242 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ March t3, 189$. 
Imantophyllum, whilst the background was composed of large Palms 
and Ferns. The first prize group in the amateurs’ class was shown by 
Mr. J. B. Dixon, Ashton House, Ashton. The latter exhibitor was also 
first for six Azaleas, very fine and fresh examples. There was a great 
falling off in the show of Orchids, owing chiefly to the breaking up of a 
local Orchid establishment. 
The wreaths, crosses, brides’ and hand bouquets were excellent, and 
the competition was keen. Mr. Troughton was first in each class, the 
arrangements were splendid, being light. 
For twenty pots of miscellaneous bulbs in flower, distinct, Mr. 
Frisby, gardener to Miss Ffarington, Worden Hall, Leyland, was 
first; and for six pots of Koses, first, Mr. Williams, gardener to J. White- 
head, Esq., Priory, Penwortham. Mr. Lamb, gardener to E. Smith, Esq , 
Longridge, was first for six dinner-table plants. Mr. Sharpies, gardener 
to J. B. Dixon, Esq., Ashton House, Ashton, was also first for Azaleas, 
Hyacinths, Cyclamens, and Cinerarias. 
There was a fair show of collection of vegetables, six varieties. Miss 
Ffarington, being first. The cottagers’ class was well represented. The 
Judges were Mr. Bardney of Osmaston Manor, Derby, and Mr, McKellar 
of Abney Hall, Cheadle. 
GRASSENDALE AND ATGBURTH SPRING SHOW. 
This Show, held on Saturday last, proved most successful. The 
exhibits were not only more numerous, but they were of excellent quality. 
Orchids were well shown, the Cattleyas making a grand show. Mr. A. 
Bryan, gardener to A. Garnett, Esq., staged a fine variety of Cattleya 
Trianm; Mr. J. Grant, gardener to W. S. Gladstone, Esq., Angrmcum 
sesquipedale. Mr. J. Madeley, gardener to W. C. Atkinson, Esq., had a 
choice plant of Cypripedium Rothschildianum with five flowers ; other 
Orchids of note being the quaint Oncidium undulatum, Cymbidium 
eburneum, and a number of Coelogyne cristata. 
Hyacinths were good. For nine distinct, six distinct, and six pots 
three bulbs in a pot, the first prizes went to Messrs. J. Agnew, gardener to 
Mrs, Watts ; John Kelly, gardener toR. Singlehurst, Esq.; and G. Lead- 
beater, gardener to Mr, W. J. Davey, Esq. Tulips were a very strong 
feature. The prizes for six singles and the six doubles went to Messrs. 
Agnew and Grant, the latter securing the prize for six pots of Narcissus. 
The prize for Amaryllis went to Mr. J, Pinnington, Aigburth, and that 
for two stove and greenhouse plants to Mr. G. Leadbeater for a well- 
flowered Azalea and a finely coloured Croton. Mr. Bryan had the 
best single specimen, and also won with Orchids. 
For two Ferns Mr. J. Bounds, gardener to L. L. Jones, Esq., was 
first with Adiantum scutum and Microlepia hirta cristata, and Mr. G. 
Leadbeater staged a fine Davallia Mooreana 7 feet in diameter. He 
was also first for three Azaleas and a charming Rhododendron Gibsoni. 
For two Azaleas Mr. J. Bounds was first; the prizes for one Azalea and 
two hardy Rhododendrons were taken by Mr. J, Kelly. Mr. Bryan took 
first honours for two pot Roses, one bouquet, and a charming variety of 
six stove and greenhouse cut flowers. For three forced hardy plants, 
four table plants and three Carnations in pots, and six trusses of Roses 
Mr. J. Bounds was placed first. For three Spirseas and four pots of Lily 
of the Valley Mr. J. Madeley took first honours. 
Primulas and Cyclamens were in grand condition. Mr. E. Taylor, 
gardener to E. Pryor, Esq., was first prize for four Primulas, and Mr, T. 
Ankers, gardener to W. B. Bowring, Esq., in the class for Cyclamens ; 
Mr. Ankers also secured first position for one Palm, one Mignonette, two 
hardy Azaleas, two Callas, and four pots of herbaceous plants. Mr. P. 
Green, gardener to L. H. MacIntyre, Esq., was placed first for one hardy 
Azalea, whilst for Cinerarias and two Palms the prizes went to Messrs. 
Agnew and G. Burns.—R. P. R. 
ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.— March 22nd. 
' The first Show of the Royal Botanic Society for the present year 
was more favoured in respect to weather than many of its predecessors. 
The Exhibition did not appear to be quite so extensive as usual, although 
it was of the usual bright and diversified character. 
Hyacinths were, as usual, finely shown by Mr. Douglas, gardener to 
Mrs. Whitbourn, Ilford, the spikes being large, well balanced, and the 
foliage commendably dwarf. Electra, King of the Blues, Vuurbaak, 
Koh-i-Noor, and La Grandesse were the best plants. Mr. H. Eason, 
gardener to B. Noakes, Esq., was second with fair trusses ; and Mr. 
R. Scott, gardener to Miss Foster, third. Mr. Douglas was also to the 
front with Tulips, which were in beautiful condition when judged, the 
plants being dwarf, but the flowers large, Ophir d’Or, White Joost Van 
Vondel, Keezer’s Kroon, and Proserpine being splendid, the latter 
especially. Mr. Scott was second with fine flowers, and Mr. Eason 
third. Mr. Douglas won again with Polyanthus Narcissi, Mr. Scott 
following. Messrs. H. Williams & Son won in the trade class with 
twelve Hyacinths, Mr. W. Morle being second. Mr. Douglas won with 
Crocuses in pots, brilliant masses of colour ; Mr. Morle second, and Mr. 
Scott third. The prizes for Lilies of the Valley went to Messrs. 
H. Williams & Sons, Morle, and Scott in the order named. 
Greenhouse Azaleas were exhibited in good condition by Mr. Scott, 
who was placed first. His plants were not large, but were healthy and 
well bloomed. Mr. Eason was second. Mr. Douglas scored his 
customary victory with Deutzias, the plants being wreathed in bloom, 
and Mr. Eason was a good second. Messrs. G, Paul & Son were the only 
exhibitors of six Roses, and were awarded the first prize for well flowered 
plants of Beauty of Waltham, Innocente Pirola, Magna Charta, Violette 
Bowyer, Celine Forestier, and Alphonse Soupert. Mr. Ware won with a 
collection of hardy heibac-Ous plants, amongst them being Doronicum 
plantagineum excelsum, Spirtea japonica muliiflora compacta, Ficaria 
grandiflora. Anemone pulsatilla. Primula cashmeriana, Epigma repens, 
and Megasea purpurascens. Messrs. Paul &; Son, Cheshunt, and Mr. 
Douglas were equal first with Amaryllis, the plants being very strong 
and carrying fine flowers in each case. Mr. Mowbray, gardener to 
Major the Hon. H. C. Legge, Fulmer, Slough, won with twelve pots of 
Cyclamen, the plants being splendid examples, large and densely 
furnished with bloom. Better are rarely seen. Mr. T. Prestridge was 
second, also with excellent material; and Mr. D. Phillips, gardener to 
R. W. Mann, Esq.,Langley Broom, Slough, third. Mr. Douglas was the 
only exhibitor of Freesias, and was placed first for some large pots, well 
furnished with flowers. 
The miscellaneous exhibits formed, as usual, a prominent feature. 
Messrs. Cutbush & Son had a brilliant display of greenhouse and conser¬ 
vatory plants, well grown and full of bloom (silver medal). Messrs. 
B. S. Williams & Son had a large and beautiful group, comprising a 
finely grown collection of Hyacinths and Tulips, Polyanthus Narcissi, 
Lilies of the Valley, Clivias, Rhododendrons, Orchids, and a few new 
plants, amongst which were Caraguata cardinale and the white Anthu- 
rium Williamsi (large silver medal). Messrs. Paul & Son, Chechunt, 
had a group of new Roses and Lilacs. Amongst the former was the 
beautiful H.P., Paul’s Early Blush, a lovely satiny blush with a delicate 
perfume. Jeannie Dickson was also conspicuous. L6on Simon was one 
of the finest of the Lilacs (large bronze medal). Messrs. H. Williams 
and Sons, Finchley, had an extensive display of Hyacinths, Tulips, and 
Daffodils (small silver medal). The St. George’s Nursery Company were 
represented by a fine group of Cyclamens (small silver medal.) Mr. 
T. S. Ware had a display of hardy plants and bulbs, comprising Primulas, 
Saxifragas, Chionodoxas, and Daffodils (bronze medal). Mr. T. Prestridge 
had a small group of well grown and finely bloomed Cyclamens (large 
bronze medal). Mr. H. Eason had some pots of Lachenalias full of 
flowers (certificate). Messrs. J. James & Son had a eollection of t'neir 
beautiful Cinerarias, the merits of which are well known (small silver 
medal). Messrs, J. Veitch & Sons sent several new plants, these 
including the handsome and graceful Pandanus Baptisti, also a number 
of Amaryllis, to which we shall shortly refer more fully. Mr. John Odell 
had a small collection of Cyclamens (large bronze medal). Messrs. Barr 
and Son contributed a bright group of hardy flowers, chiefly bulbous, 
comprising Sisyrinchium grandiflorum album, Iberis stylosa, and May 
Daffodils (bronze medal). Messrs. W. Paul &; Son, Waltham Cross, sent 
a dozen boxes of cut Camellias, a beautiful display, and also a group of 
new Roses, in which White Lady and Corinna were conspicuous (small 
silver medal), Messrs. Ryder & Son exhibited floral decorations (com¬ 
mended). 
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HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. 
Strawberries.— Established beds of Strawberries will need some 
attention now in clearing away old, blackened, ragged foliage which has 
suffered from the effects of frost and damp. At the same time remove 
the strawy remains of the autumn mulch if it be sufficiently decomposed 
and its virtues have been abstracted by the soil through the action of 
the winter rains. The operation is best performed in dry weather, and 
while doing so carefully lift with a fork any strong-rooted perennial 
weeds which may be present; weeds of annual growth destroy with the 
hoe. In clearing the ground use an iron rake, but avoid severing the 
matted fibrous roots round the crowns. 
Applying Sjiring Dressing .—Apply immediately round each a good 
dressing of soot and lime. This will act in a most effective manner in 
destroying slugs, or at least in reducing their numbers, the dressing, 
after the first rain, also proving of benefit to the roots. A similar 
dressing, or of soot alone, may be given to recently formed plantations. 
Soot is an excellent stimulant, giving tone and colour to the foliage, and 
increasing the size of the fruit. The present time, or very shortly, is 
suitable to give a general mulching between the rows of fairly fresh 
stable manure, containing a moderate amount of straw. By the time 
the fruit is ripe the latter will have become so consolidated and 
washed clean that it will form an excellent base for thefruit to rest upon. 
Planting Straioierries .—Strawberries can now be removed from 
nursery beds, and planted permanently in rows 2 to 3 feet apart, the 
plants themselves in the rows being 18 inches to 2 feet apart. The 
exact distances must be regulated ‘according to the richness of the soil 
and the vigour of the varieties. The Strawberry likes a deep, well 
enriched, holding soil. The best preparation should, therefore, be 
afforded in manuring and digging the site selected. If such preparation 
has been given to the ground earlier in the season all the better, 
particularly in light soils, where before planting compression of the 
surface is necessary in order to ensure firmness. When the rows are 
formed at the wider distances it is a good plan during the first year to 
grow a single row of Lettuce, or plant autumn-sown Onions between 
each. This can be done without detriment to the Strawberries, and 
there is no waste of ground. In this case a general mulch is not 
