Hubbard Squash
Fruit pointed, suddenly narrowed into the stalk; rind deep green, sometimes marbled with brick-red; very hard and thick, flesh deep yellow, very floury, not very sugary, and somewhat dry. In the United States, this is regarded as a variety of excellent quality. It is a good keeper. Habit vigorous.
Large White. Fruit cream-coloured, very large with a smooth rind, more spherical than the large Yellow. A very distinct variety. It is the Potiron blanc gros of the French.
Large Yellow. Flesh deep yellow. Stems very thick, running to a great length along the ground. The fruit is used in a ripe state, and has been grown to a weight exceeding 200lb. SYN. Mammoth Pumpkin. 128. In the United States, a variety with a finer rind, but otherwise much resembling this, is cultivated under the name of Connecticut Field Pumpkin.
Naples Gourd. Fruit large, sometimes 1 1/2ft. long; rind a deep green, turning yellow when thoroughly ripe, smooth; flesh perfumed, orange-yellow, sugary. A very productive variety. SYN. African Gourd.
Nutmeg Gourd of Marseilles. Fruit nearly spherical in shape, flesh very red and highly musk-scented.
Ohio Squash. A fine-flavoured, heavy variety, that keeps well when ripe. Olive Gourd. Fruit the form and colour of an unripe olive; rind thin, quite smooth; flesh yellow, firm, abundant. A strong grower. Orange. Fruit resembling an orange in size, form, and colour. Bears abundantly, and is very ornamental.
Patagonian. Fruit large, oblong, sometimes tapering to each end; flesh yellow; skin deep green, frequently ribbed. Keeps well.
Red Etampes. Fruit medium-sized, prominently ribbed; rind bright orange-yellow. Habit of plant like the Large Yellow, but foliage paler in colour. This variety is one of the most popular amongst the growers who supply the Paris markets.
Spanish. Fruit green, flat, of medium size, firm, and of good flavour. Summer Crookneck. Fruit bright yellow, small, with warty excrescences on the surface. Plant compact, does not run.
Turk's Cap. Fruit pale green, flat, with rounded margin; centre elevated, of a deep green, marbled white and yellow; medium-sized, firm flesh. An ornamental variety. SYN. Turban Pumpkin.
Valparaiso. Fruit oblong, citron-shaped, sometimes 1 1/2ft. long by 1ft. in diameter in its widest part; flesh orange-yellow, sugary; rind greyish-white, covered with a fine network when ripe. A strong grower, stems attaining a length of 4yds. or 6yds.
Winter Crookneck. Fruit pale yellow, solid, with long neck. A runner variety, and an abundant bearer. Much grown in America.
Yokohama Gourd. Fruit flattened, generally twice as broad as long, irregularly ribbed, very dark, almost black, green. (Cucurbita melonaeformis, R. H. 1880, 137, 431.) GOVENIA (named after J. R. Gowen, Esq., the raiser of some fine hybrid Rhododendrons, &c.). ORD. Orchideae. A genus containing about sixteen species of stove terrestrial orchids, natives of tropical America. Flowers usually white or cream-coloured, but in some yellow, with or without blood-red spots; sepals and petals free, of nearly equal length; lip much shorter, without spur, entire, and jointed to the base of the column. About seven species have been cultivated; but, in all probability, those described below are the only ones now to be met with. For culture, see Bletia.
G. Andrieuxii (Andrieux's). fl. yellowish, white at base; lip white, spotted purplish-red in front, above yellow, barred with brown. Mexico, 1884. G. deliciosa (delicious). fl. white, marked with small purple bars inside; lip nearly elliptic, apiculate, with dark brown spots in front. Mexico, 1884. G. Gardneri (Gardner's).* fl. white, spotted, refracted after flowering; raceme elongated; sepals and petals ovate, bluntish; lip ovate, acute, naked, marked with five marginal spots and two convergent convex lines in middle; scape bluntly tetragonal, sheathed in middle. h. 2ft. Brazil, 1837. (B. M. 3660.) G. utriculata (bladdery). fl. white; racemes elongated, many-flowered; sepals and petals curved, acuminated; lip oblong, ovate, acute. September. l. twin, broad-oblong, plicate, Pseudo-bulbs ovate, inclosed in a large, membranous, oblong-pellucid, striated, sheath. h. 1 1/2ft. Jamaica, 1843. (B. M. 4151.) GRABOWSKIA (named in honour of Mr. H. Grabowsky, an apothecary, and a botanical author, of Ohlaf, in Silesia, 1792-1842). ORD. Solanaceae. A genus containing four or five species of hardy or half-hardy shrubs, natives of extra-tropical South America. Flowers pale violet. Leaves obovate or oblong, entire. The genus is nearly allied to Lycium (which see for culture). G. boerhaaviaefolia (Boerhaavia-leaved). fl., corolla pale dull blue, imbricate in aestivation; calyx fleshy, sub-regular, often broadly cleft. April. l. fleshy, glaucous. h. 6ft. Peru, 1780. A singular spiny scrambling shrub, sufficiently hardy to withstand our winters when planted in the open shrubbery border in the South of England, or against a south wall elsewhere. (B. R. 1985.) G. duplicata (toothed). fl. axillary, fascicled, from the upper leaves; calyx tube short, hemispherical; limb of five spreading ovate-lanceolate segments; corolla greenish-white; tube straight, very hairy within. July. l. alternate, very broadly ovate, or almost orbicular, exceedingly glaucous, waved, entire, slightly attenuated at the base into a moderately short petiole. South Brazil, 1840. half-hardy. (B. M. 3841.) GRAFTING is an art which has been practised from a period of remote antiquity; by whom it was discovered is unknown. The operation consists in placing two cut surfaces of one or of different plants under conditions which cause them to unite and grow together. The plant--usually termed the stock--on which the graft is inserted, should, in almost every case, be provided with roots, for the purpose of drawing and transmitting nutriment to support the graft after a union has taken place. The part inserted is called the scion, and is analogous to a cutting placed in the soil, although its growth is developed by nourishment supplied through the stock. The action of the one on the other is frequently marked and very important. Some fruit-trees, for instance, grow freely on one stock, but scarcely bear, whilst on others they produce abundant crops, though they do not grow so vigorously; nevertheless, although both are so intimately connected, they retain their individual characters distinct. The stock will become enlarged by the elaboration of sap in the leaves of the scion without the nature of the wood in either case being much altered, each part forming its own peculiar secretion from sap arising from the same source. Scions from variegated trees will frequently cause variegated shoots to develop on the stock far below the graft; and these can be used to increase the supply of a given form just as well as those produced by the original tree. The Golden Laburnum is a well-known case in point. The importance of the possibility of Grafting cannot be over-estimated, as, by its adoption, the propagation of varieties of fruits, flowers, many forest trees, shrubs, &c., is rendered available, and the good qualities or habits of any are retained, without alteration, excepting such modifications as may be caused by the superior constitution or special suitability of the stock. Grafting may also be employed for restoring defective branches on any part of an otherwise healthy fruit-tree, or for the insertion of fruit-bearing wood, where there is a deficiency. Seedling fruit-trees are brought more quickly into a bearing condition by being grafted on fruit-bearing stocks, so soon as sufficiently-matured scions can be obtained. The two sexes of monoecious plants may, in some cases, be brought together on one stock in order to eventually insure their reproduction by self-fertilisation. Certain conditions are essential for attaining success in Grafting. A great deal depends on the skill of the operator, the condition of the sap, a healthy growth in the stock and scion, and the season when the operation is performed. In order that a vital union may take place, it is essential that the two parts employed should have a natural affinity to each other, either as varieties of the same species, species of the same genus, or genera of the same natural order. In the works of celebrated ancient writers, accounts are given of various attempts having been made, and supposed unions effected, under conditions which have since been found impossible, on account of a natural affinity being non-existent. A temporary union has sometimes taken place, but not a vital and lasting one. A fundamental principle, which applies to every method of Grafting, is the necessity of forming a direct communication between the layers of inner bark in each of the parts to be united; as, without this, a perfect joining is not effected. The pithy or woody parts never unite, as may be frequently observed when grafted trees of long standing are cut down, and the ends of wood originally placed in contact are found to have become decayed. Provided this essential principle be kept in view, the methods of Grafting may be varied almost indefinitely. The natural vigour of the stock and scion should be somewhat similar for inducing a steady growth; but, at times, it is preferable that the scion should be the hardier and more vigorous of the two. This is exemplified, and the desired results attained, in many cases, by Grafting various strong-growing varieties of Apples on the Paradise stock, Cherries on the Mahaleb, and Pears on the Quince. In these and other instances, the stock is restricted in its root-growth, and the supply of sap transmitted to the grafted portion is, consequently, limited. This latter condition tends to encourage fruit-bearing instead of vigorous wood, and proves, by results, the modifying effect of the stock and the superior results in productiveness thereby secured. Double-grafting is sometimes adopted as another means for reaching the same end, by having a variety of intermediate growth inserted first on the stock, this to be ultimately grafted with the one it is intended to propagate. Fig. 133 is intended to illustrate what is here meant in the case of Grafting the Pear. The special influence exerted on the part of the stock or scion with certain varieties in either direction, can only be learned by experience. Grafting should be performed when the sap is in motion, between the time when it begins flowing in spring and a period before it ceases in autumn, avoiding the middle of summer, or any very hot weather. It is most largely practised, both indoors and outside, in early spring, the scions being slightly retarded by keeping them in a cooler place, or, in the case of fruit trees, previously cutting and inlaying them in the ground. Calm, moist weather is most suitable for the operation outside, which should always be skillfully performed, by means of clean cuts, a careful fitting of the parts together, and an exclusion of air by the application of grafting-clay or wax. Close frames or cool houses are requisite for tender plants, and for various evergreen trees or shrubs, until the parts have become united. Many of these do not require any clay or grafting wax, if kept moist, quite close, and shaded. Heat is unnecessary in the case of many hardy plants, a protection from the drying influence of wind and sun being all that is required. There are various methods of Grafting that may be successfully practised, according to the size or variety of subject it is intended to propagate or improve. The following are those most generally used, and all are subject to slight modifications under varied circumstances.
In Fig. 134, A shows the mode of tying the graft adopted with many fruit trees, and B the work completed by the application of clay, which should be left in the shape shown, and be carefully fitted to the stock and scion. This plan may be employed either for dwarf or tall stocks. All grafts inserted outside should be protected, and kept from moving by a stake, which should reach nearly or quite to the top, and have both stock and scion secured to it, to prevent the latter becoming displaced.
Whip, Splice, or Tongue-grafting. This is the best method, and the one generally and most extensively practised in this country. It is represented in Fig. 136, where A shows the stock, B the scion, and C the two fitted together and tied. Whip-grafting is easily performed, and is tolerably certain in its effects, provided the essential conditions be insured, and the work carefully executed. The stock should not be removed until the graft is ready to be inserted, in order that the parts may be quite fresh. It should be cut in a sloping direction, just above a bud if possible, as this sometimes prevents the old wood from dying back. The scion (B) should then be similarly cut through obliquely from d to e, allowing the latter point to be quite thin. Next, a thin tongue, f, must be cut in an upward direction, and the scion will then be ready for insertion. The stock should now be cut in a corresponding manner, so that the tongue fits in its place, and the inner barks come into direct contact with each other when pressed together. Where there is a difference in the sizes of the two parts used, the scion must be placed a little on one side, to insure a union being effected at some part of its surface. The notch should be kept open by the point of a knife until the tongue is properly inserted. When the exposed parts have been fitted as accurately as possible, they should be bound with a ligature of woollen thread, or material of a like description, to hold everything firmly in position, and at once covered with clay or grafting wax, for excluding air and preventing the sun and wind from drying up the sap.
Cleft-grafting. In this mode, which is a very objectionable one in many respects, the stock has to be split open by a chisel or other instrument, and the scion cut wedge-shaped, and fitted in the cleft, so that the inner barks may meet each other. The plan is largely adopted in some parts of the country for woody deciduous trees and plants with old stocks, which are split across, sometimes transversely each way, and two or more grafts inserted, according to the size. The objection is, that the wide cleft necessarily made in the solid wood can never unite again in the centre, although, after some time, it may be partially covered by the scions growing over. Another form of Cleft-grafting is shown in Fig. 138, where stock and scion are of the same size. This also has some objections, the stock having to be split and fitted with a wedge a, formed on the end of the scion. The cleft invariably extends beyond where it is intended the graft should reach, and, if this happens, the latter, when fitted, prevents that portion of the stock from again becoming united. The stock and scion should be prepared so that all the parts coincide. Saddle-grafting. In Saddle-grafting, the stock and scion must, of necessity, be of nearly equal thickness, as the former is cut sloping on each side, like a wedge, and the latter is split up the centre and thinned, to allow of it fitting accurately on the top, as shown in the illustrations and 140). It is important that the scion should not be split further than the end of the stock will reach, and the wood in both should be clean cut with a thin, narrow-bladed knife. For Saddle-grafting, the wood is usually young and vigorous; care must therefore be taken that the ligature is not made too tight at first, and that it is loosened afterwards before injury is caused to the bark. This method has been successfully practised for obtaining dwarf flowering plants of Rhododendrons by Grafting terminal shoots just before the flowering season arrives, and placing them in a close frame, without bandaging or anything beyond a tie. In Wedge-grafting, the positions of parts are reversed, the scion being made wedge-shaped, and fitted into an incision of similar shape and size cut in the stock.
Crown or Rind-grafting has advantages over Cleft-grafting, it being practicable to work stocks of considerable age and size without cleaving, and rendering the wood unsound. It is practised in spring, when the bark easily separates; and with this method it has been recommended that the stocks should be cut down a month beforehand, the cuts being again made fresh at Grafting time. The scion should be about 6in. long, with two or three eyes attached to the upper part. The lower half is cut in a sloping direction, the same as the splice-graft, and the notch or shoulder formed in cutting it is made to fit on the top of the stock. It is then inserted between the bark and wood, which readily separate, if in proper condition. One or more scions may be inserted, according to the size of the stem intended for their reception and 143). The cut parts should be afterwards covered with a bandage, not made too tight, and clay or grafting wax. In what is known as Improved Crown-grafting, the top of the stock is cut obliquely, and the bark only raised on one side of the longitudinal cut made for the reception of the scion; the motive being to increase the points of contact between the two portions of bark, and accelerate their cohesion.
Side-grafting is employed for inserting scions without cutting away the head of the stock. It is useful for propagating plants, and also for supplying, where deficient, a branch or stem to any part of a tree. There are two systems of Side-grafting: one, by placing a simple, or occasionally a based, branch under the bark, and the other, by inserting branches in clefts cut in the alburnum. A side-graft under the bark may either consist of a branch, having what is termed a shooting-bud, or it may possess one that is dormant. If the former is selected, a branch of the previous year forms the scion, which should be inserted about April, when the sap is flowing. Grafts with dormant buds are made from wood of the current year, and put in about August or September, to develop the following year. The scion may be prepared for the side of an upright stock by making a long splice-cut in the lower part, taking care to render it smooth throughout, and thin at the point. Incisions, not penetrating the alburnum, are then made in the stock, and the scion inserted, in much the same manner as a bud, tied in, and covered with clay or wax. On horizontal branches, the stock may have a notch cut, and a portion of the bark raised nearer the tree, the scion b being prepared to fit, as shown at c. It will be observed that Double-grafting on established fruit-trees of inferior quality might be largely practised, if desired, by this method. Side-grafting in the alburnum, with an oblique or vertical cleft, is more especially adapted for evergreens, when the operation is performed, under glass, in February, or the latter part of summer.
Ordinary Veneer-grafting is principally employed for propagating various trees and evergreen shrubs, either in spring or autumn, the former preferred. The scion should be well ripened, either of the previous or current year, according to the time it is inserted, and the stock must be in a state of activity. In an evergreen scion, the leaves from the top are not removed. It must be cut with an even splice-cut, about 1in. long, and fitted on the side of the stock previously prepared by having just the same quantity of bark, as far as the first layers of the alburnum, removed that the size of the cut portion in the scion requires. Both parts are then fitted without a cleft or incision being made in the wood; and, after being tied closely with a woollen or cotton bandage, are placed in close frames, with or with-out grafting wax. The stock should not be headed at first; when the parts have properly united, it may be gradually removed. This method answers well for Rhododendrons. Grafting by Approach, or Inarching, is the oldest system known; examples being frequently seen in trees growing naturally together. It was formerly practised with trees, to form arches, doorways, &c., for picturesque effect, but is now more generally in use for propagating plants that do not succeed well under other methods. The season for Grafting by Approach begins with the flow of sap in the spring, and ends with it in autumn. The operation is performed when the leaves are on the plants forming the stock and scion, and they are allowed to remain on both for some time. The scion intended for Inarching must either be a movable pot plant (as shown in Fig 145) that may be taken to any place desired, or one planted in close proximity to the stock. A similar portion of wood should be removed from both the parts intended for joining, and they must be carefully fitted together and secured with tying material and a bandage. Sometimes, a tongue is cut in the plant forming the scion, and made to fit into a corresponding notch in the stock at the point where the barks meet. In other methods of Inarching, the stock is cut off and the scion inserted on or near its point; and for restoring defective parts, the terminal point of the scion is cut with a thin edge, as for a splice-graft, and inserted where required. Grafting by Approach is much practised with Vines for obtaining fruiting wood of any particular kind in a shorter time than would be possible by ordinary propagation. Some varieties also succeed better when grafted on a stock which is more vigorous than their own. After the cut portions heal and become established, the work of detaching them from their own roots, and removing the branches from the upper extremity of the stock, must be very gradually performed, to avoid extreme checks.
Herbaceous Grafting, as its name indicates, is applicable for increasing plants when still growing, but, at the same time, becoming solidified and passing into an herbaceous state. The system has been applied with success in Grafting the Melon on the Cucumber, the Tomato on the Potato, dwarf species of cacti on tall ones, &c. Its chief advantage, however, is in the increase of resinous trees, principally Pines, by inserting grafts on the points of commoner species, which may be used as stocks. The proper time for the operation is in May, when the young shoots are just beginning to grow, or else when growth stops and the shoots begin changing to a woody nature. Stock and scion should be, if possible, similar in texture. The former must be cut off just below the terminal buds, and nearly all the leaves removed from the point thus obtained. This should be carefully split, and the scion prepared wedge-shaped, and inserted rather deeply, allowing the barks to coincide, as in all other methods. Tie in with worsted, cover the cuts with grafting wax, and shade them from sunshine by paper caps until growth is resumed. The Walnut may be successfully propagated by terminal Herbaceous Grafting, employing shoots for both scion and stock that have not become woody. These trees may also be terminal-grafted in spring, just before growth commences. Root-grafting is practicable with many plants, either on their own roots or on those of others, and a larger stock is obtainable of such as succeed than by any other method. Good roots should be secured as stocks when the plants bearing them are in a dormant state, and the grafts inserted, in most cases, when the sap begins to flow in spring. Large fleshy roots, such as Dahlias and Tree Paeonies, should have a notch cut in a triangular form, about 1 1/2in. long, and the shoot or graft similarly prepared and made to fit therein Other plants largely propagated by Root-grafting are Bignonias, Clematis, Hollyhocks, and Wistarias. Saddle-grafting on roots is sometimes employed.