2 
BARR’S Gold Medal Daffodils, 1898. 
of Messrs. Barr. It is an open question whether the premier position ought to be accorded to Monarch 
or to Weardale Perfection — that is to say, of the named varieties, for there is an unnamed bicolor 
that is distinctly superior to either. Of this more will probably be heard another season when it has been 
properly tested. Monarch is yellow both in the immense trumpet and in the perianth segments, while 
Weardale Perfection is equally large, but is a bicolor having broad white perianth segments. They are 
superb — both monarchs of their respective colours. Let no one order rashly of these two, however, for the 
modest sum of 15 guineas is the catalogue price for one bulb of the former, while the latter can be had for 
10 guineas. We are inclined to think that twenty years ago a Daffodil at 10 guineas per bulb would have 
received scant attention, but now it is not only asked, but readily enough obtained. 
‘ Apricot is a distinct novelty, and one which hybridisers of Narcissi will hail with pleasure, as the 
trumpet shows distinctly a shade of red in the yellow ground colour, tnus imparting unusual richness to the 
flowers; the perianth is white, and the flower is medium sized. Lady Helen Vincent, which, with 
the last named, received an award of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society on the 12th instant, is a 
handsome variety of the style of Emperor. The flowers are large, very substantial, and clear in cqloui, 
while the habit of the plant is dwarf. A beautiful bicolor is Victoria, which may be succinctly described 
as an improved Empress. The flowers are of great substance, and the bulb is a strong grower. Another 
handsome variety is Fred Moore, of which the broad perianth segments are pale yellow, and the deep, 
shapely trumpet clear yellow. Mrs. Walter Ware is the name of a very attractive bicolor. The 
perianth is pure white, and the frilled trumpet golden-yellow. This variety is a free yet dwarf grower, and 
a profuse flowerer. The stately Glory of Leyden is now comparatively well known, as is the showy 
Gloria Mundi, which belongs to the incomparabilis section, and is conspicuous mainly by reason, of its 
brilliant orange crown. With Remarq liable the list of newer ones must close ; it is' of dwarf habit, and 
the colour of the broad-mouthed trumpet is very rich yellow ; the perianth segments are much paler. 
‘ Some Older Varieties. 
‘ Amidst the host of older varieties there are some that still stand above the remainder, such, for 
example, as Emperor, Empress, Sir Watkin, Barrii coftspicuus, Horsfieldii, and maximus, 
all of which ought to have a place in every garden where Narcissi are appreciated. Golden Spur, a 
beautiful form of maximus, and P. R. Barr, a rather small variety of Emperor, must not be overlooked, 
any more than should Bicolor Grandis, which is so valuable for late flowering. The lovely Johjistoni 
Queen of Spain will long remain popular, as will M. J. Berkeley, J. B. M. Camm, Michael 
Foster, and Princeps. Of the lighter forms, of which Moschatus and Cernuus may be quoted as 
typical, the best include Cecilia dc Graaff, Exquisite, Pallidus prsecox, William Goldring, 
and W. P. Milner, with Snowflake. These are a few of the many large trumpet varieties that are 
to be seen in such good condition at Ditton, and all of which are well worthy of a place in every collection. 
‘Of the incomparabilis, one has been named as a standard variety — namely, Sir Watkin, to which 
we might advantageously add Beauty, C. J. Backhouse, Frank Miles, Goliath, Queen Bess, 
Princess Mary, and Autocrat, as being above the average of merit. Besides Barrii conspicuus, 
B. Sensation, and B. Maurice Vilmorin must be grown; while Leedsii— Gem, Grand 
Duchess, Katherine Spurrell, M. Magdalene de Graaff, Minnie Hume, and Mrs. 
Langtry — ought not to be forgotten. 
‘ And so one might go on enumerating charming single varieties to the exclusion of the doubles, 
amongst which the common double Daffodil still stands pre-eminent. But we must stop. Those who 
would learn more or see those mentioned must go to Ditton at once, or the chance of admiring them will be 
gone for yet another year. — Daff. ’ 
Extract from ‘The Garden.’ 
New and Choice Daffodils at Long Ditton. 
‘ . . . Here the finest of the race may be seen, many of them towering high on giant stems well-nigh 
2 feet long, bearing aloft their noble blossoms that in many instances are unique. Chief among this 
category are such as Weardale Perfection and Monarch— splendid acquisitions that will be many 
years before they are cheap. Both these are grand in their way. Some single bulbs of the latter were 
carrying five monster blooms. Quite near these came the handsome yellow trumpet Fred Moore, 
a novelty of last year, also a massive kind of great vigour. This, however, has now a close companion 
in Lady Helen Vincent, a fine kind that only obtained its certificate of merit on April 12 last. This 
will make a fine addition to the trumpet class. Apricot, also a present-year’s novelty, was noticed. 
This distinct kind obtained the award of merit chiefly for the break in colour, a buff-orange tone having 
been imparted to the trumpet, which thus opens out a new field to the hybridist. y v 
‘ Still among the very choicest of the more recent bicolor kinds is Mrs. Walter Ware. Its chief 
merit is in the pearly white of the perianth and in the full-toned yellow trumpet so beautifully reflexed at 
the brim, and in all respects possessing rare finish. A bed of this with some 200 in full bloom we 
