NOVEMBER. 



171 



apparatus on the ground, so that it may he expected to approach completion this autumn. 

 When this is done Kew will not lack room for New Holland plants, or any others that 

 require it. 



The young Deodars on each side of the vista are looking remarkably well, and will, in a 

 few years, form a grand feature in this part of the grounds. 



The bedding plants along the main walk were evidently past their best on the 18th of 

 August, yet the arrangements were superb. Of new plants used were Coleus Verschaifelti 

 and G-napkalium lanatum, this last being a useful addition to the dwarf class of edging 

 plants. The beds of Purple Zelinda Dahlia, edged with Calceolaria, were truly magnificent 

 from, their abundant bloom, dwarf compact habit, and rich colouring. The flower garden in 

 front of tbe Palm-stove was the beau ideal of beauty, the fine masses of Perilla nankinensis, 

 Calceolaria Aurea fioribunda, Tom Thumb Geranium, and Purple King Verbena, together 

 with the variegated Alyssum, contributing to form a most enchanting whole. 



It would fill a folio volmne to particularise all the alluring attractions which Kew Gardens 

 now present ; but I may conclude by remarking that its value does not consist alone in its 

 ornamental and recreative grandeur, but also in its being the most extensive field in Europe 

 for the edification of the botanical student ; while everything is being done for those actually 

 employed in the establishment, including a fine library of botanical and horticultural works, 

 weekly lectures, and willing information from the officials to all inquirers. 



Algarlcirli, Lincolnshire. J. MoP. 



ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, Oct. 8. 



GREAT INTERNATIONAL SHOW OE ERUIT, "VEGETABLES, CEREALS, AND GOURDS. 



Prom " coast to coast in friendly chain " came representatives to this great Show. 

 Prom " western continent and isle " to " eastern climes." Prom the " inhospitable regions 

 of the north" to the " golden lands of the sunny south," in some proportion, came produc- 

 tions of tbe growing horticultural enterprise of the nations o'f the world. It was a marvellous 

 show of fruit — great, chiefest of all in the excellence of its many subjects ; but teaching this 

 most unmistakeably — the pre-eminence of English over continental growth. Englishmen 

 walked proudly along by the lines of fruit that covered the tables, and saw another indication 

 of then country's supremacy. The enthusiasm of some could not be suppressed, and found 

 vent in exclamations of gratification that the "old land" was so far in the van of fruit- 

 production. 



The large conservatory was devoted entirely to fruit, and some more was found in the 

 eastern arcade, where also were staged much of the continental and antipodal contributions. 

 Agricultural roots and cereals were in western arcade contiguous to the conservatory. The 

 Gourds and vegetables found a lodgment in the arcade by the side of the machinery depart- 

 ment of the Great Exhibition. Pine samples of cereals were ranged in the place indicated ; 

 most striking of all were cases of Mr. Halle t's Pedigree Nursery Wheat. Agricultural roots 

 were staged in large quantities ; Turnips, Mangolds, Carrots, Kohl Rabi, &c, were piled in 

 successive banks, and terminated in a splendid group of agricultural produce furnished by 

 Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading — a stand that of itself was an exhibition arranged with the 

 same skill and taste that seem always to characterise the stands of this well-known seed 

 establishment. Between this division and that of the vegetables were arranged the Gourds 

 in all sizes, and shapes, and colours ; but in the name of all that is useful, to what purpose 

 can they be turned— what will compensate for all this outlay of cultivation ? Is it only that 

 they can be manufactured into good jam P some pots of which were in the group exhibited by 

 Mr. Cattell, of Westerham, which possessed a most agreeable flavour, resembling that of the 

 Apricot. 



A huge circular mound of fruit was raised in the centre of the conservatory; the 

 larger portion of it was from Mr. Lewis Solomon, Centre Eow, Covent Garden, the re- 

 mainder from Messrs. Webber & Co., of the same place. There were Pines, and Grapes, and 

 gigantic Pears and Apples so high coloured, and so large, as to look like artificial models, to 

 procure which the south of Europe had been explored. Of the former there were specimens 

 of Duchesse d'Angouleme, Glou Morceau, Bon Chretien d'Espagne, Easter Beurre, Calebasse, 

 St. Germains, and fruit of immense size of P/vedale's St. Germains, shown under tbe name 

 of Belle Angevine, by which it is known in France. Of Apples there were wonderfully- 

 sized examples of Eibston Pippin and White Calville ; also Reinette Blanche d'Espagne and 

 Reinette du Canada. There were also Pomegranates, Cardoons, Tomatoes, Brazil Nuts, and 

 Walnuts, all in keeping with their gigantic colleagues. 



Pive collections of Miscellaneous Fruit were staged by private growers. Mr. G. Tillyard, 

 gardener to J . Kelk, Esq., Stanmore, was first, having beautiful bunches of Muscat and 



