October 12, 1893. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
3il 
Those mentioned are well worthy of cultivation, but let me recommend 
admirers of these plants to go and judge for themselves. They will then 
be better able to form an idea of what they can do in their own stoves 
with the aid of perseverance, and a little of that intelligence which they 
lavish so freely on such plants as Chrysanthemums and Eoses.—H. 
UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT 
SOCIETY. 
Annual Dinner. 
The members of the above Society held their seventh anniversary 
dinner at the Cannon Street Hotel, E.C., on Tuesday evening, Oct. 10th. 
P. C. M. Veitch, Esq., occupied the chair, and there was a large attend¬ 
ance, upwards of a hundred gentlemen sitting down to the tables. 
Amongst others present were H. J. Veitch, Esq., N. N. Sherwood, Esq., 
Clarence Smith, Esq., M.P., H. Rivers, Esq., Messrs. Arnold Moss, G. J. 
Ingram, W. Marshall, P. Barr, H. Cannell, J. Cheal, J. Hudson, B. Wynne, 
G. W. Cummins, N, Cole, J. R. Chard, W. Collins, Secretary, and 
numerous other horticulturists and their friends. 
Mr. P. C. M. Veitch, after the customary loyal toasts, gave that of 
“The United Horticultural Benevolent and Provident Society,” coupled 
with the name of N. N. Sherwood, Esq. In his opening remarks the 
Chairman said he looked upon it as a great honour in being asked to 
preside that night. He had been brought up amongst horticulturists, 
and took great interest in gardening, and especially in this Society. One 
always admired the benevolent institutions, but there was something 
particularly attractive in this, as a man might not only provide for him¬ 
self in case of sickness, but for his wife and family. (Hear, hear). A 
great deal had been said of late about old age pensions, and many would 
agree with such a scheme if nearly all the money invested was not eaten 
up by the management. This Society was the right and true system of 
old age pension. (Hear, hear). He would ask all gardeners present, and 
others, to bring the Society and its good work before their young men. 
It was the proper thing for gardeners to join whilst they were young. 
As regards the progress they had made, it was gratifying to know that 
whilst in 1877 there were only 109 members, there were now 500 on the 
books. This was largely due to the annual dinners. There were now 
more than £8000 invested, and these figures would show that the 
Society was in a very satisfactory condition. After referring to the 
small expenses connected with the Society, the Chairman observed that 
the Convalescent Fund, which was started about two years ago by Mr. 
Sherwood, was not, he was sorry to say, in a very strong condition. 
Every member should subscribe as much as possible to it. The Benevolent 
Fund was satisfactory, but he hoped it would not entrench upon the 
older institutions. The motto of the Society was, “ Union is strength,” 
and he would conclude by wishing them more power, (Cheers.) 
Mr. N. N. Sherwood in responding, observed that he thoroughly 
agreed with all that the Chairman had said. He thought that if the 
objects of this Society were better known they would have three times 
as many members. The Society filled a most important link between 
the other two gardening charities. It teaches men to be thrifty, and it 
was the duty of every man to save something. As regards the Conva¬ 
lescent Fund he might ask could not gardeners put the matter before 
their employers, and urge them to do something towards it ? In order to 
celebrate the jubilee of the firm with which he was connected (Messrs. 
Hurst & Co ) he would add £50 to the Convalescent Fund, and he hoped 
it would not be allowed to dwindle out (applause.) 
Mr. J. Hudson proposed the “Honorary and Life Members,” and 
briefly remarked that on the previous evening they had opened a new 
departure in this re.spect by electing a lady as an honorary member. 
Clarence Smith, Esq., M.P., and W. Marshall, Esq., responded, the 
first named gentleman remarking that although there as a visitor on 
that occasion, he hoped to be elected an honorary member before next 
year. 
Mr. H. J. Veitch briefly gave “The Officers of the Society,” coupled 
with the names of Messrs. J. Wheeler, W. Collins, and J. Hudson, 
who subsequently responded. Mr. Veitch remarked that he should 
have pleasure in subscribing 5 guineas to the convalescent, and a 
similar sum to the management fund. 
Mr. Arnold Moss proposed “ The Chairman,” to which Mr. P. C. M. 
Veitch briefly responded. 
The tables were tastefully decorated with flowers by Mr. J. R. Chard 
and others, and some excellent fruit was kindly given by various friends. 
The surplus fruit was presented to the inmates of Guy’s Hospital. The 
musical arrangements were under the direction of Mr. Herbert Schartau. 
THE SALISBURY DAHLIAS AT HOME. 
Having seen blooms of the various sections of the Dahlias in 
Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.’s first prize stands at horticultural 
exhibitions in various parts of the country within the last few 
weeks, a natural wish to see these flowers “ at home ” was realised 
on the 11th ult., when I was fortunate enough to find Mr. W. H, 
Williams “at home” also. Under his courteous and able guidance a 
move was at once made in the direction of the Dahlia ground. Here 
we found the veteran grower and able manager of the Castle Street 
Nurseries (Mr. John Wyatt), undone of his skilled assistants, creating 
havoc in a plantation of seedling Dahlias, only here and there a “ plant 
of promise” being left standing for growing another year. 
But in allowing the eye to wander from this somewhat desolating 
scene in another direction what a floral picture presented itself I Here 
1600 large plants, including all sections of the Dahlia, and in grand 
flower, met the gaze and made a display impression on the mind that 
will not easily be forgotten. In front were rows of the show and fancy 
kinds, the blooms being of great depth and breadth and fine in form. 
Conspicuous among the show varieties were the white-tipped, crimsoned- 
petalled Maid of Kent, the pure white Gloire de Lyon, and the bright, 
scarlet coloured Walter H. Williams. Prominent among the Pompons 
was Leila, reddish buff tipped with white, and further on row after 
row of the Cactus Dahlia, comprising pretty well every shade of colour 
between white and crimson, many of the blooms of individual varieties 
being a combination of pleasing hues. The most striking blooms 
observed among this section of the Dahlia were Lady Penzance, soft 
yellow (not yet in commerce) ; Dawn, lemon, deepening to orange ; 
Countess of Radnor; Kaiserin, sulphur yellow, the outer florets being 
tinged with lemon; Gloriosa, an improvement on Juarezi in size, 
colour (rich crimson) and form of flower ; Countess of Pembroke, 
delicate lilac, a very attractive variety ; Kynerith, rich vermilion ; 
Dr. Masters, blush white tinted with lilac ; Bertha Mawley, cochineal 
colour, a grand flower ; Duke of Clarence, deep crimson with scarlet 
shading towards the top of the petals ; Black Prince, flowers very 
large and velvety blackish maroon in colour; Delicata, light salmon 
at base of florets gradually shading off to a delicate pink ; and St. 
Katherine, soft reddish amber, a fine variety. 
I may be permitted to say, by way of showing the amount of labour 
that was involved in watering the Dahlias at Messrs. Keynes’ during the 
past four or five months, that each of the 1600 plants grown received 
20 gallons of water every week—equal 32,000 gallons per week ; the 
ground between the rows and plants being also heavily mulched with 
substantial manure.—W. H. W. 
ROYAL AQUARIUM. 
October 11th,12th, and 13th. 
An Exhibition of Chrysanthemums, Begonias, and other flowers 
opened at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, on the 11th inst., and 
will continue the two following days. Chrysanthemums were not so 
extensively shown as many expected, but the flowers were fairly good. 
Fruit was excellent, and some vegetables were staged. 
The leading class in the cut bloom section was for twenty-four 
Japanese, and there were five competitors. Mr. H. Shoesmith, gardener 
to M. Hodgson, Esq., Shirley Cottage, Croydon, was first with a stand 
of grand blooms. The best flowers were Colonel W. B. Smith, John 
Shrimpton, W. Tricker, Mrs. C. H. Payne, President Borel, Sunflower, 
Mons. Bernard, The second prize went to Mr, C. Cox, gardener to 
John Trotter, Esq., Brickendon Grange, Hertford ; and Mr. W. Higgs, 
gardener to J, B. Hankey, Esq., Fetcham Park, Leatherhead, was third. 
There were six competitors in the class for twelve Japanese blooms, and 
after a close fight Mr. W. Collins, Ponsbourne Park, Hertford, secured 
the first prize. The flowers were fresh and even, the best being R. C. 
Kingston, Sunflower, Avalanche, William Holmes, and Stanstead White. 
Mr. T. Wilkins, Inwood House, Blandford, was second ; and Mr. 
E. Rowbottom, The Gardens, The Priory, Hornsey, N., third. Mr. Row- 
bottom, however, was first with a dozen incurved blooms, the best of 
which were Mons. R. Bahuant, Mrs. Dixon, Baron Hirsch, and Eefulgens, 
The second prize was secured by Mr. J, Agate, Havant, Hants. 
Messrs. W, Collins and J. Agate divided the prizes for six incurved 
blooms. 
Mr. E. Tickner, gardener to J. Watney, Esq., Reigate, was given the 
first prize for twelve Japanese blooms. There was no other competitor 
in this class. The same exhibitor secured the leading prize for six 
blooms of Japanese. For six blooms of new varieties, Mr. F. Agate was 
awarded a silver medal. The varieties shown were Princess May, Mrs, 
Fowler, Miss Watson, Charles Davis, Duchess of Devonshire, and Beauty 
of Exmouth. Miss Debenham was first for twelve bunches of Pompons 
in the amateurs’ class ; and Mr. D. B. Crane, Highgate, secured prizes 
for these Chrysanthemums. Mr. T. Osman, Ottershaw Park, was first 
for twelve Japanese blooms. The prizes for groups of Chrysanthemums 
went to Messrs. Davis and H. J. Jones. Mr. Jones also had a collection 
of cut blooms, not for competition. 
For a table of bouquets, wreaths, and sprays composed of Chrysan¬ 
themums, Mr. J. R. Chard, Stoke Newington, was first with a charming 
arrangement. Mr. Chard also secured the first prize for three vases 
arranged with foliage and flowers in a graceful manner. Mr. F. W. 
Seale, Vine Nurseries, Sevenoaks, was second, and Mr. D. B. Crane, 
Highgate, third. Extra prizes went to Mr. A. Minden, gardener to 
Dr. Paul, Camberwell, S.E., and Mr. W. Mole, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. 
Miscellaneous exhibits were numerous. Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, 
Forest Hill, S.E., arranged a charming group of Tuberous Begonias 
with a background of Palms. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, sent a 
hamper of Aster grandiflora, blooms of new Dahlias, and the pretty 
Nerine elegans alba which was certificated at the Drill Hall on the 
previous day. Mr. W. J. Godfrey, The Nurseries, Exmouth, staged a 
dozen splendid blooms of Beauty of Exmouth Chrysanthemum, proving, 
as remarked last year, that it is one of the finest varieties in cultivation. 
The same exhibitor had blooms of several new varieties, including Charles 
Davis, Duchess of Devonshire, Eda Brass, and Madame E. Rey. These 
with others were placed before the Floral Committee for certificates, 
but when our reporter left no awards other than in the competitive 
classes had been made. Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Coventry, had blooms 
of Dahlias Matchless, Purple Prince, and Mr. F. W. Seale sent Dahlias 
