182 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ August 28, 1890. 
tion to the advisability of his instituting such a society in the neigh¬ 
bourhood where he resides, if he does not already belong to the one 
named.—E. Molyneux. 
NAMING FLOWERS AT EXHIBITIONS. 
I exhibited at our Show in two classes for Gladioli, setting up 
in each class seedlings of my own raising, none of which had been 
named, placing a card with them, which I enclose. The Judges awarded 
the first prize to another collection, admittedly inferior to mine, 
disqualifying my collection for not being named, according to rule 
(schedule enclosed). I maintain I had complied with the rule as to 
naming when I affixed the enclosed card, “ Gladiolus seedlings.” Am I 
right ? I may add there was no question about mine being by far the 
best exhibited, and an extra prize, equal in value to the first, was 
awarded, but that only leaves them equal to an inferior exhibit. I enclose 
herewith a few of the spikes shown after taking off some of the faded 
blooms, and should be glad to have your opinion of their quality. 
—H. Elliott, Jersey. 
[We print Mr. Elliott’s letter in order that florists and exhibitors 
who are interested in this subject may express their opinions thereon. 
Seedling flowers, and indicated as such, are regularly exhibited in prize¬ 
winning stands at the National Carnation and Auricula Societies’ Shows, 
and we have seen prizes awarded under similar conditions for Gladioli 
at the Crystal Palace. Over the prize list in the schedule sent by Mr. 
Elliott are these words : “ All plants, cut flowers, fruits, and vegetables 
must be named.” The Judges have interpreted those words literally. 
The “ instruction ” is loosely framed. In the first place it does not state 
that “varieties” must be named, but (as regards this case) “cut 
flowers ” only. Mr. Elliott’s flowers were Gladioli seedlings and were 
«o named. Ought they thereffire to have been disqualified ? 
We must point out another fault in the stipulation, for it does not 
say the flowers are to be “correctly ” named, and therefore the Judges, 
following their practice of literal interpretion, must admit a stand if 
half the flowers are misnamed, while disqualifying a stand of superior 
examples—seedlings—that are not misnamed. 
When rules permit of such an absurd possibility, ought not the 
object of naming exhibits to be considered ? Is it not to enable visitors 
to procure varieties which they see and admire though do not possess ? 
That, we conceive, is the main object. But of seedlings exhibited the 
first time there may be no duplicates, and in that case names could be of 
no service to visitors who might wish to purchase the varieties. 
When a person exhibits new flowers of his own raising superior in 
merit to established varieties we think he deserves additional credit for 
his achievement. The seedling Gladioli spikes and flowers before us are 
very good indeed, or, to repeat the verdict of the Judges who disqualified 
them, “ A1 in quality.” Would they have been wrong in admitting 
'them under the circumstances?] 
CANFORD MANOR. 
There are no better-known places in the West of England than 
■Canford Manor, and, judging from what is being done there now, its 
reputation is likely to be considerably enhanced from a gardener’s 
point of view, as well as that of the inhabitants generally of this 
favoured part of our islands. There has been a Manor House at Can¬ 
ford from time immemorial, new buildings springing up out of the old 
ruins, each time larger and more imposing in appearance than the pre¬ 
decessors. As might be expected, it is close—too close, in fact, for modern 
ideas—proximity to a river, the Stour being the selected watercourse. 
Bart of the building still preserved is supposed by some to have been 
built by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, though this is attributed by 
Hutchins to William Montacute, first Earl of Sarum. At one time the 
house and large estates connected therewith were owned by the Lords de 
Mauley, and subsequently were in the possession of the Countess of 
Richmond, mother of Henry VII., and from whom the Lady Wimborne 
claims descent. Lord Wimborne, the present owner of this noble pro¬ 
perty, has largely added to the mansion much of its imposing appear¬ 
ance, including the high tower over the principal entrance, and the per¬ 
fect interior arrangements being due to him. The fifteenth century 
•styleof architecture is that adhered to, but much of the effect is marred 
By the low position, and from which there was no escape. 
My first visit was paid to Canford Manor last January, or at the time 
-when Lord and Lady Wimborne were entertaining the Prince of Wales 
in a truly royal manner, this taxing the resources of the establishment 
generally and the garden in particular to its fullest extent. The con¬ 
servatory adjoining the mansion is a large plain rectangular building, 
but, as often happens, such structures can be more effectively filled with 
plants than is the case with more fanciful houses. A serpentine 
walk runs through the length of the conservatory, and in the beds 
formed by the curves there were at that time grand masses of forced 
Rhododendrons, hundreds of Poinsettias, Arums, Salvias, Camellias, 
and berried Solanums, among which were effectively interspersed hand¬ 
some specimen Palms, Tree and other Ferns. The walls of the corridor 
leading from the mansion to the conservatory were all clothed with 
Lycopodium and Maidenhair Fern, and altogether a very delightful pro¬ 
menade was formed. 
There are about fifty acres of dressed pleasure grounds connected 
with Canford Manor, all being in perfect order and remarkably well 
stocked with flowering deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, and an 
exceptionally fine lot of Conifers. In respect to the latter it is very evi¬ 
dent the place must, sooner or later, become famous, for nowhere else 
have I seen so many species in varieties in such excellent health and 
vigour. I cannot at the present time give the ages and dimensions of 
the trees, and can only briefly enumerate a few of the many grand speci¬ 
mens to be seen. The Piceas, or Abies as they are now termed, are par¬ 
ticularly well represented, the specimens of Abies nobilis, A. Douglasi, 
A. grandis, A. cephalonica, A. excelsa, A. canadensis, and A. pinsapo 
being the most noteworthy. There are numerous fine specimens of 
Wellingtonia gigantea, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Thuia Lobbi, Taxodium 
sempervirens, Cryptomeria elegans, and Pines in variety in various parts 
of the grounds, much taste and skill being expended in their grouping. 
The erect form of Cupressus macrocarpa is very conspicuous in different 
parts of the grounds, two fine specimens—one on each side of a grand 
pair of entrance gates—being particularly well placed. Nor have the 
owners of Canford neglected to add the later introductions of Conifers 
to their collection, as on all sides may be seen good sized trees of the 
various handsome Retinosporas, some of which are 15 feet high, perfect 
pyramids of the beautiful Thujopsisdolabrata, Cupressus elegans, Golden 
Yews, Golden Thuias, and Junipers. In addition to this, a pinetum on 
a large scale was planted last winter, no expense being spared either in 
the preparation of the site or in laying in a good stock of choice species 
and varieties. 
In all directions are to be seen large masses of Rhododendrons, 
Kalmias, Belgian Azaleas, and other peat-loving plants, all these thriving 
and flowering remarkably well. Various other beautiful flowering 
shrubs and trees are represented ; and a large rosery filled with dwarf 
plants, these only recently being pegged down and reduced to really 
good order, has this summer yielded a wonderful profusion of fine 
blooms. An Italian garden is a recent addition to the place, and pro¬ 
mises to become quite a feature. There is also a large, well-stocked her¬ 
baceous garden, surrounded by a hedge of Sweet Briar ; and last, but 
not least, a large flower garden, with fountains and other accessories, 
close to the mansion. During the winter nearly the whole of these beds 
are neatly planted with dwarf Conifers, Rhododendrons, Mahonias, 
Hollies, and Vincas. Very effective were the two very large central 
beds, each holding about 1500 Conifers and shrubs. The centres were 
raised considerably and planted in panels. Masses of the bright little 
Retinospora plumosa, including both gold and silver forms ; Thuia occi- 
dentalis aurea and elegantissima, the erect greep form ; gold and silver 
Cupressus Lawsoniana, and Taxus baccata aurea and elegantissima, 
alternating with masses of dwarf Rhododendrons principally, and the 
latter are removed late in tbe spring and their places taken during the 
summer by Pelargonium Henry Jacoby, and other brilliantlv flowering 
tender plants. Being p'anted in rather poor soil, the Conifers do not 
grow very strongly, and thus dwarfing them, in addition to long keeping 
them to a useful size, really improves their bright colours. A very 
effective summer arrangement consists of a central specimen Cordyline 
5 feet high, a mass of Retinospora, with large numbers of Lobelia ful- 
gens pushing through. The centres of fountain basins, filled with 
Osmunda regalis with scarlet Gladioli, are very effective, and other some¬ 
what similar combinations are good. Beds of dwarf Hydrangeas are very 
showy and certainly very uncommon. Grand standard Zonal Pelar¬ 
goniums, 5 feet high, with heads 4 feet through, the pots containing these 
being plunged in the turf, are remarkably effective ; and fine specimens 
of Latania borbonica and green Dracaenas, in corlc-covered tubs, set on 
the terraces, are also highly ornamental. Altogether this flower garden 
is:a good example of what can be done towards beautifyinga garden in the 
winter, empty or naked beds presenting anything but a cheerful aspect, 
while the contrast afforded by the Conifers and other hardy ornamental 
plants with bright summer flowering plants is far more pleasing than a 
mass of the latter only. I must not omit allusion to a grand Magnolia 
wall overlooking the flower garden, this probably being quite unique. It 
is 250 feet long and 25 feet high, and at the present time the trees are 
flowering abundantly. 
There are a useful lot of plant and fruit houses located near to the 
kitchen garden, and in this department very great alterations and 
improvements have been made since Mr. T. II. Crasp has been in charge 
of the gardens genera’ly at Canford Manor. The vineries have been 
completely overhauled, both the borders and Vines being renovated, 
and already there is a marked improvement noticeable. Muscat of 
Alexandria is very good indeed, and Muscat Hamburgh is very rarely 
seen in such superior condition, this highly flavoured Grape being one of 
the most difficult to grow. Gros Colman promises to be very large, and 
Alicante will be fine. All are carrying good crops and give evidence of 
superior cultivation. The Peach houses were much pulled about last 
autumn, many worthless old trees being superseded by serviceable 
young trees brought in from the open walls, and already the character 
of the crops has greatly changed for the better. Figs in pots and other¬ 
wise are good. Mr. Crasp is much pleased with Veitch’s new Figs, 
notably St. John’s, Violet Sepor, Bourgasotte Grise, and Bourgasotte 
Blanc. Some of the trees in 10-inch pots have yielded fifty fine 
fruits, and are good examples of what can be done with Figs in pots. 
Melons, Cucumbers, and Tomatoes are all extensively and well grown 
under glass, and very large quantities of Strawberries and choice 
vegetables have to be forced. Immense numbers of flowering as well as 
fine-foliaged plants in pots are grown for conservatory and house 
decoration, as well as for affording almost unlimited supplies of cut 
flowers. 
Orchids are being taken in hand, and of these there are about 900 
plants in addition to Calanthes. Already there are good stocks of 
