294 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ April IS, 1838. 
from Victoria in albums. The Melbourne Botanical Gardens send a 
collection of fibres and carpological specimens. In a natural history case 
in the Canadian section, prepared by Col. Stock well, will be a general 
representation of the fauna and flora of Anticosti. It may be hoped that 
one result of this Exhibition, and of the meeting of colonists from all 
quarters of the globe simultaneously in London, will be the establish¬ 
ment of a permanent colonial museum in London. The Exhibition will 
supply abundant materials with which to make a beginning.” 
ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
The spring Exhibition of this Society was held on the 7th and 8th insts. 
in the Waverley Market, Edinburgh. The number of the exhibits seemed 
smaller than in former years, and in some cases the quality was not quite 
so good. This was notably so in the case of Azaleas and stove and green¬ 
house plants, while the tables of plants arranged for effect were fewer in 
number. Hardy spring-flowering plants were generally poor. On the other 
hand, we must note the improved quality of the Orchids, while in the case 
of the Dutch bulbs there was certainly no falling off either in numbers or 
quality. Cut flowers were also well represented, and of the commoner 
plants, such as Arums, Primulas, Cinerarias, Ac., quite a large show was 
made. On the second day the Society repeated an experiment which was 
initiated in autumn last by allowing a large number of children (1500 to 
1700) from schools and institutions to visit the Exhibition. They enjoyed 
themselves to the utmost, and finally, through the generosity of an Edin¬ 
burgh citizen, each left the building with a present. Managers of shows 
in populous centres should note that not the slightest damage was done. 
The best prizes were offered for the tables of plants. In the nursery¬ 
men’s section Messrs. R. B. Laird & Son were the sole exhibitors, and had 
a very neat arrangement, rendered bright with Azaleas and other plants in 
season. In the gardeners’ section Mr. Grossart, gardener to J. Buchanan, 
Esq., Oswald Road, took first. The arrangement was the common one of 
a groundwork of Ferns with dot plants. The best of the latter were Orchids 
and several good Hyacinths. There was a lack of finish which might have 
been avoided. The second prize went to Mr. Smith, Restalrig. For a table 
of hardy spring-flowering plants (open) Mr. Munro Robertson, Portobello, 
was first, and Mr. J. Sinclair, Preston Kirk, second. Much inferior produce 
was exhibited on both tables, possibly unavoidable on account of the 
previous bad weather. Of the many prizes offered for hardy plants, Prim¬ 
roses, Auriculas, and so on, none brought foward any plants of extra merit. 
The first and second prize collections of six Alpines, from Mr. Kerr, Sunlaws, 
Kelso, may be excepted. Mr. John Patterson, gardener to Jas. Syme, Esq., 
Millbank, showed four good Azaleas, gaining the first prize ; Messrs. Ireland 
and Thomson, and R. B. Laird & Sons, being first and second respectively 
in the nurserymen’s section for the same plants. In Mr. Patterson’s first 
prize stand of six stove or greenhouse plants, were good specimens of Acacia 
armata, Erica Bothwelliana alba, and Tetratheca ericoides. In Mr. Grossart’s 
second prize collection was a magnificent specimen of Cymbidium Lowianum, 
also of C. eburneum and Dendrobium fimbriatum oculatum. Mr. J. Patter¬ 
son was again first for four Cape Heaths, the plant being small in size, hut 
well bloomed. Orchids, as has already been stated, were fine. Mr. Grossart 
was the only exhibitor for six plants, having a very good Cymbidium Lowi¬ 
anum, Coelogyne cristata, Vanda suavis, and Ada aurantiaca. In the class 
for three plants, Mr. Curror, gardener to G. Douglas, Esq., Eskbank, was 
first with a very fine Vanda suavis, good Cattleya Trianse with seventeen 
blooms, and Dendrobium nobile. Mr. Grossart with Dendrobium densi- 
florum was first for one plant. A fine example of Dendrobium Findleyanum 
was noticeable in one collection. Two flowering plants of Cattleya Law- 
renciana were staged, the one from Mr. Grossart, the other from Messrs. 
Thomson & Sons, Clovenfords. The latter firm also exhibited the new 
hybrid Dendrobium Leechianum. To all three plants first-class certificates 
were awarded. 
Ferns were not largely shown, and mostly the plants were small. The 
best four exotic Ferns came from Mr. Hunter, gardener to T. Craufurd, 
Esq., Lauriston Castle. Mr. Patterson, Millbank, showed three good 
Gleichenias. In the classes for Dutch bulbs, Mr. Watson, Newcastle-on- 
Tyne, in the nurserymen’s section, took first prizes for twenty-four 
Hyacinths, six pots of Tulips, eight pots of Narciss, and extra prize was 
also awarded him for six pots of well-flowered Lily of the Valley. Mr. 
McKenzie, 63, Vincent Street, Glasgow, was second for twenty-four 
Hyacinths, Messrs. R. B. Laird & Sons, Edinburgh, being second in the 
Tulip class. In the gardeners’section, Mr. Kerr, Sunlaws, Kelso, was first 
for twelve Hyacinths, spike good hut rather drawn; Mr. Pearson, gardener 
to Lady Lucy Dundas, Beechwood, a very good Becond. Mr. R. Laurie, 
gardener to G. D. Mackay, Esq , Crammond, had first for eight varieties, 
and Mr. Laurie, gardener to Professor Calderwood, Murchiston, first for six. 
For eight pots Tulips, Mr. Grossart was a good first, and Mr. Grey, gardener 
to Wm. Christie, Esq., Craigend, first for six pots. Mr. Grossart six pots 
Polyanthus Narcissus was again first, also for nine Narcissus. A large 
number of Deutzias was shown, as also Coleuses, table plants, foliage plants, 
Cyclamens, Primulas, Arums, Lilies, and Lily of the Valley, most of these 
being good and above the average. We must not omit to mention the 
enormous specimens of Rhododendrons with which Messrs. Laird took the 
honours in the nurserymen’s classes. Smaller plants of these were also 
well shown. 
The display of fruit was not large. Only two Pine Apples were staged, 
Mr. McIntyre, gardener to Sir C. Tennant, Bart., M.P., The Glen, Peebles, 
being first with a good Smooth Cayenne. Five exhibitors showed Black 
Grapes, Mr. McLennan, gardener to Lady Emma McNeill, Liberton, being 
first with a brace of Lady Downe’s; and with the same sort, Mr. McKelvie, 
Broxmouth Park, Dunbar, Becond. Mr. Dow, gardener to Sir David Baird, 
Bart., Dunbar, had six pots of Strawberries. For a dish of the same fruit 
Mr Mclndoe, Hutton Hall, Guisboro’, was first with very fine Keens’ Seed¬ 
ling, Mr. Dow second with Vicomtesse Hericartde Thury. A goodly display 
of Apples was provided, Mr. Potter, Seacliffe, North Berwick, being first 
with collections of both, his fruits being fresh and well kept. 
Of cut flowers, the Roses were the main attraction, Mr. R. Green, 
Falcon Hall, being first for twenty-four blooms, and Mr. Gordon, Niddrie, 
second. For twelve blooms, Mr. Bowman, Lasswade, was first, Mr. Walker 
being first with twelve Gloire de Dijon, and Mr. Pearson, Beechwood, with 
Marechal Niel. For twelve trusses of stove or greenhouse plants, Mr. 
McLeod, gardener to C. Smith, Esq., Brentham Park, Stirling, was awarded 
first, his flowers being almost ail Orchids. Mr. Mclndoe second, with a 
much better-looking collection. Camellias and Rhododendrons were also- 
shown as cut flowers, and several good bouquets were set up both by 
gardeners and nurserymen. 
Of vegetables there was a fair display. Two baskets were forwarded r 
Mr. Potter, Seacliff, having the best Potatoes, Peas, French Beans, Brussels 
Sprouts, and Leeks were the best examples in Mr. Potter’s collection. 
Extra fine Mushrooms were shown by Mr. Smith, Restalrig, and Mr. Gordon, 
Niddrie. Salads and various other vegetables were also well shown. 
Handsome tables of plants were arranged by Messrs. Methven & Sons, by 
Messrs. Dickson & Co., by Messrs. Ireland & Thomson, Mr. Sinclair, Preston- 
kirk, and Messrs. Seth, florists. 
In addition to the first-class certificates already noted, Messrs. Cannell 
and Sons, Swanley, Kent, were awarded one for blooms of Pride of Pens- 
hurst Carnation, a very beautiful pure yellow variety of medium size. 
During the two days the Exhibition was open it was largely patronised, 
the railway companies running excursion trains from various districts, thus- 
bringing a larger constituency under the influenee of the Society. 
MILNHURST, ECCLESHALL, SHEFFIELD. 
This is one of the finest amongst the many handsome and costly 
suburban residences around Sheffield, and is of very recent date, having 
been completed at a great cost by Major Blake, J.P. (a partner in the 
well-known firm of Stephenson & Blake, type founders), as a residence- 
for himself and family three or four years since. The mansion, which is 
built of dressed ashlar stone and the style of which is early English, is 
about two miles from the town of Sheffield, on high lands, commanding 
magnificent views of the Peak district (Derbyshire), to which it is con¬ 
tiguous. The grounds in all occupy an area of about ten acres within 
the walls. The pleasure grounds and gardens are very complete and fine 
in all their details. The major ha9 for years been locally well known as- 
a lover and a liberal patron of horticulture ; I find also he is a reader of 
and subscriber to our Journal. The grounds, which were naturally of a 
pleasing, undulating character, have been well arranged and laid cut so 
as to make the most of the natural formations. The lawns are somewhat 
extensive, and fall by gentle slopes from the front of the mansion towards 
a sheet of ornamental water, which is very effective seen from the 
terrace. 
There are some good kitchen gardens and a fine fruit orchard at 
different levels and sloping towards the south-west, but the most imposing 
feature of the grounds is the splendid range of plant stoves, fruit 
houses, &c., recently erected by Messrs. Foster & Pearson, Chilwell, 
Notts, which for excellency of construction and workmanship, con¬ 
venience of arrangements, suitability for the purposes they are intended 
to serve, and general completeness, cannot be surpassed, if indeed 
equalled, in this district. They are so arranged as to be all connected 
with each other, and a tour may be made of the whole without once 
stepping into the open air. They consist of three span-roofed stoves, the 
central one being 40 feet by 20 feet ; the other two being each 30 feet by 
13 feet; also a lean-to vinery about 40 feet by 20 feet. These four 
houses running parallel with each other, having an intermediate space of 
about 20 feet between each house, and the whole being connected at their 
north-easterly ends by a lean-to range about 100 feet in length by 12 feet 
wide. This range is divided by partitions into several houses, one of 
which is devoted to Peaches and the others to greenhouse flowering plants 
and Ferns. At the back are the potting shed, fruit room, Mushroom 
house, stokeries, &c., all most conveniently arranged and well fitted 
throughout. The potting shed is a model of what such structures should 
be, being large, lofty, and very light, the roof a glazed one throughout, 
well fitted with all necessary cupboards, shelves, and racks, the motto 
appearing to be, “ A place for everything and everything in its place;” 
also fitted at one end with lavatory and towels for the use of the young 
men, and well warmed by a service of hot-water pipes. 
In the Mushroom house is an admirable arrangement of beds on each 
side a central pathway, supported upon cast metal columns, which columns 
are grooved for holding slate slabs, such slabs being made to slide freely 
in and out these grooves, and being therefore easily removeable when 
required, making the work of emptying and refilling the beds much more 
convenient thereby. In the lean to greenhouses are a good collection of 
Camellias and Azaleas in vigorous health. The back walls of each house 
are also well covered with greenhouse climbers, especially notable amongst 
which is a large and very vigorous Lapageria rosa. This is planted out 
in an arrow border at the foot of the wall, and was removed from a similar 
position at Major Blake’s previous residence about a year and a half 
ago. It appears to have suffered little by the removal. The Peach trees 
planted out in the Peach house were removed from the same place to their 
present position in the autumn of 1884, bearing good crops of fruit last 
summer, and giving promise of doing the same again this season. 
In the stoves is a good collection of Orchids, especially notable amongst 
which for vigour, floriferousness, and high colouring are the Dendrobiums. 
The latter feature I have never before noticed so prominent in all varieties 
alike in any collection, and I attribute it to the extreme lightness of the 
houses in which they are grown. A large batch of D. Bensoni® is here 
noticeable for the vigorous growths they have made. Phaius Wallichi 
and grandiflora are here flowering superbly. One plant of the latter has 
five spikes each 4 feet and averaging twenty-two flowers on each. In 
