570 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



©bituarg* 



We are very sorry to have to aunounce the decease of Mr John Trail, of 

 Aberlady, on the 4th Xovember. His particular sphere in gardening was in 

 connection with florist flowers, and especially with the raising of many of the 

 finest Auriculas which have ever been raised. Although he was famous for 

 this specially, he was an ardent lover of flowers in general. His character 

 as a friend and neighbour was most estimable and lovable, combining the 

 earnest desire and efl'ort for the good and comfort of all with whom he had any- 

 thing to do, with a meek and unassuming manner. 



Mr Egbert Fish, the well-known horticultural writer, has also gone to his 

 rest. As a practitioner in general gardening, Mr Fish's career was most success- 

 ful ; flower-gardening especially owes him much. As a horticultural writer for 

 thirty years, he had few equals in the kind, happy, and clear way in which his 

 instructions, both practical and philosophic, were imparted. He was a good and 

 kind man, ever ready with a cheering word and a helping hand, to all with 

 whom he came in contact, and was highly respected by all who knew him. 



ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S NOVEMBER 

 EXHIBITION. 



{From our London Correspondent. ) 



The meeting of the 12th and 13th inst. was one of the most interesting held 

 for some time past. Chrysanthemums, fruit, and Potatoes were largely re- 

 presented, and excited considerable attention from a large number of the lead- 

 ing horticulturists who were present on this occasion. The collection of hardy 

 fruits was the best seen for some time ; indeed it is questionable whether a larger 

 or finer collection of Apples and Pears was ever exhibited than that staged by 

 Mr J. Scott of Merriott Nurseries. This magnificent collection contained nearly 

 1000 varieties— viz. , 600 kinds of Apples and 350 sorts of Pears, besides 20 or 

 30 varieties of Crabs, some of which were edible and others ornamental only. 

 Since the fine collection of fruit-trees was broken up at Chiswick some years 

 ago, this remains the only collection anything like complete for purposes of 

 pomological research. Of course we have the uoble trade collections of Pivers, 

 Dancer, Smith, and others, but these grow the best and the most prolific kinds 

 only; while in the fruit-grounds at Merriott every known variety is introduced 

 and cidtivated for purposes of trial and comparison. One of the most interesting 

 features in the exhibition, from a pomological point of view, was an excellent 

 new white Grape raised by Mr J. Pearson of Chilwell Notts. It is the result 

 of a cross between Black Alicante and the white Strawberry-flavoured Ferdin- 

 and de Lesseps, a seedling raised by Mr Pearson some years ago. The foliage 

 is large and of great substance, not unlike a fig-leaf in texture, and is borne 

 on long purple-tinted stalks. The skin is thick and of a fine golden colour, so 

 that its name, "Golden Queen, " is very appropriate. It possesses a good con- 

 stitution, and will doubtless take up a good position among late white Grapes. 

 Were it not for its light colour, it might be likened to Madresfield Court in form 

 and size of both bunch and berry ; and the flesh is firm and crackling, and of a 

 rich sugary flavour. Apples were generally very fine ; and some magnificent 

 specimens of this fruit, grown on the French Paradise stock, were exhibited by 

 N. Laurie, Esq. of Hayward's Heath, Sussex. These were the produce of cor- 



