the Mammoth Fun City, which opens at Olympia next Christmas, the Musical Flower Garden is likely to prove a strikingly popular novelty. The garden will be arranged with picturesque flower-beds and rosebushes, giving forth not only fragrance, but sweet melodies. Thus, for instance, as a facetious contemporary observes, the bashful lover may be saved heaps of confusion by plucking for his lady-love a pure white lily, from the stalk of which will float the melody of “There’s only one girl in the world for me,” to which the maiden, if she be coy, can reply by handing him a sunflower which will flood the air with “Arrah, go on,” or some such classic chansonette. GARDENING OPERATIONS—ADDRESSED TO WOMEN. Make up your beds early in the morning ; sew buttons on your husband’s shirts; do not rake up any grievances; protect the young and tender branches of your family; plant a smile of good temper in your face, and carefully root out all angry feelings, and you may expect a good crop of happiness. , J* Jit A DUCAL GARDENER. The Duke of Connaught is one of the most experienced horticulturists of the day. When at home at Bagshot House, the Duke busies himself almost every day in his garden. He lays out the beds with his own hands, and has quite a remarkable knowledge of botany. J* J* TERRIBLY QUICK. “It’s dreadful queer,” said the housewife, “that the potatoes, you bring me should be so much bigger at the top of the sack than they are at the bottom.’* “Not at all, mem,” said the honest farmer; “it’s jest this a-way, Potatoes is growin’ so fast jest now thet by the time I dig a sackful the last one dug is ever so much bigger’n the fust ones.” LEAVES PROM A GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK. May 20th. In an interesting interview published a few weeks ago in “Garden Life,” Professor Henslow said we knew nothing of the actual cause of variation. “All we know is that plants are endowed with the capacity for varying, and that they exhibit the results of this power under changed conditions of life, so that the cultivator must do his best to supply such if he wishes to get new varieties; but he is compelled to leave it to Nature to do the rest, as long as he is not engaged with crossing varieties of the same species or hybridising different species. He has by this means a certain amount of power to produce combinations he may wish to obtain, but he has no power to alter a plant unless Nature shows the first effort; then he may encourage it.” So far as our knowledge goes, this is undoubtedly correct; but is it not possible to go a little farther in the way of conjecture? This, I Admit, is not a scientific method, but, if it offers a working hypothesis; it may be useful. In the present case two facts stand out prominently—variation is comparatively rare among plants growing wild, and that it begins almost at once when they are taken into cultivation. But there is nothing mysterious about cultivation; it simply means that we are supplying the plants with greater quantities of food than they can obtain for themselves when growing wild, and, in most cases, if not in all, the food ingredients are in different proportions. Here a third fact may help us on our way. When a substance is deposited from a solution, the form of the deposit depends on the nature of the substajieel .'ln the simplest case, the crystallisation of inorganic salts—-the difference between the crystals of different salts are so marked that each can always be identified with certainty. In organic compounds the forms of solidification are

necessarily more complex, but here, too, they vary according to the nature pf the solids in the solution. Is it, then, unreasonable to suppose that the chemical composition of a plant exerts’ a controlling influence on its form? There seems to be no other way in which -the mere transference of plant from a field to a garden could cause it to vary. If this conjecture is correct, it may not always be necessary to wait until “Nature shows the first effort.” We may possibly, by some change in the food, learn to make that effort ourselves. The suggestion which I have hazarded is applicable not only to whole plants, but also to parts of them, or “sports.” For it is quite conceivable that some mechanical cause, such as an accident at the base of a stein, might prevent all the substances in solution in the sap from being transmitted in their normal proportions, and the result, according to our hypothesis, would be variation.