38 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ July 10 1884. 
Bun in the chalky side of Hertfordshire, hardly prognosticated auspiciously 
for a Rose show on Thursday last; nevertheless the encouragement given by 
this Society to the local exhibitors during the past three or four years is 
evidently bearing good fruit, and not only was there an average competition 
in the oi>fn classes, but the district was well represented, several amateurs 
in the locality showing blooms worthy of the “National,” notably those in 
the stand of Mr. E. B. Lindsell of Bearton, Hitchin, from which the best 
H. P. bloom in the Show in the amateurs’ department—a very fine flower of 
Pride of Waltham—was selected for the National Rose Society’s bronze 
medal, and also those from Mrs. Lawson of Lilley Manor, Hitchin, in whose 
stand of twelve a gorgeous guinea-coloured Marlchal Niel nearly 5 inches in 
diameter was laureated as the best Tea Rose in the same department. 
In the dealers’ stand the trios of blooms of A. K. Williams, Lady Mary 
Eitzwilliam, and Merveille de Lyon in the winning stand of Mr. J. House of 
Peterborough formed a matchless ternate of trebles, and it is noteworthy that 
all these varieties, probably the three best of recent introduction, stood well 
the burning heat of the afternoon sun. Mr. G. Paul, although personally at 
Hitchin, had sent his victorious legions under an able lieutenant to Bath; 
but his Hitchin flowers, which were regularly good, caused his competitors 
to use their spurs—the Judges in the open class for eighteen trebles placing 
Mr. House first; Messrs. Paul Son, Cheshunt, second ; and Messrs. E. P. 
Francis & Co., Hertford, third. 
In the open amateurs’ class for twenty-four distinct blooms the Rev. E. L. 
Fellowes, of Wimpole Rectory, Royston, who was in fine form, led ; Mr, J. L. 
Curtis of Chatteris coming in a close second, and the Rev. F. Fox Lambert 
of Clothall third. For the class within twenty miles of Hitchin, twenty-four 
distinct Roses. Mr. Fellowes was again the leader, the Rev. W. H. Jackson 
of Stagsden Vicarage, Bedford, second ; and Mr. E. B. Lindsell third. In 
the same district class for twelve blooms Mr. Lindsell, who was first, had 
Eome very fine blooms ; Mr. Jackson was second, and Mr. Fox Lambert 
third. For nine Roses, the like district, Mrs. Lawson was first, Mr. Lindsell 
second, and the Rev. E. T. Carey, Hitchin, third. For twelve blooms, open 
to residents within five miles of Hitchin, Mrs. W. Lucas, Hitchin ; Mrs. 
Lawson, and the Rev. F. H. Gall were all worthily honoured in order named. 
Some fine Teas were shown, and it would seem that the delicate tints and 
exquisite perfumes of this class of Roses are in accordance with present tastes, 
and that Tea Rose culture is becoming increasingly and deservedly popular. 
Mr. Fellowes had a bloom of Francisca Kruger, which displayed a lovely 
combination of form and colours, with a “ mermet ” form ; the cream ground 
of the petals was tinted at the base with the three primaries. This will 
likely become a general favourite, and if of full size an exhibitor’s Rose. 
Mr. Fellowes was first for twelve Teas, Mr. J. L. Curtis second, and Mr. 
Jackson third. For nine Mr. Fellowes again first, the Rev, F. Jenyns, Kneb- 
worth, second, and Mr. Jackson third. For six Teas (local) Mrs. Lawson 
was first, Mr. Lindsell second, and Mr. S. Tuke, Hitchin, third. 
The competition for baskets of Roses was weak. Mr. Laxton of Bedford 
showed a stand of seedlings containing some of promise, and of which more 
will likely be heard. He exhibited also his new Invincible Carmine Sweet, 
which received a first-class certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society’s 
Chiswick trials last year. All went smoothly under the usual genial lead of 
the Revs. F. H. Gall and E. T. Carey, Hon. Secs., and the only want expressed 
or felt was that of shade for the Roses. The beautiful grounds of the 
Priory amply affording it for the visitors, and another year by a slight change 
of site a cooler atmosphere will doubtless be provided for the flowers. 
SUTTON. 
If I were asked what Society is taking the best course to popularise the 
Rose I should have no hesitation in naming this flourishing infant, which 
held only its third Show on Friday last, but which has given indication of 
its being an infant Hercules. I do not refer simply to the spirited manner 
in which it has organised and carried out its Exhibition, but to the really 
practical work that it has done in carrying out its operations. Thus it has 
published with its annual report an elaborate paper on Rose-growing at 
Sutton, taking into account the peculiarities of soil and climate, and giving 
such instruction as the experience of intelligent Rose-growers could bring 
to bear upon it. Then the Committee held classes during the winter to 
give instruction on Rose-growing, and although they were not numerously 
attended there is no doubt that they have borne fruit. What other Society 
has done these things? and am I not justified, then, in giving the palm to 
this Society for popularising Rose-growing ? And although its earnest 
Secretary, Mr. Wilkins, was, previous to the Show, rather despondent about 
the results of their labours, yet I think his opinion altered when he saw 
the local exhibits. 
The soil and situation of Sutton are both hot, and consequently a season 
like this told terribly upon the well-being of the Roses. Rain is wanted on 
such a soil nearly every day, and when weeks and weeks pass away without 
any one can readily imagine what a labour Rose-growing has been. No 
.amount of watering supplies the place, and then when blooms seem to be 
just ready the hot blazing sun on a hot dry soil soon overpowers them, and 
they are nowhere. Thus in one instance every Rose cut the night before 
had to be discarded. The truth is that the sun drives them into flowmr so 
rapidly that they have no time to gtt any substance, and consequently fade 
rapidly. This has been the case in most places during the present season, 
and is especially true of Sutton. 
Not that I think there was much need to make allowances, for the 
character of the Exhibition was decidedly in advance of that of last year. 
Perhaps in one or two cases of outsiders, notably Mr. Slaughter, the blooms 
were not as good; but the local exhibitors showed a decided advance, Mr. 
Wilkins winning in the large class; and in all the local classes a marked 
improvement was manifested. The blooms were better, were better staged, 
and the naming was not so wild. I rather mention these things because 
the point really to be aimed at in these shows is the encouragement of 
growers in the locality. Good prizes will always attract those from a 
distance, but local exhibits are the most interesting. 
In the class for twenty-four varieties, not less than twelve varieties, Mr. 
Ernest Wilkins was first with an excellent stand containing the following 
varieties—Capitaine Christy, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Gabriel Luizet, 
Duchess of Vallombrosa, Star of Waltham, Victor Yerdier, Lady Mary 
Keith, La France, Paul Neyron, Emily Laxton, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, 
and Madame Charles Wood. In Class 2, for twenty-four varieties, Mr 
Slaughter was first with a good stand, but not equal to that of last year, 
containing Duchesse of Vallombrosa, Anna Ollivier, Duke of Edinburgh, 
Madame Eugenie Verdier, Jean Ducher, Crown Prince, Charles Lefebvre, 
Fran 9 ois Michelon, A. K. Williams, Marie Baumann, E. Y. Teas, Marie 
Verdier, Le Havre, La France, Duke of Wellington, Madame Isaac Pereire, 
Dr. Hogg, Mons. Noman, Marie Van Houtte, Rubens, and Antoine Ducher. 
In Class 3, twelve varieties, Mrs. Betham, Horsham, was first with Duchesse 
of Vallombrosa, Edouai d Morren, A. K. Williams, Lord Macaulay, Madame 
Gabriel Luizet, La France, Xavier Olibo, Jean Ducher, Capitaine Christy, 
Fisher Holmes, Marie Baumann, Mons. Noman. In Class 4, for nine blooms, 
Mr. F. C. Pawle of Reigate was first with excellent blooms of Star of 
Waltham, Capitaine Christy, Le Havre, Eugene Fiirst, Camille Bernardin, 
Madame Gabriel Luizet, Alfred Colomb, La France, and Gabriel Fournier. 
In Class 5, for six blooms, Mr. E. Mawley, Hon. Sec. of the N.R.S., had first 
prize with an excellent stand of Baronne de Rothschild, Dr. Andry, Ulrich 
Brunner, Marquise de Castellane, Charles Lefebvre, and La France. Class 6, 
for three, was not very remarkable. In Class 7 the contest was very close 
between Mrs. Betham and Mr. Slaughter, eventually the first prize going 
to the former ; an unopen bloom of Devoniensis in Mr. Slaughter’s stand 
turned the scale against him. Mrs. Betham’s lot were Madame Willermoz, 
Marie Van Houtte, Anna Ollivier, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Caroline 
Kuster, Perle des Jardins, Madame Bravy, Madame de Tastes, Niphetos, 
Jean Ducher, Rubens, and Madame H. Jamain. In the local classes the 
chief success was gained by Mr. Barrett, who won the ladies’ challenge 
trophy, the silver medal of the National Rose Society for the best box in 
the local classes, and the bronze medal for the best bloom in the same 
division. 
In the nurserymen’s class there were three competitors—Messrs. Paul and 
Son, Mr. Rumsey of Waltham, and Mr. Piper of Uckfield, the prizes for 
thirty-six going in the order named. Messrs. Paul’s box contained Snltan of 
Zanzibar, Alfred Colomb, Jean Ducher, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Gabriel 
Luizet, Comte Raimbaud, Henri Ledechaux, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Prince 
Arthur. Centifolia Rosea, Mons. Noman, Abel Carriere, Capitaine Christy 
A. K. Williams, Horace Vernet, Niphetos, Madame Charles Wood, La France? 
Marie Baumann, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Antoine Ducher, Dr. Andry,? 
Queen of Queens, Duke of Teck, Abel Grand, Madame Prosper Laugier, Mer¬ 
veille de Lyon, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Comtesse de Serenyi, Duke of 
Edinburgh, Madame Eugenie Verdier, and Eugene Delaine. They were also 
first in Teas with the Hon. Edith Gifford, a good new flower; Caroline 
Kuster, Catherine Mermet, Devoniensis, Jean Ducher, Perle des Jardins, 
Madame Cusin, a good Rose in the way of David Pradel; Francisca Kruger, 
another good new Rose; Etoile de Lyon, very fine; Innocents Pirola, 
Souvenir d’un Ami, and May Paul. 
The decorations at Sutton are always a special feature, and this year there 
were classes for children under ten, which did them a great deal of credit. 
In the other classes, table decorations, stands, and brackets, Mrs. Ernest 
Williams was the most successful exhibitor. It is impossible to describe 
stands of flowers, so one can only say that they all exhibited considerable 
taste, making it a difficult matter to decide which were best. 
The Exhibition was held in the public hall, and at the end, where there 
is a sort of theatre, the stage was very prettily arranged by one of the local 
nurserymen (I omitted to take his name), and much increased the good 
effect of the Exhibition. Altogether the Exhibition was in every respect a 
success, and if, with so much against them, this was the case now, may the 
promoters of it not reasonably expect that each season they will still do 
better? They deserve success, and it ought to be the wish of every Rose- 
grower and Raee-lover that they may attain it.—D., Deal. 
BATH. 
Many interested in the success of this the first independent attempt to 
hold a Rose Show at Bath were irnder the impression that, owing to the 
backwardness of the season, the fixture would be too early. To a certain 
extent such proved to be the case, as there is no doubt that, grand as the 
display proved to be, there would have been a still better competition a 
week later. Many of those who depended solely on standards were “ out of 
it,” as these at the above date were not sufficiently advanced to cut from. 
NURSERYMEN’S CLASSES. 
Several noted Rose-growers entered in the two largest classes provided- 
but only two put in an appearance. With seventy-two blooms Messrs. 
Paul & Son, Cheshunt, took the lead, being closely followed by the Messrs, 
Cranston A Co., Hereford. Messrs. Paul’s best blooms were Marie Baumann, 
Mona. Noman, Abel Carriere, Mar6chal Niel, Etienne Levet, Duke of 
Edinburgh, Souvenir de la Malmaison, A. K. Williams, Lady Mary Fitz- 
william, Madame Cusin, Xavier Olibo, Charles Darwin, Niphetos, Capitaine 
Christy, Maurice Bernardin, Emily Laxton, Souvenir d’un Ami, Annie 
Laxton, Etoile de Lyon, and Madame Prosper Laugier. In Messrs. 
Cranston’s stands were good blooms of Mons. E. Y. Teas, Horace Vernet, 
Jean Cherpin, Chloris, Reynolds Hole, A. Colomb, Mons. Gabriel Tournier, 
Gabriel Luizet, Penelope Mayo, Senateur Vaisse, Marie Rady, Sultan of 
Zanzibar, Marquise de Castellane, and Mdlle. Marguerite Manoine. Messrs. 
Paul & Son were again first in the class for thirty-six triplets, staging 
many of the above-mentioned sorts in good condition, also Niphetos, Pride 
of Waltham, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, and Catherine Mermet. Messrs. 
Cranston A Co. were second with, among others, good examples of Horace 
Vernet, Maurice Bernardin, Marguerite Brassac, La France, and Mary 
Pochin. Messrs. Curtis, Sanford A Co., Torquay, had the best twenty- 
four triplets, many of their blooms being fine and fresh, notably Star of 
Waltham, Duchess of Bedford, Lady Sheffield, Fisher Holmes, Alfred 
Colomb, Capitaine Christy, BarthelemyJoubert, Charles Darwin, Countess of 
O.xford, and Duke of Edinburgh. Messrs. J. Jeffries A Sons, Cirencester, 
followed with a very creditable lot of blooms, among which the best were 
Ferdinand de Lesseps, Louis Van Houtte, Marguerite de St. Amand, A. K. 
'Williams, La France, and General Jacqueminot. The third prize was 
awarded to Messrs. Cranston A Co. 
The competition was much stronger in the next class, that for twenty- 
four single blooms. Here Messrs. G. Cooling A Son, Bath, easily won first 
honours with, perhaps, the best exhibit of the day. All the blooms were 
remarkably fresh and fine, not a poor specimen being included, and con- 
