253 
JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ September 1G, 1886. 
the first place, and Mr. P. D. AgQew, Ascog, second. The favourite plants 
were Pandanus Yeitchi, Croton Chelsoni, and Aralias Veitchi and Chabrieri. 
Orchids were not numerous; the best wore from Mr. John McLeod, Brentham, 
and Mr. Peter Walker, Bonnybridge. British Ferns were a splendid lot, 
Mr. William Landsburgh, gardener, Beech wood, Bearsden, winning the first 
prize with fresh well-grown examples. For six Zonal Pelargoniums Mr. 
John McQuator was deservedly first with densely flowered plants of good 
semi double varieties. Cockscombs were coarse with the exception of the 
first prize plants of Mr. George Bob 'rt3on, Woodside Gardens, Greenock. 
CtJT Flowers. —For twenty-four blooms Dahlias Mr. Thomas Hoag, 
gardener, Aitkenhead, was first with good samples. He had also the first 
prize for twelve blooms of fancy varieties. The prize for twelve show 
Dahlias was won by Mr. Robert Smith, Howood. For eight bunches of 
single Dahlias Mr. Thomas Hamilton, Dunreiff Gardens, had the first place. 
Annuals were a good show ; for twenty-four distinct varieties Mr. George 
Gray, Moat Cottage, Carluke, was first with a grand stand. He was also 
first for twelve show Pansies and twelve blooms of African Marigolds. For 
twelve annuals, general, Mr. J. Stewart, Lenzie, had first position ; he was 
also first for twelve blooms of Pansies (fancy), and for twelve bunches of 
herbaceous and twelve blooms of Asters other than quilled. For twelve 
bunches of Violas Mr. J. Baxter, Daldowie, was easily first, his seedlings 
York and Lancaster, Countess of Kintore, and Skylark, beiug very fine ; this 
stand was very tastefully arranged. For twelve blooms of Roses Mr. 
McRorie, Burnbrae Cottage, Kilbarchan, was first. Phloxes were exceed¬ 
ingly fine, particularly those shown by Mr. George Greenshields, Biggar, 
who was first for six spikes in both the gardeners’ and amateurs’ classes. 
French Marigolds were largely shown, the best were of Messrs. Dobbie and 
Co.’s strain grown by Mr. P. McCullum, Rothesay. The Carnation and 
Picotee prize offered by Baillie Goodwin, Kirkintilloch, was won by Mr. 
Storrie, Lenzie. Mr. John Lyon, gardener, Greenhall, Blantyre, had the best 
Hollyhock blooms. For twelve spikes Gladioli, distinct varieties, Mr. Jam-s 
Thomson, Clydeview, Helenburgh, was first with fine spikes. In the class 
for six spikes Mr. David Kidd, Fairlie Lodge, Fairlie, was deservedly first. 
Fruit. —Of this there was a creditable display considering the rather 
unfavourable season. For twelve dishes of fruit the only collection forward 
was from Mr. Alex. Crosbie, Buchanan Gardens, Drymen, but it was of 
good quality, and was awarded first prize. The prize for six dishes was 
taken by Mr. John McLeod, Brentham Park, his dish of Peaches Lord 
Palmerston being very fine. Six dishes of hardy fruit was well shown by 
Mr. A. Wilson, gardener, Auchencrive, Ayr. For four bunches black Grapes 
other than Hamburghs, the prize offered by Messrs. J. & R. Thyne was 
taken by Mr. J. Maule, gardener, Midtonfield, Howwood, with good examples 
of Black Alicante. For two bunches of Black Hamburghs, Mr. Jas. 
Thomson, gardener, Broomhill, Partick, had first for splendid examples, the 
berries being large and finely bloomed. Mr. John McLeoi had first for two 
bunches of Muscats ; and for two bunches other than Muscats, Mr. James 
Cocker, gardener, Wheatlands, Bonnybridge, had first place. For six 
distinct varieties of Apples, four of each, Mr. Strathall, Yarbottom, was 
first with very fine examples of the following varieties—Hawthornden, 
Beauty of Kent, Warner’s King, Ecklinville Seedling, Lord Suffield, and 
Lord Grosvenor. For six Peaches, Mr. John McLeod was first, and D. 
McBean a good second. For one Melon Mr. Wm. Thorburn, Castle Semple, 
was an easy first. Mr. Wm. Forrest, Clydegrove, Crossford, was first for 
twelve Plums and twelve baking Apples. Mr. A. Wilson was first for 
twelve Pears, and Mr. Procter first for twelve dessert Apples. 
Vegetables. —The show of vegetables was considered not to have been 
equalled at any former exhibition. The premier prize, as usual, was taken 
by Mr. D. McBean, girdener, Graigend, Johnstone. The Leeks, Cauliflowers, 
and Peas in this collection could hardly have been excelled. He won also 
first prizes for the following:—Two Cucumbers, six Leeks, two early 
Cabbages, two Red Cabbages, and twenty-four pods French Beans. For 
three heads of Celery, Mr. Tnomas Hogg, gardener, Aitkenhead, was first 
with well-blanched heads ; the other lots, though large, were very gre n 
and coarse. For twenty four pod9 of Peas, Mr. John Jamieson, Alexandria, 
was first. For six Carrots, Mr. Wm. Hewet, Temple Sawmills. Cauli¬ 
flowers were well shown by Mr. Jas. Cocker; Parsnips by Mr. Thos. Brown ; 
Turnips by Mr. Robt. Inglis, and Parsley by Mr. Walter Rae. The prize 
for six Onions was won by Mr. G. Thomson, gardener, Springrove, Kilhar- 
chan ; six distinct varieties of Potatoes by Mr. Thos. Barbour, Parkthorn, 
Dundonald; Tomato in 10-inch pot, by Mr. Robt. Dunlop, Viewpark 
Gardens, Uddingston; twelve Tomato s by Mr. Robert Strathall; Savoys 
by Mr. Alex. Raeside; Beetroots by Mr. Jas. Hutchieson, and Beans by 
Mr. Walter Welsh. 
Amateurs. —Tbe amateurs made a creditable display, being considerably 
in advance of former years. Notably in the vegetable section was this 
apparent, the Leeks, Carrots, and Celery being very well grown, and in one 
or two instances taking the prize from the professional gardeners. Much of 
the success of the Society is due to the untiring energy and able direction 
of the Secretary, Mr. F. Gibb Dougall.—G. R. 
DURHAM SHOW. 
The fourteenth Exhibition of flowers, fruit, and vegetables was held in 
the New Markets and Town Hall on the 7th and 8th inst., and was the best 
the “ Floral Society ” has held. The surrounding district is noted tor 
vegetable growers, most of whom compete, vegetables forming one of the 
principal features of the Exhibition. An account of these and. the various 
exhibits will now be given. 
Stove and Greenhouse. —Four collections of specimens were staged. 
Mr. F. C. Ford, Pieiremont, Darlington, was first with Ericas Jacksoni and 
Austiniana, both good ; Allamanda Wardleyana and Phtenocotna prolifera 
Barnesi, the latter well flowered, and all very fresh. Mr. Thos. Suffield, 
Elmridge, Darlington, was second with an excellent Erica Marnockiana 
and a good Clerodendron Balfourianum as his best plants. Mr. Morris, 
Park Road, Filling, third ; and Mr. James Moore fourth. There were six 
entries. In the groups class Mr. J. Mclndoe, Woodside, Darlington, was 
first with an ornate and chaste arrangement, consisting of Cocos Weddelliana 
and Crotons, a groundwork of Adiantum cuneatum and Lobelia, edged with 
Panicum variegatum. Mr. W. R. Armstrong, Newcastle, was second ; and 
Mr. F. C. Ford third. For four foliage plants Mr. McIntyre was again first 
Cocos Weddelliana, Cro ons Hamondi and Dasylirion glaucum being v. ry 
good. Mr. Morris and Mr. S.iffi fid folio we 1. For four Ferns (exotic) Mr. 
McIntyre was once mor - fi st with Gleiih nia rapestris an! Adiantums 
cuneatum, farleyense, and decorum, a'l in good condition. Table plants 
were well represented, Mr. F. C. Ford being first with Dracseaa indivisa, 
Pandanus Veitchi, Croton irregulars, Aralia Veitchi, Dracieaa superba, and 
Cocos Weddelliana. 
Table Decorations. —These were a new feature to the Exhibition ;_the 
Society offering £13 in prizes. Mr. M. D. Thompson, South Hill, was first. 
The epergne was gracefully filled with the lighc-fl >wered Francoa rarnosa, 
Lapageria rosea, and alba, and a light Clematiu The base was composed of 
Ixoras, Water Lilies, Allamandas, and Cactus Dahlias. Mr. 0. Lamb, 
Hermitage, was a good second. The third was inferior in tast), yellow 
Calceolarias and blue Violas predominating, and by gaslight must have 
been very ineffeciive. It is to be hoped that as the Society.offers such 
liberal prizes next year may be witnessed a great improvement in this style 
of decoration. 
Fruit.— The show of fruit was not large, but was very g o od. For six dishes 
Mr. Westcott, Riby Castle, was first with Black Hamburgh Grapes (fine), 
Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Royal George Peaches, Pumaston Orange 
Nectarines, High Cross Hybrid Melons, and Williams’ Boa Chretien Pears. 
For two bunch s of Black Hamburgh Grape3 Mr. Jenkins, Aldin Grange, 
Durham, was first; they were finely coloured, large in berry, and perfectly 
finished. The same exhibitor was first for Grapes any other colour. The 
variety was a spl mdid example of Alicante. For white Grapes Mr. Elliot 
was first with Muscat of Alexandria, good. Mr. Westcott wts first for the 
heaviest bunch with a Black Hamburgh weighing about G lbs. Mr. W. 
Laidlaw was first for Peaches, with Royal George, Mr. Westcott was in the 
same position for Nectarines, and also first for Pears with Jargonelle. 
Vegetables. —For a collection of eight dishes of vegetables there were 
eight entries, Mr. W. Robson, Milburngate, being first, showing splendid Cauli- 
flow-rs, Golden Ball Turnip, Sandringham White Celery, L eks, very large 
round and kidney Potatoes Mr. G. II. Proctor was second, red and white 
Potatoes, Celery, Spring Onions, and Golden Ball Turnip being very good. 
Mr. J. Brooke was third, and staged excellent Leeks, measuring 12 inches 
in blanches and 6 in circumference. L eks were excellent throughout, 
there being fourteen entries in the class for them, _Mr. Robson s first 
prize examples being clean and measuring 13 inches and 7 in circumference. 
Carrots and Parsnips were also excellent, Mr. W. Walton being first with 
roots 15 inches long and 12 in circumference. The same exhibitor wae also 
first for Parsnips, these were 30 long and 9 thick. Potatoes were good, and 
this useful esculent gets justice done to its growth at Durham. lor white 
kidneys Mr. J. Tweedy, Ferry Hill station, was first, and Mr. J. H. Proctor 
second with International. For round Potatoes Mr. J. H. Proctor was first 
with Schoolmaster, which were much admired, and evoked no little amount 
of entnusiasm. The same gentleman was also first with red kidneys, and m 
the same position for six heaviest Potatoes, with the Brazilian, weighing 
11 lbs. 2 ozs. 
This is a Vrry large Exhibition, only the principal outlines being given. 
It embraced an entry of plants 65, table, decoration, and cut flowers 1G3, 
vegetables 430, giving a total of 658. We cannot help mentioning the very 
unsatisfactory mode the Society has of letting the public know who are the 
prizewinners. Tner; is on the prize card a number only, and if you are 
interested in any exhibitor you must perforce buy a catalogue at 6d., and 
hunt up for the class you wish to know about. Not only is this cumber¬ 
some, but a tax which ought not to be imposed. The system adopted at 
Newcastle and other good shows would be a great improvement at 
Durham. 
WATER AS AN ORNAMENTAL FEATURE. 
In many gardens of the highest note water f rms an object of the 
greatest possible importance, and next if not quite equal to shrubs and 
trees. The value of water may also Vie easily und^stood by the careful 
way in which it is economised. In most places of note water is made 
visible in some form. If a stream cannot be commanded a piece of still 
water is made to do duty ; and now and then highly ornamented or 
elaborate works of art are devoted to its reception, but even without the 
aid of these it is at all times attractive, even in its simplest form. Let a 
visitor to Hampton Court but take the trouble to ascertain whe her any 
portion of the beautiful grounds receives more attention than the circular 
has in of water with its gold fLli. All classes seem to delight in gazing on 
the glassy or rippled surface of water wherever it may exiot, be it as a 
noble river, a running brook, or a placid pond. Water, therefore, may be 
regarded as a universal favourite ; and considering that it is of such im¬ 
portance to the well-being of the community, we need not be surprised at 
now and then hearing of disputes where it is misapplied or its purity 
destroyed. It uses, however, for ornamental purposes in gardens are 
those to which I chiefly intend to confine myselh 
Water being so essential a feature in all dressed grounds, there are 
few places where its introduction, at whatever cost, is not desirable, not 
only for its own sake but also for the display of the works of the architect 
and sculptor, and which otherwise it might not be possible to bring in 
with propriety. How much the gardens at the Cryetal Fa'ace would lose 
in public estimation if deprived of their fountains. Not less important 
are the cascades and fountains at Chatswortb ; while the silvery Thames 
lends its aid to the noble grounds at Cliveden. Kew is perhaps less 
blessed with water than most public gardens, but the Thames runs by it, 
and a sheet of water forms a foreground to the view in one direction from 
the large Palm house ; lakes and borrowed streams are doing duty of a 
like kind in hundreds of other places. 
Water as a feature in the landscape is so much valued that its presence 
is courted at times, perhaps, when good taste might even question i s 
beiDg in character with other things ; but these cases are comparatively 
few, as there are few places where it may not be appropnately admitted. 
Peihaps one of the principal objections to s use as an ornamental feature 
