72 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN ER. 
[ July 22, 1888. 
which the Colonel has laid Cotton growers under sneh obligations to him, 
also Tobacco, green and manufactured, with Cape and other bulbs of 
which I shall not attempt description, the Colonel following in the steps 
of Dean Herbert, and I fancy outside Kew possesses an unrivalled collec¬ 
tion, besides curious and interesting plants without number, everyone with 
a history. 
Colonel Clarke also showed me his home-manufactured super¬ 
phosphate in three degrees of fineness, and he has hope of manufacturing 
a home manure that will answer all purposes, and such as may be used by 
a lady. Superphosphate from bones, amm mia in soot, pota-h from night 
soil and urme, enough on every place for its requirements. I only wish 
the Colonel would inform us on some at least of the many subjects he is 
so experienced in, and is so accomplished an expositor. It would indeed 
be a treat to the readers of the Journal of Horticulture, which holds a 
foremost place in his esteem, and from which he told me he had derived 
much valuable information. I spent the best part of two days and a 
night at his charming place, and regret not being able to tell more of the 
many rarities that are loved and tended by their gifted owner, and whose 
kindness and hospitality will never be effaced from my memory.—6. 
Abbey, 
HORTICULTURAL SHOWS. 
CHISWICK SHOW.— July 15th. 
The local Horticultural Society, which has its headquarters in Chiswick, 
but includes Tnruham Green and district within its sphere of operations, 
appears to be making substantial progress judging fiom th • steadily im¬ 
proving exhibitions provided each summer. The one held on Thursday last 
was the most extensive and meritorious the Society has yet held, and was in 
every respect satisfactory, plants, flowers, fruit, and vegetables being fairly 
represent-d. Two marquees were devoted to plants; the large conservatory 
contained the floral decorations, fruit, vegeta’oles, and miBcellaneousexbibits, 
the old orchard house being appropriated to the cottagers’clashes and special 
prize competitions. The latter are being made a feature in this Show, as at 
Richmond eleven classes being provided, in which th- prizes are offered by 
the Duke of Devo-shire, the Marquis of Bute, Lady George Hami ton, 
Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., G. F. Tautz, Esq., W. J. Compton, Esq., E. H 
Watts, E j q., J. R. Starling. Esq., H. G. Lake, Esq., and Messrs. Sutton and 
Sons, and James Carter & Co., all of which brought numerous cnmpatito s. 
The leading attractions on the occasion under notice were the groups of 
p’ants arranged for effect, and the large marquee devoted to these comprised 
a disp’ay that is very seldom equalled even at the best shows in the country. 
Few exhibits give more general sati-faction to the public than groups of 
plants tastefully arranged. All c m understand and appreciate them, and they 
constitute an admirable foundation to a show, besides being reallv instruc¬ 
tive. The principal class was for a group arranged in a spac of 100 square 
feet, and in this Messrs. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden and Twickenham, 
were first with one of their customary handsome groups, but their tasteful 
manager had even surpassed his previous efforts. The taller and back¬ 
ground plants were Palms, Cocos L eddelliana at the sides, Ac»r Negnn o 
variegata, and the br ght red narrow-leaved Draoseua sup-rba. These 
larger specimens were surrounded by Petunias, Hydrangea paniculata and 
Caladium argyrites, which showed them off admirably. The groundwork 
was formed of Adiantums, Asparagus plumosus, Carnations, a few Tuber ms 
Begonias, and Coreopsis. Pha'asnopsis, Cattleyas, Sophronites, and Disas, 
the margin consisting of Gloxinias with Isolepis and Panicum, very in 
formal and beautiful. The second place was taken by Messrs. W. Froraow 
and Sons, Chiswick, who also had a charming contribution of Palms, 
Crotons, Lilies, Orchids, Petunias, and other plants, together with Fe ns 
arranged in a similar style to the first, but with a little more colour. Mr. 
W. Brown, Richmond, was thirl with an effective group, very bright and 
well arranged, but not quite so light and free as the two p eceding. 
In the class for a group to occupy a space of 60 square feet there were 
four competitors, Mr. Hudson, gardener to H. J. Atkinson, Esq , Gunners- 
bnrv Hnus», Acton, securing chief honours with one of the lovely groups for 
which he is famed. The background consisted of Crotons, Humeaa, Palms, 
with Lilium longiflorum, a ground of Adiantums, Caladium a’gyrites, and 
Kalosanthes. a few Dracaenas, Gloxinias, Str-ptocarpns, and Clerodendron 
fallax, edged with Gloxinias, Caladium argyrites, and Panicum. Mr. Chad¬ 
wick, gardener to E. M. Nels n, Esq., Hanger Hill, Ealing, f dlowed, and 
Mr. Wright, gardener to E. H. Wa ts, Esq., Devonhu-st, Chiswick, was 
third, both showing well Several other groups were staged in a third c ass, 
the prizetakers being G. F. Atkins, Esq., H. G. Lake, Esq., and B Hardy, 
Esq., who secured the prizes in the ord rnarned. Non-competing groups we e 
entered by several firms, very notable being a grand contribution from 
Messrs. C. Lee & Son, Hammersmith, which was highly commended by the 
Judges. It comprised a number of Pain*. Cycads, ornamental shrubs, and 
Ivi s at the back, with a foreground of Lilium auratum, the hlu-h-tinted 
C. Krameri, fine banks of the rosv Spirsea palmata, the blue Station fl iri- 
bunda, and the white Spirsei paniculata flonbunda, wi'h abundant small 
Roses in pots formed a charming contrast of colours, edged with Bambn-a 
Fortune! variegata, an excellent plant for margins. From the same firm 
came a large group of variegated sh ubs and trees, including many tine 
varieties. Messrs. W. Fromow & Sons also had a handsome group of 
Hydrangeas, Crotons, Lilies, and miscellaneous plants. Messrs. J. Vei ch 
and Sons, Chelsea, had eight boxes of fresh and beautiful Rose blooms, 
representing a large number of vari ties. Mr. J. Roberts, gardener toMes- s. 
Rothschild, Guunersbu'-y Park, Acton, and Mr. May, gardener to the 
Marquis of Bute, Cciswick House, also staged large and handsome groups 
that wee highly commended. In the general plant classes the prm ipal 
prizewinners were Mr. Bates, gardener to Mrs. Meek, Poulett Lod_e, 
Twickenham, E. H. Watt-, Esq.. E. M. Nelson, Esq., and H. G. Lake, Esq. ; 
fine-foliage plants aDd Feins heing es; eciaby -veil shown. 
The vas s and stands of flowers in the conservatory were mostly very 
good, especially those in competition for the Duke of Devonshire's prizes, 
offered fo-three vases. Mrs. Hu son w>s awarded the first honours fur a 
tasteful arrangement; of Humes floweis, Grasses, Rhodanthes, and Lonicera 
sempervirens at the top, Stephanotis, Roses, and Tacsonias in the second 
stage, with base of Water Lilies and other flowers. Mr. J. R. Chard, 
Clapham, was second with a simple yet very pleasing arrangement of white 
Rhodanthes, Miss Jolliffe Carnations, Bouvardias, with a base of white 
Lilies, Chrysanthemum frntescens, and Rose La France; the centre stand 
was furnished with red, wh'te, and yellow flowers, the side stand with piuk 
and white flowers only. Mr J. Prewett, Hammersmith, was third, Leu- 
taureas, Rhodanthes, white Lilies, Water Lilies, Cattleyas and Allamandas 
forming the chief features. A stand from Mrs. Phippen of Reading was 
highly commended. Mr. J. Compton’s prizes for one Btand of flowers were 
gained by Miss S. A. Fromow, J. Prewett, and Miss H. Havwood ; the 
awards for three bouquets being secured by Messrs. J. R. Chard, J.^ A. 
Morris, and W. Brown. The priz-s for cut Rose blooms were adjudged to 
Messrs. Rumsey, Bunyard, and Turner iu the order named. 
The best collection of fruit came fiom Mr. W. Bates, of white Grapes 
from Mr. J. Coombes, and black Grapes from W. Lind-11, Esq.; the vege¬ 
table prizes going to Mr. C. J Waite, Mr. J. Coombes, and J. R. Tindall, 
E-q. Me-srs. J. Car er & Co., High Holborn, offered prizes for a collection 
of six dishes of vegetables, which brought seven competitors, Messrs. R. J. 
Waite, A. J. Robbins, and J. R. Tindall taking the honours. Messrs. 
Sutton’s prizes for vegetables were gained by Messrs. Waite, Coombes, and 
Tindall amongst six exhibitors. The Royal Horticultural Society’s silver 
m-da's for the two h ading prizewinn rs were awarded to E. H. Watts, Esq,, 
and Mr. C. J. Waite. 
The day was an extremely fine one, and a number of visitors assembled 
during the afternoon. Much credit is due to the Hon. Sec., Mr. Fromow, 
and the Committee, for the success of the Show. 
BEDFORD AND BEDFORDSHIRE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
The third annual Exhibition of this Society was held on Wednesday 
last in grounds on the Goldington Road, Be iford, when a large and in moat 
respects a satisfactory display resulted. As, however, the aims and objects 
of this Society are mostly confined to the county the show of plants was 
ineffective and ba ely mediocie, the prizes offered being meagre, and had it 
not been for an extensive and tastily arranged collection from Mr. J. C. 
Sheppard of the Be Iford Nurseries, exhibited not for competition, and a tew 
good Ferns from the ga dens of Mr. F. Howard and Miss R ce Trevor of 
Burnham Hall, the plmt t nt would not have appeared to advantage, the 
few plants that were put in competition being mounted on a most unsig it'y 
and us le-s wooden stage. It is. however, to the credit of some of the local 
arnat urs that they wer abl ■ successfully to compete in the gardeners’class, 
the Pelargoniums from Mr. J. W. D. Hirrison of Bedford being esp cially 
noticeaole. In the classes for fruit som - good collections were staged, tne 
chief prizes falling to Mr. J. R. Allis, gardener to Major Shuttlewortb, Old 
Wardea ; Mr. Galloway of Buruhim Hall Gardens ; and Mr. Waller, 
gardener to James Howard, Esq. Th prizes for black Grapes were awarded 
to Mr. Allis, Mr. Galloway, and C. Howaid, Esq., of Biddenham ; and those 
for while Grapes to Mr. C. Howard, Waller, and Galloway in the order 
named. Mr. Allis was also successful in the classes for Melons, Peaches, 
and Strawberries, the fruit upon the whole being an advance in quality 
and quantity upon the la-t year’s display. 
Vegetables were w II represented for the season, Mr. Waller in the 
leading class for twelve kinds s cured first place, closely followed by Mr. 
Robinson, gardener ro F Howa d E-q., Abbey Close, Bedford, and Mr. 
E lis, gardener io —Nixon, Esq , Peinberley,Bedford. Fine collections of Peas 
were also put up, Mr. Waller taking first place with very fine and handsome 
specimens, the most nofc-ab e amoiigit which were Duke of Aluauy, 
Laxton’s British Lion, and Sir A. F. Milbank. M ■. Waller was also first for 
a collection of Potatoes, but here and throughout the Show the “noble" 
tuber was somewhat ignoble both in size and appearance. 
Tue cottagers’ department was most satisfactorily represented and well 
contested in the classes for fruits, vegetables and flowers, showi ‘g that the 
Society’s fforts in this direction are well appreciated both in Bedford and 
the rural parishes. A noticeable feature of the Show was the well- 
represented exhi its of wilt fl >wers aud Grapes, botanieally named, both 
mounted dry and iu the natural, classes beiug provided both for boys and 
girls. The collections, which were generally conectly mmed, showed a 
con-iderable and increasing botanical taste, for which there is ample scope 
amongst the large number of boys aud girls who receive their education iu 
Bedford, and ns this taste has hsen ah y aud zealously fostere i by Mr. A. 
Ransome and a few other residents, it is gratifying to find their labours 
bearing s ch good fruit. 
The Ro-es an i cut herbaceous and bulbous flowers iu the special cla=s 
open to ail E igland, were, as laBt y ar at Bedford, the most attractive aud 
important part of the Scow, the fl iwers h ing above the average shown 
tnis season, and the competition good. In the class for forty-eight cut 
Roses (open to all) Mr. B. R. Cant of Colchester set up a stand which hts 
been perhaps only surpass d by himself on one occasion ill s sea-on ; the 
blooms Were remarkably fresh, high coloured, of lar^e size, aud evenly 
matched ; to this stand the Judies had no difficulty in awarding tt.e cup. 
Mr. Cant's most s>r king flowers were Mary Puchrn, a beautiful shelly 
petal'ed bloom ; Reynods Hole, Countess of Rosebery, Annie Last >n, Jean 
Soupert, Marie Verifier, U'rich Brunner, Jule» Chretien, Hartison Weir, 
Marseille de Lyon, A. K. Wiliams, Lady Sheffield, Mons. Benoit Comte, 
Prince Atthur, and Madame de V-tteville. For second and third p'aces the 
competition betw en Mess s. J. B -rrell & Co of How House Nurseries, 
Cambridge, aud Messrs. Paul & Son, the 0 d Nurseries, Chf shunt, was 
close, the foimer firm b-ing ultima ely pao d second and the latt r third. 
In Messrs. Burnell's stand. Marie Brnma n, Mdlle. E Verdi r, Madame 
N .chnry, Comtesse d’Oxford, Cbas. T.efebvre, Dr. Sewell, Henri Led' chanx, 
Julie Touvais, and J. S. M II showed to best advantage, and in Mestrs. 
Paul’s, Niphe'os, Mad m de Wattevilie, Pr de of Reigate, A. K. Williams, 
Boiel lieu, and Abel Carrie'-- were conspicuously good. For the eighteen 
Teas, open to all, Mr B. R. Cint was again fi st, having Comtesse de 
Nadaillac, Innocent Piroa, Souvenir d’Elise, Devoniensis, Sou'emr d’nu 
Ami, Madame Cusin, M dame B avy, and Beauts de l'Burope in good form. 
The R-v. W. H. Jack-ou of Stagsden Vion-agi was second with v-ry cl an 
aud beautiful blootuB of mostly the tame varieties; aud Messrs. Paul and 
S m third. 
In the amateurs' open class for twenty -four cut Roses Mr. E. B. L ndsel 
of Bearton, Hitchin, well sustained the prominent position he has assume! 
