The Newer Japanese Chrysanthemums.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 10, 8 March 1911, Page 40

The Newer Japanese Chrysanthemums.

It is. I believe generally agreed that com ]>etition in the Japanese classes at the lute shows was keener and the .1 wards more closely contested than has been the case for several seasons past. Numerous instances have come under my notice where valuable prizes, first ami second, have l»eeii won by the narrow majority of one point, and in one case but half a point separated first and second exhibits. This close competition goes to prove conclusively that any new and improved variety is a distinct gain. As an illustration I would mention the introduction of that charming variety the Hon. Mrs. Lopes two years ago. Compare this with General Hutton. Mrs. \V. Knox, or even Bessie Godfrey, and it will be found th.it an exhibitor who has Mrs. Lopes instead of either of this trio would add at least two points to his aggregate. Ido not. of course, say this because the variety is new. but because it is an improvement on existing varieties of a similar character. With a view of assisting exhibitors who have not an opportunity of seeing the new varieties 1 give below a selection of those deserving of a trial. Foremost in the list is Ernest G. Mocat t a (Jones), named after the employer of one who can safely be termed this season’s champion in the Japanese section .Mr. T. Stevenson. of Woburn Place, Addlestone. The newcomer was obtained as a sport from Edith Janie son. itself quite one of the best of Japanese varieties in shape and refinement, and as so widl represented in the present illustration. E. G. Mocatta possesses these characteristics in an eminient degree, and the blooms are fully as large as those of the parent. In colour it is clear bright canary, yellow, and it has rather a wider and thus a better petal than its parent. D. B. Crane (Silsbury) has extra long petals, which build up a full-sized shapely bloom. Tn colour and shape it is, perhaps, best described as a bronze form of the Hon. Mrs. Lopes; F.C.C., N.C.S.. and is of large size. Countess of Grana rd (Herbert) is in form between F. S. Vallis and General Hutton, therefore quite desirable. In colour it is a rich yellow, with an emphasised centre, at times tinted bronze. Mrs. G. C. Kelley (Wells) is a broad petalled incurving variety of large size, displaying more of the silver reverse than the rosy amaranth of its surface.

Airs. George Hartman (Jinks). F.C.C., N.C.S., is a large full Hower, made up with narrow florets of a rich crimson terra-cotta hue. Mrs. F. C. Stoop (Davis), F.C.C., N.C.S., reminds one somewhat of Belle Paule in its formation, and is therefore quite a desirable variety. The colour is silvery-white Hushed with rosepink. Henry Poulton (Poulton), F.C.C., N.C.S., gives (piite a striking colour—an intense crimson blood-red- with a buff reverse. It is, however, the surface colour we especially need, as varieties of that type are becoming fewer. Mrs. A. Herbert (Herbert) was commended by the N.C.S. on October 24. Tin* creamywhite florets are broad, reflex evenly, and build up a full-sized flower of high

quality. F. Chandler (Silsbury) has long, wide petals building up a deep bloom that is red on the surface and has a golden reverse. Airs.. R. A. Whitty (Wells), F.C.C., N.C.S., is a full-sized flower, with broad florets; chestnut-crimson on the surface, with a bright buff ,reverse. Alary Poulton is a large, full flower, with reflexing florets of a shell-pink colour. Fred. Green (Silsbury), is c striking variety in colour—rich velvety purple; though not" so large as some would wish, the reflexing curling florets make up a shapely bloom. Queenie ( handler (Silsbury) has prettily curling florets of a soft primrose colour. Levia-

than has a creamy-white ground, striped and suffused with lilac-pink. This variety requires good cultivation to obtain blooms of its fullest capacity and of a high standard of merit. Frances Joliffe, although not one of the newest varieties, is so striking in its colour and s o shapely that it should not be omitted from a selection. In colour it is creamy-yellow, edged and tinted light pink. Empress, lemon-yellow, is a full large bloom of desirable shape. Ingrowth it is rather delicate, and does not require a large pot. In Evangeline we have two colours at variable seasons; in October it is white, and later we have a suffusion of lavender; quite an interest-

Ing variety, and its only faalt is that it is ft little early for the November exhibitions. White Queen (Silsbury) ; as yvhite-flowering varieties of the highest Class are becoming scarce, this charming Variety cannot be overlooked, although it may not be so large as some would desire. Tn form it is superb, and its pure white florets have a semi-drooping character, taiaking up quite an elegant flower. 'Purity is another variety I would like to ?ee much more common on the exhibition tables, for whether in vases, on boards, or in a mass in one large vase, it is a superb variety, so shapely, so full, and not in tlie least bit coarse. , Marie Loomes (Wells) is a large, yet flat variety, with florets which droop and curl at the tips. In colour it is rosylerimson with a buff reverse. W. Mease .was well staged during the season at Various shows; blooms developed from late-formed buds give the real colour, rosy cerise, so that I must recommend the variety to those who have not previously grown it, but with the caution hot to attempt to flower it from early buds. Lady F. Ryder (Perkins) is an exceptionally deep flower, with mediumsized strap-like florets of a glistening .white. Harry Wood (Perkins) is quite a gem in colour, rich crimson, and is full size when seen at its best. William Turner (Wells) is a promising pure white .variety, with incurving florets, occasionally curling and building up a solid fullaized bloom; F.C.C., N.C.S. Thorp's Beauty has medium-sized petals,, rosyred with a buff reverse. w-E. Molyneux, “Gardeners’ Magazine.” ROADSIDE FRUIT TREES. Few sights are more astonishing to the untravelled Briton than the roadside fruit trees of various German states; and though conditions would need to alter much before this delightful—and profitable—practice could be introduced into this country, there would appear to be no overwhelming reason why what has proved successful in Germany should not become a custom here. It is a striking testimnoy to the thriftiness of the German and to his integrity that it is possible to plant long rows of fruit trees on the public highways, and for the State to realise a handsome profit bn the venture. This, according to an article in the “Journal of the Department of Agriculture,” the State of Hanover alone derives a net annual profit of over £OOOO from its highway orchards. Particularly pleasing is the custom in iWurtemburg and elsewhere, whereby certain of the trees are set apart and labelled to indicate that their fruit is for general use. Many changes would have to come about before we could hope to see our country roads bordered by apples and cherries with their fruits intact and awaiting the gathering by a County Council official; changes both in the roads themselves, which then would be dustless, and changes in the habits of the people. But he who has observed the most reckless butcher boy pull up his horse in a London street obedient to an uplifted hand, would not be surprised even by frugivorous urchins coming to respect the inviolability of roadside fruit trees. In any case the roadside orchards of Germany cause a pleasant feeling of respect for the rural population, whose good sense and discipline render them possible. —“Gardener’s Chronicle.” SEED AND BUIB CATALOGUES. These are now coming to hand and show no falling off in artistic getting up. Catalogues ’are now so numerous and many of them so attractive, that considerable time must be given to their perusal, while the descriptions of novelties and specialities are so fascinating, one wishes his purse were heavier and his garden bigger 'and sufficient spare time available, to try the whole lot. Here is a list of those to hand: — Miss Hemus: List of Paradise Sweet Peas, a most artistic production with coloured plates of this season’s novelties. Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh: General Catalogue of Garden and Flower Seeds, Potato Plants, etc., a very comprehensive catalogue. Henry Eekford, Worn: List of Garden and Sweet Peas, and general list of seeds. Robert Bolton, Oarnforth: Catalogue of Sweet Peaft, including recent novelties of thie noted grower.

C. W. Breudmore. Winchester: Garden Seeds and Sweet Peas. Burpee and Co., U.S.A.: Farm Manual. A splendid catalogue of garden and other seeds, including the new introductions in Sweet -Peas sent out by this firm. D. & W. Croll, Dundee: Catalogue of Garden and Flower Seeds, and Croll’s famous roses. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Birmingham: Unique list of the best vegetable and flower seeds. John Lewis Childs’ Floral Park, New York: General Catalogue of Garden Seeds and Plants. Ryder & Son, Seed Specialists, St. Albans: Flower and Vegetable Seeds. S. Bide & Sons, Farnham: Sweet Peas. Bakies, Wolverhampton: Sweet Peas. E. W. King & Co., Coggshall: Sweet Peas. G. Stark & Son, Great Rybugh: Sweet Peas. Gilbert & Son, Bourne: Anemones and Sweet Peas. W. J. Unwin, Histon, Cambs: Sweet Peas. Isaac House & Son, Bristol: Sweet Pens. Arthur Yates & Co., Ltd., Auckland: Bulbs and Sweet Peas, including a list of Professor Thomas’ Seedling Daffodils.