July 3, 1884 J 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
13 
Letts staged Anthurium Schertzerianum, Aphelexis macrantha rosea, and 
Erica ventricosa. Mr. Tuke had an Ixora, Bougainvillea, and Erica 
ampullacea, and Mr. Franldand an Allamanda, Clerodendron, and Dipla- 
deniq, all bearing the stamp of masters in the art of cultivation. Mr. Tuke 
received the first prize in the single specimen Heath class with a fresh 
example of Erica eximia superha, Mr. Letts being second with a smaller 
hxit admirably grown plant of E. Massoni, Mr. Noble having the third 
prize. 
Fine-fomagkd Plants. —These were well exhibited, all the plants re¬ 
flecting credit on the several growers of them. In the open class for si.x 
plants Mr. Letts was in his usual position—first, with grand examples of 
Crotons Victoria and Warreni, Kentias, a Dasylirion, and Cordyline indivisa. 
Mr. Noble was second, his most striking plant being a beautiful specimen of 
Cycas circinalis. Mr. J. C. Padman, Boston Spa, was an exceedingly close 
third; Stevensonia grandifolia being remarkably fine. In the amateurs’ 
class for three plants the competition was veiy close indeed. Mr. Frank- 
land was placed first with Phormium variegatum, Croton magnificum, and 
Yucca aloifolia variegata. J. Bateman,Esq., Pannal (gardener, Mr. Rollison), 
second with two good Cycads and a Cocos ; Mr. Roberts, Wortley, having the 
remaining prize with an excellent Dasylirion, a variegated Yucca, and 
Dractena australis. 
Ferns. —Both numerous and healthy were these elegant plants, and the 
competition in most of the classes was rather severe. In the open class for 
si.x stove and greenhouse plants the chief prize was awarded to Mr. Noble, 
whose group comprised G-leichenia Mendelli, Davallia Mooreana, Goniophle- 
bium subauriculatum, Davallia bullata, Gymnogramma sulphurea, andMicro- 
lepia hirta cristata, the plants ranging from 3 to o feet in diameter, well 
furnished and in excellent order. Mr. Frankland was second with good 
Cyatheas and Blechnnm corcovadense, followed closely by G. Talbot, Esq., 
Burnley (gardener, Mr. H. Wright), whose best plant was Pteris scaberr.la, 
3 feet in diameter. In the amateurs’ classes for three plants the prizes were 
secured respectively by Mrs. Tetley, Weetwood (Mr. Eastwood, gardener), 
Mr. H. Wright and B. Hemsworth, Esq. (Mr. J. Lumley, gardener), all of 
whom exhibited well. Hardy Ferns were good, especially t'ae first-prize 
collection of six plants of Mr. C. Rylance, Ormskirk, Lastrma Fili.x-mas 
angustata, and F.-m. cristata, L. F’.-foemina plumosumand cristata superbum, 
Osmunda regalis cristata, and Polystichum pi'oliferum. Mrs. C. Naylor, 
Potternewton (Mr. Goodchild, gardener), was second, Scolopendrium crispum 
being very good, and Messrs. Pybus & Son third. For three plants the prizes 
went to Messrs. Rylance, Goodchild, and Padman, the second-named exhibitor 
showing Asplenium marinum with fronds 18 inches long. 
Groups. —Two classes were provided for these—namely, JblO, £G, and £3, 
for arrangements occupying 21C square feet of space ; and £5, £.3, and £110s. 
for groups occupying 96 square feet. There was no difficulty in judging the 
larger groups, Mr. Barran’s (Mr. Frankland, gardener) being distinctly the 
most effective, and must rank amongst the finest that has been arranged. 
The central plant was a fine specimen of Phoenix reclinata, under the arching 
leaves of which were Crotons, relieved by the feathery Spiraea Aruncus, and 
brightened with Canterbury Bells. The front was composed of Isolepis, 
Lobelias, and Gloxinias, and the centre filled in with Caladiums, Ageratums, 
Sedum pyramidalis. Hydrangeas, Grevilleas, and the elegant .Tacaranda 
mimosmfolia. The entire arrangement was bright yet free, still full, but 
without any packing or overcrowding. The second prize was awarded to 
Mr. Simpson, Selby, with an effective group, but rather lumpy, by the 
employment of large specimen double Pyrethrums. Mr. Dixon. Alton, had 
the remaining prize for a too formal arrangement. The smaller groups gave 
much more difficulty to the adjudicators. At the first glance Mr. Gelder’s 
collection, being bright with Liliums and many flowers, appeared likely to 
he placed first, but a closer inspection showed that it was too crowded, and 
hence Mr. Talbot’s group was unanimously placed before it. This was free 
and pleasing, thoitgh a little destitute in brightness. The centre plant, an 
Areca, was surrounded by Spirtea Aruncus, the flowers of which intermingled 
gracefully with the drooping leaves of the Palm ; Caladiums, Crotons, 
Dracaenas, Roses, one or two Orchids, with taller plants of Panicum plicatum, 
and an edge of Panicum variegatum and Coleuses, were the plants chiefly 
employed, and the good taste in arrangement was manifest. Excellent in 
arrangement also was the third-prize group of Mr. Noble, but it contained 
scarcely any flowers, and on that account failed to win a higher position. 
Pelargoniums. —It is impossible to speak too highly of these. The 
plants were simply magnificent, far surpassing any that have been seen of 
late years at the London shows. In the class for six Show Pelargoniums 
the champion grower of these plants—for such Mr. Eastwood is—obtained 
the premier place with splendid specimens 4 feet to 5 feet in diameter, 
perfect in symmetry, densely flowered, and with fresh good foliage. Mr. 
Rylance was an excellent second with rather smaller examples, but 
admirably grown, and with remarkably fine flowers, the light variety Venus 
being very telling. The remaining prize was well won by Mr. H. Wright, 
who was second in the class for three plants, Mr. Eastwood being first. 
Mr. Rylance secured the place of honour with six Fancies, with plants 
2^ feet in diameter, covered with fresh fine flowers, Mr. Eastwood closely 
following with larger examples, but with smaller flowers that had lost their 
freshness. This exhibitor and Mr. Wright also secured the prizes in the 
order named for three plants. Mr. Eastwood was again first with six double 
Zonals, with specimens 4 feet in diameter, dwarf, and densely covered with 
fine trusses. He was first also for three plants, Mr. J. Sunley being second. 
In the class for six plants just mentioned—“six Zonal or Nosegay Pelar¬ 
goniums”—W. L. Jackson, Esq., M.P. (Mr. Hodgson, gardener) staged 
admirably grown double Ivy-leaved varieties, and although this was not in 
exact conformity with the schedule, they certainly merited the second 
prize that was awarded. The question arises as to the advisability of pro¬ 
viding a class for Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums. Well grown they are exceed¬ 
ingly attractive, and many distinct and beautiful varieties have been placed 
in commerce during recent years. Passing to the single Zonals, we have 
to say that such splendid examples as those staged by Mr. Eastwood in 
the class for six plants have never before been defeated at any show. 
Messrs. Pybus & Son of Ripon were, however, fairly first with perhaps 
the grandest specimens that have ever been staged. They were simple 
bouquets of brilliancy, of faultless form, and 4^ feet or more in diameter, 
evCry flower fresh, and the foliage excellent. The varieties were Mrs. 
Turner, The Blonde, Mrs. Kelley, Harry King, Mulberry, and Mrs. W, 
Paul. Mr. Eastwood’s plants were also grand, with even larger trusses, 
but some of the flowers a little too far advanced. Possibly some of the plants 
were at York the week previous, and if so it is wonderful that they could be 
staged in such condition at the Show under notice. Mr. Eastwood was first 
for three plants, followed by Messrs. J. Sunley and H. Wright. The chief 
prize for tricolors was taken by Mr. Stevenson, gardener to Mrs. Wood, 
Armley, and for bicolors by Messrs. Pybus. A certificate was awarded to 
Mr. Rylance for a new Show Decorative Pelargonium The Beauty, white, 
with distinct claret blotch, plant dwarf and extremely floriferous ; a similar 
award was granted for a new Zonal raised and exhibited by Mr. Harrison, a 
diligent amateur who has been successful in raising many new plants. The 
variety under notice is named Princess Ida, and is of the fashionable colour 
denominated crushed strawberry ; it is distinct and promising. 
Roses. —An effective group of plants in pots was arranged at the 
entrance to the large tent, the majority from Mr. II. May, Bedale, not for 
competition; still, prizes were offered for twelve plants, six plants, and 
three plants respectively. The chief prize in the larger class was secured 
by Messrs. Pybus with dwarf examples bearing from twelve to twenty 
blooms of good quality. Mr. May was second with dwarfer plants, and Mr. 
Eastwood third. In the class for six plants Mr. Eastwood was placed first 
with small fresh examples, followed by Mr. J. Sunley; and for three X)lants 
the position of these competitors was reversed. 
Cut Blooms. —The date was early for these, but not too early to prevent 
competition. In the class for forty-eight blooms Messrs. Cranston made a 
good beginning by securing the first prize with a really excellent box con¬ 
taining Etienne Levet, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, extra fine ; Violet Bouyer, 
nearly white, small and attractive ; Madame Noman, ditto ; Mons. Nomau, 
E. Y. Teas, Nardy Freres, and Mario Baumann, all good, while far from 
being inferior were Ulrich Brunner, La France, Merveille de Lyon, Ferdi¬ 
nand de Lesseps, Madame G. Luizet, M. A. Dumesnil, Marguerite de St. 
Amaiid, Senateur Vaiase, Madame Charles Wood, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, 
Le Havre, Pride of Waltham, Mrs. Baker, Marie Van Houtte, M. 
Marguerite Manion, and Duchess of Vallombrosa. Mr. May was second 
with larger but less solid blooms, and Mr. Robinson, Braraham, third. 
These exhibitors occupied the same relative positions in the class for 
twenty-four blooms ; and in the class for twelve Teas Messrs. Cranston and 
Co. and Mr. May were placed in the order named with stands of nearly 
equal merit. In the local classes the prizetakers were Messrs. Eastwood, 
Trees, and Sunley, but it is evident the date was too early for their Roses. 
Messrs. Cranston also staged excellent boxes of Mons. Noman and Lady 
Mary Fitzwilliam, the latter being notably fine, and merited the certificate 
that was awarded. 
Orchids. —The display of these plants was limited, the prizes not being 
sufficient to attract distant exhibitors. In the open class for six plants 
the first prize was won by Mr. Frankland, the most effective being Lselia 
imrpurata, an excellent variety ; Vanda tricolor was also good, and the 
flowers richly coloured. Mr. Rollisson followed, his notable plants being 
Epidendrum vitellinum and Cypripedium caudatum. Mr. Eastwood was 
first with three Orchids, his best plant being Aerides odoratum, Mr. 
Rollisson following, having neat examples of Cypripedium uiveutn and 
Masdevallia Lindeni. The collections were very close in order of merit, 
not a few of the plants lacking freshness. 
Various Cl.vsses. —Fuchsias, though far inferior to such grand examples 
as are staged at Bath and Trowbridge, were yet fully up to the average of 
northern exhibits. Mr. Frankland secured the chief position with six 
plants, healthy ova’s 5 to 6 feet high, and for three plants Mr. J. Sunley 
was placed first with free graceful untrained examples. We failed to obtain 
the names of all the prizewinners in the classes, but observed that sorne of 
the plants were dej)rived of elegance and grace by too “ tight lacing.” 
Table plants were neat, the prizes going to Messrs. Stevenson, Rollisson, 
and N. German, Nottingham. Hardy plants were effective, the best collec¬ 
tions being arranged by Messrs. Hodgson ; Wood, Kirk stall; and Hartley ; 
and for bunches of hardy cut flowers the same exhibitors secured the 
prizes, but in the reverse order, with admirable stands. For stands of 
exotic flowers, which were excellent, the prizes were awarded to Messrs. 
Hodgson, Letts, and Tuke. Pansies were numerous and fine, the prize- 
takers being Messrs. Harkness & Son, Bedale; iMann, Shadwell; and Cross. 
A box of the Countess of Kintore was very attractive, and this nearly 
black and white variety should be more extensively grown. Tuberous 
Begonias were very inferior, and Gloxinias not nearly so good as we have 
previously seen them at Leeds, nor do stands of flowers call for approving 
comment. Bouquets were not on the whole of the highest quality, nor did 
the awards give the greatest satisfaction. They hardly do anywhere, for 
the simple reason that there is no recognised standard of excellence to 
guide either exhibitors or judges. The prizewinners were Messrs. Wright, 
Featherstone, Mann, and Frankland. By far the most meritorious 
exhibit of cut flowers was a beautiful wreath made by Mr. Featherstone, 
St. Ann’s Nursery, Burlej', who is an expert in artistic floral decorations. 
The wreath was similar to one made by the exhibitor and sent by the 
Mayor of Leeds to Windsor on the occasion of the death of Prince Leopold. 
It was composed mainly of Callas, Roses, Stephanotis, and Pinks, enclosing 
the letter L in Forget-me-nots. A certificate and extra prize were 
worthily awarded for this charming arrangement. A certificate was also 
granted to the Liverpool Horticultural Company for a miscellaneous collec¬ 
tion of plants. 
Fruit. —In this department the duties of the Judges were hy no means 
light, for seldom has such close competition been seen. Mr. Edmonds, gar¬ 
dener to the Duke of St. Albans, Bestwood Lodge, secured the first position 
in the collection of six dishes with good Black Hainburgh and small Foster’s 
Seedling Grapes, a good Pine, capital Melon, fair Nectarines and Figs, and 
good Peaches. Mr. Dawes, gardener to the Hon. Mrs. Meynell Ingram, 
Temple Newsam, was an extremely close second, his white Grapes being 
decidedly superior to the others, and most of the other fruits good. Peaches 
being the failing dish. Mr. Wallis, gardener to Sir Henry M. Thompson, 
Kirkby Hall, York, was an excellent third with a good all-round collection, 
the Chasselas Musqu^ Grapes being specially notable. In the class for four 
dishes the competition was again severe, Mr. Sleightholme, gardener to W. 
Dymond, Esq., Burntwood Hall, Barnsley, being placed first with splendid 
Lord Napier Nectarines and Alexandra Noblesse Peaches, a small Pine, and 
good, but not quite finished, Muscat Grapes. Messrs. Dawes and Edmonds 
