418 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ November 4,1856. 
twelve incurved and twelve Japanese varieties, was won by Mr. J. Bettes- 
wortb, gardener to R. Ewing, Esq., Barton Grange, Cheshunt. His stand 
included good blooms of Prince Alfred, Mrs. Heale, Lord Wolseley, Made¬ 
moiselle Lacroix, Elaine, and Oracle. Mr. J. P. Kendall was second. Messrs. 
F. Woodley and John Aste took the prizes for twelve incurved blooms, and 
Messrs. A. Macgetson and J. P. Kendall those for twelve Japanese varieties 
in the amateurs’ classes. In the latter classes there were some surprisingly 
good flowers, and it was evidently a popular one, seven stands being shown. 
Messrs. T. Wickham Jones, G. Lambert, O. T. Hodges, and J. Spiers were 
prizewinners in other classes. In an exhibition of this nature high-class 
flowers are not looked for, but there was evidence in the stands of the 
exhibitors named and others that the art of growing good Chrysanthemums 
is not altogether unknown to many amateurs. Two handsome boxes of 
blooms, chiefly Japanese varieties, were shown by Mr. N. Davis, Lilford 
Nurseries, Camberwell, London, S.E. 
HIGHGATE.— November 3rd and 4th. 
A most varied and satisfactory Exhibition was opened at Highgate on 
Wednesday and continued on Thursday, and for such an early date the 
competition was keener and the quality of the exhibits better than could 
have been expected. The district includes Finchley and Hornsey, and the 
Society is well supported by the local residents, twenty-four of whom con¬ 
tribute prizes in special classes. The Show was held in the Northfleld Hall, 
the arrangements being well conducted by the Secretary, Mr. H. Barnby, 
and Mr. T. Bevan. 
The Hall suflioed to hold all the exhibits at the first show held last year, 
bnt on this occasion the entries were so numerous that a large tent had to 
be employed to find space for the additional contributions. In this the 
groups and most of the specimen plants were arranged, the former being an 
excellent feature, but the specimens were not in first-rate condition, and it 
is seldom that they are seen quite satisfactory at local shows. Groups are 
far more effective and more competitors can enter such classes. 
For a group of Chrysanthemums in a space of GO Bquare feet, Mr. James 
Brooks, gtrdener to Walter Reynolds, Esq., The Grove, Highgate, was first 
with an effective display, the plants compact, healthy, and bearing large 
brightly coloured blooms. Mr. J. H. Wit y, London Cemetery Company, 
Highgate, was second with a good group, and Mr. J. Britain, gardener to 
J. Reckett, Esq., Caen Wood Towers, Highgate, was third, both these 
having well arranged groups but smaller blooms. Mr. W. Theobald, gar¬ 
dener to A. Goslett, Esq., J.P., West Hill, Highgate. had the best six plants, 
Japanese varieties, well flowered even specimens, Mr. Brittain being second 
with taller plants. In the class for six incurved, Messrs. J. Brooks, W. 
Theobald, and C. Shepherd, gardener to Mrs. Horwood, South Grove. High¬ 
gate, were the prizetakers. Pompons were well exhibited by Mr. J. Brooks, 
who had the b st six plants. Madam Marthe, Mr. Astie, Mrs. Hutt, and 
Soeur Melainie, very good. Mr. W. Theobald, was second with smaller but 
neat plants. 
Cut blooms were numerously and well shown. In the open class for 
thirty-six cut blooms Mr. B. Calvert, gardener to G. Kent, Esq., Southwood, 
Highgate, was first with an excellent collection, eighteen incurved and 
eighteen Japanese. The former comprised grand blooms of Alfred Salter, 
Lord Alcestt-r, Lord Wolseley, Lady Slade, Nil Desperandum, and Prince 
Alfred, while amongst the Japanese were Criterion, Curiosity, Comtesse de 
Beauregarde, Joseph Mahood, Mons. Astorg, and Mons. Tarin, very good. 
Mr. J. Britain was second with fresh but smaller blooms. With twenty-four 
incurved Mr. Calvert was first, staging fairly eood even blooms, Mr. Brittain 
following with rather rougher example?. Messrs. J. Brittain, B. Calvert, 
and T. Taylor were the prizetakers in the class for twelve Japanese, all 
showing very satisfactory collections. Mr. W. Theobald had an excellent 
stand of twenty-four Japanese, for which he secured the premier honours ; 
Mr. J. Brittain followed closely : Mr. B. Cdvert being third. Mr.T. L. Turk 
was first with six Japanese, having Yal d’Andorre wonderfully fine. Incurved 
were not so good ; Mr. T. L. Turk, W. Theobald, and H. Neary securing the 
chief prizes. Mr. W. Morley’s prize for twenty-four Japanese blooms brought 
three admirable collections. Mr. J. Brooks was first with large blooms of 
good substance and bright colours ; Mr. Theobald took the second place with 
rather smaller blooms, and Mr. J. Brittain was third. Mr. G. Kent’s prizes for 
six blooms of one Japanese variety brought six competitors, Mr. W. Theobald 
winning the first place with magnificent blooms of Madame C. Audiguier, 
large and of a most delicate colour. The second and third awards were 
secured by Mr. J. Brooks and Mr. T. Turk, gardener to T. Boney, Esq., 
Cholmeley Lodge, Highgate, for good blooms of Elaine. Mrs. Gossley’s 
priz c s for twelve Anemone blooms brought three good collections from 
Messrs. W. Theobald and J. Brittain, who were respectively first and second. 
A class in w hich Messrs. William Outbush & Son, Higbgate, offered prizes 
for twenty-four blooms, incurved or Japanese, exhibited with foliage as cut 
from the plants, was very interesting, five good collections being entered, 
and the awards were secured by Messrs. W. Theobald, Brooks, and Brittain, 
all showing fairly good blooms. 
Mr. C. Catling’s prizes for bouquets of Chrysanthemums were won by Mr. 
T. Horsman, gardener to A. J. Reynolds, Esq., Northfleld, Higbgate, Mr. 
W. Theobald, and Mr. B. Calvert, the first being a tasteful combination of 
varied colours. Mr. E. G. Shelton contributed prizes for dinner-table deco¬ 
rations with Chrysanthemum blooms, Mr. W. Wilkinson, gardener to W. 
W. Webster, Esq., Highgate Rise, being first with three small stands, light 
and graceful. Mr. H. Neary and Mr. W. Neary followed with larger and 
heavier productions. Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, offered prizes 
for six table plants, Mr. B. Calvert winning the first with neat Aralias and 
small Palms. Mr. H. Eason, gardener to B. Noakes, Esq., North Hill, High¬ 
gate, followed with Crotons, Dracaenas, and Aralias, Mr. W. Theobald beiDg 
third for larger plants. 
Fruit comprised Apples, Pears, and Grapes in good condition, vegetables 
being also numerous, the cottagers’ exhibits occupying much space. Mr. 
W. E. Boyce, Archway Road, Higbgate, and A. R. Rundell, Esq., showed 
collections of blooms not in competition. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son High, 
gate, had a group of Pernettyas and foliage plants. Mr. B. S. Williams had 
a pretty group of flowering and fine-foliage plants. Mr. J. Douglas, gar¬ 
dener to Francis Whitbourn, Esq., Great Grades, Ilford, showed three geo l 
bunches of Grapes—Snow’s Muscat, Royal Vineyard, and M-s. Pince. 
WORK Ml THE WEEK.. 
O’®* 
KITCHEN GARDEN. 
Forcing Vegetables. —The early part of November is a good time 
to begin forcing vegetables for supplies at Christmas and midwinter, but 
it may be well to remind the inexperienced that forcing in the short days 
is difficult work, and unless those who take it in hand have suitable 
appliances the forcing operations will not, as a rule, prove satisfactory. 
Heat is the leading agent in forcing, and where plenty of this is at com¬ 
mand there is no reason that forcing in November or any other spring 
month should be a failure. There are many who may force vegetables 
well who do not live in large gardens, or who do not possess range after 
range of glass houses, as it is by utilising small spaces and securing crops 
from odd corners that much valuable produce in secured, and this is un¬ 
doubtedly profitable forcing. We have known many good dishes of 
Rhubarb, Seakale, and Asparagus to be cut at midwinter from a light or 
two over a flue, and it is in such places as these that forcing should be 
done as well as in forcing houses, always provided heat can be secured. 
Asparagus. —This is a delicious vegetable throughout the winter, and 
when forced early gives much satisfaction. It is amongst the easiest of 
all roots to force, and with strong well-matured roots, and a bottom heat of 
70°, the produce may be cut in three weeks after the roots have been put 
in. Roots can never be forced profitably until they are four years old at 
least, and there is no limit after that. It is important that they are well 
matured and have grown freely during the past season. They may either 
be forced in a hotbed or the bed of a Cucumber pit where there is bottom 
heat. We force ours in the latter position, and it does well. Care should 
be taken in lifting the roots that they are not cut or injured, as the roots 
are very fleshy and easily broken. A dozen good roots will give much 
produce, and if some roots are put in every ten days two or more dishes 
will be cut weekly. In placing them in to force the roots may be packed 
together on the bed closely, and they should be covered with some rich 
light soil. Supply water at a temperature of 90°, and with a steady 
bottom heat growth will soon begin. It is sometimes forced in the dark, 
and the produce is white, but heads of this kind are not so well flavoured 
as those grown in the light, and we always force our Asparagus in as 
much light as possible. Top heat is not very important, as they will grow 
in a temperature of 65° or 60°, and a little air may be admitted on flue 
days. 
Rhubarb .—We have tried many ways of forcing it for Christmas, hut 
now confiue ourselves to one, and that is very simple. The roots are not 
lifted, but a cask or large box is turned upside down over the crowns. A 
hole is made in the upper end to allow the steam to escape, and then the 
box or cask is surrounded with a hotbed. This may consist of a mixture 
of manure and leaves and anything that will ferment. The material 
should extend 3 or 4 feet beyond the cask, and it should be made into a 
firm heap about 4 feet in depth. This warms the soil about the roots and 
induces the growths to spring away freely and strong. If two or three 
roots are covered every three weeks or so a constant supply will be kept 
up. Should the heat decline before the growth is finished place a 
quantity of fresh manure round the cask to produce a greater heat, and in 
frosty weather the whule may be covered with straw or bracken. If the 
casks are left on until the spring so as to protect the crowns the roots will 
grow afresh in summer, and show little indication of having been forced 
at such an unseasonable time. 
Sealtale .—Seakale may be had in December by treating it in the same 
way as the Rhubarb, or large pots may be used for placing over the 
crowns. It is only good when blanched, and should always be k°pt in 
the dark, but the interior of the pots must be veutilated a little to prevent 
the growth decaying; but for midwinter forcing we prefer the plan of 
li'ting the roots, placing a Dumber of them in a 10-inch or 12-inch pot, 
and plunging this in bottom heat in a hotbed in the Mushroom house or 
any kind of pit. This induces quick and free growth, and it is more at 
command when treated in this way than when in the open. The earliest 
should only be lifted at present, and as soon as the leaves have withered 
from the crowns a lot of the roots may be taken up and potted, and some of 
these may be put in now and again as the demand requires. They do not 
require much water at the root when being forced, as the roots are not 
very active, but if the crowns are preserved after forcing they will be 
found useful for propagating in spring. 
FRUIT FORCING. 
Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest Trees . —Ripe fruit being re¬ 
quired in late April or early in May, commence forcing about the middle 
of this month—that is, close the he use, but use no fire heat the first fort¬ 
night unless the weather is frosty. Give a thorough soaking of water 
to the inside borders, and if the trees are weakly afford liquid manure, 
but not too strong, which will tend to cause activity at the roots, and 
conduce to a more vigorous expansion of the buds. The house may be 
kept close, and the trees syringed in the morning aDd afternoon of fine 
days, admitting air abundantly wheneverthe weather is brigh’, employing 
no fire heat, as before stated, only to exclude frost, for the slower the 
trees are excited the stronger will be the blossom. The outside border 
