JOURNAL' OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ July 5, 1885. 
walla is best suited for Fig culture, and where the trees are in full 
bearing no pruning other than occasionally cutting hard back a few 
main branches to secure sufficient growth to furnish the centre of 
the tree. The Brown Turkey is the heaviest cropper, and Bruns¬ 
wick also fruits fairly well. 
- The magnificent collection 'of hardy flowers from Mr. 
Ware’s Hale Farm Nursery, shown at Kensington last week, was 
generally admitted to be one of the finest that ( has ever been exhibited, 
which deserved an even higher honour than the silver medal awarded for 
it. Amongst the many specimens of fine plants included the following 
were conspicuous :—Delphinium, numerous hybrid varieties ; Inula oculus- 
Christi, Lychnis viscaria splendens plena, new ; Spiraea aruncus, Cam¬ 
panula glomerata dahurica, Hesperis matronalis alba plena, Lathyrus 
grandiflorus, Lilium pomponium, L. colchicum, L. parvum, L. martagoD, 
L. m. purpureum, L. m. candidum, L. longiflorum, L. auratum, L. par- 
dalinum pumilum, very rare ; Tropseolum polyphyllum, Onosma taurica, 
Cyclobothra pulchella and alba, Polemonium Richardsoni, Phlox ovata, 
Pyrethrum, single and double forms ; Pinks in all the finest forms, in¬ 
cluding the new white var. Mrs. Sinkins ; Antirrhinums, many varieties ; 
Pentstemons, many varieties ; Dictamnus Fraxinella and alba ; Armerias, 
gigantic varieties ; Sidalcea Candida, Senecio japonicue, Campanulas, 
many varieties ; Gladiolus Colvilli and its var. The Bride ; G. ramosus 
in variety ; Iris, English and Spanish, a fine collection ; Ixias, a choice 
collection ; Cypripedium spectabile, Orchis foliosa, O. maculata superba, 
O. hircina (Lizard), rare; and many other varieties of fine herbaceous 
plants. 
BROMLEY (WEST KENT) SHOW. 
June 30th. 
For several years past an attractive Exhibition has been annually held 
in the neighbourhood of Bromley, Bickley, and Chislehurst, the most recent 
Shows having had for their site the grounds of Camden House ; this season, 
however, by the courtesy of Sir Edward Scott, Bart., the garden at Freelands 
House, Sundridge Park, was placed at the disposal of the Society, and the 
Exhibition was in consequence held there. The situation is a pretty one, 
and the weather proving very fine, though hot, a number of visitors 
assembled. The exhibits were well arranged, but the entries were not quite 
so numerous as we have seen at previous Shows, the not-for-competition 
groups, which were formerly so largely shown by metropolitan nurserymen, 
being much fewer. The majority of the plants were, however, very healthy 
and fresh, the fruits fairly good, and the vegetables first-rate. 
Stove and Greenhouse Plants.— Well-grown specimens of these were 
shown by several exhibitors, Mr. Gibson, gardener to T. F. Burnaby Atkins, 
Esq., Halstead Place, Sevenoaks, being first for six with even globular 
specimens of Dipladenia reginse, Allamanda Hendersoni, Dipladenia amabilis, 
Stephanotis floribunda, Clerodendron Balfourianum, and Statice profusa, all 
in fine condition. Mr. J. Mitchell, gardener to Mrs. Arbuthnot, Bexley, was 
second, his most notable plant being Araucaria Bidwilli, G feet high. 
Fuchsias were profusely flowered, especially in the collections from Messrs. 
Mitchell, J. Eggleton, gardener to The Mount, Shortlands, and James Wright, 
gardener to J. W. Perkins, Esq., Woodfield, Beckenham, who were the prize- 
takers. Gloxinias were well shown by Messrs. H. Turner, J. Sterry, 
gardener to J. Scott, Esq., Abbyfield, Bickley Park, and J. Neighbour, The 
Gardens, Bickley Hall. 
A pretty display was formed by the Tuberous Begonias, Mr. Mitchell 
taking the lead with six handsome specimens bearing large and richly 
coloured flowers, healthy vigorous plants—seedlings raised by the exhibitor ; 
one, Pink Perfection, with fine rounded flowers, being uncommonly good. 
Messrs. Stens and Neighbour were second and third in a class of eight 
exhibitors. 
Fine-foliage Plants. —In the class for six specimens Mr. Mitchell took 
the lead with Anthurium crystallinum, Croton Johannis, C. Queen Victoria, 
Maranta bella, and Pandanus Veitchii, fresh, healthy, and most satisfactory 
generally. Mr. Gibson was a close second, having two grand plants of 
Alocasia Lowi and metallica. Mr. H. Turner, gardener to G. Phillips, Esq., 
Elmstead Lodge, Chislehurst, was third, Alocasia albo-violacea and esculenta 
being the best. 
Fine-foliage Begonias were admirably shown by Mr. G. Spittles, gardener 
to W. A. Bradford, Esq., Elmstead Lawn, Chislehurst; Mr. J. Sharpe, gar¬ 
dener to F. Hatchett, Esq., Parkfield Grove Park; and Mr. R. Teal, gardener 
to A. M. Tapps, Esq., The Gables, Shortlands. Mr. Mitchell had the best 
four Dracaenas—finely coloured specimens of amabilis, Baptisti, Voungi, and 
roluta, Mr. Sharpe following. 
Ferns. —These are invariably well represented at the Bromley Show, and 
the present time was no exception to the rule. Mr. Mitchell had the best 
six, extremely vigorous plants of Gymnogramma Wetenhalliana, Adiantum 
gracillimum, Neottopteris australasica, Platycerium grande, Adiantum cunea- 
tum and A. macrophyllum. Mr. H. Turner and Mr. T. Gearing, gardener to 
S. Williams, Esq., Blackbrook, Bickley, were second and third, each with 
fresh healthy examples. Hardy Ferns were finely shown by three exhibitors, 
Mr. J. Neighbour being first with six beautiful examples, Athyrium F.-f. 
Victoriae, Adiantum pedatum, and Osmunda regalis cristata being very note¬ 
worthy. Mr. Gearing was second, and Mr. C. Saunders, Barnes Wood, 
Bromley Common, was third. Mr. Mitchell had the finest specimen Fern— 
Gymnogramma chrysophylla, very large and healthy, about 4 feet in 
diameter. Messrs. Eggleton and Spittles were second and third with 
Adiantum cuneatum. Mr. Cooper, gardener to M. Yeatman, Esq., Shawfield, 
Bromley, was first with six Selaginellas, very neat fresh specimens. Messrs. 
J. Neighbour and Mitchell followed with good but less fresh plants. 
The groups were not remarkable for the taste displayed in their arrange¬ 
ment, though healthy well-flowered plants were employed. Mr. MitchelL 
was first with a collection of Palms, Clerodendron fallax, Coleuses, Laia- 
diums, a few Orchids, and a pretty margin of Adiantum cuneatum. Messrs. 
Gibson and Teal were second and third, the latter having some nne- 
Hydrangeas. 
Rose Blooms. —An extensive and beautiful display of Rose blooms was- 
provided—quite an exhibition in itself, the flowers fresh, bright, and of 
substance. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, took the lead with forty-eig t 
varieties (triplets), a remarkably handsome collection. Messrs. Bunyard & Oo. r 
Maidstone, and Mr. W. Rumsey, Waltham Cross, were respectively second 
and third with fine blooms, very close to the others in merit. _ Messrs. Haul 
and Son were also the most successful with twenty-four varieties of similar 
quality, followed by Messrs. B. R. Cant (Colchester), and W. Rumsey. In the- 
twelves Messrs. B. R. Cant, Paul & Son, and Rumsey secured the prizes m- 
that order. For twelve of one variety Messrs. Bunyard _won chief honouis 
with Francis Michelon in fine condition, Mr. Rumsey taking the second place 
with Madame Gabriel Luizet, fresh and good, Messrs. Paul being third witn 
the same variety. The amateurs’ classes were not quite so well failed as 
usual, nor were the blooms generally of the best quality. The principal 
prizetakers were Mr. A. Gibson, the Rev. J. M. Fuller, Bexley V icarage, and 
Mr. J. Sharpe. 
Hardy Flowers. —Two beautiful collections of these were staged, each- 
including a large number of species and varieties. Mr. Maynard, gardener 
to J. Whitehead, Esq., Southwood, Brockley, was placed first with a very 
choice collection, but carelessly and inaccurately named, the spelling being 
very imperfect. Fine examples of Geranium armenum, Onosma taunca r 
Armeria cephalotes, Stenactis speciosa, Inula glandulosa, Delphinium tor- 
mosum, and Anchusa italica amongst many others, seventy-six forms being 
shown. Mr. H. Cole, gardener to J. A. Mitchell, Esq., Woodlands, Ohisie- 
hurst, was second with eighty-four varieties, including many beautiful plants,, 
but less choice than the preceding, and comprising several that were not 
true perennials. In other cut-flower classes Messrs. Mitchell, G._ Wynn, 
gardener to H. Morris, Esq., Hayes Common; J. Mumford, J. VV light, J- 
Neighbour, and T. Gearing were the prizetakers. Master.Frank E. Wood, 
10, Park Grove, Bromley, had a fine collection of Grasses, sixty species, very 
accurately and neatly named, both common and botanical names being given.. 
First to Miss Yeatman, also 1G0 varieties of wild flowers. 
Fruit. —There was not a large display of fruit, but Strawberries were- 
well shown. For a collection Mr. J. Neighbour was first with Black Ham¬ 
burgh and Royal Muscadine Grapes well ripened, Golden Perfection Melon, 
and good dishes of Nectarines and Melons. Mr. Tucker, gardener to J. L. 
Lovibond, Esq.,Farnborough, was second, Early Alfred Peaches and Violette- 
Hative Nectarines being the best dishes. For a dish of Strawberries of one 
kind Mr. G. Tucker, gardener to J. L. Lovibond, Esq., Farnborough, was 
first with President, large and well ripened. Mr. T. Spittles was second; 
with James Veitch ; and Mr. Turner third with the same variety. For three 
dishes Messrs. Neighbour and Cooper were the prizetakers, the first with Sir 
Joseph Paxton, James Yeitch, and Sir Charles Napier. Mr. Gibson had the- 
best three bunches of black Grapes (Black Hamburgh), large in bunch and 
berry. Mr. J. Neighbour followed with the same variety, smaller, but well 
coloured. Mr. J. Mitchell was third, also with Black Hamburgh m good 
condition. Mr. Mitchell was first with three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria 
and one bunch of the same variety, all being well coloured. Mr. Waterman 
had the best Nectarines (Elruge),and Mr. Neighbour the best Peaches (Royal! 
George). 
Vegetables. —Several clean and satisfactory collections of vegetables 
were shown. Mr. Waterman, gardener to H. A. Brassey, Esq., M.P., Prestom 
Hall, Aylesford, was first with nine kinds, including fine Telephone Peas, 
American Wonder Beans, Yick’s Criterion Tomatoes, Myatt’s Ashleaf Pota¬ 
toes, and White Italian Onions. Mr. J. Neighbour and Mr. W. Gammon 
gardener to C. Boosey, Esq., The Pines, Bickley Park, were second and 
third, each with good collections. For six kinds Messrs. Cooper, Cole, and 
Humphrey were the prizetakers. 
Dinner Table Decorations. —As usual, some exceedingly tastefully 
arranged tables were entered in this section. For a table 10 feet by 5 feet 
Mr. Sentance, Merevale, Bickley Park, was placed first with three centre- 
glass globes filled lightly with varieties of Irises (blue, yellow, and white), 
Adiantums, and Grasses, side glasses being filled with Irises and Aquilegias, 
chiefly chrysantha. Twelve small glasses contained each a yellow Iris or 
Aquilegia bloom, with a few leaves of Caladium argyrites, Coleus leaves, 
Adiantum, and Aira ccespitosa. The general effect of this was most 
pleasing, simple but effective. The second prize was awarded to Mrs. J- 
Scott; and Mrs. T. A. Mitchell, Elmstead, Chislehurst, had an even more 
simple arrangement—a central bowl filled with blue, yellow, and scarlet 
Aquilegias, the last being round the base, with Adiantum fronds and a few 
Grasses. Two side stands were similarly filled, four small neat glasses being- 
filled very lightly with Grasses, yellow Aquilegias, Dracophyllum gracile, 
and Saxifraga blooms. The Misses R. A. Tweedell and R. H. Alston, Bon- 
nington and Fairfield, were third. The best table 5 feet by 5 decorated with 
foliage and flowers of British plants only was contributed by Miss A.. 
Sentance, Merevale, Bickley Park, the flowers employed being chiefly Iris 
pseud-acoris, Myosotis palustris, single Roses, and Grasses. The second 
position was obtained by Mrs. Emily Wood, 10, Park Grove, Bromley, with a 
very tasteful arrangement, a central basket of Nympheea alba, Nuphar lutea, 
Myosotis, Centaureas, and similar flowers, with Ox-eye Daisies and Grasses. 
The best bouquets and buttonholes were from Mr. H. Cole and Mr. J. 
Mitchell. Mrs. Scott showed the best basket of miscellaneous flowers ^ 
Messrs. Ponsford & Son, Bromley, contributed several bouquets and wreaths 
not for competition. 
Miscellaneous. —The following were the principal not-for-competition 
collections, for which extra prizes were awarded. Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper 
Holloway, exhibited one of the finest groups in the Show, comprising a great 
number of choice Orchids, Crotons, Ferns, and miscellaneous stove and green¬ 
house plants. A beautiful pan of Ancectochilus, Goodyeras, and Sonerila3 
was especially notable. Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, staged a showy 
and attractive group of fine-foliage and flowering plants, Tuberous Begonias 
