1873] REVIEAV. 43 



umbrosa, and Todea superba — large plants in excellent order. Mr Paul, 

 Gilmore Place, was first for two Epiphyllums, finely in bloom, compared with 

 the others, which were unworthy of notice. Orchids were iew, Mr Currie, Sal- 

 isbury Green, having a first award for a lot, in which Ltelia anceps w^as a noble 

 specimen, bearing over a dozen spikes, each producing a number of flowers. 

 The same was given him for ornamental berried jjlants, and also for a collection 

 of Dracfenas. Mr Shaw came first for the white and pink Primulas wdth a fine 

 strain of well-grown plants. Chrysanthemums were not numerous, the greater 

 bulk of them coming from the nurserymen. 



Vegetables were in abundance and of fine quality, Mr Anderson, Ashley, 

 being first for the twelve sorts, with some fine London Caidiflower, beautiful 

 Beetroot, gi'and Sandringham dwarf white Celery, &c. 



Downie, Laird, & Laiug exhibited a quantity of splendid winter Cucumbers. 

 Unfortunately we could not ascertain their names, but they were remarkably 

 good for the season. 



First-class certificates were awarded to Mr Thomson, Tweed Vineyards, 

 Clovenfords, Galashiels, for an excellent basketful of Gros Coleman Grape, with 

 most exquisite colour and finish, bearing a superior stamp in size of berry to 

 any Grape there, with a flavour equal to the finest Lady Downes or Alicante ; 

 and to the E.ev. W. Bushby, for a box of magnificent Muscats, most equal in 

 size of berry and quite amber-coloured, the whole forming a collection which 

 ranked amongst the finest displays of Muscat Grapes we had ever the jjleasure 

 of seeing. 



Mr P. Stewart, The Glen, had a cultural commendation for three smooth Cay- 

 enne Pine fruit, with a combined weight of 22 lb. 



REVIEW. 



The Six or Spades. A Book about the Garden and the Gardener. By the 

 Rev. S. Reynolds Hole. William Blackwood & Sons. 



There are few authors who are at the same time highly amusing and instruct- 

 ive writers. 'We need scarcely say that the author of this book is one of those 

 few. There are few men occupying the social platform that the Pev. Reynolds 

 Hole occupies, who would dedicate a work to serving-gardeners with a " brother's 

 love." His dedication runs thus : " To all true gardeners, whether they serve or 

 rule, this book is offered with a brother's love." If there can be anything in 

 a dedication to commend a book to gardeners, surely it is in this. We feel quite 

 incompetent to review this book so as to give an idea of what it really is. We ^xill 

 therefore probably do it more justice by simply saying, that it describes a series of 

 meetings of a little society, called the " Six of Spades," at which a Mr Oldacre, 

 a Mr Chiswick, a Mr Evans, a Mr Grundy, and the Curate, discuss a great many 

 m.atters connected wdth gardeners and gardening in a most amusing, watty, and 

 instnictive manner. The book sparkles with Mr Hole's well-know^n wat, 

 humour, and good sense. The last chapter, "On the Hajipiness of a Garden," 

 should be read by all who own a garden, in order that they might see how 

 a large-hearted man dispenses happiness and relief to the more humble around 

 his garden-gate, as does the author of the ' Six of Spades. ' The book is beauti- 

 fully printed, and in every way got up fit for the drawing-room. 



