512 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ June 18 1885. 
Mr. Comber invariably takes full advantage of this, with the result that the 
Botanic Society’s Shows are unanimously admitted to be the most beautiful 
in or out of London. On Wednesday, not only was the marquee filled with 
the plants in competition and the handsome trade groups, but the corridor 
and a long tent leading from the central one contained numbers of contri¬ 
butions, the cut flowers and fruits occupying considerable space. 
The weather was not quite so fine as might have been desired, but 
though dull and threatening in the morning there was little rain, and an 
excellent company of visitors assembled. 
Stove and Greenhouse Plants. —There was an excellent display of 
specimens in these classes, and though the Azaleas which render earlier 
Bhows so attractive were absent, Heaths, Genethyllis, Statices, and miscel¬ 
laneous hardwooded stove and greenhouse plants were in capital condition, 
some admirable examples being staged. The two leading exhibitors in the 
nurserymen’s and amateurs’ classes were the redoubtable Mr. J. Cypher and 
Mr. Donald. The Cheltenham plants have figured conspicuously at many 
exhibitions this season, but do not appear to have suffered in the least by 
their peregrinations. The magnificent Erica Cavendishiana, which has 
been frequently praised, still appears in grand condition. Mr. Donald’s 
beuutiful plants have been fully described in the reports of the Waltham 
Abbey, and this week in the report of the South Essex Show at Leyton, and 
it need only be added respecting them that they looked equally well in the 
marquee at Regent’s Park. 
Twelve plants (open).—First Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham ; second Mr. 
H. James, Castle Nursery, Norwood ; third Mr. J. F. Mould, Pewsey, Wilts. 
Six plants (amateurs).—First Mr. D. Donald, gardener to J. G. Barclay, 
Esq., Knotts Green, Leyton ; second Mr. C. Rann, Handcross Park Gardens ; 
third Mr. J. Young, gardener to 0. E. Coope, Esq., Rochetts, Brentwood. 
Six plants (nurserymen).—First Mr. J. Cypher ; second Mr. E. Tudgey, 
Waltham Cross ; third Mr. H. James. 
Orchids. —Two handsome banks of Orchids were formed by the entries 
in the classes for these plants, and the display both in extent and beauty of 
the individual specimens was one of the finest provided at Regent’s Park 
for a considerable time. Mr. Douglas had some especially fine plants, and 
his dozen well merited the premier prize awarded to them. A central 
specimen of Odontoglossum vexillarium was grand in the extreme, bearing 
nearly 200 blooms on thirty-four spikes, some being four to a pseudo-bulb. 
The variety was also a good one, and the plant was in excellent health. 
Other notable plants in Mr. Douglas’ collection were Ltelia purpurata alba, 
Epidendrum vitellinum majus, Cypripedium spectabile, C. Lawrencianum, 
Masdevallia Harryana, and Odontoglossum Roezli, and Roezli album. Mr. 
Salter’s specimens were in a most creditable healthy condition, Brassia 
verrucosa, with seven spikes ; Epidendrum vitellinum majus, seventeen 
spikes; Aerides Fieldingi, with four large panicles; and Odontoglossum 
vexillarium, with ten spikes, six flowers each, a very pretty variety. Mr. 
Cypher’s huge Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, with about three dozen spikes, and 
Cypripedium Lawrencianum with over forty large flowers, was equally 
handsome. The best of Mr. James’ plants were four profusely flowered 
Cattleys and a fine Laelia purpurata. 
The single specimen classes brought a number of healthy well-grown 
specimens, but not of extraordinary size. Messrs. Jackson showed a good 
collection, one of his best plants being Aerides Lindleyana, with one large 
panicle, the flowers of great size, the lip rich crimson. Aerides Dayanum 
was also handsome with two spikes. Mr. Cypher had a large plant of Onci- 
dium sphacelatum, with seven panicles 3 or 4 feet long; and Mr. Janus had 
a good example of the richly coloured Cattleya Warneri. Mr. Douglas’s 
single specimen group, Odontoglossum vexillarium, represented by three 
fine plants, was especially handsome. Dendrobium suavissimum and Odonto¬ 
glossum Roezli were also noteworthy. Mr. Cooke had two large plants of 
Vanda suavis, bearing three spikes each, and Cattleya Warneri with seven 
large richly coloured flowers. One of the best of Mr. Salter’s specimens 
was Anguloa uniflora with ivory-like pink-dotted flowers. 
Twelve Orchids (amateurs).—First, Mr. J. Douglas, gardener to F. 
Whitbourn, Esq., Great Gearies, Ilford ; second, Mr. C. J. Salter, Selborne 
Gardens, Streatham; third, Mr. F. J. Hill. Twelve Orchids (nurserymen).— 
First, Mr. J. Cypher ; second, Mr. H. James ; third, Messrs. T. Jackson and 
Son, Kingston. Twelve Orchids, one plant as a pot (amateors).—First, Mr. 
J. Douglas ; second, Mr. S. Cooke, gardener to Dr. B. Crawshay, Esq., Seven- 
oaks ; third, Mr. C. J. Salter. Twelve Orchids, ditto (nurserymen).—First, 
Messrs. T. Jackson & Son; second, Mr. J. Cypher; third, Mr. H. James. 
Pelargoniums. —The Slough Pelargoniums were much in advance of 
the other exhibits, the plants being in excellent condition, compact, and 
profusely flowered. The show varieties were Prince of Russia, Despot, 
Amethyst, Ritualist, Comtesse de Choiseul, and Joe. The fancy varieties 
were Mrs. Pottle. Sarah Bernhardt, Mrs. Pope, Lady Carrington, Princess 
Teck, and Miss E. Little. Several of Mr. Wiggins’ and Mr. Hill’s fancy 
varieties were also good, but the collections were not so even. 
Six plants, in 8-inch pots (nurserymen).—First Mr. C. Turner, Slough. 
Six plants, ditto (amateurs).—First Mr. J. Hill; second Mr. J. Wiggins ; 
third Mr. D. Phillips. Six fancy varieties (nurserymen).—First Mr. C. 
Turner ; third Mr. W. Griffin, Sydenham. Six fancy varieties (amateurs).— 
First Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Clay, Esq, Grove Road, Kingston ; 
second Mr. D. Piiillips, gardener to R. W. Mann, Esq., Langley Broom, 
Slough; third Mr. J. Hill, gardener to H. Little, E*q., Hillingdon. Six zonal 
varieties (open).—First Mr. Weston, gardener to D. Martineau, Esq., Clapham 
Park ; second Mr. H. Eason, Highgate ; third Mr. H. Rowson, Highgate. 
Fine-foliage Plants. —The Handcross specimens were very fine and 
in excellent health, Cycas revoluta, Areca sapida, Croton interruptus, and 
Bonapartea stricta being of remarkable merit and the finest of their kind in 
the show. Mr. Cypher’s plants were also large healthy specimens, a speci¬ 
men of Croton Johannis in the front of the group being noteworthy for its 
bright colour. Mr. Rann’s Crotons were magnificent both in size and 
colour, and rarely are such beautiful examples seen. The varieties were 
angustifolius, albicans, Williamsi, Everestianus, Prince of Wales, and 
Warreni. They were from 2 to 7 feet high, and of proportionate diameter. 
For twelve foliage plants suitable for a dwelling room lighted by gas, 
Messrs. Hooper & Co. were first, showing Phoenix rupicola, Ophiopogon 
Jaburan folia aurea, Aspidistra lurida variegata, and Kentia Bel- 
moreana, very neat and compact. Mr. R. Butler was second, having chiefly 
Dracaenas and small Palms. 
Six fine-foliage plants (amateurs).—First Mr. C. Rann, Handcross 
Gardens ; second Mr. Young ; third Mr. R. Butler, St. Dunstan’s Lodge, 
Regent’s Park. Six fine-foliage plants (nurserymen).—First Mr. J. Cypher ; 
second Mr. E. Tudgey ; third Mr. H. James. Six Palms (open).—First Mr. 
R. Butler ; second Messrs. Hooper & Co. : third Mr. H. James. Six Crotons 
(open).—First Mr. C. Rann ; second Messrs. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden ; 
third Mr. R. Butler. Six variegated plants, not Crotons.—First Mr. H. 
James ; second Messrs. Hooper & Co. ; third Mr. Butler. Six Exotic Ferns 
(amateurs).—First Mr. Rann ; second Mr. J. Douglas; third Mr. H. 
Eason. 
Nepenthes and Sarbacenias. —Only two collections of these were 
staged, and there was only one entry in the class for Sarracenias. Mr. 
James had well-pitchered plants of N. Rafflesiana, N. intermedia, N. 
ampullacea vittata, N. sanguinea, N. robusta, and N. Hookeriana. Mr. James 
also had the first prize for Sarracenias, showing flava maxima, Mitchelliana 
Tolliana, Courti, Stevensi, and purpurea. Messrs. Laing’s Nepenthes com¬ 
prised some well-grown plants, especially notable, being the highly coloured 
variety of N. Mastersiana. Twelve Nepenthes (open).—First Mr. H. J ames ; 
second Messrs. J. Laing & Co, Forest Hill. 
Tuberous Begonias. —A dozen plants of distinct well selected varieties 
gained Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, the first prize in that class. 
Those shown were as follows, all the flowers being distinguished by their 
size, substance, and excellent form — Bridesmaid, white ; Novelty, bright 
red; White Perfection, white; Her Majesty, white edged with pink; Madame 
Stella, pink; General Roberts, brilliant scarlet; and several unnamed seed¬ 
lings of great merit. 
FRUIT. 
Only one collection of fruit was staged for the fruiterers’ prize, Mr. 
Robins, gardener to E. Dyke Lee, Esq., Hartwell House, Aylesbury, gaining 
the first prize with twenty dishes of good fruits. The Grapes were Black 
Prince, well coloured; Black Hamburgh, fairly good; Buckland Sweet¬ 
water, rather green; and Foster’s Seedling, good. The Melons were Hero 
of Bath, Hero of Lockinge, Scarlet Invincible, Victory of Bath, and Lord 
Beaconsfield. A fine dish of Alexandra Peaches was staged, the others, 
Royal George and Early Victoria, with Nectarines Violette Hative and Lord 
Napier being rather small. President Strawberries and Figs were the other 
dishes in this collection. 
Grapes. —For so early in the season the Grapes were fairly good, well 
coloured, and of good size, except in a few instances. Mr. Bates, gardener to 
Mrs. Meek, Poulett Lodge, Twickenham, had the best basket of Black 
Hamburghs, fine in berries and excellently coloured; he was followed by 
Mr. M. K. Dixon, gardener to Sir T. M. Wilson, Searles, Uckfield, smaller and 
dificient in colour ; and third Mr. H. Cakebread, gardener to Sir P. F. Rose, 
Rayners, Bucks, the berries of great size, but not sufficiently coloured, all 
being of the same variety. 
Five baskets of White Grapes were staged, Mr. P. Feist, gardener to 
R. J. Ashton, Esq., Bishopsgate House, Staines, taking the lead with Muscat 
of Alexandria, clean, even, and colouring well; Mr. W. Mowbray, gardener 
to the Earl of Leven and Melville, Fulmer, Slough, followed with Buckland 
Sweetwater with handsome berries and well ripened ; Mr. W. Bates being 
third with the same variety smaller in berry. 
Three competitors exhibited in the class for three bunches of Black 
Hamburghs, Mr. A. Smith, gardener to W. H. Sewell, Esq., Warren Hill, 
Longhton, securing the premier award for large handsome bunches, beauti¬ 
fully coloured, berries of medium size. Mr. Aslett, gardener to C. Butler, Esq., 
Warren House, Hatfield, was second, and Mr. C. Blurton, gardener to Sir J. 
Hartopp, Bart., Kingswood Warren, Epsom, was third, each with smaller 
bunches than the first; the last named was, however, very well coloured. 
For three bunches of any other black variety Mr. Mowbray was first 
with Black Prince, large bunches fairly well coloured, and Mr. Cake- 
bread was second with Madresfield Court, large in berry, but deficient in 
colour. 
White Grapes were also provided for in two classes. For three bunches 
of Muscat of Alexandria Mr. Cakebread was first with large even bunches 
and berries, and Mr. Feist second, but neither were so well coloured as 
might be desired. Mr. Cakebread was first in the other variety class with 
Foster’s Seedling, followed by Mr. Mowbray with Buckland Sweetwater, 
and Mr. Robins with Foster’s Seedling. 
Melons. —Four competitors entered the class for two Melons, Mr. J. 
Douglas was first with Scarlet Premier and Hero of Lockinge. Mr. H. W. 
Ward, gardener to the Earl of Radnor, Longford Castle, Salisbury, was 
second with Read’s Scarlet Flesh and Hero of Lockinge, beautifully netted, 
and Mr. G. Halliday, gardener to J. Norris, Esq.. Castle Hill, Bletchingley, 
was third with Highcross Hybrid and Scarlet Gem. 
Peaches and Nectarines. —With two dishes of Peaches Mr. Mowbray 
took the lead, showing Royal George and Noblesse, the former good and 
well coloured. Mr. Robins was second, showing Early Louise and Alexandria, 
the latter fine. Mr. C. Blurton was third with Violette Hative and Royal 
Royal George, small, and wanting colour. Mr. Mowbray was first with 
Elruge and Pitmaston Orange Nectarines, Mr. Robins being second with 
Lord Napier and Newington, all rather small. 
Mr. T. Laxton, Bedford, sent samples of his Strawberries, The Captain 
and Noble, grown in the open air. The last-named is a fine conical fruit of 
a rich colour, very handsome. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, exhibited 
plants of Strawberry Pauline, bearing ripe fruits grown out of doors. 
Cut Flowers.— Roses produced a beautiful display, the blooms generally 
being extremely fresh and of good substance. The principal prizetakers 
were Mr. H. Gibson, gardener to T. F. Burnaby Atkins, Esq., Halstead 
Place, Sevenoaks ; T. W. Girdleston, Fsq., Sunningdale; Mr. J. Holling- 
worth, Turkey Court, Maidstone ; Messrs. Paul & Son, Mr. B. R. Cant, Mr. 
C. Turner, Mr. Robins; and Mr. Rumsey. 
Of other cut flowers there was al=o an excellent show. With Orchids 
Messrs. Salter, Hill, and Douglas secured the chief prizes. For hardy flowers 
