THE FLOEAL WOELD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 163 



NOTES OF THE MONTH. 



HlGHGATE HoUTICULTUBAL AND FLORICULTUKAL SOCIETY, Jr/NE 27TH. — 



When we see anything of merit that we think will be of general interest 

 to our readers, we make some note of it ; and as the exhibition of the new 

 society at Highgate proved one of the best local shows we have visited this 

 season, it is with much pleasure we give a short account of its general 

 features. With regard to the Highgate exhibition, there are peculiarities 

 which we regret are not general. The wealthy amateurs and cottagers have 

 classes devoted to them apart from the gardeners' classes ; and in these classes 

 there are such prizes as will stimulate every member, and give a zest to the 

 delightful pursuit of Horticulture. The first exhibition of this society was 

 held in Fitzroy Park, Highgate, June 27th, adjoining the residence of Lady 

 Duff'eriu, who kindly threw open her grounds for the promenade of the 

 visitors. At two o'clock, the exhibition was opened to the subscribers and 

 their friends, when a numerous and highly fashionable company soon 

 assembled, and continued to fill the tent during the day. In consequence 

 of the late unpropitious weather, only a moderate show was expected, but it 

 gives us great pleasure to state, that through the exertions of the members, 

 the exhibition was decidedly of the best description ; for never since we 

 have had the pleasure of attending these periodical displays has it been our 

 lot to witness a richer or more varied collection of flowers and plants ; and, 

 in addition to the numerous specimens exhibited, the stages presented some 

 of the rarest and most beautiful florists' varieties and ornamental foliaged 

 plants. Among the subjects which to a great extent determine the merit of 

 all exhibitions, the stove and greenhouse plants were not quite equal to what 

 we have seen, but the ferns were exceedingly well grown, and the fuchsias 

 were fine specimens, not too tall, but bushy and full of bloom ; gloxinias, 

 pelargoniums, and cacti were in fine condition, and achimenes also ; plauts 

 with ornamental foliage were contributed largely, and in excellent condition, 

 and there were some pretty devices in flowers. The first prize for six 

 stove and greenhouse plants was awarded to Mr. Young, gardener to 

 K. Barclay, Esq. The first prize for six azaleas was awarded to Mr. Hutt, 

 gai'dener to Miss Burdett Coutts. Mr. Young was also first in cacti ; one 

 among them named Youngii, which we suppose to be a seedling of his own, 

 is an admirably built flower, and most vividly coloured. In the class for 

 fine foliaged plants there was brisk competition. Mr. Taylor, gardener to 

 J. Yates, Esq., was first, with Cycas revoluta, Encephatartos (Zamia) 

 latifolia, Bhapis flabelliformis, Chamffirops humilis, very fine ; Littasu 

 juncea, and Macrozarnia spiralis. Mr. Biggs, gardener to J. H. Waterlow, 

 Esq., was second, with Cissus discolor, in most beautiful condition and 

 admirably trained ; Maranta zebrina, Begonia Bex, Farfugium grande, the 

 best we have seen this season; Xanthosoma violaceum, and a Colocasia. 

 Mr. Hutt, gardener to Miss Burdett Coutts, was third, with a very pretty lot. 

 In exotic ferns, Mr. Biggs and Mr. Taylor were so even that first prizes 

 were given to both, and the second prize to Mr. Hutt. Mr. Biggs' ferns 

 were Adiantum formosum, Phleboclium aureum, Adiantum trapeziforme, 

 Nephrolepis Davalloides, a difficult thing to do ; Adiantum cuneatum, and 

 Gymnogramma ochracea, most beautiful. Mr, Taylor's six were Stenochlama 

 scandens, Gymnogramma ochracea, Adiantum formosum, Nephrolepis 

 exaltata, Davallia bullata, and Adiantum trapeziforme. For the best single 

 specimen plant in flower, Mr. Young was first, with Fuchsia Venus de 

 Medici, and Mr. Taylor second, with Erythrina Crista-galli. Pelargoniums 



