=A. d. Bouganvillei= (Bouganville's).* _fl._ light violet purple,
with very even imbricated petals. Habit very dwarf and compact,
with short peduncles. A pretty form.
=A. d. Campbelli= (Campbell's).* Larger deep violet blue flowers,
and of far more vigorous constitution than the typical form.
_Grandiflora_ comes very near this. SYN. _A. Hendersonii_.
=A. d. Eyrei= (Eyre's).* A very fine variety, with a free branching
habit, and large flowers of a rich violet-purple colour, rather
longer than broad. _A. olympica_ is very near, if not identical
with this.
=A. d. græca= (Grecian).* _fl._ light purple. _h._ 4in. Greece,
1872. One of the best and largest flowered forms; very vigorous
grower, with neat compact habit. A variety of this, named
_superba_, has rather deeper-coloured flowers, produced over a very
extended period. (R. G. 697.)
=A. d. purpurea= (purple).* Larger flowers and more erect habit
than the type. _l._ broader, with two to five teeth. Stems more
leafy. There is a variegated form, which is very pleasing and
effective, useful for carpeting or edging small beds. See Fig. 194.
=A. d. violacea= (violet).* This is a hybrid form, even finer than
_Campbelli_, with large deep violet-purple flowers, fading to
reddish-violet, and is more effective than any of the others.
=A. Hendersonii= (Henderson's). A synonym of _A. d. Campbelli_.
=AUCUBA= (the Japanese name of the shrub). ORD. _Cornaceæ_. A genus
of hardy evergreen shrubs, thriving better than any other in the
smoky atmosphere of dense cities. They grow in ordinary well-drained
garden soil, and require no special culture. If grown in pots, they
should be planted firmly in rather sandy yellow loam, with plenty of
drainage. They should not be allowed too large pots, or an unfruitful
growth is likely to result. During the growing season, an abundance
of water is needed, which must be lessened when the plants are fully
developed. If cultivated in the greenhouse or conservatory, they should
be plunged out of doors during summer. To insure a good supply of
the very ornamental berries, which are produced on the female plant,
careful fertilising is necessary. The time for applying the pollen is
when the pistil exudes a slightly gummy substance, and otherwise shows
signs of maturity. When it happens, as is sometimes the case, that the
male blooms are open and the pollen mature before the female blooms
are ready, the pollen should be collected on a dry camel-hair pencil,
transferred to a piece of glass, and covered over by another piece,
both of which must also be dry. It may be applied afterwards when
wanted, as it retains its power for some weeks. Propagated by cuttings,
inserted in any light sandy soil, with or without a covering, in spring
or autumn; or readily increased from seeds, sown as soon as ripe.
=A. himalaica= (Himalayan).* _l._ lanceolate, or lanceolate
acuminate; branches of the panicle very pilose. Berries spherical,
not oblong. Himalaya. (F. d. S. 12, 1271.)
=A. japonica= (Japanese).* _l._ opposite, petiolate, broad,
ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, toothed, leathery, glabrous, shining,
pale green, beautifully spotted with yellow, having the midrib
rather prominent, the rest of the leaf reticulately veined. _h._
6ft. to 10ft. Japan, 1783. The numerous varieties, both of the male
and female forms, among which will be found many of great beauty,
all differ, more or less, in the variegation of their leaves.
They are in very general cultivation, and nearly every nurseryman
has an assortment. Among the best of them are the following:
_albo-variegata_, _aurea_, _bicolor_, _latimaculata_, _limbata_,
_longifolia_, _macrophylla_, _ovata_, _pygmæa_, and _pygmæa
sulphurea_.
=AUDOUINIA= (in honour of V. Audouin, a profound entomologist). ORD.
_Bruniaceæ_. An ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrub, thriving in a
mixture of peat and sandy loam. Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened
wood, inserted in sand, under a bell glass, in gentle heat.
=A. capitata= (headed). _fl._ purple, crowded into oblong,
spike-like, terminal heads. May. _l._ spirally inserted, a little
keeled. Branches erect. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1790.
=AULACOSPERMUM.= A synonym of =Pleurospermum= (which _see_).
=AULAX= (from _aulax_, a furrow; the under surface of the leaves of
the original species being furrowed). ORD. _Proteaceæ_. Greenhouse
evergreen shrubs, from the Cape of Good Hope, thriving best in a
compost of fibrous loam, leaf soil, and sharp sand, with thorough
drainage. Ripened cuttings, taken off at a joint, and inserted in pots
of sandy soil, will root readily under a hand glass, in a cool house.
=A. pinifolia= (Pine-leaved). _fl._ yellow, racemose. July. _l._
filiform, channelled. _h._ 2ft. 1780.
=A. umbellata= (umbelled). _fl._ yellow. June. _l._ flat,
spathulate*-linear. _h._ 2ft. 1774. (B. R. 12, 1015.)
=AURANTIACEÆ.= An order of trees or shrubs, including the Orange and
Lemon trees. Flowers fragrant. Fruit fleshy, edible. Leaves alternate,
articulated above the stem, filled with transparent oil cysts, giving
them a dotted appearance. Well-known genera are _Citrus_ and _Limonia_.
=AURICULA= (_Primula Auricula_). This favourite spring flower (see Fig.
195) was, at one time, almost universally cultivated, but has of late
years fallen into much neglect; it is now, however, happily regaining
enthusiastic admirers. Although its culture is not nearly so difficult
as is generally understood, a few special items of treatment are
nevertheless necessary to grow it successfully.
[Illustration: FIG. 195. A VARIETY OF PRIMULA AURICULA.]
_Frames_ for the reception of Auriculas should be prepared, with a good
bottom drainage, and an inside staging, similar to the back stage of
a lean-to greenhouse, arranged as near the glass as possible. If the
frames are about 4ft. wide, they will be very convenient; 1ft. deep in
the front, and about 3ft. at the back. This will allow for a good stage
arrangement. Of course, it is not necessary to construct an expensive
staging, as common boards can be laid upon pots of various heights, the
same results being practically secured. These frames should face north
from May to October, and south in winter, during which latter time it
will be necessary to well cover the sides with straw or brake. When
frosty, the lights must also be mated; but, unless there is absolute
fear of frost, the glass should not be covered, as the more light the
plants receive the better. On all suitable occasions, both during
summer and winter, air must be freely admitted, and a good look-out
kept during showery weather; hence it may be necessary to tilt the
lights with blocks rather than remove them entirely. The latter plan
should be adopted whenever practicable, especially during early spring,
and after they are well established in their fresh pots in summer.
This will greatly assist to ripen the crown, and produce hard, stout
foliage, which will endure the winter much better than if grown with
less air. Many cultivators prefer small span or lean-to houses to
frames; and it must be admitted that these are better, more convenient,
and in every way more beneficial. Simple, inexpensive structures, no
higher than is absolutely necessary for convenience, with top and side
ventilation, will meet all requirements; and if a 2in. hot-water pipe
is arranged next the eaves inside, it will be a decided advantage
during very severe weather.
_Soil._ The best compost that can be prepared for Auriculas is as
follows: Four parts good fibrous loam, one part well-rotted cow manure,
one part good leaf soil, and one part coarse river or silver sand,
with a little charcoal or pounded oyster-shells added. Carefully mix
the whole together before using. The loam should be stored about
twelve months previous to being used, and it should be selected from
districts with a fine atmosphere; the turf should be cut about 3in.
thick. Cow manure that has lain for a year or so, and been subjected to
sharp frosts, is most suitable, as insect life, which it very probably
contains, is thereby destroyed, and the whole materially sweetened.
_Potting._ This operation requires to be carefully done as soon after
flowering as possible, unless it is desired to save seed, when it
must be deferred until the seed is ripened. May and June are the best
months for general potting, and whatever the size of the pots used,
they should be carefully and thoroughly drained. After a good layer
of potsherds, place some charcoal, leaf mould, or spent hops. Many
good growers use the last very advantageously. For good flowering
plants, 48-sized pots are used, many cultivators preferring glazed
pots to the unglazed; but such are not absolutely necessary to ensure
success. Before repotting, remove most of the old soil, and with a
sharp knife cut off any bruised or cankered portion of roots; the stout
tap-root may also be cut away if devoid of fresh rootlets. Do not pot
very firmly. Remove the plants to their summer quarters, withholding
water for a few days, and keep the frames close. About a week after
potting, water may be advantageously given, the plants will then soon
resume root-action, and air may be admitted afterwards on all suitable
occasions. The collar or neck of the plant must be left well above the
surface of the soil.
_Watering_ is a point that requires careful attention, as neglect
in this matter will result in failure. During the growing season,
Auriculas require an abundance of water; in fact, they must never be
allowed to get dry. In the winter, they must only be watered when
they are really dry, especially during a severe season. Care must be
taken to avoid watering the leaves, particularly in early spring, as
this tends to spoil the effect of the charming farinose foliage. Above
all, water must not be allowed to stand in the heart of the plant, as
such will inevitably cause incipient decay. Hence it is necessary to
keep a sharp lookout for drippings from the glass, and to maintain
tightly-glazed frames. On all occasions, decaying leaves must be
removed, and especially during winter.
_Top-dressing._ About the middle or end of February, when the plants
commence new growth, the surface soil should be removed about an inch
or so deep, and the pots re-filled with a rich compost made up of the
following: Two parts of turfy loam, one of rotten cow or hen manure,
and one of leaf soil; if a little Standen's Manure is added, the
compost will be improved. After this top-dressing, the plants may be
watered freely.
_Propagation by Offsets._ When top-dressing, any offsets with roots
should be removed, and as soon after as possible the remaining ones
should be taken off, as it is much more desirable to do so early than
later on, when repotting; for, when making the first growth, they are
the more likely to root better, and stand a greater chance of making
good plants before the season is over. Fill well-drained 3in. pots with
sandy soil, and arrange about four offsets round the sides; place under
a bell glass, or in a close handlight, watering very sparingly so as to
prevent them damping off. They will soon establish themselves, after
which air may be admitted, and the plants may ultimately be potted off
singly. To induce choice varieties to make offsets, the top of the old
plant should be removed and treated like the others, when, as a rule,
several shoots will be produced, which in due time may be removed. By
this means, a nice stock of the rarer kinds may be obtained; whereas,
if such a course were not adopted, the rate of increase would be
extremely slow.
_Flowering._ During the flowering period, watering, as already stated,
must be carefully attended to, for if the plants are allowed to get
dry, the flowers will quickly shrivel. They must also be kept well
shaded from sunshine, which quickly destroys the delicate blossoms.
As the trusses are developing, particular attention must be given to
night protection. It is, perhaps, better to cover every night than to
run the risk of exposing the unexpanded flowers to frost, as the effect
is very prejudicial; in fact, if subject to frost, smooth even flowers
may not be expected.
_Seed Saving and Sowing._ The only way to obtain new varieties is by
seed; hence the value of careful seed-saving will be apparent. Severe
discrimination must be exercised in the selection of parents, and
the flowers must be very carefully crossed. The anthers should be
removed from the pistillate parent, if possible, before expansion,
so as to prevent any possibility of self-fertilisation; and, when
the stigma is ready, the pollen must be conveyed by means of a small
camel's-hair brush, care being taken not to mistake the brushes used
in different classes. It has been observed in Auriculas that the
issue from crossbred seed favours the pollen more than the pistillate
parent; hence the necessity of selecting good pollen parents. It is
best to confine hybridisation to separate classes--_i.e._, cross a
Self with a Self, and a Green-edged variety with another of the same
class. The importance of selecting the best in each class scarcely
needs suggestion, having regard to constitution as well as the quality
of the flowers. The seed should be sown as soon as ripe, or early in
March, in well-drained pots, filled with sandy soil, which must be well
watered previous to sowing. When this operation is completed, the seed
must be lightly covered with coarse sand, a sheet of glass placed over
the pot, and the latter stood in the hand glass, where the offsets are
rooted. Some of the seedlings will appear in a month, but the bulk
from that sown when ripe will not be seen until the following spring;
while others will germinate even during the ensuing summer. The late
comers should be particularly cared for, as they frequently produce
the best varieties. When the seedlings are large enough, they must be
pricked off in pots of sandy soil; and, when well established, potted
off singly into small thumb pots, and afterwards encouraged as judgment
suggests. Some growers allow the seedlings to remain in the store
pots till they flower, when the best are kept, and those not required
disposed of.
_Insect Pests._ Green fly are often very troublesome, and should be
exterminated as speedily as possible, by tobacco fumigation, or by
dipping the plants in a solution of Gishurst's Compound, or carefully
prepared Fir-tree Oil, all of which are effectual. Many authorities
denounce fumigation, while others advocate it. The roots are also
attacked by a mealy louse, named _Trama auriculæ_, which clusters about
the roots and collar of the plants, sucking nutriment therefrom; and
although, provided they do not attack the collar, they have no greatly
prejudicial effect on the plant, yet it is desirable to exterminate
them. The only effectual way of accomplishing this is to remove all
soil, and thoroughly cleanse the roots and collar in a solution of soft
soap, with a little Fir-tree Oil added. Of course, this is most easily
managed when repotting; and, unless the plants are very badly infested,
it would not be advisable to run the risk of root washing later in the
year.
_Classes._ Auriculas are now arranged in five classes, four of which
constitute what are known as "show or stage Auriculas," while the
other is known by the name of "Alpines." Each class is characterised
by special points of distinction, which, in the opinion of the strict
"florists" school, it is of the utmost importance to observe; and as
there is room for systematists in this, as well as in any other branch
of floriculture, we will follow the arrangement usually adopted, and
describe the distinguishing features of, and enumerate some of the best
varieties in, each class, with their raisers' names attached:
=Green-edged.= Outer edge green, or but sparingly dusted with
powder; next, a zone of colour known as the body colour, which
varies, the darkest being most esteemed; both edges of this zone
should be even, especially the inner one, but there are few flowers
perfect in this respect. Next to the body-colour is the paste,
which occupies the space between the inner circle of the latter
and the throat, this should be pure and dense, with a distinctly
circular outline at the throat; the throat and tube should be
bright yellow. Of course, this ideal standard has not yet been
reached, as there are supposed defects in all or some sections of
the flowers at present known. _Leading Varieties_: ADMIRAL NAPIER
(Campbell), ALDERMAN WISBEY (Headley), APOLLO (Beeston), CHAMPION
(Page), COLONEL TAYLOR (Leigh), DUKE OF WELLINGTON (Dickson),
FREEDOM (Booth), GENERAL NEILL (Traill), HIGHLAND BOY (Pollitt),
IMPERATOR (Litton), LADY ANN WILBRAHAM (Oliver), LORD PALMERSTON
(Campbell), LOVELY ANN (Oliver), LYCURGUS (Smith), PRINCE OF GREENS
(Traill), PRINCE OF WALES (Ashton).
=Grey-edged.= Edge heavily dusted with powder, so as almost
to hide the normal green colour; other points same as the
Green-edged varieties. _Leading varieties_: ALEXANDER MEIKLEJOHN
(Kay), CHAS. E. BROWN (Headley), COMPLETE (Sykes), CONQUEROR OF
EUROPE (Waterhouse), DR. HORNER (Read), F. D. HORNER (Simonite),
GENERAL BOLIVAR (Smith), GEORGE LEVICK (Walker), GEORGE
LIGHTBODY (Headley), JOHN WATERSTON (Cunningham), LANCASHIRE
HERO (Lancashire), RICHARD HEADLEY (Lightbody), ROBERT TRAILL
(Lightbody).
=White-edged.= Edge so heavily dusted with farina as to completely
hide the green and give it a white appearance; the powder
frequently as dense as on the paste portion; other points like
the first. _Leading varieties_: ACME (Read), ANNE SMITH (Smith),
ARABELLA (Headley), BEAUTY (Traill), BRIGHT VENUS (Lee), CATHERINA
(Summerscales), CONSERVATIVE (Douglas), COUNTESS OF WILTON
(Cheetham), EARL GROSVENOR (Lee), FAVORITE (Taylor), FRANK SIMONITE
(Simonite), GLORY (Taylor), JOHN SIMONITE (Walker), NE PLUS
ULTRA (Smith), REGULAR (Ashworth), SMILING BEAUTY (Heap), SYLVIA
(Douglas), TRUE BRITON (Hepworth).
=Selfs.= Tube bright yellow, and circular at the top; paste
dense, pure, with an even edge; all the rest of the flower of one
colour, without shades or edging; any colour holds good. _Leading
varieties_: APOLLO (Hay), BLACKBIRD (Spalding), C. J. PERRY
(Turner), DUKE OF ARGYLE (Campbell), FORMOSA (Smith), GARIBALDI
(Pohlman), HELEN LANCASTER (Pohlman), LORD OF LORNE (Campbell),
MAZINNA (Pohlman), METEOR FLAG (Lightbody), METROPOLITAN
(Spalding), MRS. DOUGLAS (Simonite), MRS. STURROCK (Martin),
OTHELLO (Netherwood), PIZARRO (Campbell), TOPSY (Kaye).
=Alpines.= Centre golden yellow, or white, and destitute of powder;
body colour various; edge one-coloured, shading off paler towards
the margin. These are much hardier than any of the other classes,
and will do well outside in most places. _Leading varieties_: A. F.
BARRON (Turner), BEATRICE (Turner), BLACK PRINCE (Turner), BRONZE
QUEEN (Turner), COLONEL SCOTT (Turner), DIADEM (Gorton), DUCHESS
OF CONNAUGHT (Turner), EVENING STAR (Turner), GEORGE LIGHTBODY
(Turner), JOHN LEECH (Turner), MRS. BALL (Turner), MRS. DODWELL
(Turner), MRS. LLEWELLYN (Turner), MRS. MEIKLEJOHN (Meiklejohn),
MRS. THOMSON (Turner), QUEEN VICTORIA (Turner), RUBENS (Turner),
SAILOR PRINCE (Turner), SELINA (Turner), SPANGLE (Turner), SYDNEY
(Turner), TRIUMPHANT (Turner).
=AURICULATE.= Having ear-like appendages.
=AUSTRIAN ROSE.= _See_ =Rosa lutea=.
=AVENA= (derivation obscure). The Oat. ORD. _Gramineæ_. A genus of
grasses with loose panicles and compressed spikelets. Of agricultural
importance only, with the following exception, which is an annual of
easy culture in ordinary garden soil. Propagated by seeds, sown in
spring or autumn.
=A. sterilis= (barren). The Animated Oat. _fl._ in drooping
panicles of large spikelets. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. Barbary, 1640.
An elegant plant.
=AVENS.= _See_ =Geum=.
=AVENUES.= In forming an Avenue, the plan must neither be tortuous nor
of a "tedious sameness," but a gradually winding line should, above
all, be obtained, which must in no way interfere with the view from
the house. About 12ft. is the width usually allowed for the road, but
this depends upon individual taste or idea--this remark applies to
planting in double rows, the trees forming a series of triangles, or
in single rows. The distance across the road from one row of trees
to those opposite should be at least 24ft. The Lime is extensively
used for Avenues on account of its regular growth and the shade it
affords. The Cedar of Lebanon is one of the best and most suitable
evergreens. The Dutch Elm is used because of its rapid growth, and
forms one of the best deciduous trees for this purpose. The well-known
Horse Chestnut, in sheltered spots, is very ornamental, as is also the
Spanish Chestnut; the latter spreads rapidly. Where immediate effect
is required, nothing gives more satisfaction than the White Poplar; it
grows in a wet soil better than anything else. Deodars, Araucarias,
Douglas Pine, the Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese Cypresses, and many
others, are eminently suited for Avenue planting. Shrubs and herbaceous
plants should be introduced between the trees, and so remove any
bareness that may occur. _Diervilla rosea_, and its variegated form,
_Aucubas_, _Rhododendrons_, _Hypericums_, and many others, could be
mentioned to serve this purpose. A moderately good soil will be found
to answer generally.
=AVERRHOA= (in honour of Averrhoes, of Cordova, a celebrated Arabian
physician, who resided in Spain during the domination of the Moors,
about the middle of the twelfth century; he translated Aristotle into
Arabic). ORD. _Geraniaceæ_. Ornamental stove trees, thriving in loam
and peat. Half-ripened cuttings will strike in sand, under a hand
glass, about April, with bottom heat. The leaves of the first-named
species are irritable to the touch.
[Illustration: FIG. 196 AZALEA BALSAMINÆFLORA.]
=A. Bilimbi= (Bilimbi-tree). _fl._ reddish purple, disposed in
racemes, rising from the trunk. May. _fr._ oblong, somewhat
resembling a small cucumber, with a thin, smooth, green rind,
filled with a grateful acid juice, and the substance and seeds not
unlike that of a cucumber. _l._ alternate, with from five to ten
pairs of ovate-lanceolate, entire, smooth leaflets on short stalks.
_h._ 8ft. to 15ft. Native country unknown, 1791. (B. F. S. 117.)
=A. Carambola.= Carambola-tree. _fl._ red, scattered, disposed
in short racemes, usually rising from the smaller branches, but
sometimes from the larger ones, and even the trunk. _fr._ the
size of a hen's egg, acutely five-cornered, with a thin, yellow
rind, and a clear watery pulp. _l._ alternate, with about four to
five pairs of ovate, acuminated, entire, stalked leaflets, the
outer ones largest. _h._ 14ft. to 20ft. 1793. This, as well as the
first-named species, is cultivated throughout the hotter parts of
India, but where it occurs truly wild is not known.
=AVOCADO PEAR.= _See_ =Persea gratissima=.
=AWL-SHAPED.= Narrow-pointed, resembling an awl.
=AWLWORT.= _See_ =Subularia=.
=AXIL.= Literally the armpit; in plants applied to the angle formed by
union of the leaf and stem.
=AXILLARIA.= _See_ =Polygonatum=.
=AXILLARY.= Growing in the axil of anything.
=AYRSHIRE ROSE.= _See_ =Rosa repens capreolata=.
=AZALEA= (from _azaleos_, dry, arid; in allusion to the habitat of
the plant). ORD. _Ericaceæ_. A genus of very popular and beautiful
hardy or greenhouse plants. The species enumerated were included
under _Rhododendron_ by Don, Loudon, and others, contrary to the
classification of Linnæus, but the distinctive characters are not
consistent. In this genus, the stamens are usually five, but in
_Rhododendron_ ten is the typical number.