112 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ August 11, 1887. 
and striking contrast. The proper way to fill a basket is to first 
line it with a coating of green moss, against which should be firmly 
pressed such pendulous plants as Ficus repens, Tradescantia zebrina, 
or the pretty Lygodium scandens, a Japanese Fern, which should 
be allowed to hang in festoons. These drooping plants should be 
loosely pinned to the sides, which they will rapidly cover entirely. 
Then the Ferns should be planted in, but in such a way as to 
overhang the sides of the basket all round, leaving between the 
foliage a comparatively open space, allowing for the growth of all 
the plants, which, if proper care is bestowed upon them in the way 
of shading and watering until sufficiently established, will, in a 
season, form an elegant and highly decorative mass of foliage, 
filling up in a most effective manner the gap naturally existing 
between the pot plants and the roof of the house, a result which 
it is quite impossible to obtain by any other means. —Tiieo. 
YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF HORTICULTURAL 
SOCIETIES. 
Annual Meeting at Bahnsley. 
The third annual meeting of the above Association was held at 
Barnsley on Monday, at the assembly place of the Barnsley Paxton 
Society, the “ Queen’s Hotel.” The members of the local Society had 
done all that they could to make their friends from other towns wel¬ 
come. In fact, that word was conspicuous among the decorations of the 
room, in which were also exhibited a number of choice foliage plants 
lent by various members of the Society. Among those present we noted 
the following :—Messrs. Smith and Hemming, Leeds Paxton Society ; 
Messrs. H. Oxley (Vice-President), T. Garnet (delegate), H. Chapman 
(delegate), A. Willis (Treasurer), Mr. G. Ramsden (Librarian), B. 
Whiteley, W. Calvert, H. Green, E. T. Oxley, E. Storr, J. Fletcher, T. R. 
Preston, J. Spurling, H. Hardman, Hy. Lupton, and H. Bennett, Wake¬ 
field Paxton Society ; Geo. Armitage (President), and Chas. Goff (Vice- 
President), Morley Paxton Society ; W. Butterell and H. Middleton, 
Rotherham Paxton Society. Visitors : Messrs. T. Gartery, A. Taylor, J. 
Nicholson, and V. Mann. Messrs. Cook and H. Slaney (Sheffield, Hal- 
lamshire), H. Butterill and H. Middleton (Rotherham). Among the 
members of the local Society present were Messrs. W. Henshall (Pre¬ 
sident), W. Hoey, S. Ballinger (Secretary of the Association), Batley, 
Hall, Lockwood, Rideal, Hirst, Lawton, Hampson, Wright, Levitt, &c. 
On the motion of Mr. Henshall, seconded by Mr. Butterill of 
Rotherham, Mr. H. Oxley of Wakefield, one of the trustees, took the 
chair. He remarked that he had been called upon at a moment’s notice 
to take the chair, and had he known that he would be called on to fill 
that position he should have been prepared with some remarks on the 
Association, and more fully than he could do under the circumstances. 
He had held the official position of trustee, but so far his office had been 
an honorary one, and it seemed that such would be the case with regard 
to the present meeting. He certainly did take an interest in the 
Wakefield and other Paxton Societies, and as a vice-president of the 
former he wished all such societies success. He was glad to see so many 
representatives of the various societies present, and he hoped they would 
go on and prosper. They had not done a good deal during the year, 
and it was thought they need not be too hasty. No doubt the report would 
show that about as much support had been given to the society as was 
anticipated. It was not the quickest growth that makes the firmest 
wood ; but he was glad to say he had heard of societies that were 
anxious to join them. The energetic secretary would read them the 
minutes of the last committee meeting. Mr. Ballinger did so, and also 
a letter of apology from Archdeacon Blakeney, who said that he had to 
be in London on the day of the Association’s meeting or otherwise he 
would have been with them. The report was then read by the Secretary 
as under:— 
“ The last gathering of the members of the Association took place in 
August last, at Sheffield, under the auspices of the Sheffield and 
Hallamshire Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement Society, which society 
was highly complimented by the visitors for their sociable entertain¬ 
ment, and for the excellent arrangements of the day’s programme. 
The evening lecture entitled, “A Chat about Hardy Herbaceous Flowers,” 
by the Rev. A. R. Upcher, of Sheffield, which was illustrated by an 
extensive and beautiful display of specimens, proved very interesting 
and instructive, and was much appreciated by the members present. 
The day’s programme included a visit to the celebrated nurseries of 
Messrs. Fisher, Son, & Sibray, at Handsworth, which place it is 
regretted but few members were enabled to reach, owing to the difficulty 
in obtaining conveyances, all of which appeared to be engaged in carry¬ 
ing visitors to the \ orkshire Agricultural Show, where the majority of 
the members spent a very pleasant afternoon. The Association, still in 
its infancy, has made encouraging progress during the past year. 
Increased interest in the Association and its work have taken place, and 
the close relationship and natural social feeling which exist between 
the societies afford just and abundant proof for the future greatness 
and prosperity of the Association. During the past year two 
council meetings have been held. At these meetings earnest work 
has been done with the special desire to carry out the objects 
which the Association has taken in hand. For the more effectual work¬ 
ing out of these objects necessary alterations in the rules have been 
made. Other matters have had careful study, particularly the holding 
of quarterly meetings, the gardeners’registry, the question cf permanent 
secretary, and the interchanging of essays and lectures. Efforts have- 
also been made to increase the membership of the Association by bringing 
before ojher societies in Yorkshire the great advantages attached to the 
combination. Some of these matters, not yet perfected, will, during the 
coming year, claim your serious consideration, and at Suture council 
meetings engage just attention. By the accompanying balance-sheet it 
will be seen that the financial position of the Association has consider¬ 
ably improved, and shows a saving on the year’s working of £3 2s. 2d.,, 
and raises the total amount of funds in the Association to £6 8s. 9d. 
The number of societies in the Association at the present time is six, 
with a membership of nearly 800. The Council take this opportunity 
of expressing their sincere thanks and best wishes to all who have in 
any way rendered beneficial assistance towards the progress of the As¬ 
sociation, and conveys the same to the members of the Association- 
generally.” 
The Chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet,, 
and which he would ask Mr. Hemmings of Leeds to second. In the- 
first place they were all sorry that the Rev. W. W. Kirby, their respected? 
President, was unable to be present. The report and balance-sheet were 
both very satisfactory. In some of their objects on behalf of the craft 
of horticulture they had been able to succeed, and they hoped to continue 
to do so and to a greater extent. It had been a pleasing matter to him. 
to notice what a hearty welcome had been given to the Association, and' 
he was sure they were very much obliged to the Committee. Mr. Hem¬ 
ming seconded. He remarked that he could fully endorse everything- 
which was stated in the report, and bear testimony to the way in which 
the matters of the Association had been dealt with. Mr. Garnett of 
Wakefield sjid it gave him great pleasure to support the resolution, but 
they considered the business-like way in which Mr. Ballinger had drawn- 
up the report, they could not but express their thanks for the way in 
which it had been carried out. They must congratulate Barnsley on the- 
way they had entertained them. No doubt in the future they would 
see the Association consolidated and doing better work than at present, 
though he thought they hardly ought to complain now. Mr. Cooke 
(Sheffield) likewise supported the resolution. He was glad to see rather 
a larger amount in the Treasurer’s hands. He must apologise on behalf 
of the Sheffield Societies. It was a great matter for regret that there- 
was not one of the Vice-Presidents of the Society present. Mr. Ball of 
Sheffield, was unable to be there. That gentleman was one of the most 
successful exhibitors at the Handsworth Show, and hence he was 
detained in that district. He was in the habit of getting big prizes when- 
he exhibited, too. The Barnsley Society must be congratulated on the 
very able statement which had been read that day. The report and 
balance-sheet were then formally adopted. Mr. Hall, Barnsley, proposed 
that Leeds be the next place of meeting, and Mr. Cooke seconded. The 
Chairman : I suppose it is the wish of the Leeds Society. Mr. Cooke 
replied that at the last meeting they entertained the idea. Mr. Hemming 
said there was a strong feeling in favour of the next meeting of the- 
Association going to Leeds ; and the Chairman expressed himself in the 
same way. Consequently it was agreed that the meeting will be so- 
held. The election of officers was then proceeded with. On the sug¬ 
gestion of the Chairman the election of President was allowed to stand 
over for the consideration of the Leeds Society. Mr. W. Hoey (Barnsley),, 
and Mr. Franklin (Leeds), were elected Vice-presidents. Messrs. H- 
Oxley and J. Garnett (Wakefield), were appointed Trustees, and Mr.. 
Crossley, Treasurer of the Leeds Society, was appointed Hon. Treasurer. 
It was resolved that the duties of Hon. Secretary should be filled by the 
forthcoming Secretary of the Leeds Society. Mr. B. Whiteley (Wake¬ 
field), moved a vote of thanks to the retiring officers. He was sure that, 
in the first place, they were indebted to Mr. Oxley, not only for taking 
the chair, but for the way in which he had given his valuable advice to- 
the members of the Society during the past year. If there was one man 
who had taken an interest in the Society that one was Mr. Oxley. He 
was bound, too, to convey the thanks of the Association to Mr. Ballinger, 
who had so ably acted as their Secretary. Mr. W. Hoey seconded the 
vote of thanks, which was cordially agreed to. The Chairman replied,. 
and bore out the remarks as to the way Mr. Ballinger had done his work. 
Mr. Ballinger thanked the members very sincerely for the vote of thanks. 
If he had any wish for his successor it would be that he might have 
twice as much work as he (Mr. Ballinger) had had to perform. Mr. 
Henshall remarked that, as they all knew, he was a bashful man— 
(laughter)—and before they had lunch he would give them, on behalf 
of the Paxton Society, a hearty welcome to Barnsley. (Applause.) 
After the luncheon the company departed to enjoy their pleasant 
visit to Wentworth Castle. With characteristic kindness Mr. T. F. C. V. 
AVentworth had placed his noble mansion and grounds at the disposal of 
the Association. The company drove there in waggonettes supplied by 
Mr. Collier. The members were conducted over the castle by the house¬ 
keeper, and especially admired the picture gallery, with its almost 
unique collections of paintings ; and they were escorted through the 
beautiful gardens and conservatories by Mr. Batley, the head gardener, 
and his son. 
In the evening, after an excellent tea had been partaken of, Mr. W. 
Hoey presided at the meeting, at which a most interesting paper was 
read by Mr. Wright of London on “ the social, intellectual, and profes¬ 
sional position of gardeners.” There was a good attendance, including 
several ladies. In the course of his remarks the lecturer, who was fre¬ 
quently applauded, pointed out that young men should remember that 
they would not be judged by what they may say or do, nor by the best of 
their associates, but the worst. He advised them not to make friends in a 
hurry, but to make sure that they were always better men than them- 
