372 



HORTICULTURAL AFFAIRS. 



]XHIBITIONS OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS. -The chrysanthemum season 

 of 1869 has been quite up to the average of former years. The exhibitions 

 have been unusually good, and also well-attended by the general public. 

 The exhibitions of this noble autumnal flower in the nurseries of Me. 

 Salter, Hammersmith, and Mr. Forsyth, Stoke Newington, have 

 been unusually good. The twenty-sixth annual exhibition of the Stoke Xewing- 

 ton Societt has been a decided success. The specimen plants were presented in fine 

 condition, the principal prizes falling to the lot of Mr. Forsyth. But, perhaps, the 

 most important feature of the exhibition was the cut blooms. These were contributed in 

 large numbers, the chief bulk being of splendid quality, especially those in the large 

 stands from Mr. Eowe, and Mr. Berry, of Boehampton, who succeeded in carrying 

 off the lion's share of the prizes. The Bristol and West of England Chrysan- 

 themum Society held an attractive exhibition on the 10th, at which miscellaneous 

 flowering, and ornamental-leaved plants, were directly encouraged by the offer of 

 liberal prizes. Fruit was also contributed largely ; indeed, it was one of the most 

 prominent features of the show, there being upwards of 250 dishes put up for com- 

 petition, in addition to others exhibited gratuitously. Fuchsias were fine, but per- 

 haps the most striking feature was the splendid collections of Zonal Pelargoniums, 

 the vivid hues of which contrasted well with the half-tints and more sombre colours 

 of the chrysanthemums. The exhibition of the South Essex Society was grand ; 

 but scarcely so attractive to the general public as that held at Bristol, it being con- 

 fined exclusively to the chrysanthemum, and, therefore, lacked variety. The 

 specimens of the large-flowering varieties were really magnificent, some of the 

 plants being more than six feet in diameter, and solid with bloom. Like the 

 Bristol Society, the Brixtov Hill Society offer liberal prizes for fine foliage plants, 

 Primulas, and fruit. Splendid collections of the former were staged, and being 

 judiciously intermixed with the chrysanthemums, produced an effect totally im- 

 possible with the latter alone. The special feature of this exhibition was, however, 

 the splendid specimen pompones. The specimen large-flowering kinds, cut flowers, 

 and miscellaneous subjects, were also such as to satisfy the most exigent critic. A 

 good exhibition was held at Liverpool on the 23rd and 21th nit., and was in every 

 respect equal to those held near the metropolis. The shows of the North Western, 

 East London, and South London amateur societies have been quite up to the 

 average of former years. 



The best flowers at the several exhibitions were the following : — Large 

 flowering varieties for specimen culture : Annie Salter, Alma, Dr. Sharpe, Princess 

 of Wales, Prince of Wales, Christine, White Christine, Lady Harding, Mrs. 

 G. Bundle, Alma, Beverley, Little Harry, Beaute du Nord, Cloth of Gold, 

 Venus, Golden Trilby, Lady Slade, and Jardin des Plantes. For specimen 

 pompones : Bob, Lilac, Brown, Golden, and White Cedo Nulli, Andromeda, 

 Golden Aurora, one of the very best yellow-flowered pompones in cultivation ; 

 Salamon, St. Thais, Surprise, and General Canrobert. Large flowering varieties for 

 cut blooms, incurved : Mrs. G. Bundle, Dr. Brock, Prince of Wales, Empress 

 Eugenie, Jardin des Plantes, Princess Beatrice, Antont-lli, Lady Harding, White 

 Globe, John Salter, Lady Talfourd, Golden Dr. Brock, Lady Slade, Gloria" Mundi, 

 Nil Desperandum, Novelty, Marechal Duroc, Venus, Prince Alfred, Princess of 

 Wales, Plutus, Empress of India, Cherub, Bev. J. Dix, Mr. Brunlees, Golden 

 Beverley. Queen of England, General Bainbrigge, Aurea Multiflora, Le Grand, and 

 Belladonna. Large anemone floivers : Prince of Anemones, Empress, George Sands, 

 Mrs. Pethers, Fleur de Marie, Queen Margaret, Gluck, Louis Bonamy, Marguerite 

 d'Anjou, and Margaret of Normandy. Ane?none-ftowered pompones : Mr. Astie, 

 Marie Stuart, Rose Marguerite, Jean Hachett, Regulus, Mrs. Wynes, Antonius, 

 Miss Nightingale, Sidonie, and Firefly. 



Victoria regia. — An experiment has recently been made in the gardens of the 

 Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, to test the buoyant power of the leaves of 

 this wonderful lily, and it was found that each leaf would support upwards of 

 4001b., thus proving that a plant with eight leaves will support the enormous 

 weight of one ton and a half. 



