May 19, 1887. ] 
JOURjsaL of horticulture and cottage gardener. 
403 
ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY. 
May 18th. 
The summer show? of this Society held in their spacious marq leo are 
Ways beautiful, but that under notice was one of the prettiest we have 
seen in Regent’s Park ; the exhibits were numerous, of good quality, and 
ar anged in Mr. Cooaiber’s most tasteful stylo. The weather was, however, 
rather unfavourable in the early part of the diy, but happily it cleared 
slightly in the afternoon, and there was a good attendance of visitors. 
Orchids. — A charming bank of Orchids in competition for the numerous 
prizes was fo-med in the centre of the marquee, and constituted one of the 
prin'-ipal features of the Show. In the amateurs’ class for twelve plants, 
Mr. F. J. Hill, gardener to H. Little, Esq., The Barons, Twickenham, was 
awarded first honours fur heilthy plants, remarkihly well flowered, of the 
follow.ng — Oncid um Mashallianum, Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, C ittleya 
Skinneri oculata, eight spikes ; Dendrobium Dalhouseunum, 0 Jontoglossum 
Pescatorei, Cattleya Mende'i, Mrs. H. Little, and other varieties; Afrides 
Fieliingi, Lycaste Skinneri, Olontoglossum hystrix, and Cypripulium 
caudatum roseum. Mr. J. Douglas, girdener to F. Whitbourn, Esq, 
Great Gearies, Ilford, was second with large vigorous plants of Cym- 
bidum Lowianum, Cypripedium villosum, Ontidium ampliatum 
majus, and excellent eximples of OJontoglossum Roezli anl album. 
Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, was first with a nurseryman’s dozen speci¬ 
mens, his Lm’i i purpurata specimens being very handsom», also Dendrobium 
thyrsiflorum with over three dozen spikes, Cattleya Skinneri, Calantbe 
veratrifolia, Oncidium ampliatum, Yanda suavis, Cattleya Mossioe, L®lia 
Wyattiana, OJontoglossum citrosmum, Dendrobium chrysotoxum, and 
Odontoglossum vexillarium. Mr. H. James, Castle Nursery, Norwood, was 
second with medium size but fresh, healthy plants ; and Messrs. T. Jackson 
aud Son, Kingston, were third with a very good collection. 
One collection of twelve single specimen Orchids was shown, the first 
prize being awarded to Mr. J. Douglas. The best of the Ilford plants were 
a magnificent Cymbidium Lowianum with eight long sp kes, Oncidium 
macranthum, Cypripedium Do mi ni.O Jontoglossum Roezli, and Cypripedium 
Harrissianum. In the corresponding class for nurserymen Messrs. Cypher 
and James were awardel iqual first prize 1 , the former having Loelia purpu¬ 
rata, Cypripedium Lawrencianum (ten flowers), Calantbe veratrifolia, and 
Odontozlossura vexillarium in fine condition. Mr. Jtmea also had a very 
handsome Lsel : a purpurata, Saccolabium retusum maguificum, Masdevallia 
•uperba, and Cypr pedium barbatum superbum. 
Pelargoniums. —Just within the entrance to marquee were the Pelar¬ 
goniums, which are invariably very attractive, especially those from Slough, 
which this season were very fine. Mr. Turner was first wiih six show 
varieties, beautiful plants, 4 or 5 feet diameter and profu-e'y fl >w. red, of 
the following :—Prince Leopold, Kingston Beauty, Maid of Honour, Clarinel, 
Mon. Demoulin, and Amethyst. Mr. J. Cyph r was second with much 
smaller plants, but good. Mr. Turner was also first with six fancy varie¬ 
ties, remarkably handsome specimens, profusely flowe’ed, and 4 feet in 
d ameter. Ellen Beck was very beautiful; P.incess I’eck, Eist Lynn, Tue 
Sbah, Miss E. Littl*, and Lady Carrington were other goo 1 varietie 1 . In 
the amateurs’ class, Mr. D. Phillips, gardener, Lingley Broom, Slough, was 
first with show varieties, capital plants, 3 feet in diamettr, and second with 
fancy variet'es simi'arly beaut'ful, Delicatum and Roi des Fantaisies being 
■extremely fine. Mr. F. J. Hiil and Mr. J. Wiggins secured the other 
prizes. 
Stove and Greenhouse Plants —Mr. J. Cypher was v etorious in the 
nurserymen’s classes for twelve and six specimens, taking premier h mours 
in both with grand examples of Pimelea spectabilis, 0 or 7 feet in diameter, 
Erica depressa, 5 feet acroB*, Dracophyllum gracile, 5 feet diameter, Erica 
ventricosa magnifica, 5 Let diimeter, Acrophyllum venosum, very healthy, 
znd several large Azaleas and Aphelexis. Mr. H. James was second with 
twelve and six stove and greenhouse plants in the nurserymen’s class, 
showing tine specimens of his usual character. Mr. W. Chapman, girdeLer 
to J. Spode, Esq., Hawkesyard Park, Rugeley, took the lead with ten 
specimens, even, well grown, and handsome plants. Very fine wer•; Draco¬ 
phyllum gracile, Tetratheca hiriuta,Staticc profusa, and Helaroma tulipi- 
fera. Mr. Chapman was also first w th sit specimens of sim'la- merit, 
Dracophyllum gracile very even and well flowered. Mr. G. Wheeler was 
second with ten and third with six stove anl greenhouse plants, small 
plants, one Azalea being unfit for any show. Mr. R. Butler, gardener 
to H. H. Gibbs, Esq , St. Danstins Lodge, Regent’s Park, was third with 
ten small plants, aud Mr. A. Offer, gardener to John Warren, Esq., 
Handcross Park, Crawley, was second with six plants, his best being a 
globular plant of BuroDia elatior, 4 feet in diameter, and leaded with 
Rowers. 
Roses. —Messrs. G. Jackman & Son, Woking, score 1 a succe-s with 
nine Roses in pots, securing the first prize with grand healthy specimens, 
well flowered, and rather more forwird than the Cheshunt plants. Cheshunt 
Hybrid, Celine Foiesier, Comre-se de Serenye, and Mon 1 . Noman were the 
most notable. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, were accorded second honours 
tor their giant specimens, some of which were not, however, quite at the 
best yet. Centifolia rosea was fine, also Charles Law on and Celine 
Forestier. 
Three beautiful banks we _ e formed of small Roses in pots ; in the c'ass 
for twenty' Mr. C. Turner leading with charming plants, well flowered, fresh 
and bright; Messrs. Paul 4 Son being second wi h rath r smaller but good 
plants ; and Messrs G. Jackman & Son third. Thes“, with som ■ Roses not 
in competition, addtd greatly to the beauty of the Show. Mr. Lockie, Oakley 
Court Gardens, Windsor; Mr.P. Perry, girdener to G. Rowlett, Esq.. The 
Woodlands, Cheshunt/and Mr. W. Ramsey wire also exhibitos of Roses. 
Azaleas.—M. Louis Van Houtte, Ghen\ had a non-competing group of 
Azalras, for which a l.rgo bronze medal was awarded, the plants being 
standards, with heads 3 or 4 feet in diameter, and very large flowtrs. The 
chief varieties were Oswald de Kerchov • (crimson!, Li Victoire (scarlet), 
eaperba (dark crimson), Madlle. Marie Lefebvre (white), the flowers single 
or serai-double, 4 Inches in diameter; Princess Charlotte (rosy crimson), and 
A[>cllon (brilliant scarlet) double. M-. G. Wh»el r was first with six 
Azaleas in the amateurs’ class, fairly good specimens. Mr. C. Turner won 
first honou-s in the nurserymen's clasi for six plants with large conical 
plants, profusely flower d; and he was also first with twelve Azaleas iu 
12 inch pots, b autiful specimens. Messrs. Jackson 4 Son were s' con i with 
a good half-dozen plants in the nurserymen’s class ; Mr. Lockie being first 
for six Azaleas in 12-inch pots. 
Fine-foliioe Plants and Ferns. —Mr. J. Cypher was the premier 
exhibitor of fine-fo’iage plants, showing large specimens in excellent con¬ 
dition. Mr. Offer had the best plants in the amateurs’ classes. Other 
exhibitors and priz-takers were M ssrs. H. James, R. Butler, and Wheeler. 
Mr. J. Douglas aud Mr. R. Butler were rsspectively first and second with 
six Ferns, both collections being notable for their freshness ; Mr. Eason 
being third. 
Heaths were shown by Mr. J. Cypher, who was first for six, and Mr. H. 
James, who wis second. The best of the first six were depressa multiflora, ven¬ 
tricosa coccinea minor, and Cavendishiana. Messrs. Collins, Bros , 4 Gatrie', 
Waterloo Road, were first with twelve alpine plants, chiefly dwarf Phloxes, 
Gentianas, and Violas ; Messrs. Paul 4 Son being second with a more varied 
collection. Mr. Eason was also first with twenty-four Gloxinias, capitally 
flowered. For a colleciion of twelve hardy herbaceous p'ants Mr. T. S. Ware 
was first, hiving fine pans of Tiillium grandiflorum, Lilium longiflorum 
H irrisi, Doronicum Clusii, Trollius americanus, Ranunculus amplexicaulis, 
and Polemonium Richa-dsoni. Messrs. Paul 4 Son were second with a fine 
collection, Arnebia echioides being extremely flue, also Tiaretla cordifolia. 
Mess s. Collins, Bros., 4 Gabriel were third. 
Miscellaneous —The nurserymen’s non-competing exhibits were very 
numerous as usual, the large groups in the centre of the marquee from 
Messrs. Williams, Liing, Paul, and Cutbush being veiy attractive. Mr. 
B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, exhibited a hand ome group of choice 
Orchids, Amaryllises, Anthuriuuas, Azaleas, and other flowering p'ants, with 
gracoful Ferns, Palms, Dracroaas, CrotonB, and other beautiful plants 
(large silver m dal). M S3rs. John Laing 4 Co., Forest Hill, had a bright 
and tastefully arranged group, comprising numeroui Orchids, Tuberous 
Begonias, Azdeas, Imantophyliums, Medluillas, Ericas, and Anthuriums. 
Tue foliage plants, including Caladiums in variety, Dracaenas, Palms, 
Maples, Ferns, &3 (large silver medal). Messrs. Wm. Paul 4 Son, 
Waltham Cross, Herts, had a handsome group of Roses, mostly dwarf, 
healthy, well-flowered p'ants in pot*, and eleven boxes of cut blooms, La 
France, Queen of Queens, Ma-6 hal N el, Magna Chart a, and Crown Prince 
being largely represented (silver medd). Mess s. Wm. Cutbush 4 Son, 
H'ghgate, contributed a varied collection of greenhouse plants effectively 
arranged, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, Ericas, the free-flowering Leptosper- 
mum bullatum, Statices, and Pimelas, with Ferns and Pa'ms (silver 
medal 1 . 
Mr. J. James, Woodside, Farnham Royal, Slough, had a gronp of veiy 
fine Calceolarias, richly coloured, large flowers (bronze medal). Mr. J. 
Walker, Thara 1 ", showed three boxes of Marfichal Niel Rose blooms of 
wonderful size and rich colour (certificate). M ssrs. Paul 4 Son sent 
trusses of Lilac hyacinthifl >ri fl. pi., with double mauve-coloured flowers. 
Mr. W. May, gardener to F. C. Jacomb, Esq , Amherst Park, Stamford Hill, 
had a pretty group of Orchids and Ferns (large bronze medal). 
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, had a g oup of Orchids comprising 
some excellent Cattleyas and Chrysanthemums (small silver medal). Mr 
J. Cypher showed several pret y varieties of Lseha purpurata and Cittleya 
Mendeli. Messrs. Fisher, Son, 4 Sibray, Sheffi Id, sent a plant and blooms 
of Pelargonium Duchess of Teck, very free, double white. Mr. H. James 
had a group of Dracaenas, Spirmas, and Ferns (largo bronze medal). Mr. 
W. Rumsey, Walthim Cross, showed a beautiful group of Roses in pots 
(bronze medal). Messrs. W. Balchin 4 Son, Brighton, exhibited a number 
of plan's of L schenaulcia biloba major, loaded with bright blae flowers. 
Mr. T. S. Ware, Tot enham, Btaged a large group of Daffodils, hardy 
flowers, and Primula co tusoides varieties (large bronze m r dal). A hand¬ 
some group of Japanese Maples was contributed by Mess s. John Standish 
and Co., Ascot (large bronze medal). Messrs Paul 4 Son, Cheshunt, had 
a pretty group of hardy flowers (certificate) ; Mr. H. B. May. a group of 
Ferns and CAkeolirias (bronze medal); and Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent 
Garden, a large collection of Daffodils (b.onzo medal). 
Botanical certificates were awarded to Mr. B. S. Williams for Chamoe 
dorea eynichanthus, O lontoglossum Andersoniauum splendens, and Loelia 
grandi-i ; to Mr. Cypher for L®iia purpurata Cypheri and Wyattiana; to 
Mr. Little for CaUleyss Mendeli grandis and Mrs. Little; and to Mr. W. 
May for 0 loatog'ossum Jacombeana. Floricultu al certificates were 
awarded to Mr. B. S. Williams for Gloxinia Alfred Outram ; to Mr. T. S. 
Ware for Pmonia Moutan ro=ea oJorata Triomphe de Milan, and Odorata 
Maria, and Trollius Fortunei fl -pi.; to Mr. Turner for Pelargonium Magpie, 
and Tea Rose Hon. Edith Gifford ; and to Messrs. Laing & Co. for Tuberous 
Begonias Prince of Wales, Queen Victoria, and Princess of Wales. 
KITCHEN GARDEN. 
Mushrooms. —We have never experienced a winter when beds gene¬ 
rally were so slow in bearing or coming in to time, but they are making 
up for it now, and some of our January-formed beds are producing an 
excellent supply. It is a great mistake to do away with any bed 
because it may not fruit in six weeks or so after spawning, as if the 
spawn is good and the bed is properly made it is sure to bear as the 
season advances. Beds which are kept long in hand are apt to become 
