1870.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 477 



order in which the names are placed. The varieties were chiefly the same as those 

 shown in the previous classes. 



Hollyhocks were good, considering the dry season we have had. The best col- 

 lection of nine spikes was shown by Mr H. Minchin, Hook Norton, Oxon ; and 

 the second by Mr W. Chater, Saffron Walden. The best varieties staged were 

 James Anderson, Her Majesty, Anna Maria, Acme, Hermione, Fred. Chater 

 Mrs Bruce, Speciosa, Whitley King, Exultium, Cygnet, Oscar, Perfection, Sylph, 

 and Carus Chater. The position of the above were reversed in the class for 24 

 cut blooms, Mr Chater being first and Mr Minchin second, with Mr Harrison 

 third, and Messrs Draycott & Sons fourth. The stand from Mr Chater consisted 

 of Alfred Chater, Perfection, Countess of Craven, Fred. Chater, Exultium Im- 

 proved, Speciosa, Bijou, Standard-Bearer, Triumph, Eclipse, Joy, Carus Chater, 

 Bullion, Marion, Exhibitor, Lord Napier, Nonpareil, King, Rose d' Amour, Con- 

 quest, and Walden Primrose. Only three stands in the class for amateurs were 

 put up, and the prizes were awarded to Mr W. Minchin, Hook Norton, Oxon, 

 Mr R. Fry, Taunton, and Mr Rickwood, Ilkley, near Leeds, in the order in which 

 the names are placed. 



The show of Roses was somewhat limited in character, and, as a matter of 

 course, of but passable quality. Decidedly the best flowers were in the stand of 

 24 varieties, contributed by Messrs Paul & Son, Cheshunt. 



Asters, both French and German, were very fine ; and the lai-ge size and rich 

 colouring of many of the flat-petalled or French varieties fairly puzzled some of 

 the visitors, whose idea of " Chaney Asters" dates back' twenty years ago. 



The stands of Gladioli made a fine display, and attracted considerable attention. 

 The best 36 came from Messrs Kelway & Son, Langport ; the next best from Mr 

 Geo. Wheeler, Warminster. The best 24 were shown by Messrs Stuart & Mein, 

 Kelso ; the second best by Messrs Draycott & Sons. Mr R. Fry, gardener, 

 Taunton, was first in the amateurs' class for 12 varieties, and the Rev. H. H. 

 Dombrain second. The varieties given in last month's ' Gardener,' as shown at 

 South Kensington, will serve to indicate the best flowers staged on this occasion. 



Verbenas were finely shown by Mr C. J. Perry and others. The example of 

 Shakespeare in Mr Perry's stand was as fine as a Verbena could well be. 

 The leading varieties in Mr Perry's stand, who was first with 24 kinds, were 

 Model, Mrs Hole, Magnificent, Ada King, Rose Improved, Velocipede, Apollo, 

 Rev. P. M. Smythe, Mauve King, Clara Perry, Mrs George Prince, Miss Lawden, 

 Shakespeare, Giant, Diana, Rev. C. Peach, Modesty, Mrs Stenger, Edwin Day, and 

 the Rev. S. R. Hole. 



Large collections of plants, nicely arranged, were contributed by Messrs 

 Downie, Laird, & Laing, and Carter & Co., and materially aided the show. 

 Unfortunately the weather was very unpropitious, nevertheless there was a very 

 good company, and the tables were thronged with visitors. 



In the evening the subscribers and friends of the Society sat down to dinner 

 in one of the dining-rooms of the Palace, there being a good muster of florists 

 and others present. The Rev. H. H. Dombrain, Hon. Sec. to the Society, took 

 the chair, and the Rev. Cleaver Peach the vice-chair. Hearty promises of sup- 

 port were given to the Society, and several new subscribers were announced ; 

 while others expressed their intention of doubling their subscriptions another 



Royal Horticultural Society, Dahlia and Verbena Show, Sept. 7. — 

 The large exhibition held at the Crystal Palace on this day helped to thin this 

 one somewhat, though the prizes being rather small, there was but little induce- 

 ment to show. 



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