172 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



exhibition on the 7th of July, in the grounds of O. Edmonds, Esq. Three 

 3 - ears ago this society held its meetings in a confined room in the Stamford 

 Hotel, attracting but little notice, and barely maintaining an existence. Now 

 its name is known wherever an interest is taken in floriculture, and its seasonal 

 fetes are not only occasions of rejoicing to the immediate neighbourhood of 

 Stamford, but a source of attraction to florists from all parts of the country, 

 it being now understood that in Stamford there is something to be seen. This 

 change from death to life is the result of the combined energy of a few spirited 

 men, who, having the interests of horticulture at heart, have succeeded in 

 making Stamford, twice a year, the rendezvous for a multitude moved by the 

 same spirit. To Mr. Johnson, the honorary secretary, Mr. T. Laxton, Mr. 

 Blott, and Mr. Desborough, Avho have taken the most active part in the 

 management, the most hearty acknowledgments are due, as they are also to 

 Mr. Orlando Edmonds for the use of his beautiful grounds. The plants were 

 shown in a tent upwards of 100 feet long, and there were, in addition, a re- 

 freshment booth, a tent for the secretary and his assistants, and, to complete 

 the scene, two platforms adorned with flowers for the bands. The Life Guard's 

 Baud was compelled to break their engagement, and, at the last moment, the 

 committee secured the attendance of the Foundry Band, which, with the 

 Hungarian Band, previously engaged, made the affair a joyous out-door fete. 

 The amount distributed in prizes, was nearly £150, including two silver cups 

 for roses, £12 for stove and greenhouse plants, and special prizes for devices 

 in flowers, boxes and glasses of honey, and a prize offered by the Marchioness 

 of Exeter, for the most elegant boquet. There were upwards of 3,000 persons 

 admitted during the day, and the exhibition was in every way a great success. 

 The judges were Mr. W.Ingram, of Bel voir Castle, and Mr. William Davidson, 

 secretary to the Pomological Society. These gentlemen got to work at half- 

 past eleven in the morning, and did not conclude their inspection till near five 

 in the afternoon. 



In the award of prizes, Mr. Paul was first for twenty-four roses, Mr. Almey, 

 of Oakham, second, and an extra prize was given to Mr. Francis. For twelve 

 roses, single blooms, the awards were, first, Rev. S. R. Hole ; second, Mr. Bates ; 

 third, Mr. Fryer ; an extra prize was given to Captain Maunsell. For the 

 best stand of six roses, the first prize went to Mr. Thomas Laxton, of Stamford ; 

 second, Mr. Trimmell ; third, Mr. Cox. For the best device in flowers, the 

 silver medal was withheld,, but the second prize was carried off by Mr. Lax- 

 ton. Messrs. AYood and Ingram took first prize for stove and greenhouse 

 plants, and the Marchioness of Exeter was first in collections of six. Among 

 the objects of special attraction, there were four splendid balsams by Mr. 

 Laxton, and a stem of a standard rose, called Souvenir de la Reine L'Angle- 

 terre, from Mr. Ingram, which was much admired. Mr. Laxton obtained 

 first prize for the best basket of vegetables, among them was a fine 

 custard marrow ; the same gentleman also took first prize for the best 

 basket of salad, Mr. Islip coming second in each case. The fruit was very fine, 

 the Marquis of Exeter, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Phillips, Mrs. Johnson, and Miss 

 Hurst dividing the chief of the prizes amongst them. Altogether, Stamford 

 may be proud of its Horticultural Society. A full list of the Awards, and 

 an admirable report of the Show, appeared in the Lincolnshire Chronicle of 

 the 9th of July, and to that we must refer such of our readers who desire the 

 complete details. 



Our space admits only of brief notices of the miscellaneous events of the 

 past month : — 



The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution held its annual festival, on 

 Wednesday, June 30th, at the London Tavern. The room was magnificently 

 decorated with flowers and fruits, and beneath the music gallery, was a grand 

 bank of Pelargoniums, contributed by Mr. Turner, of Slough. Upwards of 



