Wa7'*wlckshh'e, Wiltshire^ Worcestershire, Yorlcsliire. 741 



years, adorned the centre of the first prize stand, and commanded uni- 

 versal admiration. Four hundred specimens from Messrs. Pope and 

 Sons of Handsworth, among which were the finest collections of herba- 

 ceous plants, pelargoniums, seedling pinks, roses, &c., greatly increased 

 the beauty of the stands ; and many of their fine specimens were duly 

 appreciated by the judges, a large portion of the prizes having been 

 awarded to them. The nosegays and groups of flowers were very immer- 

 ous ; and among them was a fine one from Lord Hood, and a superb one 

 from Mr. Smith, the gardener of James Woolley, Esq. The strawberries 

 were matchless in quality, and their tempting fragrance was the subject of 

 general remark. The cherries and grapes were very fine, and the melons 

 from Mrs. Taylor of Moseley Hall attracted much attention. Mr. Sadler, 

 the gardener of Sir Charles Throckmorton, carried away a great number 

 of prizes for fruits and vegetables. The cucumbers were very fine ; and 

 one from Mr. Fletcher of Hockley was much admired. Mr. Kendall 

 emptied his green-house and pits of all their finest specimens, and was 

 more than usually successful. The cottagers' and artisans' stand pre- 

 sented a most gratifying displays and the committee were as liberal as 

 their funds would allow in giving rewards for the most approved speci- 

 mens. (Jm'5 Birmingham Gazette, June 24.) 



Wiltshire. — Wilt^ and Geiieral Horticultural Society. April 9. Never 

 were plants and flowers exhibited in greater beauty ; and the thanks of 

 the city and county are due to the gentlemen's gardeners for the very 

 great perfection to which they have brought their productions. Many 

 prizes were distributed ; and we observe that Mr. Hughes, gardener to 

 C. B. Wall, Esq., Mr. Dodd, gardener to Col. Baker, and Mr. Christie, 

 gardener to the Earl of Radnor, were among the most successful com- 

 petitors. Several cottagers' prizes were awarded. (^Salisbury a7id Win- 

 chester Journal, April 15.) 



June 18. Numerous prizes were awarded, among which were twelve 

 for cottagers. A stalk of the giant rhubarb, which weighed nearly 2 lbs., 

 was shown by J. T. Thring, Esq. {Ibid., June 24.) 



Worcestershire. — Worcestershire Horticultural and Floral Society. 

 Sept, 18. Pines in profusion from the Marchioness of Downshire's, Sir 

 C. S. Smith's, Rev. Mr. Harward's, Captain Vernon's, and others, ap- 

 peared in the highest possible state of perfection, and were universally 

 admired. Peaches and nectarines were not quite so plentiful ; but some 

 very fine specimens of grapes attracted notice, as well as some curious 

 varieties of plum. One of the latter, from Dr. Prattenton's, a seedling 

 that had never been budded or grafted, elicited much remark. To enu- 

 merate the endless varieties of apple and pear that literally crowded the 

 tables, we find to be impossible : we can only say, that, with such a display 

 in view, Worcestershire will not easily give up the palm as the land of 

 apples and pears. Its inhabitants might now, with as much propriety as 

 Michael Drayton says their ancestors did at the battle of Agincourt, dis- 

 play for their banner, — " Worcester — a pear tree laden with its fruit." 

 We ought to notice that two fine young trees of the Court of Wick pippin, 

 from Mr. Eaton's, in full bearing, graced the northern end of the hall. 

 {BetTowe's Worcester Journal, Sept. 19.) 



YoRKsamE. — Boncaster, Retford, and Bawtry Horticultural Society. 

 April II. This was the first public exhibition of this Society. The room 

 in which the fruit, vegetables, and plants were arranged was decorated by 

 Mr. Shooter, gardener to the Dowager Lady Galway, in a tasteful manner, 

 with festoons of evergreens, &c. All the stages for the reception of the 

 plants were fully occupied ; and the interest which prevailed on the occa- 

 sion was heightened by the liberality of Lady Galway, who furnished 

 several specimens of beautiful and rare plants. A beautiful collection of 



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