NOVEMBER 



IRISH GARDENING 



17] 



Judging Vegetables. 



Hy William Tyndall. 



WHEN exhibiting vegetables they should be 

 perfectly clean and fre.sh, free from blemi^^h of 

 any kind, correctly and neatly named. Though 

 exhibitors generally show vegetables clean and fresh, 

 how seldom do we see them take the trouble to write 

 the names on cards, if at all, generally any kind of slip 

 of paper answering the purpose? I believe all show 

 societies should insist on all exhibits being correctly and 

 neatly named, as otherwise most of the educational 

 value of exhibitions is lost to the many who visit the 

 many shows now held throughout Ireland. Every year 

 the work of the judges becomes harder with competition 

 more keen, so that now judging the judges often takes 

 i-.p most of the afternoon with some competitors, and it 

 matters little to such how practical and painstaking the 

 judges are, none are above suspicion with this class of 

 man, who seldom knows the point value or what makes 

 a good dish, of the vegetables shown. Now, to make it 

 easier for young exhibitors to select exhibition produce 

 I pen these lines. 



Samples that make up a dish should bo of the same 

 size and one variety only, yet how often do we see 

 exhibitors put in a dish an extra fine sample because it 

 is good, and therebj^ help to spoil a fair dish in evenness 

 of size, and it is not uncommon to get exhibits mixed. 



In judging collections of vegetables points must be 

 given for each dish, and the maximum points allowed 

 should vary with the importance of each kind of 

 vegetable, uniformity being only considered when other 

 points are equal, and then maiks can be given for 

 beauty of arrangement, correct naming, and difficult}- 

 of cultivation. 



By dish is meant a receptacle of any material and 

 any shape. The quantity that makes up a dish varies 

 at different shows, and at the last show of the Royal 

 Horticultural Society of Ireland a very good collection 

 of vegetables w-as disqualified because it did not contain 

 the correct number of samples in each dish. Judges 

 should not disqualify exhibits without a good reason, but 

 when they are satisfied that there has been an intention 

 to deceive, or that the conditions in the schedule have 

 been purposely violated, they should not for a moment 

 hesitate to disqualify. But often judges can point out 

 to the secretary of the show or steward who accompanies 

 them such errors as are merely technical and not much 

 affecting the character or merit of the exhibit, and ask 

 them to correct it before judging. 



Quality should be the leading feature in making 

 awards, though in cottagers' classes at shows size may 

 take precedence, more especially at small local shows. 

 The following points and much of above are given in 

 the Royal Horticultural Societ}'s rules for judging, 

 which can be had at all booksellers, price is. 6d., and 

 should be in the hands of all exhibitors. I do not 

 quite agree with the number of points given to each 

 vegetable therein, as for example— Carrots, parsnips, 

 and leeks get a maximum of 6 points each, and then 

 turnips, vegetable marrow, cabbage, and lettuce, the 

 same points, while cucumbers get 7 points. Growers 

 know well how much more difficult it is to j-roduce good 



sa.mples of the first named kinds, and in my opinion, 

 they should get 8 points same as Ruimer and French 

 beans, peas, celery, onions, tomatoes, cauliflower, and 

 potatoes. 



Parsley may be used for garnishing a collection or 

 dish, but it does not count as a vegetable or carry 

 points. When shown for prizes it is included under 

 herbs, and these should be shown in bunches with 

 clean, fresh leafage. The best are sage, thyme, mint, 

 marjoram, savory, tarragon, fennel, and parsley. 

 {To be continued.) 



Michaelmas Daisies. 



THE bright, mild autumn through which we have 

 now passed has enabled us to see the hardy 

 autumn-flowering plants in their true glor}'. This 

 is especially the case with the Michaelmas daisies, of 

 which there is now an endless choice. For brightening 

 our borders or edging our shrubberies we cannot ask 

 for better subjects ; they answer the purpose well, they 

 are graceful in habit, bright in colour, and are easily- 

 cultivated. For in-door decoration they are also indis- 

 pensable, as they are light and easily arranged, and 

 last longer in water than any other autumn flower. 



The following is a small selection from the many and 

 beautiful varieties that are now to be had : — Lil Fardell, 

 a tall variety of good habit, growing from 3J^' to 4 feet 

 high, with large, clear pink flowers measuring 2 inches 

 across. Ryecroft Pink, a paler variety than the former, 

 with large flowers and a free habit. St. Egwin, this is 

 one of the best, the flowers are of good shape and a 

 soft pale pink ; the habit is compact, and from 18 inches 

 to 2 feet high. 



Among the blue and lilac shades we have Keston Blue, 

 the best blue of all; the flowers are large, well-shaped, 

 and produced freely; the habit is tall and graceful, 

 from 3^ to 4 feet high. Climax, a very distinct light 

 blue, with a good yellow centre ; the florets are 

 broad and of good substance, and last well when cut ; 

 altogether an advance in this colour. The Hon. Edith 

 Gibbs, for in-door decoration this is certainl}' the most 

 useful; no "arranging" is required, as the plant grows 

 in beautiful graceful sprays, just fit for picking and 

 putting in a vase ; this plant should certainly be in 

 every collection, the flowers are pale lilac, not large, 

 but starry and produced in quantities ; it also makes 

 an excellent border plant, but its real beauty is lost if 

 crowded up with other tall-growing plants. Beauty of 

 Colwall, this is a double variety with lavender blue 

 flowers ; a very remarkable, tall-growing novelty, but 

 requires good cultivation, or it may revert to the 

 single. 



Among the purples Ryecroft Purple and Mrs. S. T. 

 Wright may be mentioned. These are two good tall- 

 growing forms with large flowers, and make good 

 companions to Lil Fardell and Ryecroft Pink. Delight, 

 Freedom, and Sensation are three very pretty small 

 white, free-flowering forms, very useful for in-door 

 decoration. Candida is a good large white, with the 

 flowers thickly set on the branches, and well marked 

 yellow centres. 



This is merely a selection, but it may help those who 

 intend planting this autumn. R. ]\J. PoLLOCK. 



