January 22, 1885. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
71 
burgh hardly touches on horticulture. It seems to have been, however, 
a great success, although the equanimity of the exhibitors seems to have 
been disturbed in a very unusual manner by the decisions of the Judges 
—unusual, at least, as far as we Sassenachs are concerned, for one very 
seldom hears of protests and alterations of prizes at English shows, hut 
they are not so rare across the border. Whether it is that Scotchmen do 
not know when they are beaten, or whether there is something wrong in 
the manner in which judges are appointed I know not, but such com¬ 
plaints are not unusual. The usual history of provincial societies has 
been repeated, some continuing as vigorous as ever, others perishing under 
the influence of bad weather or bad management ; others starting into 
existence full of hope and the elastic spirits of youth. To all such 
youngsters we wish success. Let him keep a sharp look-out on the fair¬ 
ness of exhibitors. Some people seem to have a very elastic conscience 
in the matter of showing other people’s productions as their own, and 
seem very much astonished that such a proceeding should be considered 
dishonest; but it is such things winked at or condoned that go far towards 
causing the break-up of many Societies. 
The year has not been remarkable for any very startling novelty which 
has takeu the world by storm, as has sometimes been the case. We have 
nothing like the furore created by Vanda Sanderiana last year, and the 
most notable examples of Orchids have been amongst varieties of well 
known species rather than in new species, if we except Aerides Sanderiana 
Thus Cattleya Trianse has been represented by two new and handsome 
varieties. So Odontoglossum Alexandras has been shown in two new and 
grand varieties, and Odontoglossum crispum (is it not that var. ?) in no 
less than six varieties, amongst them the splendid variety of Baron 
Schroder's Veitchi; and it would almost seem as if some of these Orchids 
were assuming the character of florists’ flowers in the number of their 
varieties and in the different shape and character of their flowers. 
Amongst greenhouse plants perhaps no flower has shown greater advance 
than the Amaryllis, and the varieties for which Messrs. Veitch obtained 
no less than nine certificates, show how great is the advance and what 
admirable flowers they are for the decoration of greenhouses. Descending 
from those aristocratic denizens of our stoves and greenhouses to those 
commoner objects which so many more cultivate, although since the cooler 
system of growing Orchids has been adopted the number of Orchid 
growers has greatly increased, no flower has made such rapid strides as 
the Chrysanthemum. The number of exhibitions and the value of the 
prizes offered by them have both increased, and from all parts of the 
kingdom we hear of new societies springing up and old ones extending 
their operations and increasing their prize lists ; nor is this to be wondered 
at. The easiest of all flowers to cultivate, thriving in the open ground, the 
greenhouse, or the poor man’s cottage, coming into flower at a time of the 
year when, except with the wealthier classes, flowers are a thing of the 
past, varied in its colouring in the charscter of its blooms, useful for 
cutting for the bouquet or vase, standing well the confinement of the hall 
or sitting-room, its claims to patronage are indeed manifold, and it is no 
wonder that we from year to year see it advance in popular favour. As 
a consequence of this we have the multiplication of varieties, and here 
lies the chief danger of the present high tide of popular favour. Not only 
are flowers identical with those already in cultivation likely to be palmed 
o£E on the public, but worthless varieties are sure to be introduced in 
large numbers, and those growers for sale who will resolutely set them¬ 
selves against both these practices will deserve well of their country. The 
attempt to popularise the single varieties has proved a failure so far, nor 
do I think it is likely to gain much way. 
The “ craze ” for single Dahlias shows signs of abatement. We have 
had only one first-class certificate awarded this year, while last year seven 
were awarded in one day by the Floral Committee ; and this is as it should 
be. We do not want to see gardens crammed, as I have seen some, with 
these single flowers, although a few of various colours are, I think, 
indispensable, not for the beauty of the garden (for their tendency to 
form seed-pods disfigures them very much, and they need to he gone over 
almost every day to prevent this), but for cutting. For this, I think, the 
smaller varieties are better adapted, the large ones are too coarse. The 
Tuberous-rooted Begonia seems to have reached its full development both 
in the single and double varieties, and it is now openly advocated that the 
best way to grow them is to do as has long since been done with the 
Cineraria and Calceolaria—grow them from seed each year. It is hardly 
possible that for either size or brilliancy of colour we can get beyond 
those already in existence. One wonders now in looking round upon the 
lists of flowers that are in our gardens on what next the hybridisers will 
try their hand. Almost everything seems “ used up,” and like Alexander 
the hybridiser may feel inclined to sigh that he has no new worlds to 
conquer. The taste for herbaceous and alpine plants shows no diminution, 
and here again caution is necessary. It does not follow because a plant 
belongs to those sections that it is a desirable thing to put into our 
gardens, and unless to those persons who desire to grow collections the 
multitude of species is bewildering. Those of us whose means and space 
are limited are obliged to be very careful in such matters ; and one cannot 
but hail with pleasure the increased activity in this direction shown by 
Mr. George Paul of Cheshunt, as thereby giving another facility for lovers 
of those most interesting plants to see and judge for themselves as to what 
additions they should make to their gardens. 
The review of the past year would be incomplete if we did not look 
at the death roll and notice some few of those who have during the past 
year been called away who have been known amongst us as horticulturists, 
and who have advanced the interests of the craft we love. By the death 
of Mr. Mangles of Valewood, Haslemere, the Royal Horticultural Society 
ost a devoted and wise friend, and horticulture one of its most scientific 
growers. He was especially strong on Rhododendrons, which he culti¬ 
vated with great success. Amongst amateur gardeners we miss Mr. 
Isaac Anderson Henry and Mr. Sam Mendel, whose wonderful collection at 
Manley Hall in the days of his prosperity was one of the sights of the 
north, and Mr. Henry Bohn, whose interest in horticulture continued up 
to the last, although he died at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. 
Two celebrated gardeners of celebrated places have also passed away—Mr. 
Speed of Chatsworth, although his death really took place in the closing 
days of 1883, and Mr. Fleming of Cliveden, both of them types of first- 
class gardeners, knowing much, yet unassuming in their manner, and 
always ready to give information to those who sought it at their hands. 
Florists will regret the death of Mr. Rylance of Ormskirk, and a name 
more widely known still, Mr. George Rudd of Bradford ; he was an enthu¬ 
siastic grower of Carnations and Picotees, and an intimate friend of Mr. 
Thomas Woodhead of Shibden Head, the famous Auricula grower, whose 
surplus stock he latterly used to distribute. What would have been 
indeed a calamity had it ended as was at one time feared hung over us 
during the closing months of the year, but which was averted—the serious 
state of Mr. George Prince of Oxford, owing to an accident; the wide¬ 
spread sympathy which it evoked showed how much he is esteemed, and 
let us hope that he may long be spared to the Rose-loving world. 
The review of the past year would be incomplete if I did not refer to 
that powerful lever in horticulture, the gardening press. The Journal 
shows no sign of the infirmities of age, but has rather renewed its youth ; 
and while contributors change, the yaried and practical character of the 
paper shows no diminution of interest. Monthly papers have departed. 
They did their work well; but the hurry-scurry of the times will not be 
satisfied to wait for a month, but must have their weeklies instead, and 
these have increased marvellously. 
In thus hastily passing in review the past year we see, as in everything 
else, it has had a chequered, but on the whole a hopeful, career—such a 
one as may lead us to say in a right sense that this year may be as the 
past, and much more abundant.—D., Deal. 
LORD NAPIER NECTARINE. 
As far as my experience goes, I think Mr. Muir and Mr. Bennett are 
both right regarding the qualities of this fine Nectarine. In the early 
spring of 1878 I planted a tree of it on the south side of our great orchard 
house here, and the only year that it was really fine was in 1880, which 
in this part was a splendidly dry and warm summer. The fruits were 
large, well coloured, and of good flavour. In 1881 and 1882 they were 
altogether so inferior that another sort was substituted for it in 1883. It 
is evidently not adapted for a cool orchard house in this climate, yet 
under different conditions it is a grand Nectarine. I saw it fine in a 
narrow lean-to house at Gunnersbury Park last season, and with warmer 
treatment it deserves all that has been said in its praise. Victoria, 
another useful Nectarine, behaved exactly the same way as Lord Napier 
in our orchard house, and ha3 shared the same fate. Pine Apple, Hum¬ 
boldt, Pitmaston Orange, &c., all do well. Pine Apple we gather till the 
end of October.—D. Thomson, Drumlanrig. 
TIGER FLOWERS. 
Tigridias are unique in their way,favourites with most people 
when seen in flower, but many upon learning that the individual 
blossoms are beauties only of a day despise them; but this 
peculiarity should not prevent them from finding a place in most 
gardens, and especially in private establishments. There are 
many positions in such eminently adapted to their requirements— 
warm corners by the stove or Orchid houses, in which they would 
be permanently happy; in such places, with efficient drainage, I 
am sure they would give a minimum of trouble, and in their 
season surprise more people than the most attractive Orchid. Be 
sure of this, there are no more brilliant and beautiful flowers for 
the time being than Tigridias. I know several clumps at the 
foot of a stove wall which are yearly much admired. The situa¬ 
tion they occupy was at the time of planting well drained with 
6 inches depth of crocks. A mixture of loam, leaf soil, manure, 
and sand was prepared and put about the bulbs, which are about 
6 inches below the surface. It is now some years since this was 
done, and they are fine clumps, requiring no attention but occa¬ 
sional waterings in dry weather and a yearly top-dressing of 
fresh soil, composed of equal parts of loam and old hotbed 
manure. I have grown a large number of Tiger Flowers, and, 
with the exception of the rare T. coelestis and the curious 
T. undulata, I find them all much benefited by plenty of manure. 
For example, last April 1 planted 5U0 bulbs of T. Pavonia and as 
many of T. conchiflora (small bulbs), and some of them were so 
shrivelled that I entertained small hopes of their recovery. They 
were planted in an open sunny position in light sandy soil, with 
a good layer of manure.arranged just beneath the rows of bulbs. 
The result was perfectly satisfactory, for in November they were 
lifted—large plump bulbs with side bulbs larger than the 
originals. 
With regard to T. undulata, a word as to its behaviour after 
importation may be opportune. The authorities of the C 
