r 
Canncll & Sons’ Complete Seed Guide. 
SEVENOAKS SHOW. 
THE GREAT PROFESSIONAL CONTEST. 
I for one, and I believe all lovers of horticulture do also, 
feel jiroiul of tlu( many good objects put forward by Mr. H. 
Caunell and his sons. I thought their champion sash, for 
amateur societies that could bring the best vegetables, one of 
the most sensible offers, and a great stimulus to induce men to 
cultivate their gardens, 1 ever heard of. It claimed my attention 
irom the very first, and 1 made a special journey on August 
15th, 189: J, to see it worked out at Eynsford. After watching 
the e.xhibits, and likewise the e.xhibitors, it was very evident the 
de.sire for winning thd prizes was very strong. After the awards 
had been made, the winners were, I thought, if anything more 
]>roud of the champion sash than the money. 
Again, on receiving Messrs. Cannells’ seed catalogue for 
1 894, 1 observed they had offered a larger prize (^9), together 
with a Star of Honour, for the tip-top gardener that could bring 
up the best general produce of the ^rden. I kept the date in 
mind, and, being a Kentish man and an old exhibitor, I made my 
way early in the morning to the great show at Sevenoaks. On 
entering the grounds I was encountered by two very anxious 
young gardeners, asking if I knew in which tent Mr. Cannell’s prize 
exhibits were in. 1 immediately replied, “ That is just what I 
am looking after.” I peeped into the largest tent; I saw it was 
thronged with people, and on gaining an entrance, the whispering 
of the spectators and the earnest attitude of those putting up 
their exhibits made it quite unnecessary to enquire fui-ther. I 
could see my inquisitiveness was not wanted, so I made myself 
well acquainted with all other parts of the show, and on return- 
ing later the whole aspect of the three wonderful fine exhibits 
had altogether changed. One occupied 20 ft. by 4 ft., and 
another pretty well as much ; these two brought the productions 
of what a garden should produce certainly amongst the best I had 
ever seen. Just at this moment I observed Mr. Cannell hurrying 
on to see if all was complete and ready for the judges. 
1 never saw one’s eyes and face flash with greater delight 
than that of the senior member of the firm of Cannell, when he 
was explaining the individual merit of each production ; he at last 
said, “ Yes, yes, clear up ; make all neat and tidy, the judges will 
lie here shortly.” The police soon after cleared the tent. 
Outside, the star was everywhere the theme of conversation, 
1 also found the coveted decoration had taken strong hold of 
the emjjloyers as well, for there was a general enquiry respecting 
the prize and who had got it. At last the tent was thrown open, 
and the nows immediately passed from one to the other, reminding 
me of what one hears on Derby-day. 
Mr. Potter was congratulated and complimented from all 
directions; he seemed astonished at having so many friends, and 
his exhibit became more and more thronged as the nature of 
•the star became understood, some gardeners being particularly 
enthusiastic. The conversation then became more general 
respecting the dignity and value of the crown and star ; at last 
Mr. Cannell was induced by Mr. Wythes, gardener to the 
Duke of Northumberland, to bring to view the hidden gem ; they 
made a minute e-xamination, and all agreed that it was small and 
very pretty, and being solid gold it could be worn on the watch- 
chain and not too conspicuous. 1 thought it well and prettily 
designed, and numerous enquiries were made as to the next to be 
offered. At last 5 o’clock arrived, but unfortunately the rain was 
falling heavily; however, at the appointed time Mr. Cannell, 
true as the sun, handed over the £4 and the crown and star ; 
second prize £3, to Mr. R. Edwards, gardener to G. Barclay 
Eield, Esq., Otford ; and £2 to Mr. E. Hatton, who was third. 
Just then Mr. Potter, evidently overjoyed at his well-merited 
success, stejjped in, and was hailed as the hero of the day. 
Mr. H. Cannell, sen., handed him the' great coveted object of 
the occasion, “ The Gardener’s Star of Honour ;” he received 
it with grateful thanks, saying it was the most important prize 
he had ever won, and hoped his friends would abstain from 
all manifestations; he had worked hard and won it honourably. 
(Hear, hear.) Mr. Cannell congratulated the three competitors on 
the great excellence of their productions, saying how pleased he 
was with the arrangements, and also that he had done something 
towards inducing men to become more efficient as all-round 
gardeners. By so doing employers would have loss trouble 
respecting gardeners, the general productions of the gardens 
greater, and was sure to work good for all concerned. The 
weather was just then very unpropitious and the interesting 
proceedings were, I regret to say, cut off very abruptly— never- 
theless, I never enjoyed myself so much at any show before. The 
whole exhibition was of great excellence, and I thought had it 
been in St. James’s Park all the West End would have visited it. 
“A MAN OF KENT.” 
THE 
A splendid e-xhjbit came from Messrs. Cannell & Sons, Swanlev. 
iniaua to deal v.. 
Kovjll Aqoabium. 
GARDEN. 
Their Vegetables 
command to deal with them. I^taToer2rown'nTdei''fi^ tneir vegetables were remarkably fine, and we wish more space was at 
otaioes grown nndei held cultivation deserve high praise, and comprised a large number of vnrieties.-N.C.S. Snow, 
( i'’ ) 
