October 13, 1892. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
835 
sundries. Messrs. Reid & Bornemann, Sydenham, gain a silver medal 
for a design for laying out a typical estate of 100 acres ; and Messrs. 
L. Farina & Co., London, and Madame Gofton, Norwood, similar awards 
for bouquet papers and miscellaneous decorative requisites. 
It may be mentioned that the judges at the Fruit and Potato Show 
last week reconsidered their decision, and awarded Messrs. E. D. 
Shuttleworth & Co., Peckham Rye, a gold medal for a group of Palms 
instead of a silver-gilt one, as reported last week. 
THE UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND 
PROVIDENT SOCIETY. 
The sixth anniversary dinner of the United Horticultural Benefit 
and Provident Society was held at the Cannon Street Hotel, London, 
E.C., on Wednesday, October 5th. Mr. J. Fraser of Lea Bridge occupied 
the chair, and he was supported by a large number of well-known 
horticulturists. Amongst others present we noticed the Rev. W. Wilts, 
Messrs. H. J. Veitch, N. Sherwood, — Fisher (Fisher, Son & Sibray), 
J. Cheal, N. Cole, G. Ingram (Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution), 
W. Marshall, J. Laing, J. Hudson, H. Cutbush, D. Dewar, C. W. Cum¬ 
mins, H. Herbst, and W. Collins (Secretary). 
After the customary loyal toasts the Chairman proposed “ The United 
Horticultural Benefit and Provident Society.” In doing so he gave a 
review of the institution, remarking that twenty-seven years ago himself, 
Mr. W. Marshall, and another friend met at the Green Dragon hostelry 
in Bishopgate Street, to promote the Society. In the early days of i’S 
existence, however, it was attended with great difficulties. He was 
treasurer at the time, and the bank in which the money was invested 
failed. Thanks, however, to the efforts of a hard-working Committee, 
the Society gradually rose from obscurity, and was at the present time 
one of the most flourishing institutions in the country. Ten or twelve 
years ago they had less than £1000, but now he was proud to announce 
that between upwards of £7000 and £8000 were invested. Mr. Fraser 
made a strong appeal on behalf of the Society. He eulogised the 
Gardeners’ Orphan Fund, remarking that by subscribing to it gardeners 
were laying by a provision for their children, but in doing so they 
must not forget to provide for themselves. Sickness, he said, came, 
and would come upon all, and it was most important that gardeners 
should make provision for themselves in that respect. Mr. G. Baker 
in responding, said it was necessary for gardeners to have a benefit 
society. He was one of the original promoters, and the Society 
was founded for the benefit of young men. He hoped that all head 
gardeners would point out to young men employed under them the 
advantages of this institution, and induce them to become members. 
Mr. Hudson, who also responded, likewise pointed out the advantages 
gained by becoming members of such a benefit Society. 
Mr. Nathan Cole gave “ The Life and Honorary Members,” coupling 
with it the name of N. Sherwood, Esq., a “ life member,” and the founder 
of the convalescent fund, a recent important addition to the institution. 
Mr. Sherwood responded, and on rising was received with much 
enthusiasm. It had always, he said, given him the greatest pleasure to 
be present at the annual dinner, and he considered it a duty to offer 
his small mite. The great institution—for such the United Horticul¬ 
tural Benefit and Provident Society was—was teaching gardeners the 
noble virtue of thrift. It was a gardener’s duty to put by for a rainy 
day. As regards the convalescent fund, he thought every gardener 
might with advantage bring the matter before his employer. Gardeners 
required convalescence as much as, and perhaps more, than anyone else, 
and if the employers had the subject pointed out to them he had no 
doubt they would willingly give their assistance. It had occurred to him 
that a few friends present might assist, and on making an appeal to 
them they had liberally responded. The result, he was glad to announce, 
was that nearly £30 had been subscribed in a few moments. 
The Chairman proposed “ Kindred Societies,” with which the 
names of Mr. W. Marshall and Mr. G. Ingram were coupled. The 
first named gentleman, representing the Gardeners’ Orphan Fund, 
said there need not be any clashing between the kindred societies, inas¬ 
much as each had its own office to fill. Mr. Ingram acknowledged the 
usefulness of the United Horticultural Benefit and Provident Society, 
and made an appeal for the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution. 
“ The Treasurer ” was the next toast given by the Chairman. 
At this point the most pleasing incident of the evening occurred— 
namely, the presentation of a handsome gold watch, accompanied by an 
illuminated testimonial, to Mr. J. Hudson, the Treasurer. In making 
the presentation, Mr. Fraser said that, to a great extent, the success of 
the Society was due to the exceptional abilities of Mr. Hudson. The 
latter gentleman, who was enthusiastically cheered, in replying, said he 
could not express his gratitude for the honour the members of the 
Society had paid him in making the presentation. He had only done his 
duty. All the officers of the Society had worked hard ; they could not 
afford to have drones in the hive. He had always taken a pleasure 
in inducing gentlemen to become honorary members, and he hoped to be 
spared for mauy years to help forward the Society. 
Mr. H. J. Yeitch gave “ The Officers of the Society,” and said all 
young gardeners should take an example from Mr. Hudson, whom he 
had known for many years. Messrs. J. Wheeler, N. Cole, and W. Collins, 
whose names were coupled with the toast, responded in suitable terms. 
Mr. W. Marshall proposed “ The Chairman,” to which Mr. J. Fraser 
briefly responded, remarking that he was thoroughly convinced of the 
usefulness of the Society. Mr. J. Cheal gave “ The Visitors,” and Mr. 
Fisher responded. Mr. H. Cutbush, Highgate, proposed “ The Press,” 
to which Mr. B. Wynne made a brief response. 
The tables were tastefully decorated by Mr. J. Chard in his charac¬ 
teristic manner, and an excellent musical entertainment having been 
provided, a most enjoyable evening was spent. 
AGAPETES BUXIFOL1A. 
When seen at its best Agapetes buxifolia (fig. 46) is a beautiful 
plant, and it is surprising that it is not more generally known. It is a 
relative of Vacciniums, and under good management will produce 
immense quantities of rich scarlet tubular flowers, which are very 
attractive. Its culture is not difficult, though, like the Erica family, it 
requires careful attention. A compost of good peat, a little turfy loam, 
and sand suits it admirably if the pots are thoroughly drained. Water¬ 
ing must be carefully performed, never allowing the soil to become too 
FIG. 46.— AGAPETES BUXIFOLIA. 
dry, or, on the other hand, excessively saturated, either being fatal to 
the plant. Having a tendency to grow somewhat straggling, a little 
pruning is sometimes necessary to keep the plant in shape. 
GRAPE VINES AND THEIR CULTIVATION. 
[An essay read at a meeting of the Devon and Exeter Gardeners’ Association on the 
5th of October, 1892, by Mr. MCCORMICK.] 
The Vine is a remarkably free growing plant, and is found in a state 
of great luxuriance under many opposite conditions, and in soils of a 
widely different character. The soil which I consider best suited for 
it is a fibry yellow loam, neither too light and sandy nor too heavy 
and adhesive. Vines never succeed in wet, clayey, tenacious soil, a 
certain amount of aeration and porosity appearing to be an absolute 
necessity, with abundance of wa'er at certain seasons. The tuif should 
be cut from an open pasture, not from a wood or near the roots of 
trees, lest pieces of wood or of roots remain to decay and cause fungus. 
It should also be cut while it is dry. Many soils are quite spoiled 
by being handled whilst in a wet condition. Some cultivators make the 
borders in layers, first a layer of turf, then so much lime rubbish, or 
whatever is being added to the soil. Whether this is the right or the 
wrong practice I will not attempt to say. I 'advise chopping the turf 
