601- Provincial Horticultural Societies : — 



upon them unqualified approbation. Several interesting species of very rare 

 cacti were exhibited by the president, A. B. Lambert, Esq., including dried 

 specimens of Cereug senilis, from the unrivalled herbarium of the same dis- 

 tinguished individual. The show of dahlias was excellent, and comprised 

 many of the best varieties. The plants not for competition were supphed by 

 Mr. Squibb of the Fisherton Nursery ; and amongst tiiem we especially 

 noticed a collection of curious cacti, consisting of 100 recent species. In ad- 

 dition to these, and an extensive assortment of calceolarias, Mr. Squibb also 

 exhibited some stands of splendid dahlias, the superior excellence of which 

 elicited general admvation. (^SaHshuri/ Herald, Sept. 15.) 



Cable Horticultural and Floricidtural Socicti/. — Sejjt. 12. The exhibition 

 of flowers and fruit was of the very first description ; and the taste with 

 which it was arranged was the subject of universal admiration. The dahlias 

 formed the leading attraction in the room, and the principal prizes consisted 

 of liandsome silver cups. There could not be a finer display of vegetables 

 than was exhibited by the cottagers. (Ibid., Sept. 22.) 



The Sidton Bcuger Floricultural and Horticultural Society. — Sept. 13. Not- 

 withstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, and the dahlias having 

 suffered from being cut while wet, still there was a fair show of those autumnal 

 flowers, and some of the specimens were of great beauty. The profuse, yet 

 neat decorations, were highly creditable to the taste of those who superintended 

 the arrangement of them. There was also a splendid display of vegetables, 

 fruits, &c., which appeared to give great satisfaction to a numerous and most 

 respectable assemblage of visitors. (Ibid.) 



Chippenliam Horticidtural Society's Exhibition. — Sept. 14. On entering 

 the splendid room wherein the show took place, an endless variety of superb 

 devices met the eye. On the right side of the spacious apartment was a hand- 

 some device, the groundwork of which was composed of evergreens, bearing 

 the name of our gracious queen, formed with beautiful dahlia blooms, and 

 surmounted with the arms of the borough. Opposite to this appeared a re- 

 presentation of the bible, crown, and sceptre, surmounted by a cross, the 

 lov/er part corresponding with that on the right side, but bearing the name of 

 Flora. The centre window was filled with beautiful specimens of exotics and 

 green-house plants, some of which (from the gardens of Josej)h Neeld, Esq., 

 M.P., the Marquess of Lansdowne, and Messrs. Salter and Co.) were parti- 

 cularly deserving of notice. Over the central entrance door appeared a 

 splendid floral crown, with the initials of Her Majesty the work of Mrs. 

 Poole. The centre tables were also covered with superb devices ; while the 

 tables around the room were spread vv'ith the most exquisite productions 

 of the fruit, flower, and vegetable garden. The most interesting part of the 

 exhibition, and what attracted a great deal of attention, was the unrivalled 

 collection of vegetables shown by the cottagers, which, for quality and quantity, 

 has not been surpassed by any show in the West of England. The dahlias 

 shown by the cottagers were very good, as were the baskets containing col- 

 lections of vegetables. The prizes given for these by the Society were liberal, 

 independently of a variety of garden and other tools presented by Joseph 

 Neeld, Esq., and Mr. Bailey, surgeon, of Chippenham. It is the general 

 opinion that, owing to the liberal and spirited conduct of this Society, espe- 

 cially towards the cottagers, it will in future rank anion;;st the first in England, 

 as upwards of 300 first-rate specimens were exhibited by that industrious and 

 well-deserving class, of which the town and vicinity of Ciiippenham can so 

 justly boast. (Ibid., Sept. 22.) 



The Grand Dahlia Show on Salisbwy Plain. — Sept. 7. The extreme fine- 

 ness of the weather, the exquisite display of flowers, and the immense attend- 

 ance of beauty and fashion, altogether formed a scene which words are inade- 

 quate to describe. The interest was heightened by the barren locality in vvhich 

 this magnificent fete took place, and which gave rise to reflections and con- 

 trasts most favourable to the pleasures of the da\'. There were at least 500 

 carriages and other vehicles at one time on the ground. (Ibid., Sept. 8.) 



