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JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
May 24 1891 
description of the Great International Exposition at Antwerp, and 
although that is of a much more general character than I suggest, 
yet it is humiliating to us here that one of the foremost horti¬ 
cultural countries of the world should not be able to do in the way 
of furnishing a grand Flower Show of literally all nations in the 
same way that it is so frequently done on the continent. Are we 
afraid of foreign competitors ? I should think not. Do we lack 
public spirit and energy in this direction ? I fear it is so. Why 
we cannot have a grand Flower Show for all the world to take 
part in at least every ten years is difficult to understand. But 
two years hence and it will have been thirty years rather than ten 
years since the previous great International Show was held, a 
grand Show, too, and as events showed a magnificent success ; but 
we could now with ample scope and support beat even that Show 
finto a cocked hat. Let us initiate a movement in favour of a 
-magnificent International Flower Show in London in 1896, two 
years hence. There is ample time for doing it, and every 
-section of horticulture at home and abroad must be invited to taka 
part. Without exception the grounds and building of the Crystal 
iPalace present the finest possible place for such an Exhibition. 
None better in or near London can be obtained. None better can 
be desired. What do horticulturists everywhere say to the 
' project ? ” 
On the proposition, put so clearly and not inopportunely, we 
‘have no doubt there are many horticulturists who will think if 
they do not say—If a really earnest lead were taken by the 
“Royal Horticultural Society to concentrate the resources of the 
leading provincial horticultural societies of the kingdom on the 
object in view, and a great co-operative endeavour were made 
■ in alliance with the Crystal Palace Company, that a floral gather¬ 
ing as great as the world has ever seen would be provided in 
the best place in the kingdom for its adequate representation— 
something as grand and inspiring in its way as is the magnificent 
Handel Festival in the musical world. 
Our correspondent’s closing words may well be repeated : 
What do horticulturists everywhere siy to the project?” 
THE TEMPLE SHOW. 
May 23rd, 24th, and 25th. 
As indicated in the foregoing article the magnificent Exhibition of 
"Orchids, greenhouse, and stove plants, hardy flowers, fruit and vege- 
■^tables, which is held annually under the auspices of the Royal Horti¬ 
cultural Society in the gardens of the Inner Temple, London, E.C., is 
generally recognised as one of the principal horticultural events of the 
-season. For seven years in succession this splendid display has been 
provided to the delight of thousands of visitors, and the show which was 
opened yesterday (Wednesday) at 12.30 p m., by H.R.H. the Duke of 
York, proved no exception to the rule. Notwithstanding the cold 
weather that prevailed for nearly a week prior to the date mentioned 
the exhibits were of an unusually choice character, and were brought 
together in large numbers. Many noted growers were represented by 
superb collections, and, as is customary here, the huge tents were 
filled almost to overflowing, everything being done that could be done 
-for the accomm dation of the produce. 
For the purpose of affording the uninitiated some idea as to the 
-magnitude of this Show it may be of interest to mention the number 
and size of the marquees in which the exhibits were arrangc-J. On 
iprevious occasions four tents were employed, these measuring respec- 
'tively about 170 by 32 feet, 150 by 40, 160 by 60, and 150 by 32 feet, 
representing a ground area of 25,840 square feet. To many persons 
'this would appear ample provision for a flower show, but it was not, as 
that held in the Temple Gardens is of no ordinary dimensions, and to 
avoid the crush that was experienced last year the authorities this 
season wisely erected another marquee 90 by 30 feet. This makes a total of 
something like 28,540 square feet. Large as the space may seem to 
■those readers who are unacquainted with this grand Show, not a 
•foot of it was wasted, the whole of the tents being filled with a 
splendid assortment of exhibits. Orchids, as usual, were extensively 
shown, the same applying to groups of greenhouse plants and hardy 
'flowers. Fruits and vegetables were exhibited in excellent condition, 
and if less numerous than the flowers, attracted the attention of the 
visitors. In some departments there may have been a slight depreciation, 
hut this was not perceptible to general observers, and the display, on 
the whole, may be characterised as being wonderfully fine. The leading 
features are detailed in the following report, so far as the short period 
that elapsed between the opening of the Exhibition and the time of 
going to press would permit. 
Orchids. 
Notwithstanding the unpropitious wea'her which prevailed in the 
morning of the opening day, Orchids were perhaps more extensively 
shown than at any previous Exhibition. The majority of them were 
arranged in the centre of the largest tent, and here they made a most 
beautiful display. An authority on such matters expressed the opinion 
that these charming plants have never been seen in such large 
numbers at any show in any country, and other persons corroborated 
the remark. Passing down the right of the table in the marquee 
referred to, a splendid collection, staged by Messrs J, Cypher & Sons, 
Cheltenham, comes in view. This contribution comprised many choice 
species and varieties, which were remarkable for their brilliancy of 
colour. Some fine forms of Cattleya Mossim, C. Mendeli, and Laelia 
purpurata were conspicuous. Amongst the latter were L. purpurata 
alba, L. p. Russelliana. Odontoglossums and Cypripediums were also 
well represented, C. Chamberlainianum being noticeable amongst the 
rest. With a background of Palms, and large specimens of Laelias and 
Oncidiums placed at intervals, the whole made a bright and charming 
display. 
Messrs. W. L. Lewis & Co., Southgate, N., had a fine and effective 
group, chiefly consisting of forms of OJontoglossum crispum, Cattleya 
Mendeli and C. Mossim, Laelia purpurata, and Oncidiums, The spikes 
of the Odontoglossums were exceedingly good, and the same applies to 
the Cattleyas. A form shown as C. Mendeli Lewisi was unusually fine, 
the lip being very richly coloured, and a variety named C. Mendeli 
grandiflora was also much admired, A charming Cypripedium shown 
under a bellglass also attracted notice. This was C. Aylingi superbum, 
a medium sized but richly coloured flower. Laelia purpurata Ashtoni 
was also exhibited in excellent condition, and the many forms of 
C. Mossiae with beautifully coloured blooms added interest and effect to 
the group. 
W, C. Walker, Esq, Winchmore Hill (gardener, Mr. G. Cragg), 
contributed a smaller but not less interesting collection. In this group 
were some well grown Oncidiums and Odon'oglossums, while Laslias 
and Cattleyas were extensively represented. A large specimen of 
Sobralia macran'ha in the centre proved effective, and stood out con¬ 
spicuously amongst the other plants, which were tastefully associated 
with Ferns. 
A splendid group of choice Orchids was arranged by Messrs. B. S. 
Williams & Sons, Upper Holloway, N. This contribution included some 
magnificent forms of Laelia purpurata and Cattleyas in variety. C. 
Mossiie and C. Mendeli were noticeable for their size of bloom and rich¬ 
ness of colour, which formed a pleasing contrast to the huge spikes of 
yellow Oncidiums, pink Miltonia vexillaria, and quaint Cypripediums, 
Messrs. Collins & Collins, Willeslen Junction, sent a remarkably fine 
group of Cymbidium Lowianum, margined with plants of Laelia 
purpurata in variety. The Cymbidiums were large and bore enormous 
spikes of flowers. A. H. Smee, Esq., Toe Grange, Wallington (gardener 
Mr. W. G. Cummins) sent a collection of Cattleyas, Laelias, Odonto¬ 
glossums, and other Orchids, which were admirably arranged with Palms 
and Ferns, the whole making a fine effect. The Cattleyas, in excellent 
variety, bore a large number of flowers extremely rich in colour. 
As usual Baron Schrbier, The Dell, Egham, sent a beautiful and 
diversified collection, which included some of the choicest of species and 
varieties. These were effectively arranged under the supervision of 
Mr. H. Ballantine, and contributed largely towards the effectiveness of 
the Show, Conspicuous amongst those exhibited was the famous plant 
of Coelogyne Dayana, for which a silver medal and first-class certificate 
were awarded last year. The plant bore upwards of two dozen 
spikes, on some of which there were fifty flowers. In the group some 
charming Odontoglossums, Masdevallias, Cattleyas, and Oncidiums were 
to be seen. It is impossible in the time at our disposal to enumerate all 
the beautiful forms exhibited by Baron Schroder, but a few of the best 
may be mentioned. These comprised Odontoglossum crispum excelsior, 
large and richly coloured ; 0. crispum Rex, 0, crispum Wolstenholmise, 
0, triumphans var., Masdevallia ignea, M. coccinea brightly coloured, 
and a variety of M. Harryana, Vanda suavis, Laelia purpurata in variety, 
Cattleya Lawrenceana, and a number of plants of Vanda teres. The 
last-named were arranged with a groundwork of Adiantum, and very 
much admired. 
Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford Lodge, Dorking (grower, 
Mr. White), was also to the fore with Orchids. These were rich in 
colour, and if some of the plants were a trifle smaller than those of other 
exhibitors, were none the less interesting, inasmuch as the group 
included some of the rarest species and varieties in cultivation. They 
were, moreover, arranged in excellent style, and produced a very fine 
effect. Especially good were the varieties of Lrelia purpurata and 
Cattleyas Mossias and Mendeli. The best of the first named included 
C. purpurata Bryseana with well coloured petals and sepals, and an 
unusually rich lip, Odontoglossums included 0, citro 8 mum,al 80 beautiful 
forms of 0. crispum ; and amongst others, Miltonia vexillaria Fairy 
Qjeen, Dendrobiums. the bright Cochlioda Noezliana and Cypripediums 
were particularly conspicuous. The Duke of Northumberland, Sion 
House, Brentford (gardener, Mr. G. Wyihevs), contributed an interesting 
collection, including Cattleya Skinneriand C. Mendeli in variety. Some 
fine Oncidiums added interest and effect to this group. 
As may be expected Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, did their 
share as regards exhibiting Orchids, a splendid collection coming from 
