Channel Islands, S 7 1 



dahlias in this novel and striking production, which was made by James 

 Richardson, Esq. of Bootham, Mr. Dempsey, Mr. Baines, and other members 

 of the committee; the specimens being sent from several gardens in the 

 city and neighbourhood. The span of the arch was 18 ft., and the height of 

 the whole, from the floor, about 22 ft. Near this arch were placed two bou- 

 quets, of unusual height, and very beautiful, at this advanced period of the 

 year. Two species of Mus« were much admired : they were from the stove 

 of John Smith, Esq. of Grimston, who deserves the thanks of the public for 

 the many specimens which he regularly sends to garnish the room. Amongst 

 the plants sent from the same gentleman was a fine palm, Sdbal Blackburnidna. 

 It was now^ about nine years old, and was raised from seed which had 

 been in his collection of dried fruits for a considerable time. (See p. 445., 

 and Vol. V. p. 52. and fig. 10., for an account of one of these palms.) The 

 dahlias were so numerous, that an additional stand was provided for them ; 

 and, besides those exhibited for competition, were several varieties from Mr. 

 Edwards, florist, of this city, sent for the gratification of the company. Fruits, 

 as might be expected, were plentiful, and of the richest quality ; and the vege- 

 tables shown were large and finely grown. 



The Unveiling Exhibition. At half-past six o'clock, the doors of the Concert 

 Room were again opened for the admission of company. The fruits and 

 vegetables had been removed in the interval, and the rich and splendid col- 

 lection of dahlias, asters, and other flowers, had undergone some little change 

 of arrangement, and now presented, under a brilliant illumination of gas, their 

 beautiful forms and varied hues to the gratification of the spectators. The 

 superb display of rare plants and exotics still occupied their prominent station 

 in the centre of the room, which was ornamented, in addition to the majestic 

 triumphal arch, which we have already described, with two elegant wreaths of 

 flowers, encircling the words "Flora" and "Pomona", formed of a rich 

 variety of dahlias. Walker's brass band was stationed in the orchestra, and 

 added much to the enlivenment of the scene by its truly admirable perform- 

 ance of a great number of overtures and popular pieces of music. (^York 

 Herald, Sept. .30.) 



CHANNEL ISLANDS. 



Guernsey Horticultural Society. — April 2.3. The number of new flowers, 

 particularly calceolarias and geraniums, reared since the last exhibition, was 

 very great, and their merits were duly appreciated by the visiters. Upon 

 a fair calculation, we presume that between 800 and 900 persons attended 

 the exhibition. The cottagers brought forward a largecollection of their 

 productions ; and Mr. Wm. Hooper, nurseryman, was particularly successful 

 in gaining prizes. His show of green-house plants was very good, and his 

 ericas excellent; his shrubby calceolarias were likewise worthy of specific notice. 

 The challengeable medal was also awarded to Mr. Hooper, for the 12 best 

 pelargoniums. We also particularly noticed a superb collection of nearly one 

 hundred choice green-house plants, in high perfection, sent in by P. B. Dobree, 

 Esq., of the Beauregard, for exhibition only. John Hubert, Esq., contributed 

 some remarkably fine schizanthuses, by far the best in the exhibition. Mr. 

 John Vidamour was as copious a contributor as usual ; and we were glad to 

 see his exertions in the cause rewarded with one of the premium prize cards. 

 We understantl that Charles De Jersey, Esq., was entitled to receive a silver 

 medal, on account of some of his choice flowers ; but that he declined ac- 

 cepting it, as his sole object is to promote the good of the Society. Each 

 cottager who obtained a first prize received gratis (besides the premium) a 

 dahlia plant, in a pot, of some admired double variety. {The Comet, April 2k 

 and May 25.) 



July 26. Mr. WiUiam Mellish obtained the challengeable medal, for the 12 

 best yellow picotees ; and a small medal for the best carnation picotees, 

 besides other prizes. A premium prize was awarded to Mr. John Vidamour, 

 for 140 miscellaneous plants. P. B, Dobree, Esq., had a beautiful collection 



