November 29, 1883. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
471 
prizetakers, the whole of which collections were highly creditable to them. 
Groups were represented by five collections, arranged in a space 6 feet 
by 8 feet. Mr. Green was placed first for a tastefully arranged group, the 
colours well blended and the blooms of fairly good quality. Mr. Abrahams 
followed, but his plants were crowded; and Mr. Dunkley, Hardingstone 
-Lodge, third. 
Cut Blooms. —These were decidedly in advance of those in past years 
both in numbers and quality. In the open class for twenty-four incurved, 
distinct, for which the prizes were—first,four guineas ; second, two guineas; 
and third, one guinea, there were four competitors. Messrs. S. Dixon 
and Co., The Amhurst Nurseries, Hackney, were awarded the first position 
for a fresh and good collection, consisting of Empress of India, Queen of 
England, Golden Empress of India, John Salter, Lord Wolseley (fine), Mr. 
Corbay, Princess Teck, Hero of Stoke N ewington, Barbara, Jardin des 
Plantes, Rev. J. Dix, Enamel, White Venus, Eve, Cherub, Nil Despe- 
randum, Venus, Golden Eagle, Mrs. G. Bundle, Mrs. Shipman, Prince 
Alfred, Angelina, Golden Queen of England, and Princess of Wales. Mr. 
Berry, Roehampton, was awarded the second honours with a neat and 
bright collection, his best flowers being Baron Beust, John Salter, Queen 
of England, Golden Empress, and Antonelli. Mr. A. Walter, gardener to 
A. B. Loader, Esq., third with a good lot. 
the open class for amateurs, twelve distinct, incurved, Mr. Fowkes, 
SO, Cyril Street, Northampton, out-distanced all other competitors with a 
neat stand of well-formed flowers of Empress of India, Golden Empress of 
India, Queen of England, Prince Alfred, Jardin des Plantes, Princess Teck, 
Princess of Wales, John Salter, Barbara, Prince of Wales, and Hero of 
Stoke Newington. Mr. Robert Hart, 20, Cyril Street, was awarded the 
second prize, and Mr. Dixon, Gayton, was third. For eighteen Japanese 
varieties, distinct, five collections were staged. Mr. Walter was a very 
good first with bright and clean flowers of Comte de Germiny, Rosa 
Bonheur, M. Delaux, Comtesse de Beauregard, Elaine, Rubrum striatum, 
LTncomparable, Cossack, Ethel, Madame Lemoine, Dr. Macary, Nuit 
di Automne, Lady Selborne, Tendresse, Agrement de la Nature, James 
Salter, and Rove de Printemps. Mr. Green and the Hon. Mrs. Eykyn were 
placed second and third. For six Japanese, one variety, Mr. Green was 
first with Elaine, Mr. Abrahams second, and Mr. J. Garfirth, gardener to 
P. Phipp, Esq., M.P., Collingtree, third, the first-named showing Fair Maid 
of Guernsey, and the latter Soliel Levant. 
In the class for twelve incurved, open to the gardeners in Northampton¬ 
shire only, several good collections were staged, Mr. Green being to the 
fore "with Queen of England, Golden Empress of India, Princess Teck, 
Princess of Wales, John Salter, Empress of India, Mr. Bunn, Mrs. Dixon, 
Hero of Stoke Newington, Barbara, Mrs. Heales, and Cherub. The Hon. 
Mrs. Eykyn and Mr. Abrahams were placed in the order of their names for 
fairly good collections. For six blooms of one variety Mr. Green staged 
six grand blooms of Princess Teck in the class open to gardeners, and Mr. 
Fowkes had splendid examples of Queen of England for first awards in 
the amateurs. Mr. Fowkes was also well to the fore with twelve cut blooms, 
distinct, with John Salter, Princess of Wales, Empress of India, Golden 
Empress of India, Mrs. Heales, Baron Beust, Venus, Barbara, Angelina, 
Princess Teck, Hero of Stoke Newington, and Lady Slade. Messrs. Ford 
and Hart were second and third respectively, exhibiting very creditably. 
Upwards of 200 Primulas were arranged on the several tables, the 
whole of which were splendid examples of culture. Messrs. Rollings, 
Green, and Lewin were the leading prizetakers. 
Fruit and vegetables, as well as collections of Potatoes, were abund¬ 
antly shown and of good quality. For Messrs. Sutton & Sons’ prizes for 
the best collection of six distinct varieties Mr. Stephens, Great Houghton, 
staged a most meritorious collection, consisting of Aigburth Brussels 
Sprouts, Veitch’s Autumn Giant Cauliflower, Elcombe’s Improved Parsnip, 
Snowdrop Potato, Dobbie’s Golden Ball Turnip, and Walker’s Exhibition 
Onion. The same exhibitor, although an amateur, also secured the first 
prize for six dishes of Potatoes, three kidney and three round, open to all 
In Northampton, in which class about twenty collections were staged. 
SHROPSHIRE GARDENERS AND AMATEURS, November 22ND. 
The above Society held their first Show of fruit and Chrysanthemums 
in Shrewsbury on Thursday last. The Society has scarcely been in exist¬ 
ence twelve months, and held a successful Rose Show in July, and the fruit 
and Chrysanthemum Exhibition held on Thursday was another success 
The plants were rather weak, but cut blooms and fruit were admirably 
represented. The following were the chief prizetakers :— 
Plants. —For six large-flowering plants Rev. J. D. Corbett (gardener, Mr. 
Milner) was first with good plants of Mrs. G. Rundle and George Glenny; 
second Mr. J. Watson (gardener, Mi. Pursar). Three large-flowering plants, 
distinct, first Mrs. Burton (gardener, Mr. Thurtle); second Mr. George 
Townsend. Three Pompons, first Rev. J. D. Corbett (gardener Mr. Milner). 
For large-flowering standards, first Rev. J. D. Corbett, and second Dr. Burd 
Three ditto distinct, first Mrs. Burton ; and second Mr. George Townsend, 
an amateur. 
Cut Blooms. —These were grand and the competition close. For twenty- 
four cut blooms, large-flowering varieties, distinct, Mr. Lambert was first 
with Sarnia, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Hiver Fleur, Peter the Great, Prince 
Alfted, and M. Lemoine very fine, and other good varieties. Second Mr. 
Beatie (gardener, Mr. Bremmel); third Mr. Milner. For twenty-four 
Japanese, distinct, not less than eighteen varieties, Mr. Lambert was first 
with Soleil Levant, Ethel, Elaine, Chang, Madame C. Audiguier, Curiosity, 
Cry Kang, and Fair Maid of Guernsey, and others equally fine. Second Mr. 
J. Beatie with blooms scarcely inferior ; third Rev. J. D. Corbett. For twelve 
cut blooms, distinct, first Col. Wingfield (gardener, Mr. Lambert) ; second 
J. Beatie, Esq.; third Rev. J. D. Corbett. For twelve blooms (amateurs), 
first C. M. Campbell, E.-q. Twelve Primulas (open), first Rev. J. D. Corbett. 
Six Primulas (amateurs), first Mr. G. Townsend. 
Fruit. —For three bunches of black Grapes, one variety, first Col. Wing¬ 
field. For three bunches of white Grapes, first J. Watson, Esq. (gardener, 
Mr. Pursar) with splendid bunches cut from Vines fifty years old ; second 
Ool. Wingfield. For four bunches of Grapes, four varieties, first Rev. J. D. 
Corbett with beautiful bunches of Lady Downes’, Muscat of Alexandria, 
Pearson’s Golden Queen, and Black Alicante : second Col. Wingfield. For 
two bunches of black Grapes (amateurs who employ no gardener). These 
were little inferior to the professional classes, and were very creditable to 
the growers. First Mr. W. Humphreys ; second Dr. Burd. Two bunches of 
white Grapes, first Mr. W. Humphreys. For the best collection of Apples 
and Pears there were three exhibitors, who staged about sixty dishes each, 
all showing remarkable examples. First Rev. J. D. Corbett; second Col. 
Wingfield. For twelve dishes of Pears, first Rev. J. D. Corbett with a fine 
collection, but unfortunately not named ; second Col. Wingfield. For six 
dishes of Pears, first J. Watson, Esq., with splendid fruit of Marie Louise, 
Passe Colmar, Beurrd Clairgeau, Winter Nelis, Doyenne Gris. Second 
Col. Wingfield. For three dishes of Pears (amateurs), first Mr. G. Harries ; 
second Mr. C. M. Campbell. For one dish dessert Pears, first C. M. Camp¬ 
bell, Esq.; second G. Harries, Esq. Twelve dishes of Apples, distinct, first 
Col. Wingfield with Orange Pearmain, Waltham Abbey Seedling, Peach 
Apple, Hawthornden, Blenheim Pippin, Dumelow’s Seedling, Claygate 
Pearmain, and Ribston Pippin—all grand fruits. Second Rev. J. D. Corbett. 
For six dishes of Apples, first J. Watson, Esq.; second Col. Wingfield. For 
three dishes of Apples (amateurs), first Mr. T. Wood ; second Mr. George 
Townsend. For one dish of dessert Apples, first Mr. E. W. Pritchard; 
second Col. Wingfield. 
Plants and fruit were sent not for competition by J. Watson, Esq. ; Mrs. 
Burton, Longner ; and Messrs. Jones & Sons, Coton Hill, exhibited a large 
group in the centre of the room, also a large collection of fruit and 
Chrysanthemum blooms, a wreath and cross, and two of their noted 
bouquets. Great praise is due to the Committee, and Treasurer (Mr. E. N. 
Pritchard), and Secretaries (Messrs. H. & S. Joues), all of whom worked 
hard and gratuitously. The Society intends holding a two-days Rose show 
next July, at the same time as the visit of the Royal Agricultural Society 
jO the town. 
READING, November 22nd. 
First attempts are always entitled to a certain amount of leniency in 
criticism, and as this applies equally to flower shows as to other matters, 
the initiatory efforts of a young Society to establish an exhibition—whether 
for spring, summer, or autumn—cannot always be expected to result in 
unqualified success. For this reason we should be inclined to regard the 
first Reading Chrysanthemum Show in a spirit of moderation ; but as it was 
held in connection with the experienced local horticultural society, it is 
scarcely entitled to this allowance for its shortcomings. In number of 
exhibits there was no room for dissatisfaction, but as regards the quality we 
have reluctantly to record that it was one of the worst we have seen this 
season. With the exception of the groups there was not a first-rate plant 
in the whole Exhibition, and there were some that it was a disgrace to the 
cultivators to show. Blooms, too, were scarcely more than thi-d-rate as 
compared with those at Kingston, the Royal Aquarium (Westminster), 
Stoke Newington, and other exhibitions, and it is rather unpleasantly 
evident that local growers of the Chrysanthemum have very much to learn. 
So great a degree of skill has now been attained with this popular plant 
that an exhibition must, to secure adequate support, be fairly 7 representative 
of the best examples of practice, and it thus becomes instructive in a con¬ 
siderable degree. It is to be hoped for the credit of the district that at the 
Show in question the best growers did not compete, and that at the next 
trial a more meritorious class of exhibits will be staged. It is not easy to 
account for this comparative failure; for though the fixture was late, 
several other southern shows were equally so and yet well maintained their 
credit, as, for example, Tunbridge Wells. Perhaps the chief fault was in 
the schedule, the prizes being small, and in more than two-thirds of the 
classes only two prizes were offered ; in fact, the schedule generally seemed 
to have been rather carelessly framed, and in several classes there was a 
want of clearness that was very confusing. For instance, a class was 
provided for “ twelve cut blooms, Japanese, incurved, distinct kinds,” and 
another for a “large-flowering group of twelve in pots, not exceeding 
8 inches, to carry three blooms each ”—neither of which is very definite. 
In some classes the word “kinds” is employed, in others “varieties,” the 
former being apparently confined to the Japanese, and it would therefore 
appear that the Committee is deficient in those practical members whose 
advice is so valuable in such cases. With more energy and more careful 
and liberal arrangements there is no doubt that a highly satisfactory display 
of Chrysanthemums may yet be seen in Reading; indeed, there is no reason 
why it should not rank amonerst the leading shows of the kind, and thus 
gain a position proportionate to the fame of the town in the horticultural 
world. 
The handsome Town Hall was devoted to the Exhibition, and it is only 
fair to state that the plants were well arranged, producing a good effect 
generally, especially the groups. In the large organ hall, which was used as 
a promenade, however, the plants were few, and it would have had a very bare 
effect without the handsome and extensive group of Palms and Chrysan¬ 
themums contributed by Mr. Phippen, which was arranged in elliptical 
form, the plants being mostly freely flowered and tastefully disposed. 
Plants.— The best class was that for a group of Chrysanthemums, 
arranged for effect in a space of 12 feet by 10 feet, in which there were seven 
competitors. Mr. Baskett, gardener to W. J. Palmer Esq., Reading, secured the 
first position with a bright and tasteful group, the blooms mostly of good 
substance and bright in colour. Mr. Turton, gardener to J. Hargreaves, Esq., 
was a close second, having a larger proportion of Japanese varieties. Mr. 
Le c s, gardener to Mrs. Marsland, The Wilderness, was third with a graceful 
and attractive group, an extra prize being adjudged to Mr. House, 
gardener to J. Y. Taylor, Esq., Reading. These were placed at one end and 
one side of the large hall, and furnished the chief attraction of the Show. 
Mr. Baskett were also the premier exhibitor of four large-flowering and four 
Japanese, in both cases showing healthy plants. In other classes the 
principal prizetakers were Messrs. J. Bridge, gardener to J. F. Hall, Esq., 
Earley Court, Mayne ; Miss Moon, Reading ; Turton, Lees, and Hermon, 
F. Skurry, Esq., Reading. In one case the Judges had considerable difficulty 
in awarding the second prize, as in both collections the plants were very 
poor, and each included a plant that was nearly dead ; and after calling in a 
third person the decision was, in our opinion, given in favour of the inferior 
plants, though both lots might have been excluded. 
Cut Blooms. —Competitoi'3 were numerous in the cut bloom classes, and 
the majority showed small samples. Nine lots of tw'enty-four blooms were 
entered, Mr. Kendall, gardener to H. C. Holland, Esq., Templeton, Roe- 
