May 23,1885. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
437 
best in the land, and gardeners can, in the same way, prove their strength, 
■or perhaps their weakness, by submitting their products to the judges’ 
decisions. Another important matter which has contributed very largely 
to the success of the Manchester Exhibition is the substantial prizes offered 
and promptness with which these are paid at the conclusion of the show. 
Exhibiting involves considerable expense, and few can afford to wait for 
months, or perhaps a year, for a return of their outlay. Committees and 
secretaries of horticultural societies would do well to give more considera¬ 
tion to the quick payment of prize money than is usually the case, as when 
■once a society’s credit is established in this way there is no difficulty in 
obtaining a show. So many facilities are now afforded by the railway com¬ 
panies, and the conveyance of exhibits from one end cf the kingdom to the 
other can be speedily and safely effected now where there is sufficient 
inducement to attract growers from a distance. An example of this was 
afforded at the Manchester Show by the appearance of Mr. Cypher’s giant 
specimens after doing duty at Regent’s Park two days before. On Wednesday 
•afternoon they were being admired by visitors in the Royal Botanic Society’s 
Show, London, and a few hours later they were being arranged in the 
■exhibition house at Manchester, where, after their journey of over 300 
miles—namely, from Cheltenham to London and thence to Manchester by 
the Midland railway, they looked as fresh as if they had been just brought 
•from their Cheltenham home. 
E very means has been adopted by the energetic and enterprising Curator, 
Mr. Bruce Findlay, to render the Show a success, and much praise is accorded 
to him for the highly satisfactory results obtained ; and though more exten- 
•sive exhibitions have been seen in the Old Trafford Gardens than that which 
opened on Friday last, it can safely be said that they never had a prettier 
or more diversified one. Much of the general effect of such a show is due 
to the method of arrangement, for however good the plants may be, consi¬ 
derable care is necessary to display them to the best advantage. This was 
admirably done at Manchester, and it was remarked by numbers who have 
visited most of the Whit-week shows that in the disposition of the produc¬ 
tions of the present year it was equal to the finest of those held in previous 
seasons and superior to the majority. The conservatory or exhibition house was 
especially beautiful with its thousands of varied, bright, and curious Orchid 
flowers, and fine banks of Ferns, Palms, Cycads, and other foliage plants, 
with Mr. B. S. Williams’ and other nurserymen’s groups in the centre, from 
which arose numerous tall and graceful Tree Ferns—a most commendable 
improvement in the arrangement. Then there were the grand specimen 
■stove and greenhouse plants from Cheltenham near the entrance, which 
•attracted the attention of visitors immediately, and formed a group that 
•could scarcely be surpassed, and one—the marvellous Erica Cavendishiana 
—has probably never been equalled. The enormous exhibition tent was 
•devoted to the groups in competition, the Worcester Clematises, with speci¬ 
men Azaleas and Pelargoniums, forming a grand bank at one end, facing 
them at the other end being the Bagshot Rhododendrons, while on each 
side were the competing groups. Viewed from the elevated path at one 
end near the Clematises the effect produced was charming in the ex¬ 
treme. A smaller tent was occupied with hardy herbaceous and Alpine 
plants, which, notwithstanding the lateness of the season, were very nume¬ 
rous and of good quality, Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, Pansies, miscellaneous 
exhibits, and the fruits. In the grounds horticultural builders exhibited a 
large number of houses and garden appliances, Messrs. Halliday & Co., 
Middleton, having a large number of frames and greenhouses. 
Orchids. —Several important exhibitors were absent from the Show this 
year; but though Mr. Percival’s grand specimens were sadly missed, and one 
or two other contributors from the neighbourhood of Manchester were 
unahle to bring their treasures, the display was a beautiful one, a magni¬ 
ficent bank of specimens being arranged upon each side of the conservatory. 
The Cattleyas from St. Albans constituted an important portion of the 
Exhibition, and with a number of fine Odontoglossumg and a neat margin of 
Adiantums formed a most welcome group. The Handsworth collection was 
also one of the most important in regard to the variety and beauty of the 
varieties shown. In the competitors’ classes, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, 
Laelias, Oncidiums, and Masdevallias furnished the greater portion of colour, 
but the plants were mostly of moderate size, except Mr. Heine’s Dendrobium 
Paxtoni, which was about 4 feet high and the same in diameter, bearing 
some hundreds of spikes of golden maroon-blotched flowers. Lselia pur- 
purata from the same exhibitor, with a dozen spike3 of four flowers each, 
was also very handsome, and Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, from Mr. James 
Cypher, with three dozen long spikes, was greatly admired by the numerous 
visitors. Dendrobium Devonianum, with about sixty growths, from Mr. A. 
Heine ; Phalsenopsis amabilis, with forty or fifty spikes, from Dr. Ainsworth; 
Dendrobium Wardianum, with over fifty growths, from Mr. Heine; and a 
magnificent Vanda teres from Mr. Joseph Broome, bearing over forty spikes 
of two and three flowers each, were also notable specimens. All the plants 
were distinguished by a most healthy appearance, and the majority, even in 
the case of very small pieces, were flowering very abundantly. 
Messrs. Fisher, Son, & Sibray, Handsworth, Sheffield, had a charming 
group of Orchids, which was backed with large specimens of Paullinia 
thalictrifolia, Asparagus plumosus and tenuissimus 6 feet high, globular 
in form, and 5 feet in diameter. Three tall specimens of Vanda suavis 
had two to four spikes each. A wonderfully fine variety of Phalsenopsis 
amabilis with broad round petals attracted much attention, being one 
of the best in cultivation. The spike had ten flowers. Lselia purpurata 
with an extremely richly coloured lip, and Oncidium Marshallianum with 
unusually large and brightly coloured flowers, were also remarkable. Some 
handsome Cattleyas, Masdevallias, Dendrobiums, and Cypripediums were 
included in this group, which was margined with small plants of the neat 
white Azalea Mrs. Buist, alternately with Adiantums. Messrs. F. Sander 
and Co.’s group was chiefly composed of Cattleyas, representing many hand¬ 
some varieties. Masdevallias and Odontoglossums were also well shown, 
and added much to the beauty of the collection. 
In the class for nine Orchids A. Heine, Esq., Fallowfield (gardener, Mr. 
Craggs), was awarded chief honours for the fine Dendrobium Devonianum 
already mentioned; two handsome Cattleyas, Mossise and Mendeli, with 
thirty to forty flowers each ; Vanda suavis, two fine spikes ; Dendrobium 
thyrsiflorum, with fourteen spikes ; Odontoglossum cirrho9um, very beautiful 
with four panicles; and Odontoglossum Alexandras, in a large pan, bearing 
over a dozen spikes. The second jplace was gained by Samuel S. Whalley, 
Esq., Smallwood, Fallowfield (gardener, Mr. G. Jackson), who had Dendro¬ 
bium Paxtoni, Saccolabium prsemorsum, and Lselia purpurata in good condi¬ 
tion. With smaller plants Dr. Ainsworth, Cliff Point, Higher Broughton 
(gardener, Mr. E. Mitchell), secured the third place, showing Saccolabium 
praemorsum and Phalsenopsis amabilis very well. For six Orchids Dr. 
Ainsworth was, however, awarded the premier prize, staging the grand 
Phalmnopsis mentioned above, with Vanda suavis bearing eight spikes, 
Phalsenopsis grandiflora well flowered, and Aerides Fieldingi with four 
spikes. Following closely in this class John Heywood, Esq., The Grange, 
Stretford (gardener, Mr. Elphinstone), secured the second place with Cypri¬ 
pedium purpuratum bearing fifty flowers, Cypripedium caudatum with 
eight flowers, Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, twelve spikes ; Lselia purpurata, 
twelve flowers, and Odontoglossum Roezlii album with twenty flowers. 
Two good collections were entered in the class for fifteen Orchids, Mr. A. 
Heine winning chief honours for large well-grown specimens, comprising 
the following :—Dendrobium Dalhousianum, bearing a dozen spikes ; 
Odontoglossum Alexandra, twenty-two spikes ; Cypripedium Lawrenci- 
anum, thirty flowers; Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, twenty spikes; Oncidium 
sphacelatum, eight large panicles; Dendrobium Wardianum, already 
mentioned ; Lselia purpurata alba, fine ; Cattleya Mossise, Odontoglossum 
vexillarium, and several others in superb condition. Joseph Broome, Esq. 
(gardener, Mr. H. Cole), was second with smaller, but choice plants, of 
which the Vanda teres, 4 feet high and nearly as much in diameter, was 
the most notable; Dendrobiums, Vandas, and Cattleyas constituting the 
chief portion of the collection. 
With ten “bona fide” specimens Mr. Heine was again to the front, 
Dendrobium Paxtoni and Lselia purpurata, already mentioned, being his 
principal plants. Other good specimens were Vanda tricolor formosa, very 
handsome ; Calanthe veratrifolia, seven spikes; Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, 
seven spikes ; Vanda suavis, two spikes ; Odontoglossum Halli, two spikes of 
eighteen flowers each ; Cattleya Mossise aurantiaca, and Dendrobium nobile. 
The second prize in this class was gained by Mr. J. Broome, who had chiefly 
Dendrobiums—namely, D. pulchellum, very pretty in a basket; D. clavatum, 
D. Falconeri, D. nobile, D. thyrsiflorum, and D. Wardianum, with a good 
Aerides Fieldingi, Cattleya Mossise, Lselia purpurata, and Cypripedium 
Stonei. Mr. Heine had the best six Cattleyas, profusely flowered plants of 
C. Mendeli and Mossise, with large richly coloured flowers. Mr. J. Broome 
was second with C. Skinneri, very bright, and varieties of C. Mossise. 
In the nurserymen’s class for sixteen specimens Mr. James Cypher, 
Cheltenham, was the principal exhibitor, taking the premier prize with 
similar plants to those shown at the Regent’s Park a few days before. The 
second place was secured by Mr. H. James for very healthy well-flowered 
plants of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, Vanda suavis, Masdevallia Harryana, 
Coelogyne Massangeana, Oncidium Marshallianum, Phalsenopsis amabilis, 
and Dendrobium Jamesianum. For ten Orchids the same exhibitors were 
placed in the same order, both contributing fine specimens. 
For three Vandas Mr. A. Heine took the lead with V. tricolor insignis, 
bearing three fine spikes; V. suavis Gottschalckii, with two spikes; and 
V. tricolor formosa with the same number. Mr. S. Whalley followed with 
V. suavis varieties, and Mr. J. Broome with V. suavis and V. teres, the latter 
very good. 
Stove and Greenhouse Plants. —The principal plants in the classes 
devoted to these were Mr. J. Cypher’s magnificent specimens, which were in 
splendid condition. Erica Cavendishiana, 5 feet high and as much in 
diameter, was a mass of flowers, one of the grandest specimens that has 
ever been shown. Erica depressa, though smaller, was equally fine as 
regards the number of flowers and health. Pimelea spectabilis and P. Hen- 
dersonii were remarkable, and the other plants were the same as those at 
Regent’s Park two days before. Mr. H. James was awarded the second 
prize for a most creditable collection, of which Erica depressa and E. ven¬ 
tricosa magnifica were the most notable; Mr. E. Tudgey being third with 
well-grown plants. 
In the amateurs’ class for eight plants, S. Schloss, Esq., Osborne Villa, 
Bowdon (gardener, Mr. C. Paul), secured the chief honours for some freely 
flowered Azaleas, a very handsome Boronia elatior, Erica Victoria, and 
Dendrobium fimbriatum oculatum. The second prize was gained by John 
Rylands, Esq., Longford Hall, Stretford (gardener, Mr. G. Smith), who had 
Darwinia fuchsioides, 8 feet high, and loaded with flowers, Azalea Roi 
Leopold beautifully flowered, Ixoras Williamsi and Pilgrimi in fine 
condition, and Anthurium Andreanum with six large spathes. 
Heaths. —For six greenhouse Ericas, distinct (nurserymen), Mr. James 
Cypher was first with splendidly grown specimens, particularly of E. 
Cavendishiana, ventricosa magnifica, and tricolor Wilsonii. The other 
varieties were Lindleyana, depressa, and ventricosa coccinea minor. Mr. 
E. Tudgey was second, among whose plants were excellent examples of 
Victoria, affinis, and ventricosa tricolor. In the corresponding class for 
amateurs Joseph Broome,Esq., Didsbury, was first; Victoria and ventricosa 
coccinea minor being particularly good, also V. magnifica ; the second fell 
to Mr. Williams, 12, Church Street, Didsbury, whose best plant was coc¬ 
cinea minor. 
Azaleas. —In the amateurs’ class for six distinct varieties Joseph 
Broome, Esq., was first; while James Brown, Esq., Heaton Mersey, and Mr. 
Smith followed in the order named. The premier plants were splendidly 
flowered, Stella, Trotteriana, Criterion, and Madlle. Lefebvre being especially 
fine ; indeed, better examples it would be impossible to stage. 
Pelargoniums. —In the nurserymen’s class for eight Show varieties Mr. 
Chas. Rylance, Ormskirk, was the only exhibitor, staging in his usual style 
large well-grown plants, splendidly flowered, but in some instances rather 
backward. The most notable were Gaiety, Royal Bride, Digby Grand, and 
Leopold ; the same grower taking the lead for eight Fancy Pelargoniums, 
which formed a most attractive series, Sarah Turner, Evening Star, Lucy, 
Fanny Gair, and Advancer being the best. 
Clematises. —The only collection was staged by Messrs. Richard Smith 
and Co., Worcester, to whom the first prize was awarded. The plants were 
well flowered, and formed a very imposing feature in the large tent. The 
most striking varieties were Marie Lefebvre, Grand Duchess, Madame Van 
Houtte, Sensation, Lady Caroline Nevill, Purpurea elegans, Anderson 
Henry, and Gloire de St, Julien (single-flowered), and Lucie Lemoine and 
Countess of Lovelace (double). This group well merited the honour 
bestowed. 
