128 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ February 14, 1884. 
In commenting on the above report and the condition of the Society, the 
President, Lord Aberdare, remarked that their position that day indicated 
that the Society is in a state of transition, but there were several facts 
which gave cheerful hopes for the future, as, though there had been a 
falling-ofS in the number of elections during the year, there had also been 
a reduction of expenses. No doubt that some members had been lost owing 
to the partial severance of the Society from the Kensington Gardens, which 
had been very attractive to residents in the neighbourhood. But this loss 
had not been so great as he expected, and he believed that no Fellows 
had resigned who had joined them simply from a love of horticulture and a 
desire to further its interests. Therefore, the scientific and practical import¬ 
ance had not been decreased in the slighest degree. The previous year the 
elections were 147 and the resignations 124 ; in the past year the elections 
were 135 and the resignations 147. Returning to the financial aspect his 
lordship stated that during the five preceding years there had been an 
adverse balance on each occasion, but this year, after clearing off all debts 
and doubtful assets, there is a balance of £800 to the good. This was chiefly 
due to the liberal arrangements the Committee of the Fisheries Exhibition 
had made with the Society, and partly to the reduction of expenses ; but 
though this thus derived from what might be termed accidental causes it had 
placed them in an extremely good position with regard to the present year, 
in which he considered they would be able to increase the strength of their 
finances. 
Arrangements have been made with the Executive Council of the Health 
Exhibition securing to the Fellows similar privileges to those enjoyed by 
them in connection with the Fisheries’ Exhibition— i.e., free admission while 
the Exhibition is continued, except to the opening and closing ceremonies, 
and upon six evenings to be reserved by the Council, the debenture holders 
also being entitled to obtain passes. It is also proposed to continue the 
monthy evening meetings, which proved so successful last year, and which 
the Chairman thought would add much to the scientific importance of the 
Society. No large shows are to be held, but it is in contemplation, though 
the arrangements have not yet been completed, to hold monthly exhibitions 
of flowers and fruit in a building to be erected for the purpose at the 
expense of the Health Committee, but under the care of the Royal 
Horticultural Society. If this can be settled upon, it will be greatly to 
the advantage of the Fellows, and no doubt some extensive displays 
would be obtained, as one of the usual fortnightly meetings would be 
held upon the same day. He concluded by submitting that the report be 
adopted. 
Mr. Shirley Hibberd, in seconding the adoption of the report, stated that 
it was gratifying to hear of the Society’s satisfactory financial position ; 
but it . should be remembered that this was due to money acquired 
by accident and did not indicate increased moral strength. Any 
comfort derivable from the report seemed to be chiefly speculation as 
to the future, and he regretted that the announcements respecting the 
programme of the present year had been made so late that the Special 
Societies which had added so much to the attractions of the Society had 
been compelled to fix the dates of their shows in much uncertainty as 
to where they would be held. He considered the fortnightly meetings are in 
danger of becoming merely trade exhibitions, and he thought it was desir¬ 
able that the Society should expend more money in connection with the 
meetings with a view to encouraging amateurs. It was said that gentle¬ 
men sending their plants and fruits to the Society’s meetings must not 
expect money prizes, but the gardeners looked for some compensation, and 
he was convinced that a moderate sum judiciously expended would do much 
to increase the number of amateur exhibitors, and thus render them better 
representatives of general horticulture. Referring to Chiswick Mr. Hibberd 
thanked the Society on behalf of the Committee of the International Potato 
Show for the liberality by which a space of ground had been placed at their 
disposal for testing varieties of Potatoes both in the last and present years. 
He also wished that Fellows would visit the Chiswick Gardens more 
frequently than is the case, as there is always much to interest them, though 
there is room for several improvements in regard to the labelling and other 
matters. 
In reply Lord Aberdare called Mr. Hibberd’s attention to the fact that 
though the increased receipts was accidental, the decrease in expenditure was 
permanent. It was further stated that only medals had been given at the 
meetings, and it was the general opinion that the displays had greatly 
improved. It does not therefore appear that money prizes are needed. The 
Chiswick Gardens had been under consideration, and it was proposed to 
expend a portion of their surplus upon improvements there, as the Society 
depends greatly upon this garden. 
Some discussion arose respecting the approaches to the conservatory, but 
it was explained that when the Health Exhibition is opened Fellows can 
obtain admission at any door ; until then the north-east door is reserved 
for them, and they will have access to the conservatory only. The report 
was then adopted, and the meeting terminated with a unanimous vote of 
thanks to the Chairman. 
[In consequence of an accident occurring in preparing for press we are 
unable to publish the auditors’ report and balance sheet.] 
LATE-FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
Almost any flowers are useful in the dull months of winter. I have 
found amongst Chrysanthemums Julie Lagravere a very serviceable 
variety, having had fresh flowers of this until the 24th of January from 
plants which we have been cutting for six weeks. Countess of Dudley 
has proved useful, having flowers which look likely to keep till the 
middle of February. This is a variety that has not come under my 
notice before. I should feel obliged if any of your readers would say 
what they know of it ; I cannot find it in any of the lists of Chrys¬ 
anthemums that have reached me. The plants I refer to were stopped 
about the middle of August. Other varieties were pinched at the same 
time with popr results—White Christine, Beverley, Diamond, and a few 
Japanese, which produced small mis-shaped flowers, while many of the 
buds did not open at all. With Julie Lagravere Snowdrop would be a 
good companion, its pearly white flowers being naturally late, and it is 
a good keeping Pompon.—J. P. 
With us the Chrysanthemum season is not over yet, as you will see 
by the blooms which I send you. Fair Maid of Guernsey is from a plant 
that was cut back to about a foot from the pot in July, showing that by 
that system useful blooms may be had during January and February. 
And how serviceable they are during these months 1 Guernsey Nugget 
is just now at its best with me, and Princess Teck fresh and fine, the 
blooms on disbudded and undisbudded plants being very good. P6re 
Delaux appears to be a good late Japanese variety. I attribute their 
lateness partly to the very mild autumn and winter.—W m. Jenkins. 
[The flowers sent are very fresh and attractive, and there is not a 
speck of mildew on the foliage. The plants have evidently received 
good attention. Another correspondent states that by cutting down 
some plants he has a valuable supply of late flowers. For producing 
dwarf plants for exhibition only the earliest varieties may be cut down 
in June. Cutting down all sorts indiscriminately in July is a mistake 
when blooms are wanted in November. Such a mistake is, however, not 
kiely to be made by many thoughtful cultivators.] 
SPECIAL SOCIETIES. 
I have no wish to enter into controversy with Mr. Douglas, and, 
like your correspondent “ Border Flower,” object to giving the name of 
the amateur to whom I alluded ; but, like him, I have sent it to the 
Editor, that, he may use his discretion as to giving it to Mr. Douglas or 
not. As to your correspondent “ W. J. H.’s” question about pedigree 
Roses, I object to the term because it is misleading. Pedigree has 
reference, so Richardson says, to “ the genealogy of forefathers ; ” and 
when we speak of pedigree Shorthorns (e.y.) it is that we can trace for 
some generations the stock from whence they came. But because you 
cross two Roses you are entitled to call the progeny a pedigree Rose 
seems to me ridiculous. Why not speak of pedigree Geraniums or 
Auriculas,or any other flower of which you know the parents?—D., Deal. 
I am very loth to further trouble you regarding this matter, but 
Mr. Douglas in your last issue rather assumes that “ D., Deal," wa9 
referring to an amateur who had an overstock of good Auriculas to 
dispose of. What “ D., Deal," really said was “ In the class for pairs 
there were fourteen instead of nine exhibitors, showing uumistakeably 
the wisdom of making this class so as to admit small growers, although 
I cannot but think an unfair use was made by some exhibitors of this 
class.” Further on your worthy correspondent “ D., Deal," refers to the 
individual complained of as “he.” 
Let us see who competed in the class in question and obtained prizes. 
Your issue of 2Gth April, 1883, page 340, shows that the following took 
the prizes in the order named—Messrs. S. Barlow, P. K. Penson, 
W. Brockbank, C. Turner, M. Rowan, and W. Bolton. I observe later 
on that Mr. C. Turner took every prize in the two classes for a 
single specimen gold-centre Alpine Auricula and a single specimen 
white or cream centre Alpine Auricula. Comment is needless, the more 
so as Mr. Douglas seems to think this is as it should be ; but he does 
admit that a man who had a surplus stock of a thousand plants ought 
not to have competed in the class for two Auriculas, adding in a guarded 
manner, “ I do not think it was done.” 
A perusal of the list of winners in the particular class under notice 
will convince Mr. Douglas that such was really the case, or I am sure 
“ D., Deal," would not have called attention to the matter in the terms 
he did.— Auricula, North London . 
I think your correspondent “ Border Flower ” has hit the right nail 
on the head. I am told, it may be wrongly, that Mr. Douglas sells more 
Auriculas than any nurseryman in the kingdom (Mr. Turner excepted) ; 
while Mr. Cannell advertised last year that he had bought all his surplus 
stock of Carnations and Picotees ; while Mr. Dodwell must be considered 
quite a nurseryman. He publishes a catalogue of his own seedlings, 
priced at 10s. and 5s. a pair, and Mr. Cannell advertises this year that 
he has bought his surplus stock. It would be surprising, therefore, if the 
two Secretaries did not see cogent reasons why the two Societies should 
flourish!— Fair Play. 
VINES BLEEDING. 
I have much pleasure in informing “ Comber ” (page 60) that the 
Vine which bled so profusely here after having one of its limbs cut 
off last April is alive and well. He will remember I did not say 
bleeding was injurious, beneficial, or harmless ; but I pointed out that 
some were of one opinion and some another on this subject, and the 
case in question ought to point to a conclusion of some kind. Whether 
it has done so or not your readers may judge. 
From the time the Vine was pruned until the shoots had gained 
a length of a few inches between two and three gallons of sap were 
lost. It was a Foster’s Seedling with three main rods, and one of them 
was cut away to make room for an Alicante. In the same house were 
some rods of Black Hamburghs. These grew fast enough, and the 
Foster's Seedling kept pace with them in every respect. There was 
no shyness in forming shoots, with two and three bunches cn each, 
as is usual with this variety. Wood and leaves developed as strongly 
as ever they did previously, and the bunches matured in the ordinary 
