August 29, 1889. J 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER 
183 
with the disease as with Mr. Coot, I have no doubt he could be pre¬ 
vailed upon to receive Mr. Siebrecht’s cheque for 100 dollars. 
TAKING THE BUDS. 
In your issue for the 15th inst., at page 135, there appears a very 
interesting paragraph by “ A Four-years Experimenter ” about “ taking 
buds of Chrysanthemums.” I would like, through the columns of your 
valuable paper, to detail my experience in taking “ buds ” to appear at 
the stated time. In this locality, which I expect will be reckoned the 
“north of England,” I agree with him that it is scarcely possible to 
obtain good and perfect flowers of Boule d’Or from natural grown 
plants, no matter when they are propagated. I have three plants of 
that variety which were rooted in a frame in a cool Peach house the 
third week of February ; they were transferred to 6-inch pots 22nd March, 
thence to a cold frame outside. I pinched them on 21th May, and finally 
potted them on 3rd June, they being at that time 22 inches in height. 
They grew exactly 21 inches before showing their crown bud, which I 
■“set” on the 16th inst. Madame C. Audiguier I pinched 29th May, 
and set its buds on the 15th inst. I may mention that it grew 1 feet 
before showing the crown bud. Comte de Germiny, from plants propa¬ 
gated in December of 1888, and allowed to break naturally, have shown 
their crown buds this date—viz., 19th August, as has also Mdlle. Lacroix, 
Elaine, Ralph Brocklebank, and Golden Empress of India. Buds of 
Duchess of Albany I expect in a day or two from plants pinched on the 
11th May. I do not think good flowers can be had by taking the buds 
any earlier than the 10th of August.—A. Innes, Duncombe Park 
Gardens, Helmsley. 
“ SETTING THE BUD ” v. “ TAKING THE BUD.” 
We have now arrived at the most anxious time in the cultivation 
of the Chrysanthemum, I allude to “ taking the bud.” Now this has 
always been a puzzle to me why it is not called “ setting the bud.” 
After thinking it over I come to no other conclusion than that it is 
done simply to mystify young beginners as much as possible. I well 
remember some nine years ago, just as I was beginning to know some¬ 
thing about crown blooms, when in conversation with a now well-known 
cultivator, after he had answered numerous questions, I drew his 
attention to a crown bloom only just showing, and asked him whether, 
if the small points or shoots surrounding it were removed, if it would 
not develop into what was called an exhibition bloom. Much to my 
surprise he seemed unwilling to make any reply. This I thought strange, 
as I particularly wished for his opinion. His reason, as I have suggested, 
was to keep what he knew to himself. But probably some cultivator 
will find little trouble in explaining why a bud which is not removed 
should be called “ taking the bud.”—F. C. Barker. 
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
August 27th. 
The Drill Hall at James Street, Westminster, was again, to the 
surprise of many visitors, filled with exhibits, mainly groups and plants 
submitted to the Floral and Orchid Committees. The display was more 
varied than usual, and sufficient brightness was imparted by the 
brilliantly coloured spikes of Gladioli, which, with Dahlias, almost 
exclusively occupied one table the whole length of the Hall. One group 
of variegated tree and shrub specimens was a welcome addition to the 
exhibits, as these are too seldom seen at meetings or exhibitions. 
Fkuit Committee.— Present : R. D. Blackmore, Esq., in the chair, 
and Messrs. P. Crowley, J. Cheal, W. Bates, G. W. Cummins, J. Willard, 
J. Saltmarsh, G. Bunyard, G. Wythes, J. Hudson, F. J. Lane, and J. 
Smith. 
The exhibits were few at this meeting, but the collection of fifteen 
dishes of Apples from A. H. Smee, Esq., The Grange, Wallington 
(gardener, Mr. Cummins), were extremely fresh and good, Lord 
Grosvener, Duchess of Oldenburg, and Williams’ Favourite being very 
notable (cultural commendation). Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, 
were awarded a bronze medal for a collection of Plums, comprising good 
samples of Kirke’s, Golden Drop, Belgian Purple, Victoria, Frogmore, 
Lawson’s Golden Gage, Goliath, Large Black Imperial, Washington, 
Denniston’s Superb, Sultan, Duke of Edinburgh, and Mitchelson’s. 
Melons are now so frequently shown, and so many have been 
honoured at various times, that a variety must possess some very good 
•qualities to obtain recognition. Seedling Melons were sent at this 
meeting by Mr. E. B. Holmes, Maidstone ; Major Egerton, Alverley 
Hall (gardener, Mr. H. C. Denton) ; Mr. J. Spong, Lindisfarne Gardens, 
Bournemouth ; and by Mr. C. Brook, The Gardens, Red Rice, Andover. 
All were passed by the Committee either as insufficiently distinct, or as 
in unsuitable condition for adjudication. Mr. J. Church, Milford Hall 
Gardens, Suffolk, sent a Giant Capsicum of great size and fine colour. 
Floral Committee. —Present : Shirley Hibberd, Esq., in the chair, 
Dr. M. T. Masters, and Messrs. Druery, Herbst, W. Goldring, W. H. 
Williams, R. B. Lowe, W. Ingram, C. Noble, T. Baines, L. Castle, 
B. Wynne, II. Turner, and J. Fraser. 
The extensive group of Gladioli and Dahlias from Messrs. Kelway 
and Son, Langport, was the most imposing feature of the meeting, and 
in addition to the silver-gilt medal awarded, several varieties were 
selected for special honours. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, 
also had handsome blooms of Show and Cactus Dahlias, some of which 
were selected for awards of merit (silver medal). Mr. T. S. Ware, 
Tottenham, had a large group of hardy flowers, single Cactus, and 
Pompon Dahlias (silver medai). The Ferns, Crotons, and Bouvardias 
from Mr. H. B. May, Edmonton, secured him a silver medal, and con¬ 
stituted a varied and effective group. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, 
contributed a group of specimens of variegated trees and shrubs, a large 
number of the most ornamental varieties being represented (bronze 
medal). Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, had specimens in pots 
of their dwarf Queen Asters, a good type of the Chrysanthemum 
flowered group, the colours being dark and light blue, white, rose, 
copper red, and crimson (vote of thanks). Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, sent 
flowers of dwarf German Scabiouses gathered from the open ground, 
the colours most varied, from maroon crimson to pure white (strain 
commended). 
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, showed a plant of the distinct 
Lilium nepalense, which has been previously certificated and figured in 
this Journal. A box of Rhododendrons was also contributed, and one 
variety was selected for a certificate. Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Hollo¬ 
way, exhibited several novelties, including two white-spathed Anthu- 
riums, Dracaena indivisa variegata, and a fine Palm, Carludovica palmae- 
folia (certificated). Mr. T. J. Dranfield, The Valentines Gardens, Ilford, 
had a collection of Violas ; Mr. J. T. West, Cornwalls, Brentford, Cactus 
Dahlias ; Messrs. Jackson & Son, Woking, a new Clematis named Mrs. 
Baron Veillard, with flowers of a mauve colour ; and Mr. G. S. P. Harris, 
Orpington, showed some Dahlia blooms. 
Orchid Committee. —Present: Dr. M. T. Masters in the chair, 
and Messrs. H. Williams, H. M. Pollett, J. Dominy, C. Pilcher, E. Hill, 
J. O’Brien, and L. Castle. 
The duties of this Committee were very light at this meeting, and a 
short time sufficed to pass judgment on the few exhibits. With regard 
to one of the plants shown the question arose as to whether old but 
scarce Orchids were admissible for certificates, and the Secretary stated 
they were, it being left to the discretion of the Committee to determine 
whether they possess sufficient horticultural merit to entitle them to 
recognition. Many no doubt are deterred from sending plants because 
they think only novelties would be recognised. Messrs. J. Veitch and 
Sons showed a specimen of Phaius phillipinense, but no information 
was forthcoming respecting its history. The flowers are small with dull 
red petals, paler sepals, and a white lip with a few purple veins. The 
growth is slender and the leaves narrow. The Duke of Marlborough, 
Blenheim (gardener, Mr. Whillans), showed several varieties of Laelia 
elegans, but only one (The Duchess) was considered sufficiently distinct. 
II. J. Hollington, Esq., Forty Hill, had a fine variety of Cattleya crispa, 
the sepals and petals pale mauve, the lip dark crimson, and much 
crisped (vote of thanks). Mr. Malcom Cook, Kingston Hill (gardener, 
Mr. Cullimore), sent several fine varieties of Laelia elegans, and several 
other plants (bronze medal). The varieties of Laelia elegans are now 
very numerous and much prized by many of the leading Orchid 
amateurs, collections being formed in some cases, notably by Mr. 
Measures of Streatham, of all the best varieties obtainable, and the 
range of variations is astonishing. Mr. T. S. Ware had two curious 
terrestrial Orchids in his group, which ought to have been brought 
under the notice of the Orchid Committee—namely, Satyrium auran- 
tiacum and S. carneum roseum ; the former with yellow flowers, the 
latter pale pink. It is regretable that other terrestrial Orchids are not 
more frequently shown and brought into notice. 
CERTIFICATED PLANTS. 
II atsonia rosea (T. S. Ware).—A beautiful bulbous plant with tall 
graceful spikes of bright rose coloured flowers and long slender Iris-like 
leaves. 
Pteris serrulata densa (H. B. May).—A charming little Fern, very 
dwarf and compact, with fresh light green fronds, divided into the 
finest segments, quite lace-like in appearance. 
Sarracenia decora (J. Veitch & Sons).—A hybrid between S. vario- 
laris and S. psittacina, with deep red “ pitchers,” relieved with round 
white spots and green veins ; bright, distinct, and good. 
Carludovica palmafolia (B. S. Williams).—A handsome and useful 
Palm, with fine arching leaves about 2 feet long, deeply divided, the 
divisions 4 to 6 inches in diameter. 
Lcelia elegans Duchess (Duke of Marlborough).—A distinct variety, 
with large flowers, the sepals and petals of a soft rosy colour, the lip 
broad, crimson, fading to a lighter margin, the lateral lobes white and 
the centre yellow. 
Lcelia elegans, Cook's variety (Mr. M. Cook).—Flowers small com¬ 
pared with most other varieties, but distinguished by the rich crimson 
hue suffusing the sepals and petals, still deeper in the lip. 
Angrcecum Lliailluanum (Mr. F. G. Tautz).—This is not new to 
orchidists, but it is little known and deserved the recognition it received. 
The plant is of moderate growth, the racemes containing numerous 
flowers with white acute recurving narrow sepals and petals, the spur 
4 or 5 inches long, and green. 
Taxus adpressa variegata (Fisher, Son & Sibray).—A variety with 
the young shoots variegated with a golden tint. 
