Fife shire, 689 



After the immense burst of applause had subsided, Mr. Smith rose and 

 said : — " Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, My feelings on this occasion are wound 

 up to the highest pitch, so that I can scarcely contain them. I shall pass over 

 this high eulogium on my character and services, which has just been delivered 

 in your presence, and merely say, that by this most splendid gift, which has 

 been most ably and most handsomely presented to me by my friend Mr. Cruik- 

 shank, you have conveyed to me in a solid and substantial manner the feelings 

 which the members of the St. Andrews Horticultural Society entertain to- 

 ward me in the capacity of their practical secretary. According to the best 

 of my abilities, I have uniformly endeavoured to discharge the duties of my 

 office; but such a mark — such a distinguished mark — such a public mark — 

 such a valuable mark — of your approval of my humble services I had not the 

 smallest reason to expect. It is, therefore, with feelings of the deepest grati- 

 tude that I sincerely thank you for this public expression of respect towards 

 me as your practical secretary. Yes, gentlemen, from the bottom of my heart 

 I most humbly, most truly, and most sincerely thank you." 



Among the subjects for which prizes were awarded, the following are worth 

 notice : ^-William Smith, gardener to John Small, Esq., of the Priory, St. An- 

 drews, best black Hamburg grapes ; best white Frontignan grapes ; best six 

 apricots, viz. Moorpark ; best six jargonelle pears ; best six fuchsias, viz. F. 

 fulgens, F. globosa erecta, F. virgata, F. globosa, F. Thomsonz, F. micro- 

 phylla ; best six hardy annuals, viz. Collinsfa bicolor, Eutoca viscida, Nemo- 

 phila insignis, Leptosiphon densiflorus, Zupinus nanus, Schizanthus pinnatus. 

 For the greatest number of prizes during the season, James Falconer. For 

 the greatest number of amateur prizes during the season, Baillie Gibson. Best 

 design, James Keddie, journeyman gardener, Cambo. This was a most de- 

 lightful garden in miniature; it contained every feature in the flower-garden ; 

 and about twenty young fishes were swimming lively enough in the pond. 

 Great praise was given to this fine piece of workmanship, and very justly, for 

 a better specimen of the gardenesque we have not seen. 



Cottage?^ Prizes. Best six onions, Thomas Ramsay, weaver, Argyle 

 Street, St. Andrews ; 2d do., David Scott, shoemaker, North Street, St. 

 Andrews. Best six dahlias, William Bruce, Balcarres. There were shown 

 to the Society from Thomas Wallace, Esq., two fine specimens of the Aber- 

 deen yellow turnip. From Largo House, twelve splendid new dahlias, and 

 six large fine peaches. From Mrs. David Berwick, St. Andrews, a very lar^e 

 and fine specimen of red cabbage. From Dr. Cook, two beet roots of the 

 growth of 1838, in good preservation. (Fifeskire Journal, Oct. 3.) 



The Pitlessie Horticultural Society hold quarterly meetings which are well 

 attended, both by professional gardeners and amateurs, and we are happy to 

 see that cottagers are properly encouraged. The meetings are held in the 

 parish schoolroom. {Fifeshire Journal, Oct. 3.) 



The Cupar Horticultural Society. — For the summer show, see Gard. Gaz., 

 1839, p. 453. 



Sept. 27. This meeting, we regret to say, was not accompanied with its 

 usual gaiety or attractions. The unfavourableness and lateness of the season 

 suited ill for the productions of the flower-garden, and still worse for those of 

 the fruit trees. But more unfortunate than either of these is a spirit of apathy 

 which unhappily has for some time past been extending itself over the mem- 

 bers of the Society and their operations, and which has now attained, or rather, 

 we should say, which we now hope has passed its height, and is about once 

 more to depart. The attendance at the forenoon exhibition was indifferent 

 enough, as, indeed, we fear there was little or no sufficient reason that it should 

 have been otherwise. We know not well how this state of things has come 

 around. Last year was most brilliant, and we have heard of no mischance 

 or misadventure to have brought about the present crisis. Too much praise 

 cannot be bestowed on those who, in the midst of disheartenment and indiffe- 

 rence, continue to persevere, and will, we trust, yet be successful in revivifying 

 the Society. Several prizes were awarded. (Fifeshire Journal, Oct. 3.) 



