September 24,1885. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
277 
with Mentha Pulegium gibraltarica, and edged with Pelargoniums and 
Golden Feather. 
Some fine beds of Cannas and Solauums are imposing. The former 
are bordered by crimson Pelargoniums edged with blue Ageratums, and 
the latter by Pentstemons, varied and showy, Pelargoniums, and Agera- 
tum. Subtropical gardening is not carried out on a large scale in 
Regent’s Park, but what there is is effective. 
One of the most brilliant beds at the present time is composed of 
single Dahlias, with bands of scarlet Pelargoniums, yellow Calceolarias, 
Coleuses, and the pretty variegated Grass, Dactylis glomerata varie- 
gata. The border itself is remarkably pretty, but the Dahlias are 
superb. The brilliancy and variety of colour in these beautiful flowers 
is remarkable. They are planted much more largely than the double 
varieties in the parks at the present time, and are unquestionably more 
popular. 
Liliums are plentiful in Regent’s Park just now, as also are Gladioli. 
Beds of these handsome flowers in mixture are as showy as anything that 
can be imagined. Gladiolus brenchleyensis is most largely grown ; it is 
one of the earliest, and is of a brilliant scarlet colour. It should be 
grown by everyone. Many attractive ribbon borders are also noticeable. 
One is particularly good. It is composed of scarlet Pelargoniums in the 
back row, the silvery foliage of Centaurea candidissima in the middle, 
and blue Lobelias in the front. 
Many handsome banks and borders of mixed shrubs and flowers also 
attract attention, and altogether the Park is well worthy of a visit. 
THE BEDDING IN THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT’S PARK. 
Among the many garden improvements which have been effected in 
the public parks of London during the last six or eight years, I do not 
know of any where so much has been accomplished as in the Zoological 
Gardens, Regent’s Park. Many who only know the “ Zoo ” imperfectly 
may be under the impression that it contains little or nothing of interest 
beyond a unique collection of representatives of the animal kingdom, but 
many of the houses which hold these are adorned with excellently grown 
plants, and the flower beds and borders are filled with a choice collection 
of the most improved forms of bedding plants. While going through 
these gardens several years ago I came away with the impression that the 
plants were rather scarce, and Mr. Young, the able Superintendent, must 
have been of that opinion too, as the capital stock now possessed proves 
that he knew what was wanted. The beds are beautifully furnished, and 
the vigour of the plants is all that could be desired. The display of 
flowers and the exceedingly rich colours of the carpet and foliage plants 
generally are highly attractive and very pleasing. Carters’ Prima Donna 
Lobelia is largely used, and it is very pretty. At the flower garden in 
front of the refreshment rooms there are many circular, square, and other 
shaped beds, chiefly laid out on the grass. One side of it is edged with an 
undulating flower border 85 yards in length and 15 feet in width. Behind 
this there are many fine trees, to the immediate front the flower beds just 
referred to, and further on the garden generally. The border is planted 
ribbon fashion. The first line is a row of Dactylis glomerata variegata 
backed with Viola Tory, then comes Calceolaria Golden Gem, behind 
which comes in Vesuvius Pelargonium, white Centaurea being further 
back still, then the pink Pelargonium Mrs. Holden, and behind this the 
dark Calceolaria Bijou, the whole forming an old-fashioned beautiful border, 
just such a one as made Mr. D. Thomson’s flower garden work famous at 
Archerfield, where, by the way, Mr. Young gained his first knowledge of 
gardening. 
Amongst the small beds there are some beautiful carpet designs, Alter- 
nantheras being used in variety, and Pyrethrum selaginoides is used with 
telling effect. There are several beds of tall and dwarf succulents, which 
are interesting. The blue Gum Tree is used in several of the foliage arrange¬ 
ments. Some of them have been out for two years, and are 14 feet high. 
One bed with a centre of the Rev. F. Atkinson Pelargonium, edged with 
Robert Fish Pelargonium, and margined with Carters’ Blue King Lobelia, 
was very pretty. Another with a centre of Mrs. Holden Pelargonium, 
edged with Crystal Palace Gem, and margined with Vesuvius Tropmolum, 
was very showy. John Gibbons Pelargonium was used in several beds, and 
its immense trusses of showy flowers were very attractive. 
Several beds planted with Phormiums, Palms, Cannas, Dracaenas, 
Aralias, Castor Oil Plants, and others of a tropical type were an agree¬ 
able change from the masses of flowers. Dracaena australis, with stems 
about 18 feet in height, and fine massive heads, is introduced here and 
there with grand effect. Herbaceous borders are extensive and well 
stocked. The small ponds, which are used for the accommodation of beauti¬ 
ful waterfowl, have some small islands, and these and the margins are 
clothed with many kinds of wild Grasses, Irises, &c., and appear as natural 
in aspect as any of the wilds in Scotland or Wales. 
The best of all the carpet beds is one 51 feet in length and 12 feet 
wide, which is situated between the lions’ dens and the antelope house. 
A number of lyres are distinctly traced out on various coloured grounds, 
the plants used being the choicest for this work, but as I fear my explana¬ 
tion would not make such a good piece quite clear, it will be best under¬ 
stood by a sketch I will send you at another time. Visitors here should 
not miss this bed. Going from the lions to the monkey house, and just 
in front of the bears’ dens, there are some beautifully filled beds, one batch 
of figures being chiefly occupied with dark-leaved Coleuses, Iresine, white 
Lobelia, and Mrs. Pollock Pelargonium. There are many small Palms 
used in the centres, and this part looked as peculiar and interesting as any, 
the dark colour predominating so much as to give it quite an original 
appearance. Behind this there is a ribbon border, beginning with Eche- 
veria glauee, followed with Alternanthera paronychioides major, Snowball 
Lobelia, Young’s Seedling Tropreolum, very bright Flower of Spring 
Pelargonium, Ageratum Her Majesty, and Golden Harry Hieover Pelar¬ 
gonium. Amongst flowers Henry Jacoby Pelargonium is very conspicu¬ 
ous here, and all the best of Messrs. Pearson’s Pelargoniums are used 
with eapital effect. Near to the western aviary there is a large border 
filled with the different varieties of East Lothian Stocks, the plants being 
very healthy and promising well for a fine display of fragrant double 
flowers. 
On coming in at the main entrance there is a straight walk 90 yards in 
length, and on each side of this there is a border filled with subtropical 
plants backed with shrubs of many choice kinds. Near to the band stand 
there used to be a great want of shade, but this has now been obviated in 
a great measure by moving some very large Lime trees to this part. 
They are specimens 20 feet or more in height with fine bushy heads, and 
they have succeeded uncommonly well, being well clothed with leaves, 
and giving pleasant shade. The main stems and the largest of the 
branches have been incased in hay bands, and in warm dry weather these 
are moistened occasionally, which keeps the bark from shrivelling. This 
transplanting was a heavy undertaking well managed.—L. L. M. 
NOTES ON GRAPES AT THE RECENT EDINBURGH SHOW. 
Grapes were shown in great quantity and remarkably good quality at 
the Show in Edinburgh. Of course, there were some bunches of the late 
varieties that were hardly ripe, but it was apparent that only want of 
time was to be held accountable for that deficiency. Another month 
would have seen them in greater perfection. 
Among the comparatively new Grapes shown Alnwick Seedling was 
conspicuous for its fine appearance. It is eminently suited for an exhi¬ 
bition Grape, and is really a fine-looking variety when seen as displayed 
in Edinburgh. 
Madresfield Court was hardly “ up,” but still was shown in good style; 
evidently it does not crack with everyone. 
Duke of Buccleuch was seen to advantage. Two baskets exhibited by 
Messrs. Thomson, Clovenfords, attracted much attention, and received a 
special award from the Judges for “ packing and general excellence.” 
There were 24 lbs. in the two baskets, packed as if for market, not a speck 
of bloom being removed or a single berry shaken. Mr. Kirk, from Alloa, 
had a grand bunch of the “ Duke,” the berries being enormous and very 
regular. Another fortnight would have added the golden hue that was 
the only thing required to make the bunch perfect. Mr. Mclndoe showed 
it in good condition. 
Golden Champion was also exhibited in fine order, not a trace of the 
“ spot ” that sometinjes is seen disfiguring it was visible. The berries 
were of a beautiful transparent amber colour that showed it was in proper 
condition for the dessert table. 
Duchess of Buccleuch was also shown in first-rate condition, the 
berries being quite golden. It carried the day for the best-flavoured 
white. It is pleasant to notice that the last three mentioned Grapes, 
which have all been the subjects of much difference of opinion, and have 
been the cause of much warm discussion in the horticultural papers, are 
grown and appreciated by not a few. Anyone seeing them as displayed 
at Edinburgh last week must be very prejudiced if they did not admit that 
they are Grapes worthy of the utmost care and attention, as, when success¬ 
fully grown, they are most delicious, and in the cases of the Champion 
and Duke also most splendid in appearance. 
Gros Maroc was also seen in grand condition. It evidently will be 
more and more grown as years roll on. Its place will undoubtedly be as 
a Grape for use about the end of October and in November. Nothing 
can exceed it for a black Grape for market about the time mentioned; 
its wonderful bloom, grand berry, and compact bunch all make it look 
handsome in baskets or trays. Though deficient in flavour, it is not 
much behind Alicante in that matter, and may fairly claim equality with 
Gros Colman. 
Golden Queen was also displayed to advantage, some very nice bunches, 
good in berry and well-coloured, being staged. 
Taken altogether the Grapes were good, allowance, of course, being 
made for the exhibition of a few bunches that only required time to make 
them right. At the Show which is to be held in Edinburgh in November 
it may be expected that many late Grapes will be shown. They will 
then be more in season. 
Mr. Hammond deserves great commendation for the splendid style in 
which he brought his Grapes across the border, and staged them in the 
“ grey metropolis of the north.” There is some talk of having an exhi¬ 
bition next year which would approach an “ international ” in connection 
with the General International Exhibition which Edinburgh hopes to 
have next season. If anything come3 of the suggestion, every effort, it is 
to be hoped, will be made to have a grand display of Grapes from all 
quarters. To procure this, handsome prizes must be offered. However, 
whether such an exhibition be held or not, it may safely be said that 
Grape-growing is being carried on in the country by many with con¬ 
spicuous skill and apparent success. Long may this continue! Long 
may we see tables groaning under heavy loads of first-class Grapes at all 
our autumn and winter shows ! 
A word of advice to young gardeners anxious to shine in competition 
was spoken at the dinner in connection with the Show by Mr. Hammond. 
It is worthy of remembrance by all. He said:—“ Let me counsel all 
young gardeners to remember that their first duty is to serve their em¬ 
ployers well; to crop Vines and other things, not solely with a view to 
showing, but to meet the requirements of their situations. Then if there 
are Grapes or other things fit to show, and employers consent, let them 
