THE FLOEAL WOELD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 191 



The pelargoniums in these two crescents numbered 131 specimen plants, the majority 

 of them four to five feet in diameter. These were contributed by Messrs. Turner, 

 Eraser, Baikj-, Weir, Donald, Slirimpton, and Foreman. Beyond the two cres- 

 centic compartments was a great circular walk all round, the same crescents forming 

 the inner banlcs to this walk, and the compartments next beyond flanking them on 

 either side. Here was a brilliant display of zonale geraniums, from Messrs. Eraser, 

 E. G. Henderson, F. and A. Smith, and several private growers ; also an extra- 

 ordinary collection of azaleas, one batch comprising at least fifty plants from Messrs. 

 H. Lane and Son. From this central position, the ground rose in every direction, 

 and was laid out in great compartments, with walks between. At all the points 

 where walks intersected, great groups of azaleas, roses, and other showy subjects 

 were stationed. Many of the collections of these from the gardens of private gen- 

 tlemen were marvellous for their finish and brilliancy. A few trade-growers, how- 

 ever, took the lead, creating no less surprise by the astonishing quantity of plants 

 they poured in, than by the perfection of blooms in which they were exhibited. The 

 number of azaleas shov."n by Mr. Turner, of Slough, and their generally beautiful 

 condition, rendered them an exhibition of themselves ; but this was not the only 

 department wherein the hero of Slough stood high above the rest, and, if we may 

 so say, surpassed himself. Roses in pots were shown on a gigantic scale by Messrs. 

 W. Paul, Paul and Sons, Lane and Sons, Francis, Turner, and by many private 

 growers. Rhododendrons, too, were not merely shown in classes, but were planted 

 out in great beds, and one beautiful slope, overlooking a rockery and water scene, 

 was filled with two brilliant masses of plants by Messrs. Lane, of Berkhampstead, 

 and by Messrs. Jackman and Sons, of Woking. This was called the " Rhododen- 

 dron Valley," and was one of the special features of the exhibition. In quieter 

 parts of the show, yuccas, aloes, Beaucarneas, were distributed freely, many of the 

 specimens shown being unique in size, condition and rarity, and worth sums that 

 if named would seem fabulous. Foremost among exhibitors in these classes were 

 Messrs. A. Verschaffelt, of Ghent ; B. S. Williams, of Holloway ; Veitch, of Chel- 

 sea ; Osborn, of Fulham ; Linden, of Brussels ; and Jackson and Son, Kingston. 

 A very pretty collection, comprising unique specimens, came from Dr. Kellock, of 

 Stoke Newingtou, who has for many years collected and cultivated plants remark- 

 able for fine foliage. Orchids were, of course, shown in great plenty. There has 

 never before been so grand a display of orchids in this country, and many of the 

 spec mens were extraordinary, both in size, perfection of bloom, and freshness of 

 condiiion. In these classes, Mr. Warner, of Chelmsford, Messrs. Bullen, Peed, B. S. 

 Williams, Veitch .and Son, Penny, Bull, Lee, Linden, Wilson, and Rhodes, were the 

 principal exhibitors. If we pass over all the other subjects, it is because we have 

 no space in which to describe or even name them. Next month we shall endeavour 

 to sum up a few results, in order to place before our readers the names of species 

 and varieties which, in this great contest, proved to be the best. 



On the evening of tlie 22iid, a great international banquet took place in the 

 Guildliall of the City of London, the Lord Mayor presiding. More than five hun- 

 dred ladies and gentlemen sat down to a sumptuous dinner, tickets for which were 

 bought up with avidity at three guineas each. The Lord Mayor conducted the pro- 

 ceedings in a remarkably efficient manner; and during the evening Professor A. de 

 Candolle, the greatest of living botanists, addressed the meeting. On Wednesday, 

 the 2.3rd, the exhibition was again crowded, the charge being ten shillings each. 



On Thursday, the 24th, the weather was cold, and the attendance was 

 smaller than was anticipated, as this was the first "people's day," the charge being 

 2s. 6d. However, the attendance numbered many thousands. In the evening of 

 the same day, a horticultural banquet took place at St. Martin's Hall, Long Acre, 

 Lord H. G. Lennox, M.P., presiding. The principal speakers were Mr. Mitchell, 

 Sir W. D.Ike, Mr. Harry Veitch, and Mr. William Paul. On Friday, the 25th, was 

 the first of the shilling days, and thence to Thursday, the 31st, the exhibition was 

 crowded daily. As tiie gravel space afforded room for 50,000 persons at one time, and 

 the grass-banks accommodated 60,0u0 plants, our readers who were not at any time 

 present will be enabled to form some idea of the gigantic scale of the undertaking. 



On Wednesday, and Thursday, May 23 and 24, a Botanical Congress was held 

 in tlie Raphael Room, at South Kensington Museum, under the Presidt-ncy of A. 

 de Candolle. Various papers were read, and discussions ensued thereupon, some 

 particulars of which we shall give next month. 



