JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
530 
[ June 29, 1882. 
and every Mushroom grower ought to liave no more 
difficulty in procuring “ bricks ” of the first quality 
than they have in obtaining new and good vegetable 
and flower seeds. 
As pertaining to this aspect of Mushroom culture, 
numbers of persons cannot fail to have noticed how fat 
and fleshy those Mushrooms are that spring up spon¬ 
taneously from decaying hotbeds in which no spawn 
was inserted, and they have been at a loss to under¬ 
stand the cause of the excellence of the produce. The 
chief reason is because they have been produced from 
mycelium direct from the spores, aided by steady 
growth under the influence of low temperature in the 
autumn. — J. 'Weight. 
(To be continued.) 
RED SPIDER ON VINES. 
From one of our vineries we have been cutting Grapes for a 
month or more, and to have them ripe thus early much of fire 
heat had to be applied early in the season. This was had from 
a flue, and heat of the kind is always likely to encourage the 
increase of red spider. Some time ago this pest appeared on 
some of the leaves nearest the flue, and we did not wish it to 
spread any more than we could help, but how to check it with¬ 
out injuring the fruit was a question requiring some considera¬ 
tion. Flues cannot be painted with any mixture like pipes, and 
they are altogether more conducive to spider-rearing than the hot 
water. However, our old friend the syringe was brought into 
action, clear water being syringed on to them without stint. This 
has been most effectual in removing the spider, and it has done 
no harm whatever to the Grapes. In ripening they assumed a 
beautiful coat of bloom, the water passing freely from the surface, 
and after the most severe syringing the bloom remained as per¬ 
fect as before. 
When Grapes are ripe many are afraid to syringe them, under 
the impression that they would be injured, but such is not the 
case. Vines are not now so generally syringed as they were years 
ago, and in my opinion this accounts for the rapid way mealy bug 
and other insects have increased in many vineries, and where 
this or any other insect exists few appliances will keep them 
more in check than the syringe.— A Kitchen Gardener. 
LEEDS FLOWER SHOW. 
June 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. 
Success with horticultural exhibitions is so largely dependant upon 
the condition of the weather at the time they are held, that unless a 
society is favoured in that respect the most strenuous efforts of a 
competent secretary and an enthusiastic committee well supported by 
exhibitors are not sufficient to overcome the evil effects produced by 
a wet day. Rain continuous and drenching has a most unsatisfactory 
influence upon the receipts at the gates, for few persons except the 
boldest and the most ardent admirers of flowers will venture to face 
the discomfort of promenading through dripping tents and over satu¬ 
rated turf. It is for this reason that a society to be thoroughly well 
established and in a measure independent of the weather must have 
substantial outside support—that is, a good list of liberal subscribers, 
and then if the exhibition is held under favourable auspices a balance 
can be secured to provide for future disasters. Most unfortunately, 
however, for the Leeds Horticultural Society, it seems as if they are 
never to be favoured with such happy circumstances. For some years 
past the opening day of the Exhibition has proved extremely wet, 
the unpropitious weather being also frequently prolonged over the 
second or third days, with the result of a comparatively poor attend¬ 
ance of visitors. The customary ill fortune attended the Show this 
year as regards the greater portion of the first two days, the third 
being a little finer and the attendance better in consequence. 
Much credit is due to the Society for their perseverance, and perhaps 
with continued well-directed efforts they may yet overcome the diffi¬ 
culties that have hitherto opposed their progress. The Show itself 
amply testified to the spirit still animating the horticulturists of the 
neighbourhood, for the exhibits were both numerous and of excellent 
quality, a really handsome display being provided, creditable alike 
to the Society and the exhibitors ; and so long as this interest con¬ 
tinues there is hope of success in other respects. 
Two large marquees were devoted to the exhibits, the principal 
one containing the groups arranged for effect, the stove and green¬ 
house plants, fine-foliage plants, Ferns, and Pelargoniums, in all of 
which classes the competition was good and the plants satisfactory. 
The other marquee of nearly similar size was devoted to the Orchids, 
cut flowers, fruit, and other exhibits of more or less importance. 
Briefly noting the chief features of the display, the first demanding 
attention being the 
Groups .—The Leeds Show has attained a considerable degree of 
fame for the groups of plants arranged for effect there staged in 
competition; and though there has been recently some falling-off 
in the number of exhibitors, much taste still characterises all the 
contributions in the two classes provided. At the Show under 
consideration there were four entries in the open class for a group 
occupying a space not exceeding 300 square feet, and three in that 
for amateurs of half that size. The larger groups differed remark¬ 
ably in the styles of arrangement, each possessing merits worthy of 
notice and defects that should have been avoided. Mrs. Smith, 
Moorfield House, Headingley, was placed first with an extremely 
bright group, comprising a large number of flowering plants, such 
as Pelargoniums, Spiraeas, Begonias, Calceolarias, &c., some richly 
coloured Coleuses, with Palms and Ferns sufficient to render it well 
filled and graceful without being crowded or formal. The centre 
consisted of fine Palms, and the margin of Ferns and Panicum varie- 
gatum. One side of this group, that facing the entrance to the tent, 
was to a great extent spoiled by two large specimen plants—namely, 
a variegated Yucca and a Cordyline at each corner, and tilted for¬ 
ward to show the head of the plants. This had a very incongruous 
appearance, quite inconsistent with the general design, and nearly 
lost the exhibitor the prize, which in other respects was so well 
deserved, for in effectiveness the group was not approached by any 
other staged. J. Barran, Esq., M.P., Leeds, and Mr. R. Simpson, 
Selby, showed creditable groups, but one was rather too formal and 
scarcely contained sufficient colour, the other having a most tasteful 
margin but much too heavy in the centre, a number of Palms and 
other fine-foliage plants being somewhat crowded. The second and 
third prizes were divided between these two exhibitors. The fourth 
prize was accorded to the Liverpool Horticultural Company (Manager, 
Mr. John Cowan), for though the plants included, chiefly richly 
coloured specimen Crotons and Dracaenas, were, in a cultural point 
of view all that could be desired, they were quite unsuited for 
graceful arrangement, producing an extremely heavy effect, and some 
unavoidable gaps between the specimens gave an unsatisfactory vista 
of large pots and supports. 
In the amateurs’ class three groups were staged, two being very 
pretty, and occasioned the Judges some difficulty in determining 
which should take the lead. Eventually, however, the premier prize, 
a timepiece value £10, given by the Mayor of Leeds, Alderman 
Tatham, was accorded to Mr. Grosvenor Talbot, Leeds, for a charm¬ 
ingly tasteful group of elliptical form comprising abundance of 
colour, Zonal Pelargoniums being prominent, but agreeably toned 
with Ferns and Palms. Mr. G. Gelder, Headingley, was placed second, 
and the only fault that could be urged against his group was a some¬ 
what rigid formality in design. It was perfectly circular, and rose 
as evenly to the centre in semi-globular form as if it had been clipped 
round with shears. White flowers and fine-foliage plants were the 
chief features, a few Lobelias being tastefully employed near the 
margin. This group was much admired by many visitors, and if 
the prize had been offered for the most symmetrical arrangement, 
it would undoubtedly have deserved the premier prize. Mr. Sagar- 
Musgrave, Red Hall, Shadwell, secured the third position, but the 
group was not marked by any special merit. 
Stove and Greenhouse Plants .—In the principal class for sixteen 
specimens the prizes were very liberal, £18, £12, and £6 being offered 
as first, second, and third respectively. Three collections were staged, 
all including healthy vigorous plants ; but for freshness, brightness, 
and general excellence that from Mr. James Cypher of Cheltenham 
was considerably superior to the others, and well deserved the pre¬ 
mier award it received. Amongst the flowering plants were excellent 
specimens of Ixora Williamsi, I. floribunda nana, both of moderate 
size, but flowering profusely ; Anthurium Schertzerianum and Draco- 
phyllum gracile, the latter very evenly trained. Croton Williamsi 
and C. Queen Victoria were admirably coloured, several large Palms 
being also staged, with a beautiful example of Dasylirion acrotrichum. 
Mrs. E. Cole & Sons, Manchester, had specimens of great size, the 
Palms being particularly fine, but several rather rough Azaleas 
weakened the collection. Mr. J. Barran followed with healthy 
plants. 
In the amateurs’ class for six stove and greenhouse plants only 
one collection was entered—namely, that from Mr. G. Gelder, which 
included satisfactory specimens of moderate size. For three specimens 
the competition was much keener, half a dozen collections being 
staged. Mr. G. Talbot easily won the chief position, his best specimen 
being a Stephanotis, about 5 feet high, trained in globular form, and 
extremely well flowered. A good example of Clerodendron Balfouri- 
anum was also noteworthy. Mr. Gelder took the second position, 
having two beautiful plants of Allamanda neriifolia and Ixora Fraseri. 
Pelargoniums .—The display of these was extensive and beautiful, 
being almost a repetition of that at York in the previous week, but 
without the numerous bronze and tricolor varieties shown there. 
The Show varieties were superbly represented. Messrs. Lazenby and 
Son, York, secured the leading prize in the open class for twelve with 
even, fresh, profusely flowered specimens, very compact, and as healthy 
as could be wished. Mr. C. Rylance, Ormskirk, was a close second, the 
blooms being individually large, though less numerous. F. W. Tetley, 
Esq., Leeds, took the third position withsmallerbut fairly well-flowered 
plants. The last-named exhibitor won chief honours in the amateurs’ 
