November 13, 1884. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER 
448 
■which proved among the most interesting features of my visit. It is an 
addition to the Gardens, owing its origin to Mr. Lynch. It is close to the 
lake, and is supplied from the same source. The situation has evidently 
been selected with great care, the same having been duly exercised with 
regard to its construction and general arrangement, so as to accommodate as 
great a variety of plants as possible which are known to delight in such 
places, together with affording ample room for experimenting with those 
whose requirements are to some extent doubtful. Of aquatics proper, 
Houttynia cordata, with numerous white flowers, was represented by fine 
patches. Orontium aquaticum, or the Golden Club, was past flowering, 
though strong and vigorous. For some time this was considered tender, and 
was usually fully immersed during winter, though now generally considered 
sufficiently hardy to stand our severest winters. It is not a common plant, 
and we only meet it in really good collections. Next one catches sight of 
the double-flowered Arrowhead, Sagittaria sagittifolia fl.-pl., certainly one of 
the best and most ornamental of summer-flowering aquatics. It has large 
double white Balsam-like flowers, which last a considerable time. It de¬ 
lights in deep water, and can never be had in too great a quantity anywhere. 
The Water Soldier, Stratiotes aloides, was floating just beneath the surface, 
and seemingly at home. Many have experienced difficulty in growing this 
plant, but there is none provided it is allowed to ramble at will and not fixed 
in any particular spot with soil about its base, which latter it has a strong 
objection to. Then we had occasion to gaze for some moments on the 
spreading masses of leaves of Nymphma candidissima, with its huge blossoms 
of the purest white freely dispersed amidst its abundant foliage, which com¬ 
pletely covered the surface of the water. This is a far superior plant to the 
well-known N. alba. Both, however, are deserving of cultivation, being so 
well adapted for planting in deep water, and guaranteeing an annual display 
of flowers. Pontederia cordata is a suitable occupant for shallow water, of 
distinct habit and blue flowers. It is a North American species, and was 
unique until the opening of the present century. Beside many others both 
in deep and shallow water bearing sure evidences of enjoyment, there are 
a great number of plants delighting in moisture, which are so placed that 
their roots touch the water at high-water mark, a fact which illustrates the 
efficiency of the arrangement, since it is next to impossible that they can 
be submerged, thus forming a natural bog. Situate thus we find the Cork¬ 
screw Rush, Juncus effiusus spiralis, doing well; also Scirpus tabernsemontana 
var. zebrina—the latter most ornamental, hardly perhaps in its proper place, 
seeing that it is insufficiently strong to support its long Rush-like leaves, 
which invariably bend and break. It will need support in the shape of 
some thin galvanised wire. It is growing remarkably free, and making fine 
growth. 
Iris ochroleuca was somewhat nearer the water’s edge, and had made a 
fine clump. There was also a fine clump of Saxifraga peltata remarkable 
for its bulk, and the foliage alike remarkable for its small size ; so much so 
as to make one think of i.s being quite distinct from the typical species. 
The rhizomes were large and vigorous-looking, the stems upwards of 2 feet 
high, and withal the leaves individually were scarcely one-half the size 
usually seen. Similarly placed was the Skunkweed Symplocarpus (Pothos) 
fcetidus, a curious plant of no great merit; and in luxuriance was the Sensi¬ 
tive Fern, Onoclea sensibilis. These, like the Osmundas, delight in marshy 
ground and always make telling plants. A distinct plant was next seen in 
Justicia pednnculosa, said to be the only hardy Acanthad (though, I believe, 
J. humilis inhabits part of the same territory), is a distinct plant with white 
purple-lilac-spotted flowers, J. humilis having white flowers, both North 
American species. Several species of Primula are also being tried near the 
water. Among these are P. rosea, P. cashmiriana, and P. Floerkiana. These 
are all remarkable for their vigour, while the same may be said of Primula 
Munroi syn. involucrata. It is doubtful, however, whether this last-named 
will survive our severe winters so placed, as it is almost always growing, 
and may become a victim to damp. In shady moist positions this species 
usually assumes a vigorous habit, and delights in abundance of water in the 
growing season, and as a rule adapts itself to a great variety of soQs. If it 
proves quite hardy and damp-resisting near the water it will have still 
further claims upon our notice. Evidently happy at home, forming a dense 
carpet on the surface, was Mazus pumila, a little New Zealander, with pale 
violet flowers with white centres. Though not a showy plant it is inter¬ 
esting and adapted to a variety of situations; such, for example, as the 
dry surface of a bed beneath trees or fully exposed, while in the present 
instance we find it clothing a little slope on the margin of a bog. Selleria 
radicans was growing freely, though it cannot be considered quite hardy. 
Among other plants worthy of note near the water were Gunnera mary- 
landica, Carex acuta, Cyperus longus—the two latter well worth the atten¬ 
tion of the floral decorator, owing to their extremely graceful habit. _ Of the 
former there is a good variegated form equalling in grace Eulalia japonica 
argentea fol. var. The latter is one of the most ornamental of the genus 
Cyperus. It is remarkable for its grace, and is well adapted for isolated 
positions near the water. A fine bush, some 4 feet or 5 feet through, of this 
on the margin of the lake was quite a feature in itself. 
At the southern end of the bog garden a portion is devoted to various 
plants which in their native home inhabit shady woods. To meet the re¬ 
quirements of these a bank has been selected, the summit of which is topped 
with various trees, which afford the requisite shade, the bank taking a semi¬ 
circular direction, being thickly strewn with the root-stumps of trees. As 
far as was necessary peat soil has been scattered over these stools, thus filling 
up the crevices, which form natural pockets or receptacles for the plants, 
and many are now fairly established. The best of these are Linnsea borealis, 
Ourisia coccinea growing vigorously in peat and shade. This is one of the 
most difficult of alpines, and all who would have it in perfection must give 
it a place simil.ar to Erpetion reniforme, for where one grows well the 
other will. I also noted Soldanella montana and S. minima. What charm¬ 
ing little things are these when seen in nice clumps! Lycopodium clava- 
tum and alpinum, Adiantum pedatum, the Canadian Maidenhair, Primula 
farinosa, P. cortusoides (true), also Orchis maculata, and others in colonies ; 
Cypripedium spectabile, C. calceolus, and others. Here also the rarely 
seen Mutisia decurrens has found a home, and it is to be hoped will succeed. 
It has, however, only been recently planted, and has not yet flowered. It 
is, however, among the showiest and rarest of summer-flowering climbers, 
having orange-coloured flowers from .’I to 4 inches across, which are very 
effective and freely produced upon established plants. The finest plants I 
have seen of this grew some 8 feet high, trained against the w'all of an 
Orchid house, and it was planted in peat and loam, throwing up radical 
growths annually. To accommodate such plants as Pinguiculas, Sarra- 
cenias, Droseras, Narthecium ossifragum, several species of Parnassia, and 
others of like taste, a margin next the grass had been left about a foot 
w'ide, and which may be saturated at will, and being thus cared for were 
doing well. One of the most remarkable plants to be seen here was a 
species of Primula from India, which has not yet flowered. We have some 
very fine species of Indian Primroses possessing vigorous habit, but which 
are reduced to mere pigmies when compared with this plant, which is of 
gigantic proportions, its leaves from 5 to 5^ inches wide and 17 inches long, 
the upper surface shining, the margins deeply toothed and somewffiat undu¬ 
late. Be it what it may, it is a distinct plant, and its flowering will be 
looked forward to with interest. Various species of Bamboos are doing 
well, together with Thamnocalmus Falconer! and T. spathifolius. These 
are 12 feet and 11 feet high respectively, and are seedlings from those which 
flowered some few years ago in many parts of England ; and, lastly, I 
note the very rare Iris lacustris, which is here a nice tuft. Before bidding 
farewell to the bog garden and its occupants I might add that grouping is 
being to some extent adhered to, and with good effect. The general cha¬ 
racter of the position, with its construction, all have a very natural tendency, 
and it is not too much to say that it is one of the most interesting depart¬ 
ments in these gardens.—E. J. 
(To be continued.) 
CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS. 
Owing to the great number of shows occurring at the same time it is 
difficult to obtain reports of all, and the demands upon our space neces¬ 
sitate brevity in each case. In consequence we can only indicate the 
chief features and leading stands at the respective exhibitions. 
STOKE NEWINGTON— November 10th and Hth. 
This old-estabRshed Society held on Monday and Tuesday last the most 
extensive and successful Show they have had for some years. The cut 
blooms were remarkably good throughout, even, substantial, clean, and 
thoroughly satisfactory, the competition being unusually keen in all the 
principal classes. The plants were excellent, particularly those staged by 
Mr. Monk, which were in even better condition than those usually shown 
by this skilful grower. The Assembly Room at Defoe Road, where the 
Exhibition was held, was filled with the contributions of the numerous 
competitors, the plants being arranged near the -w^alls of the building, and 
the cut blooms occupied a broad table in the centre of the hall, upon which 
were four parallel lines of stands. A fine group of Ferns, Palms, and mis¬ 
cellaneous foliage plants at the farther end of the hall added greatly to the 
effect, and the Show must be pronounced an excellent one in all respects, 
most creditable to all concerned, and the courteous Secretary, Mr. Gold¬ 
smith, deserves the greatest praise for the manner in which he conducts 
the affairs of the Society. 
Cut Blooms. —The display of cut blooms was a very fine one, but the 
best examples were those in the open classes. In this section the chief 
interest attached to the twenty-four incurved blooms, which were wonder¬ 
fully fine. Premier honours were most deservedly won by Mr. J. TJdale, 
The Gardens, Shirecliffe Hall, Sheffield, whose blooms were in splendid 
condition—massive, even, clean, and admirably finished. So fine were 
they that the additional and much-valued honour of the silver cup for the 
best stand of blooms in the Show was awarded for them. This is the 
third season Mr. Udale has exhibited at Stoke Newington, each time 
gaining a higher position; and his success this time was so well merited 
that it gave general satisfaction. The varieties were as follows:—Back 
row—Alfred Saltei-, White Princess, John Salter, Golden Empress, Mrs. 
Heale, Princess of Wales, Golden Queen of England, Queen of England ; 
second row—Empress of India, Refulgence, Isabella Bott, Prince Alfred, 
Empress Eugenie, Golden Beverley, Beauty, Lord Alcester; front row— 
Nil Desperandum, Jardin des Plantes, Plenipo, Mrs. Bundle, Mrs. Dixon, 
Beverley, Barbara, Lady Hardinge. The second prize was adjudged to 
Mr. Monk for smaller blooms, and Mr. Calvert was third with even but 
comparatively small samples. 
For twelve incurved blooms Mr. Calvert, gardener to G. Kent, Esq., 
Southwood, won first with very handsome blooms, his back row of Queen 
of England, Empress of India, Alfred Salter, and Golden Empress of India 
being grand. The others were Refulgence, Empress Eugenie, White 
Beverley, Hero of Stoke Newington, Mabel Ward, John Salter, Golden John 
Salter, and Nil Desperandum. Mr. J. Udale was a close second, his blooms 
being very good in substance, neat, and even. Mr Chalkley, gardener to 
J. R. Droop, Esq., Stamford Hill, was third with smaller and less legular 
examples. 
In the local classes the competition was keen. With twenty-four 
incurved blooms Mr. Langdon, gardener to Messrs. Monroe & Morris, Brook 
House, Clapton, won first with large even specimens of the following :— 
Empress of India, Golden Queen of England, John Salter, Princess Teck, 
Guernsey Nugget, Alfred Salter, Princess of Wales, and Golden Empress 
of India. Second row.—Lady Hferdinge, Mr. Brunlees, Queen of England, 
Venus, Prince of Wales, White Beverley, Mr. Bunn, and Nil Desperandum. 
Front row.—Cherub, Mabel Ward, Baron Beust, Mrs. George Rundell, 
Golden George Glenny, Golden Eagle, White Venus, and Barbara. An 
equal first prize was awarded to Mr. Gilbey, gardener to B. Booth, Esq , 
The Cazenoves, Upper Clapton, for similarly fine blooms of thefollo-ning;— 
Back row.—Golden Empress, Princess of Wales, Golden Beverley, White 
Beverley, Hero of Stoke Newington, Guernsey Nugget, John Salter, 
Empress of India. Second row.—Mr. Brunlees, Mr. Bunn, Prince of 
Wales, Princess Teck, Nil Desperandum, Lady Hardinge, Mrs. Heale, 
Cherub, Enamel, George Glenny, Princess Beatrice, Golden Eagle, 
Isabella Bott, Lord Stanley, Lady Slade, and Mabel Ward. Mr. Payne, 
gardener to G. Paine, Esq., Cedar House, Stamford Hill, was third 
with small blooms. There was a good show of twelve incurved, the 
prizetakers being Mr. Martini, gardener to H. Matthew, Esq., The Cedars, 
Woodberry Down; Mr. Cooper, gardener to J. Johnson, Esq., Elm Field, 
