May 26, 1892. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
399 
it are no more, and as yet none take their places. Henry Wilson’s 
plants will therefore be dispersed, and the breaking up of the collection 
is the ecd of one that was continued through half a century. To the 
head gardener at South Royd, Mr. T. Naylor, it must only be one mark 
more of his loss of a dear friend and companion to see these plants pass 
away, of which he was the trusted guardian in their late owner’s 
necessary absences. 
Henry Wilson was not only of one taste or gift. He loved country 
walks better than town streets, and knew much of bitds, and flowers, 
and trees ; yet he was faithfully devoted to all business duties, and in 
a touching notice by an old colleague on the staff of the Halifax Courier^ 
with which he was connected many years, after which he was then 
registrar of births and deaths for many years more, we have the fair 
record of Henry Wilson’s business life : “ In discharge of official duties, 
as indeed in all that he had to do, he was scrupulously punctual and 
exact, efficient and faithful.” Just as he was with his flowers so he was 
with his work. He had marvellous powers of memory, “a singular and 
striking habit of quoting from Shakespeare in ordinary conversation in 
an apt and telling manner to fit the subject of the moment.” It was no 
tedious habit of quotation, it was perfectly natural to him. He loved 
pure nervous English, and expressed himself, apparently unconsciously, 
in, if I may so say, its florist flower language. This, and a quaint 
natural humour, were great charms in his companionship. “ He used to 
speak of the biographies of Halifax worthies in the local press as ‘ put¬ 
ting by good people in Courier Lavender,’ and wondered if a friend would 
find a few sprigs of Lavender for him when he had passed over the 
border.” As one to whom be had expressed that thought I hope I may 
ask, on behalf of the many florist friends vvho loved him, to lay in the 
fitting pages of the Journal this spray of Lavender in memory of Henry 
Wilson.— F. D. Horner, Burton-in-Lonsdale. 
The National Chrysanthemum Society. 
The annual report on, and financial statement of, the affairs of the 
National Society, will be read with interest by all Chrysanthemum 
growers, and as a schedule of prizes for 1892 is allied with it exhibitors 
will net find themselves out in the cold. The number of members is 
now 656, and of affiliated societies eighty-seven. It is claimed in the 
report, and with justice, that the exhibitions held at the Aquarium in 
1891 were quite worthy of a Society calling itself national. Complaints 
are common enough with respect to the unsuitability of the building, 
but few have been found to deny the excellent character of the displays 
that have been gathered together in it. Last year’s November Exhi¬ 
bition was one of the bast ever held by the Society, and there are not as 
yet any signs of a probable decadence. As regards the Aquarium, its 
disadvantages for a popular show of flowers in murky autumn weather 
are palpable to any visitor ; nevertheless, there are many things in its 
favour, and the Society would probably be making a serious mistake if 
the quarters were shifted. The experiment of a December instead of a 
January exhibition has not proved to be a success, and the Committee 
have substituted an October Exhibition for it this year. This will take 
place five weeks after the early show and about a month before the 
November Exhibition. It may perhaps be found advisable to drop this 
third show eventually, but time will settle the point, and the experiment 
cannot do much harm. 
The report comments on the work of the Floral Committee, and it 
will be generally conceded that this body has done its work con¬ 
scientiously and well. Great care will continue to be exercised, it is 
said, in the granting of certificates, and the assurance will be welcomed 
by the public, if not by raisers of novelties. One can understand a 
feeling of uneasiness on the part of the latter, but they will not be the 
losers ultimately by a wholesome strictness in the award of certificates, 
for a loose system would result in a number of worthless “ novelties ” 
being sprung upon the public, as well as some good varieties, and the 
popu’arity of the flower would inevitably suffer through the disappoint¬ 
ments ensuing. If the Committee err at all in this matter it is to be 
hoped, in the best interests of the Chrysanthemum and of all who grow 
it, that it will be on the side of severity. The publication of the papers 
on sports, that were read by the Rev. G. Henslow and Mr. N. Davis at 
the Conference held in connection with the last November Show, is a 
step that will be approved by country members who were not in town 
on the occasion referred to. Both are of much interest. A conference 
on the subject of increasing the size of boards for Japanese is to be held in 
connection with the October Show this year, the Society considering 
the matter too important to be settled off-hand. There is stated to be 
considerable difference of opinion on the subject, and this being the case 
it is wise to afford an opportunity for thrashing the matter out 
thoroughly, although general comment would lead to the impression 
that a change is almost universally demanded. 
At this early date only brief reference need be made to the Exhibi¬ 
tions. The first is fixed for September 7th and 8th, the second for 
October 12th, 13th, and 14th, and the principal one for November 8th, 
9th, and 10th. The schedule of the latter is of the usual comprehensive 
character. The Societies’ competition has been criticised in the past ; 
but it is an undoubted success, and is continued. A special feature is 
provided in the offer of two challenge cups to commemorate the late 
Mr. William Holmes. These have been procured through private sub¬ 
scription. The first, with a sum of £10, is offered for thirty-six incurved, 
and the second, with a similar amount, for forty-eight Japanese, while 
the minor prizes are also worth winning. The object is a worthy one, 
and it is carried out in a liberal manner. Although the lamented death 
of Mr. Holmes caused his work in connection with the Society to be 
transferred to new hands, the old spirit and energy exist, and will carry 
it and its work steadily on. 
THE TEMPLE SHOW. 
The great early summer Show of the Royal Horticultural Society, 
held, by permission of the Benchers, in the gardens of the Inner 
Temple, has become one of the great gatherings of the floral world. It 
was taken up at its inception with a vigour and spirit which augured 
brightly of success, and has served the double purpose of providing the 
public with a magnificent display, and of drawing widespread attention 
to the Society by which it is conducted. In many respects the Exhibition 
is unique. Orchids are unquestionably the main attraction to tne public, 
and ot these collections are exhibited which no other occasion sulfices to 
draw forth, while the usual contributions of better-known exhibitors 
are largely augmented. It is doubtful whether a richer or more varied 
display has ever been got together than is afforded by the combined 
treasures of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Baron Schroder, Messrs. 
F. Sander & Co., Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, Messrs. Cnarlesworth, 
Shuttleworth & Co., and other well-known growers, and it is a matter of 
no surprise that the pleasure and interest derivable from it should be of 
an entirely exceptional character. In other departments the Snow is 
also remarkable. The various specialities of many noted growers, 
amateur and professional, are exhibited in the best condition and to the 
greatest extent, hence all tastes are liberallv catered for. 
It was not expected that this year’s Exhibition would mark any 
deterioration. Tne interest of the public was centred on it as actively 
as on any previous occasion, while the friends and supporters of the 
Society were not less warm than heretofore, but, on the contrary, 
encouraged by previous successes. Anticipations of another splendid 
display were, therefore, formed with reason, and it is most gratifying to 
record that they were abundantly fulfilled. As was the case last year, 
four huge marquees are filled with a magnificent assortment of plants, 
flowers, and fruit. In the largest of them Orchids are shown in great 
numbers and diversity, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Baron Schrdler, F. Wigan, 
E-q., F. C. Jacomb, Esq., C. J. Lucas, Esq., Horsham, Messrs. Charles- 
worth, Shuttleworth, & Co., Messrs. Sander & Co., and Messrs. B. S. 
Williams & Son all contributing largely and well. Perhaps 
there was a slight falling-off in numbers, but at a general glance 
it was hardly observable, and the display remained one of 
wonderful extent and beauty. The others were furnished with 
a great variety of plants, and these, together with the Orchids, 
are referred to in the following report, which is as complete as 
it could be made in the short time that elapsed between the opening of 
the Show and the time of going to press. It may be interesting to add 
that the total amount of space devoted to the Show was nearly 25,000 
square feet, and this will serve to afford some idea of its magnitude. 
Orchids. 
As on previous occasions, the broadest of the quartette of tents, a 
great erection 160 feet long and 60 feet wide, was set apart for Orchids, 
and a magnificent effect was produced by them. The central staging 
was 14 feet wide, and the plants were arranged in tiers or terraces, 
thus providing a sloping bank of flowers on each side, a line of Palms 
dividing the two at the top and imparting freshness. The richness and 
diversity of the display was remarkable, and evoked the greatest 
admiration. Particulars of the different groups are given in the order 
of their arrangement. Passing round to the right the first reached was 
that of F. C. Jacomb, Esq., Cheam Park, Surrey (gardener, Mr. W. 
May), which occupied about 15 feet run. It was mainly composed of 
Cattieyas, these embracing some excellent forms of C. Mossiae and 
C. Mendeli. Several of the latter were particularly noteworthy. A fine 
variety of C. gigas was one of the best features of the group. Miltonia 
vexillaria (Odoutoglossum vexillarium) in several varieties was also 
noticeable, as were forms of OJontoglossum crispum. About an equal 
space was covered by F. Wigan, Esq , East Sheen (gardener, Mr. W. 
Young), but this was more varied in character. A splendidly flowered 
plant of Cypiipedium ba. bxtum was very marked, as were two excellent 
specimens of C. Lawrence.inum ; C. Curtisi, C. Dayanum, C. ciliolare, 
C. caudatum, and 0. Paiishi were also represented. Amongst the 
Cattieyas were a fine plant of C. Mendeli, a richly coloured form, also 
a palei variety, and several forms of C. Mossise. Of Lae la purpurata 
there were two good examples. Dendrobium suavissimum and the 
charming green and white D. Dearei were noticeable. Laelia majalis 
in two distinct forms was very beautiful. Odoutoglossum crispum and 
0. citrosmum were present in variety, Cymbidium tigrinum, Sarcochilus 
Berkeley!, Oncidium Krameri, Phalseuopsis spe iosa, P. grandiflora, 
Saccolab.um ampullaceum, and OJontoglossum c udatum adding to the 
interest of the display, which was further enriched by a choice assort¬ 
ment of Masdevallias. 
A magnificent collection came from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., 
