23S THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



and East Somerset Horticultural Society, and it proved, in every sense of the 

 word, "a decided success." The weather, the attendance, the show, and, in 

 Fact, everything combined to make it Shepton's red-letter day, and future 

 great annual holiday. The town was completely embowered in leafy 

 decorations from end to end, while scores of flags flaunted gaily from the 

 windows, and, to give additional eclat to the scene, there were two or three 

 companies of volunteers assembled, who, in the morning, went through 

 several evolutions very creditably, under the command of Captain Ernst, of 

 the Shepton Mallet, or 15th Somerset, and were afterwards treated to a 

 public dinner, which included everything that could be desired, and was paid 

 for by the principal residents and tradesmen in the town and neighbourhood. 

 Bells were merrily ringing the whole day, and no less than_/?re bands were sta- 

 tioned in different parts of (he place. The show of fruits, flowers, and vege- 

 tables (in three large tents), was a very good one indeed — in the opinion of 

 competent judges even excelling the exhibition at Trowbridge, and in another 

 year the " Shepton Elower Show" promises to be no mean rival of the Bath 

 and Bristol fetes. Between 5000 and 6000 persons visited the park during 

 the day, and Ave believe that everyone was fully satisfied with the proceedings. 



Daventry Floral and Horticultural Society, Sept. 18. — The twenty- 

 sixth exhibition of this society was held in the park adjoining the Parsonage- 

 house. The flowers, fruits, and vegetables, were arranged in the society's 

 marquees. Owing to the unfavourable state of the weather, a very limited 

 number of flowers was brought. The vegetables were very fine. The weather, 

 always adverse to this society, prevented the arrival of much company. The 

 Leamington Sax- horn Band was in attendance, and acquitted themselves, as 

 usual, quite satisfactorily. 



Chelmsford Horticultural Fete. — The first exhibition of the Chelms- 

 ford and Essex Horticultural Society for this season was held on July 3, in 

 the pleasant grounds of R. Bartlett, Esq., at Bainsford Lodge. In the 

 division of private growers the palm was awarded to Mr. James Hines, gar- 

 dener to Miss Willes, of Great Baddow. Messrs. Saltmarsh were the suc- 

 cessful competitors for the society's prizes in the rose department. The 

 silver cup, value five guineas, for thebest 24 roses, was won by J. T. Hedge, 

 Esq., of Colchester, with a choice selection. That gentleman also took the 

 prize for private growers, the sweepstakes for the best 12 dissimilar blooms 

 being awarded to Messrs. Saltmarsh. Mr. John Harris, of Broomfield, and 

 Mr. Stacey, of Dunmow, also distinguished themselves in the rose depart- 

 ment. The fuchsia was represented by a very excellent collection. The 

 first prize for private growers was won by Thomas Stanton, gardener to J. S. 

 Crabb, Esq., Great Baddow. Of gloxinias, achimenes, verbenas, and petu- 

 nias there was also a goodly assortment. The prizes for the best collection 

 of hardy herbaceous cut flowers, which stood out in wild contrast with their 

 more refined companions, were awarded to Messrs. Saltmarsh and J. T. 

 Hedge, Esq. A fine pine-apple, exhibited by Mr. Godfrey, gardener to 

 Lord Bayleigh, received the prize. Mr. Godfrey and Mr. Cunison, gardener 

 to J. A. Hardcastle, Esq., M.P., each showed a fine melon, that of the latter 

 being adjudged the better. Some splendid black grapes, shown by Mr. 

 Payne, gardener to J. Beadel, Esq., carried off the prize, that for white 

 grapes being awarded to Mr. Moffatt. For early potatoes, Mr. Cunison and 

 Mr. Perry, gardener to T. W. Bramston, Esq., M.P., were the successful 

 competitors. Mr. Cunison also succeeded with some splendid cauliflowers. 

 The best and indeed a very fine brace of cucumbers was grown by Mrs. 

 Barnes, Springfield. The amount received at the gates, independently of 

 the large number of admissions by subscribers' tickets, was £21 18s. 6d. 



Barnsley Floral and Cottage Gardeners' Societies. — The annual 

 exhibition of these societies took place on the 4th of September, when a grand 

 display of fruits, vegetables, and flowers were shown in competition for the 

 various prizes. The exhibition was held in the society's marquee in the field 



