Renfrewshire, StirlingsJiire, Ireland. 7l7 



the Auchenbowie and West Plean Horticultural Society ; and it was held 

 in the school-house, which was tastefully decorated with flowers and ever- 

 greens; and it is but justice to state that, in the construction of the bouquets 

 of flowers for competition, much architectural genius was displayed in the 

 arches, columns, domes, &c., of which they were composed, and much taste 

 was exhibited in the combination of the various colours with which they were 

 dressed. We may say with confidence, that the love of horticultural and 

 floricultural pursuits is steadily increasing among the cottagers of this district, 

 which, if properly cultivated, will add to their pleasure and happiness. 



IRELAND. 



Ulster Horticultural Society. — Sej}t. 4. The room was decorated with 

 flowers and evergreens, arranged most tastefully, forming lofty arches, which 

 rose from tables covered with fruits and flowers, of great beauty and va- 

 riety. Nothing could be more imposing than the vista formed by these arches, 

 lined with tall flowering plants, and filled by gay and ever-moving groups. 

 Among the many novelties on the table, we were much struck with the bouquets 

 of fruit, decorated with flowers. One of these was 3 ft. high, and covered 

 v/ith grapes, melons, peaches, pines, and a variety of smaller fruit. The idea 

 was new in this country, and, we trust, will be improved upon. The remarkable 

 size and beauty of the pines, of several species, queen, Otaheite, cockscomb, 

 &c., struck all the visitors ; and should such attention to cultivation be con- 

 tinued in this neighbourhood, we may hope to rival the metropolitan societies. 

 Among other articles were, ginger (Zingiber officinale), by Mr. Lewis; and 

 some splendid specimens of Gladiolus natalensis which were wreathed in a 

 tasteful bouquet, prepared by Mr. Robert Middlemas (gardener to Earl 

 O'Neil), Shane's Castle. There were also some fine grapes, peaches, and apri- 

 cots, from Mr. Archibald Stewart (Mountstewart). (^Guardian, Sept. 8.) 



Belfast Horticultural Society. — Spring Show. A handsome prize medal, with 

 a suitable inscription, was awarded to Adam J. Macrory, Esq., of Duncairn, 

 for his extensive range of glass, consisting of a green-house, vinery, and peach- 

 house; the apparatus for heating the peach-house and vinery of which is so 

 admirably constructed as to combine the advantages of neatness, efficiency, and 

 economy offuel ; and the arrangement of the water tanks, at the same time, to 

 regulate the temperature so as to produce that moist atmosphere necessary to 

 insure healthy foliage, and to afford a conveniently situated supply for the 

 plants. 



The Westmeath Horticultural Society (^April 15.) appears to be in a prosper- 

 ous state, as no fewer than twenty-nine prizes were awarded at this show for 

 fruit, culinary vegetables, florist's flowers, and ornamental, hardy, and house 

 plants. A list has been sent to us occupying a 4to page, which the secretary, 

 Mr. Lyons, informs us was printed in an adjoining room to that in which the 

 show was held, and was distributed among the visitors in not more than ten 

 minutes after their admission. 



Kilkenny Horticultural Society. — April. There was a brilliant display of 

 hyacinths, roses, &c. ; together with some beautiful exotic plants from Mr. 

 Robertson's and Mr. M'Craith's nurseries. 



Vegetables were piled on the tables in profusion and great excellence; 

 amongst the rest, enormous broccoli. It is really astonishing what a perfection 

 the culture of that article, so luxurious at this season, has been brought to within 

 these few years past. Endive, lettuce, potatoes, cucumbers jasparagus, rhubarb, 

 &c., were also very good. Of fruits, there were strawberr es of good size and 

 quality ; and pine-apples, well grown for the season. The latter fruit, obtained 

 as it is with much trouble and sacrifice, is, after all, worthless in flavour at this 

 period of the year. There were kitchen apples in good preservation, and 

 others for the table, well kept, but of middling flavour ; and the same may be 

 said of the pears exhibited : the kinds were bad, one specimen (the beurre de 

 Ranz) excepted, which was strongly recommended as most valuable for keep- 

 ing, flavour, and productiveness. The room and pavilion were tastefully de- 



