188 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ August 28, 1884. 
vinces, a discussion took place 17111011 made it evident tliat great etforts 
are being made by the Russians, which meet with strong support from 
their Government, to establish this industry on such a scale as to enable 
them to compete with our important and necessary trade in Indian Tea 
with Central Asia. It ajipears to me that this is a subject worthy of the 
attention of the Indian Government; for, though I was prevented by 
a severe illness from carrying out my in'cntion of visiting the districts in 
question this year, yet I have little doubt that the climate and soil in 
parts of these provinces is thoroughly suitable for Tea-growing ; and 
though my experience of this industry in the Himalaya leads me to doubt 
whether a business requiring so much attention to detail will ever be 
caiTied on very successfully in Russia, yet it is obvious that any competi¬ 
tion in this trade might seriously injure, if not destroy, the business of 
Tea-planting in the north-w^est H inalaya, which depends so much on the 
native demand beyond our frontiers. 
A very general feeling was expressed by many of the best known and 
most distinguished foreign botanists and horticulturists, which I think 
should be brought under the notice of the Science and Art Department, 
that an International Exhibition and Congress of a similar nature should 
be held in London ; and considering that England, w^hich is decidedly the 
first nation in the world both in botany and horticulture, has hitherto 
been one of the most backward in international enterprises in these 
branches of science, I am not surprised at the expression of this feeling. 
The phylloxera restrictions, which have been so harassing to both private 
and commercial horticultural interests in this country, would probably be 
somew’hat relaxed if advantage w’ere taken of such a meeting to prove 
their general inconvenience and inefBcacy. The Royal Horticultural 
Society, wdiich has been until lately unable to take a lead in this direction 
on account of their difficulties with the Commissioners about their lease 
of the South Kensington Gardens, would, I feel sure, be ready to devote 
the entire energy of their Council and staff towards the promotion of an 
International and Horticultural Exhibition, if anything like the same 
consideration and assistance were given them by the Government as have 
been given to the promoters of the Fisheries and Health Exhibitions. 
READING SHOW. 
August 21st. 
During the last two or three seasons visitors to the Reading shows have 
observed with much dissatisfaction indications of a diminution in the number 
of competitors and the quality of the exhibits, which augured ill for a con¬ 
tinuance of the more than local fame the Show has enjoyed for so many 
years. It was, therefore, doubly pleasing on Thursday last to find the 
Society resuming its old position with an extensive and admirable Show', in 
which the prizes were keenly competed for, the quality of the exhibits highly 
satisfactory, and the general display all that could be desired. Some did not 
hesitate to denominate it the fimst Exhibition the Society has produced; 
but though scarcely deserving so high a distinction, it was undoubtedly 
worthy of a place amongst the best, and there is no doubt that with energetic 
and judicious management this Soci' ty will be raised to a still more import¬ 
ant position. Reading is the centre of a fine horticultural district abounding 
in w'ell-kept establishments, and by the encouragement of wholesome rivalry 
amongst the gardeners many advantages would accrue both to employers 
and employed. 
The usual interesting and picturesque site was chosen—namely, the Abbey 
Ruins in the Forbury Gardens, one large marquee being devoted to the plants, 
flowers, and fruits, an additional one containing most of the vegetables, 
W'hlch were largely and capitally represented. The Forbury Gardens, it 
may be added, we have never seen in such admirable condition, the beds 
being most tastefully and effectively planted, the general neat appearance 
reflecting the greatest credit on Mr. Phippen’s careful management. 
PLA.NTS. 
Though there was an absence of the large specimens which have occa¬ 
sionally figured conspicuously at this Show', their place was well occupied 
with healthy,_ well grown, smaller examples. It appears that at many pro¬ 
vincial exhibitions there is an increasing preference for plants of medium 
size instead of the giants, which carry off the honours wherever they are 
staged. The fact is, that these large specimens, handsome as they may 
be, have a considerable check upon competitors. It becomes known tha't 
Mr. So-and-So has entered, and the local growers hold back because they 
know their chance of a victory is very small. If a society can afford to 
devote a class to the large specimens and keep up their local classes as well 
it is another matter, but very often the desire to secure distinguished 
exhibitors from a distance is carried too far, and shows deteiiorate in 
consequence. 
The principal class at Reading is for nine stove and greenhouse plants, 
and in this Mr. Mould, Pewsey, secured the first place with well-grown 
specimens, of which the most noteworthy was the white Ixora Colei, about 
4 feet in diameter, and bearing a large number of trusses ; it is seldom indeed 
that this variety is seen in such fine condition. Erica Austiniana of similar 
size was flowering freely, but Erica insignis was finer, fully 5 feet in diameter, 
and excellently flowered. Allamanda nobilis and A. Henderson! were in 
good condition. Clerodendron Balfourianum and Ixora Prince of Orange 
were equally good, the latter having very large brilliant trusses of flowers. 
A globular-trained plant of Gloriosa superba profusely flowered was notable, 
the w'eakest .specimen of all being Dipladenia Brearleyana. Mr. W. Hall, 
gardener to C. N. May, Esq., Devizes, won second honours with moderate- 
size healthy plants of Statice profusa well flowered, Ixora Dixiana, I. flori- 
bunda, Dipladenia Brearleyana, D. amabih.s, Allamanda Hendersoni. A. 
nobilis, and Bougainvillea glabra. Mr. Wills, gardener to Mrs. Pearce, 
Basset, Southampton, W'as third, his most noticeable plants being Statice 
Holfordi and profusa, with Phmnocoma prolifera Barnesi, a neat, well-trained, 
healthy example. The local class for four plants was not quite so well filled, 
but two creditable collections were entered. The first place was accorded to 
Mr. Lees, gardener to Mrs. Marsland, The Wilderness, Reading, whose 
specimens were Ixora Williamsi, Cassia corymbosa. Bougainvillea glabra, 
and Rondeletia speciosa—all even, neat, and pretty plants. Mr. Mortimer, 
gardener to Major Storer, Purley Park, Reading, followed, having Bougain¬ 
villea glabra and Tabernaemontana fl.-pl. in very good condition. Mr. Bridge, 
gardener to J. F. Hall, Esq., Erleigh, secured the first prize for the best single 
specimen with an extremely good Lilium speciosum bearing three or four 
dozen large flowers. 
Two classes were devoted to Liliums, one for three and the other 
for six plants, and these produced a very pleasing effect. With 
six Mr. Bridge won first honours, followed by Mr. Mortimer, the 
former having varieties of Lilium speciosum large and well flowered, Mr. 
Mortimer also having some plants of Lilium tigrinum splendens, a large- 
flowered and highly coloured variety. With three plants the positions of 
the same exhibitors were reversed, Mr. Mortimer having a handsome example 
of a fine variety of L. auratum, and Mr. Bridge two good specimens of 
L. speciosum rubrum cruentum, a richly coloured variety, and album, the 
pure white form which is always so much admired. Mr. Mortimer had the 
best six Achimenes, compact profusely flowered plants of Frau Brunner, 
Ambroise Verschaffelt, coccinea, longiflora major, and violacea. Several 
good collections of Fuchsias w’ere shown, Mr. Wills and Mr. Hall taking the 
lead with plants 5 to G feet high, well clothed with foliage and flowers. 
Smaller plants were staged by Mr. Bright, gardener to P. Karslake, Esq, 
White Knights, Reading ; Mr. Jones, Henley-on-Thames; and Mr. Brooker, 
gardener to R. Tomkins, Esq., Reading, who secured the remaining prizes. 
Mr. Mortimer had a good collection of six bedding Pelargoniums, being 
awarded the first prize for sturdy plants of Peacock, Mrs. W. Paul, Won¬ 
derful, Premier, Colonel Holden, and Gelert, all profusely flowered. Mr. 
Lockie and Mr. Mortimer were the prizetakers for six Cockscombs, dwarf 
plants with handsomely developed combs ” of a rich crimson tint. 
Groups are generally numerous and good at Reading, but they were 
unusuall}'numerous on this occasion, no less than seven being entered, all 
very close in merit, and causing the Judges some difficulty in determining 
their positions. Mr. G. Phippen, Reading, was accorded first honours for an 
extremely graceful combination of fine-foliage and flowering plants in due 
proportions. The foliage plants were chiefly Palms and Ferns, tall and 
graceful, rising 2 or 3 feet above the bed of the group, which was formed 
of small Adiantums, Coleuses, and Gesnera zebrina. The flowering plants 
were principally Lilium speciosum and L. tigrinum, the margin consisting of 
golden and green Selaginellas alternately. Mr. Lees was placed second with 
an extremely pretty group, which was so nearly equal to the first that many 
persons thought they ought to have received equal awards. There was a 
good background of Fuchsias, with tall Cocoses and Dractenas scattered 
through the group, the foundation of which consisted of Adiantums in¬ 
formally arranged with Tuberous Begonias ; the comer plants of Pandanus 
Veitchii, the surface of the soil being covered with Panicum variegatum, 
which drooped round the pots very elegantly ; the margin of Fittonias and 
Cyrtodeiras was novel and pretty. Mr. Sumner, gardener to J. H. Millard, 
Esq., Reading, was third with a light and bright group, in which Pelar¬ 
goniums, Lobelias, Celosias, and tall Ferns predominated, with an edge of 
Tradescantias, Ferns, and Panicum. Additional second and third prizes were 
also awarded to Mr. Wills and Mr. Woolford, gardener to A. Palmer, Esq., 
Reading, both having pretty and bright arrangements ; and extra prizes were 
secured by Mr. Balchin, gardener to B. Simonds, Esq., Reading, and Mr. 
Pound, gardener to G. May, Esq., Caversham, who contributed praiseworthy 
groups. 
Foliage plants were not so abundant as they have been at some previous 
shows, but those entered were fresh and good. Mr. Mortimer won first 
honours with six Ferns, having remarkably vigorous examples of Davallia 
Mooreana, 7 feet in diameter, a magnificent plant; Adiantum cardiochlrena, 
Alsophila australis, Dicksonia antarctica, Adiantum cultratum, and Davallia 
vallata, all equally fresh and well grown. Mr. Wills took the second place 
with slightly smaller and less regular f)lants, but Microlepia hirta cristata, 
Davallia Mooreana, and Davallia polyantha were notable. Mr. Lees had the 
best four foliage plants, and was awarded the first prize for Platycerium 
alcicorne, Alocasia Thibautiana, Croton Queen Victoria, and Dracsena 
Shepherd!, small but good plants. With six foliage plants Mr. Wills 
succeeded in obtaining the first place with beautiful specimens of Cycas 
revoluta, Alocasia metallica, Croton Queen Victoria, Alocasia Lowi, Latania 
borbonica, and Dasylirion acrotrichum, healthy free-grown plants. Mr. 
Mortimer followed, his most telling specimen being Croton Weismanni, G feet 
high and 5 feet in diameter, of conical shape, and of the richest golden tint. 
This was indeed one of the best specimen foliage plants we have seen this 
season. Alocasia Thibautiana, Pandanus Veitchi, Yucca aloifolia variegata, 
Alocasia macrorhiza variegata, and Croton majesticus were also good. 
Equal third prizes were adjudged to Messrs. Hall and Mould, the best plants 
from the former being Croton Weismanni and Phormium ten ax ; from the 
latter Gleichenia rupestris and Cycas revoluta. Messrs. Wills and Mortimer 
were the prizetakers in that order for six Selaginellas, both showing neat 
specimens. Coleus were fairly represented by several growers, Mr. Mortimer 
leading with healthy well-coloured plants. For one specimen new or rare 
plant Mr. Ross, gardener to C. Eyre, Esq., Welford Park, was first for Croton 
Eyresi with long narrow gold and green leaves, Mr. Mould following with 
Croton Thomson! with broad leaves, having a gold centre and green 
margin. 
Table plants were w’cll shown by three exhibitors, Mr. Ross winning the 
premier position with Yucca aloifolia variegata, Dracmna Ernesti, a red-leaved 
seedling, Asparagus plumosus nanus, Pandanus Veitchi, and Croton elegans. 
The soil in the pots was neatly surfaced with Selaginella, which imparted a 
finish and neatness to the plants. Mr. Phippen was second with neat plants 
similar to those with which he was first at the Maidenhead Show. Mr. Wills 
took the third place with graceful little plants, but the moss employed for 
surfacing the soil was not so fresh and bright-looking as it should have 
been. 
CUT FLOWERS. 
The classes for these were well filled, and the majority of the exhibits 
were of considerable merit. Dahlias were wonderfully good, especially those 
in the class for eighteen blooms, in which Mr. Tranter, Upper Assenden, 
gained the first prize with beautiful blooms of Vice-President, Burgundy, 
Modesty, Prince of Denmark, Flag of Truce, Senator, Mrs. Gladstone, a sur¬ 
prisingly fine bloom, even, and handsome, the finest flower staged ; Mrs. 
