178 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



THE KHEDIVIAL HORTICULTURAL SHOW AT CAIRO. 

 By Geo. L. Morgan, F.R.H.S. 



The Annual Exhibition held by the Khedivial Horticultural Society 

 took place in the Society's grounds at Ghezireh on Friday, Saturday, 

 and Sunday, March 7, 8, 9, 1902, and, as on all similar occasions, was the 

 rendezvous " of all Cairo. The Exhibition was opened by the Khedive 

 himself, who greeted those invited to meet him with his usual courtesy 

 and then proceeded to inspect the Exhibition. The flowers and plants 

 were displayed in the Society's buildings, whilst the fruit and vegetables 

 were arranged under a large tent. The prizes were afterwards distributed 

 in a special tent most beautifully furnished. The bands of the English 

 Army of Occupation and the Egyptian Army played during the afternoon. 

 A short account of the Exhibition is given, as it may interest friends in 

 England to know what we are doing for Horticulture in Egypt. 



Comparisons are odious, but it will, of course, be well understood that 

 whilst certain classes of plants which grow so well in England do not 

 thrive well in Egypt, others, especially Palms, Ferns, and the more delicate 

 kinds requiring a more genial climate, do far better than in England. 

 Thus one never sees any good garden Daisies in Egypt, Primroses may be 

 said to be unknown, whilst a bunch of Sweet Peas would be a greater 

 delight to most English residents than a handful of pink Arum Lilies. 

 The finest show of flowers was made by H.H. Prince Hussein Pasha 

 Kamel, the President of the Khedivial Horticultural Society, but they 

 were not for competition. Arranged in a circular group centred by lovely 

 tree Ferns and Palms, they presented a splendid sight, and included fine 

 specimens of Cyclamen, Ranunculus asiaticus, Crotons in variety, 

 Rhododendron ponticum, excellent pots of Caladium Lcopoldii, and 

 flowers so endearing to the " exiles from home," as Lilac, Lilies of the 

 Valley, Violets, and Hyacinths, all grouped in a charming way with 

 Maidenhair Ferns. Among the best of the other exhibits were pots of 

 Cinerarias and of Crotons, which were also shown by a native notable ; a 

 group of Cacti, Roses, Geraniums, and Pelargoniums successfully shown 

 by Dr. Keatinge, and Banksia Roses and Lupins by Dr. Scindwith (both 

 of these medical men take a very great interest in horticulture), and the 

 Lady Cromer Prize of 1902, presented by H.H. Prince Hussein Pasha 

 Kamel, ralue ±!30, for the amateur who obtained the greatest number of 

 points in the classes for Decorative Plants, Flowers in Pots, and Cut 

 Flowers at the three shows held by the Society, viz. the Chrysanthemum 

 Show, Rose Show, and Horticultural Show, was awarded to Dr. Keatinge. 

 S. Puccetti, a Cairo nurseryman, took several prizes for Carnations and 

 groups of flowers in pots. The Mignonette shown was rather disappointing, 

 being mostly too tall with the flowers not in contact. The Gilliflower 

 also evidently does best in England. Plenty of it was shown, but it was 

 deficient in perfume, and altogether delicate. Phloxes were very numerous 

 and the colours very pretty. Nasturtiums were poor and ragged. Garden 



