190 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ August 27, 1885. 
exhibit the plants, with the exception of Statiee profusa, were remarkable 
well grown. These were, Allamanda grandiflora, A. nobilis, Yinca oculata, 
Cassia corymbosa, and Dipladenia amabilis, and in the latter were very 
fine specimens of Allamanda nobilis, Bougainvillea glabra, Vinca alba, and 
three Ixoras, the third prize going to H. Van Notten Pole, Esq., Watermoor 
House. For six ornamental-foliaged plants, Begonias and Coleus excluded, 
Mr. James Taylor was placed first with a splendid Cycas revoluta and fine 
specimens of Maranta Lindeni, Croton Weismanni, C. interruptus, C. pictus, 
and Anthurium crystallinum. In the second prize collection of the Misses 
Brown were fine specimens of Cissus discolor, Caladium Prince Albert 
Edward, and Cycas revoluta. Major Chester Master, M.P., Stratton House, 
was third, amonst his best specimens being a finely coloured Dracaena 
McArthuri, Alocasia metallica, and well-grown plants of Croton pictus 
and C. Weismanni. 
For a collection of exotic Ferns, Mr. James Taylor occupied the premier 
position, and his exhibit comprised some remarkably fine specimens, parti¬ 
cularly those of Davallia Mooreana, Dicksonia antarcdca, Blechnum corco- 
vadense, Adiantum trapeziforme, A. gracillimum, and Neottopteris nidus 
avis. The second prize was taken by H. Van Notten Pole, Esq., who staged 
fine plants of Davallia canariense, Adiantum farleyense, A. concinnum latum, 
A. Veitchi, A. trapeziforme, A. gracillimum, and Lomaria gibba, while the 
third prize was taken by the Misses Brown, in whose collection there was a 
well-grown specimen of Nephrolepis Duffi, as well as good examples of 
Cyathen dealbata and Adiantum farleyense. The class for British Ferns 
was well contested, the collections embracing some of the best forms of our 
indigenous Filices, but the manner in which they were staged easily ad¬ 
mitted of further improvement. Mr. W. Miller was awarded the first prize, 
the Misses Brown being a good second, and Mr. James Creese was placed 
third. In the class for six Zonal Pelargoniums, very creditably grown plants 
were staged of Ferdinand de Lesseps, Mrs. Wm. Paul, L; Grand, Emile 
Licau, Elegance, and Vesuvius, the prizes going to the Misses Brown and 
H. Van Notten Pole, Esq., in the order named. For six tricolor Pelargo¬ 
niums, the schedule, it might appear, designedly discourages the cultivation 
of this class; however, there was a collection of six varieties staged by 
Major Chester Master, M.P., which was justly awarded the first prize. The 
classes for Fuchsias were both represented by specimens that reflected much 
credit on the growers of them, they being far above the average merit of 
plants generally exhibited at provincial shows. In both classes the suc¬ 
cessful exhibitors were the same, and the awards were in the same order, 
the first prizes being won by Major Chester Master, M.P., second honours 
going to the Misses Brown. For Gesneriaceous plants, no number being 
stipulated, the first prize was awarded to H. J. Elwes, Esq., Preston House, 
For six Balsams the Misses Brown were first, and H. Van Notten Pole, Esq., 
second. For six Begonias in flower the same competitors occupied the 
positions as in the former, and the Misses Brown were again placed first for 
six Coleus, while Major Chester Master, M.P., was second. For Cockscombs, 
six plants, T. W. C. Master, Esq., The Abbey, was first, H. Van Notten 
Pole, Esq., second, and the Misses Brown third. For a specimen stove or 
greenhouse plant in bloom the Misses Brown secured the first prize, 
exhibiting 
One of the most interesting plants in the Show was Peristeria elata— 
the “Dove Plant”—introduced into this country from the neighbourhood 
of Panama in 1826. The plant in question bore a tall spike, on which there 
were eight expanded, peculiarly fragrant, waxy-white flowers, the columns 
of which, bearing a resemblance to a miniature dove, suggested to the 
inhabitants the name of “El Spirito Santo,” (doubtless through the same 
religious feelings as obtained for the Passiflora the name of Passion 
Flower), under which name it was first imported. In this class H. J. ElweB, 
Esq., was second with an exceedingly well-flowered plant of Hoya bella, 
and Mr. James Taylor was third with Bougainvillea glabra. For three 
hardy plants grown in pots H. J. Elwes, Esq., was first, H. Van Notten 
Pole, Esq., second, and T. W. C. Master, Esq., third. The collections of cut 
blooms of Pelargoniums, Verbenas, Carnations, and Asters were fairly well 
represented, but Roses and Dahlias were meagre. The bouquets to be com¬ 
peted for by ladies as well as the epergnes of fliwers did not present the 
artistic finish that we are accustomed to see. Wild flowers arranged in 
vases or baskets for effect were fairly good, as were those of stove and 
greenhouse plants. For cut flowers of hardy herbaceous plants H. J. 
Elwes, Esq., secured the first prize. Amongst his most noteworthy speci¬ 
mens were Veratrum nigrum, Sparaxis pulcherrima, Gladiolus draco- 
cephalus, G. Lemoinei, Allium Wallichi, a yellow form of Verbascum 
phoenicium, and Alstromeria chilensis. The second prize was awarded to 
T. W. C. Master, Esq. J. H. Elwes, Esq., also obtained the first prize for 
new, rare, or interesting plants, the mo3t noticeable one being that of Dar- 
lingtonia californica. 
Fruit and vegetables were of a high order of merit, especially those of 
Grapes, Melons, Peaches, Apricots, Plums, and Red Currants, the three 
bunches of Madresfield Court Grapes exhibited by Sir T. Bazley being 
extraordinarily fine, the berries being very large and well coloured. 
The most noticeable of the vegetables were those of Beet, autumn-sown 
Onions, Potatoes, Carrots, Red Cabbage (very fine), Kidney Beans, and 
Vegetable Marrows. 
_ fn the cottagers’ division the quality of the exhibits generally was sur¬ 
prisingly good. There were also staged by Messrs. Jno. Jefferies & Son, 
not for competition, a fine collection of Tuberous Begonias, comprising 
about forty varieties, three stands of cut Roses, in which were fine blooms 
of Frangois Michelon, Alfred Colomb, Magna Charts, A. K. Williams, Mrs. 
Jowitt, Charles Darwin, Madame Eugene Verdier, Dr. Andry, Marbchal 
Niel, and Madame Victor Verdier. The same firm also exhibited a number 
of groups of Gladioli, stands of white Carnations, the beautiful Tigridia 
grandiflora alba, and an effectively arranged stand of eighteen bunches of 
hardy perennial flowers from their Cirencester nurseries.—I. B. E. 
AMONGST THE NOVELTIES. 
Novelties unfortunately are very attractive to me, and the conse¬ 
quence is that I often lay out money in them which would have been far 
better spent on sterling old standard varieties. “ Nothing venture 
nothing win ” applies to purchasers of new vegetables as well as to other 
matters, and if we never tried we should never know, so I expect I shall 
go on in the same way, trusting to light on a treasure now and again to 
recompense me for failures. This season has been a very trying one for 
my garden, for my soil is poor and shallow, on gravel, and situated in the 
highest part of Essex. If vegetables have stood this season fairly in my 
garden I think they must be good. However, here goes for the results of 
my trials. Mr. Editor will cut me short if I attempt too much, so I will 
begin alphabetically, leaving over half for another issue. 
Broacl Beans. —King’s Essex Wonder Longpod I found inferior to 
several other varieties. John Harrison, Prolific, quality good, but pods 
not long enough for exhibition. Nettlefield’s Prize, a tall very produc¬ 
tive variety of good quality. Webb’s Mammoth beats them all in every 
respect. 
Dwarf Beans .—Ne Plus Ultra I find early, very productive, and good. 
I can strongly recommend it as a first early, and the Monster Negro 
Longpod is a first-rate one to follow, bearing a large crop of tender and 
very long pods. 
Runner Beans. —Whether I have the true variety or not seems doubt¬ 
ful to me, because after seeing it so highly spoken of I hardly expected to 
find it (as I have it) no whit better or longer podded than the old 
Scarlet. 
Beet .—Goldie's Superb Black. I like the look of it very well, but 
have not tried it yet. Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts will have their turn 
later on, also Cabbage. 
Chou de Burghley I am much taken with when planted late, so that 
it comes in just before spring Cabbage. Its Marrow-like flavour is 
unique. It requires plenty of water in the pot when cooking, and if this 
is not observed it may taste something strong, like many other vegetables 
under the same treatment. 
Carrots. — Stuart & Meins’ Early Exhibition and another early 
variety of Messrs. Biddle’s I tried, of which the former was preferable, but 
Early Nantes when true is far better. 
Cauliflower .—Snowball I found early, white as snow, and of first-class 
quality. 
Cucumbers. —Purley Park Hero I think very highly of. It is very 
productive, handsome in appearance, and of very delicate flavour. 
Empress of India I found a rather shy fruiter, but the quality was 
good. 
Onions. —Golden Rocca and Queen, autumn-sown, did well, of which 
the latter came in early, having bulbs weighing over half a pound each on 
the average. The young ducks found these Onions very useful. The 
Roccas are very good, and I am pleased with. them. Cranston’s 
Excelsior, Rowsham Hero, Lancashire Prize, and some of Gilbert’s strain 
were spring-sown. I find the first and last the best, Excelsior being a 
globe and Gilbert’s a flat. Both are very good, and I look forward to 
trying them in a better season. Rowsham Hero I am disappointed in, but 
perhaps another season it may do better. So far it looks no better than 
Lancashire Prize, and that is of no account. 
My favourites, Peas and Potatoes, I will leave to another time if the 
Editor will give me room. I look forward to perusing the remarks of 
some far more able pen on the novelties they have tried this season. Let 
us live and learn, and above all let us try to distribute the knowledge we 
have attained by sometimes sad experience.—H. S. Easty. 
WESTON-SUPER-MARE SHOW. 
The thirteenth annual Exhibition of this Society was generally con¬ 
sidered one of the most successful yet held, and in some respects was superior 
to that just previously held at Taunton. The arrangements were perfect, 
and Mr. F. T. Perrett, the new Secretary, is to be congratulated upon the 
success attending his labours. Mr. John Matthews, of pottery fame, takes 
great interest in the Society, and is a most genial and hospitable chairman. 
Fine weather prevailing, the attendance of visitors was most satisfactory, 
and it is to be hoped a good balance at the bank is the result. 
Liberal prizes were offered for twelve stove or greenhouse flowering and 
fine-foliaged plants, and with these Mr. G. Lock, gardener to W. B. Cleave, 
Esq., Crediton, was easily first, his collection including fine healthy speci¬ 
mens of Kentia Fosteriana, Areca lutescens, Kentia Belmoreana, Croton 
Disraeli, a grand plant of Erica Marnockiana, E. aemula, Dipladenia Brear- 
leyana, Ixora Duffii, Euchans amazonica, all in good condition. Mr. J. 
Cypher, Cheltenham, was a rather poor second, his most noteworthy speci¬ 
mens being of Erica ampullacea, Anthurium Andreanum, and Croton majes- 
ticus. Mr. J. F. Mould, Pewsey, was a good third. The best six flowering 
plants were staged by Mr. J. Mould, who had fresh, medium-sized, well- 
flowered examples of Dipladenia amabilis, Erica Austiniana, Ixora reginae, 
Bougainvillea glabra, Erica Marnockiana, and Clerodendron Balfourianum. 
Mr. Cypher was placed second with a fairly good collection, but not up to 
his usual form. Mr. Lock was also first for six fine-foliaged plants, having 
immense healthy specimens of Cycas revoluta, Latania borbonica, Areca 
Verschaffeltii, Gleichenia rupestris glauca,Croton Williamsi, and an Alocasia. 
Mr. Cypher was a good Becond. The best six exotic Ferns were staged by 
Mr. Lock, these including very large specimens of Davallia Mooreana, 
D. polyantha, and Gleichenia rupestris. Mr. W. Brooks was second, and 
Mr. J. E. Cole third, each having very creditable groups. In the class for 
six Adiantums Mr. J. F. Taylor won the first prize, having medium-sized 
and very healthy specimens of A. tenerum, A. cuneatum, A. cardiochlena, 
A. gracillimum, A. farleyense, and A. amabile. Mr. W. Rye, gardener to 
J. Derharu, Esq., Sneyd Park, Bristol, was a good second, his best plants 
being of A. cardiochlena, and A. Farleyense, and Mr. J. P. Cassell was third. 
Zonal Pelargoniums were very well shown by Mr. W. Adams, gardener to 
W. Smith, Esq., the varieties being Emily, Mucevia, Ellen, New Life, 
Arabella, and Mrs. Strachey. There were also classes provided for Fuchsias, 
Liliums, Clematis, Coleus, Begonias, Balsams, Achimenes, Cockscombs, and 
Lycopodiums, and all were fairly well shown, the most successful exhibitors 
