Berkshire, Buckinghamshire^ Cambridgeshire. 585 



and the magnificent collection of stove plants, from the Rev. Mr. Keene's, 

 Svvincombe House. The show of dahlias was very splendid, and the numerous 

 collections called forth expressions of universal approbation. 



The cottagers' tables were laid out with the productions of fruit and vege- 

 tables usually displayed by that industrious class, and were considered superior 

 to any before exhibited; the zeal and perseverance which had been excited 

 in the culture of vegetables, was plainly to be observed, on viewing the dis- 

 play sent for competition on this day : there were about 160 different entries 

 of fruit, vegetables, and flowers, to sixty of which the Society's prizes were 

 awarded ; among others, we observed an immense bouquet, shaped as a glo- 

 bular flower vase, consisting chiefly of dahlias, of extensive variety, the pro- 

 duction of Matthew Freeman, an industrious cottager of Cholsey. 



At the dinner of the members, which followed the show (and at which Lord 

 Barrington presided), it was stated, that the president of the Society, Ben} on 

 de Beauvoir, Esq., had promised to contribute to it 1000/. every year for six 

 years, and of this 6000/., one half had been already received. {Reading Mer- 

 curi/, Sept. 15. ; and Sa/isbiay Herald, Sept. 22.) 



Farringdon Horticultural Societij. — Sept. 20. The first exhibition took place 

 in the park of William Bennett, Esq. The elegant marquee belonging to 

 this Society contained, in addition to the specimens exhibited for the first 

 class prizes, most elegant devices. Ornamented baskets of cut flowers, in 

 almost endless variety. A very splendid crown, composed of dahlias, 6 ft. in 

 height, exhibited by Mr. Gregory of Cirencester ; also, a crown and cushion, 

 by Mr. James Reynolds ; and a balloon and car, formed of dahlias, by Mr. 

 IMilne, gardener to W. Bennett, Esq., were much admired. The specimens of 

 potatoes, onions, parsneps, and carrots, produced by the cottagers, were 

 remarkably fine, and very numerous. The marquee in which they were exhi- 

 bited, was excessively pretty. The company consisted of upwards of 800 

 persons. {Reading JMercury, Sept. 22.) 



The Windsor and Eton Royal Horticultural Fete took place, by permission 

 of H. R. H. Princess Augusta, on the grounds of Her Royal Highness, at 

 Frogmore ; it was very fashionably attended, and the arrangements, generally, 

 were of a description wiiich must have gratified both the visitors and the 

 exhibitors. The show of flowers, fruits, and vegetables was very fine ; and the 

 scene was enlivened by the attendance of the bands of the 1st Life Guards 

 and Scots Fusileers. {Ibid.) 



Buckinghamshire. — Aylesbury Horticultural Society. — Tins Society has 

 held its usual shows during the year, but we have not .received any account 

 of them. 



Buckingham Horticultural Society. — July S. Principally for fruit. 



Cambridgeshire. — Cambridge Florists'" Society. — May 30. The tulips 

 were not so numerous as we have seen on many former occasions ; but they 

 were of excellent quality and well grown. {Gard. Gaz., June 2.3.) 



Cambridgeshire Horticultural Society. — June 23. The show of geraniums 

 though not so large as usual, was excellent. Before the prizes were an- 

 nounced, the chairman informed the meeting that the cottagers' fund was " 

 still eight pounds in arrear, without providing anv prizes this year. {Ibid., 

 July 7.) 



Wisbeach Floral and Horticultural Society. — Sejjt. 20. Dahlias. The 

 show of these s[)lendid flowers was exceedingly good ; and the compe- 

 titors more numerous than formerly. The judges had considerable 

 difficulty to decide in some cases; and in one (namely Mr. Harrison's prize 

 for the best twenty-four, grown by a person not a dealer), was decided in 

 favour of Mr. Perry Ward, but afterwards altered to Mr. Freestone of Wat- 

 lington. The merits of Mr. Ward's dahlias, however, stand high, as he had the 

 prize for the best and twelve best, and was second for the twenty-four 

 best ; all of which, we understand, were cut from thirtj-eight plants. The 

 decorations of the hall were very good ; and the Royal Arms, by Mr. P. Ward, 

 commanded universal admiration. It was about 9 ft. long, by 6 ft. high, and 



