44 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
July 12,1894. 
Medals were awarded to Messrs. T. S. Ware, B. S, Williams, 
W. & J, Birkenhead, J. IT. White, Gharlesworth, Shuttleworth & Co, 
Thomson & Co., Clibran & Son, Webb & Son, Ifewett, Bason, and 
Eckford for meritorious exhibits ; a medal was also granted to Mr. 
J. Tonry for ornamental vases, window boxes, and other articles in cheap 
sheet metal. 
Certificates were awarded to Mr. White for Emily Henderson, 
white Sweet Pea; also to Mr. Eckford for Lady Harlech and 
Triumph, the former white tinted lavender, the latter rosy carmine 
and white. Similar marks of recognition were granted to Mr. White 
for Petunia Brilliant, rosy red ; Mr. Turner for Crimson Rambler Rose ; 
and Messrs. Cutbush k. Son for Carnation Uriah Pike. Unusual pressure 
on our space compels this severely condensed report of an extensive 
and varied exhibition, admirably managed by Messrs. Green & Son and 
willing coadjutors. The Mayor presided at a public luncheon in honour 
of the event. 
HITCHIN.— July 11th. 
The fourth annual exhibition of the Hitchin and District Horti¬ 
cultural Society was held on the above date, and can only be termed an 
unqualified success. Roses were somewhat extensively shown, and in 
magnificent condition, especially in the classes devoted to Hybrid 
Perpetuals, the Teas and Noisettes not being up to the standard. It was 
regrettable that Mr. E. B. Lindsell was not able, owing to the May 
frosts, to stage in his usual high form. Appended is a list of the prize¬ 
winners in the principal Rose classes. 
In the open class for forty-eight distinct Roses there were five 
competitors, and some grand blooms were shown in every instance. 
The first prize stand, staged by Mr. B. R. Cant, Colchester, was almost 
perfect. It comprised, amongst others, Marie Baumann, Suzanne Marie 
Rodocanachi, Marie Verdier, Mrs, J. Laing, Xavier Olibo, Captain 
Hayward, G4n6ral Jacqueminot, John S. Mill, Ulrich Brunner, Francois 
Michelon, and Caroline Testout in exceptional form. The second 
position was accorded to Messrs. Paul & Sons, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, 
with an admirable exhibit containing some splendid examples ; Messrs. 
Harkness & Sons, Bedale, Yorks, being a fair third. 
For twelve dark Roses, any variety, Mr. B. R. Cant was again first 
with a grand box of Marie Baumann, Messrs. Paul & Sons being second 
with Victor Hugo, and Messrs. Harkness & Sons third with Alfred 
Colomb. For twelve light Roses, any variety, a superb stand of Mrs. J. 
Laing gained Mr. B. R. Cant the first prize. The Rev. W. H. Jackson, 
Stagsden Vicarage, Bedford, was second with fine blooms of La France, 
and Messrs. Harkness & Sons third with Mrs. John Laing. 
There were six competitors in the class for twenty-four distinct 
Roses, one truss of each, and open only to members of the Hitchin 
Society. E, Mawley, Esq., Rosebank, Berkhamsted, was a good first. 
Amongst the best of his blooms were Marie Baumann, Suzanne Marie 
Rodocanachi, Prince Arthur, FranQois Michelon, Mrs. J. Laing, Gustave 
Piganeau, and Countess of Oxford. E. B. Lindsell, Esq., Bearton, 
Hitchin, was a close second with fresh, well-coloured blooms, and Mr. 
Jas. Parker was third. 
Mr. Jas. Parker, Oakfield, Hitchin, was first in the class for twelve 
Teas or Noisettes, distinct, staging highly creditable blooms, amongst the 
best of which were Madame Hoste, Jean Ducher, and Rubens. The 
Rev. W. H. Jackson was second with a charming stand, and E. B. 
Lindsell, Esq., was a fair third. In the class for twelve single trusses, 
open only to growers of less than 1000 plants, Mr. George Monies, 
Hitchin, was first with a fair stand, in which Mar^chal Niel, Her 
Majesty, and Exposition de Brie were noticeable. Mr. W. 0. Times, 
Hitchin, was second ; and Mr. J. H. Tuke, Hitchin, third. The first 
prize in this class carried with it the National Rose Society’s silver 
medal. 
A. W. Lines, Esq., Hitchin, was first in the class for nine distinct 
Roses with a stand comprising Heinrich Schultheis, Ulrich Brunner, and 
Dupuy Jamain amongst others. Mr. A. F. Albon was second. W. Hill, 
Esq., Hitchin, was third ; and Mr, George Harwood, The Cemetery, 
Hitchin, fourth. In the class for six Teas or Noisettes, distinct, 
\V. Kingston, Esq., Bedford, was first with highly creditable blooms, 
comprising Souvenir d’un Ami, Louis Van Houtte, Souvenir de S. A. 
Prince, Princess of Wales, Jean Ducher, and The Bride. Colonel Tyler, 
Arlesey Bury, Hitchin, was second ; and Mr. A. W. Lines third. 
The first prize for six Roses, open only to growers of less than 300 
plants, and with which went the N.R.S. bronze medal, W. Knighton, 
Esq , was first with fine examples ; Col. Tyler being a close second ; and 
F. Macmillan, Esq., Bedford, a good third, S. B. Lindsell, Esq., was 
an easy first in the class for six blooms of any Hybrid Perpetual with 
Mrs. J. Laing ; E. Mawley, Esq., being second with the same variety ; 
and the Rev. W. H. Jackson was third with Ulrich Brunner. The last- 
named exhibitor was first in the class for six trusses of any Tea or 
Noisette with charming blooms of Marie Van Houtte ; Mr. J. Parker 
being second with Rubens ; and E. B. Lindsell, Esq., third with Jean 
Ducher. 
Mr. Parker secured the N.R.S. bronze medal for the best Hybrid 
Perpetual with a beautiful example of Horace Vernet, the Rev. W. H. 
Jackson taking a like honour for the best Tea or Noisette with Catherine 
Mermet in perfect condition. It is worthy of note that this same bloom 
received Mr. Chas. J. Grahame’s medal for the best Rose in the show, 
and thoroughly deserved the position. 
The class for thirty-six bunches of hardy perennials, distinct varie¬ 
ties, brought four competitors. Messrs. Burrell & Co., Howe House 
Nurseries, Cambridge, were a splendid first. The flowers staged were 
in almost all cases grandly coloured and quite fresh. Heuchera san- 
guinea, Alstromeria aurantiaca, Morina longifolia, Gladiolus ramosus 
Ne Plus Ultra, Coreopsis lanceolata major, and Galega officinalis alba 
were amongst the best. Messrs. Paul & Sons were second with some 
handsome bunches ; Messrs. Harkness & Sons being a fair third. An 
extra prize was recommended in this class for the exhibit arranged by 
Mr. W. Springham, Hitchin, whose stand was very creditable. 
The classes for plants in and out of flower brought a fair number of 
competitors and some keen competition, Mr, Shepherd, gardener to 
W. F, Lucas, Esq., Foxhole, Hitchin, was the only exhibitor in the class 
for six greenhouse plants, and thoroughly deserved the premier award 
given to it. Exotic Ferns were also grandly shown by the same grower,, 
and were placed first. 
Miscellaneous exhibits were not very numerous, and included a 
group of foliage and flowering plants from Messrs. Wm. Cutbush and 
Sons, Highgate, N., and Cactaceous plants and Begonias from Mr, A- 
Young, Holmesdale Nurseries, Stevenage, Herts. 
WOKK.fo^theWEEK.. 
FRUIT FORCING. 
Peaches and M'ectarlnes. —Early Houses .—The fruit being 
cleared off, syringe forcibly to eject red spider. This will be facilitated 
or rendered more effectual by cutting away all the shoots that have 
borne fruit except extensions, and taking care not to leave more growths 
than will be required for next year’s fruiting. If this be attended to 
now but little winter pruning will be required. If the roof lights are 
not moveable, ventilate to the fullest possible extent, and give the 
inside borders thorough waterings or where weak with liquid manure, 
which will help the trees to swell their buds. If the roof lights are 
moveable, take them off about the middle of the month. Rain has a 
peculiarly invigorating effect on forced trees, and the borders become 
thoroughly moistened in the autumn. The roof lights must not be 
taken off until the trees have been inured by free ventilation and the 
buds advanced in plumping. 
Succession Houses —With the fruit taking the last swelling, syringe 
twice a day to keep down red spider, it being important to have the 
trees quite clean when the fruit commences to ripen, as syringing then 
spoils its appearance and flavour. Supply liquid manure abundantly to 
inside borders, unless the trees are gross, when it will only aggravate 
the evil. Mulch the inside and outside borders, keeping the material 
moist, so as to have the roots active near the surface. This, however, 
will not be any use unless the soil beneath is kept properly watered; 
Ventilate a little constantly and increasingly with the advancing sun. 
Maintain the day temperature at 80° to 85° with sun, and close 
sufficiently early for a rise to 90° or 95°, admitting a little air before 
night. As the fruit approaches ripening ventilate more freely, and do 
not allow so great a range of temperature, 60° to 65° at night and 70° to 
75° by day being sufficient. Keep water from the fruit, but damp the 
house, especially on hot days. Tie and regulate the growths, having the 
fruits well exposed to the sun. Stop laterals to one or two joints of 
growth and avoid overcrowding. 
Later Houses .—Where rains have not fallen so as to moisten the 
soil thoroughly down to the drainage a thorough watering should be 
given outside borders as well as the inside, affording liquid manure to 
trees carrying full crops. The shoots should be tied down as they 
advance, not crowding them, but allowing each space for development, 
as without full exposure to light and air the foliage cannot perform its 
functions. Stop the laterals at the first joint, and to each succeeding 
one as made cut back gross shoots, or remove them altogether. Ventilate 
early and freely, and close early, with plenty of moisture in the house, 
admitting a little air at the top before nightfall, so as to allow the 
pent-up moisture to escape, and permit the atmosphere to gradually 
cool, so as to give the trees rest. Syringe forcibly twice a day, but 
not in dull weather, as it is necessary the foliage be fairly dry by night¬ 
fall, and not kept constantly dripping with moisture. If needful apply 
an insecticide, as under no circumstances must red spider, thrips, or 
aphides be allowed to make headway. Mulch the borders with some 
partially decayed manure, but not more than an inch or two thick, 
and lumpy rather than such as when wet will form a soapy mass. 
Cherry House. —After the fruit is gathered the chief object is to 
secure the swelling or development of the buds by keeping the foliage 
clear of every description of insect pest, syringing abundantly, and if 
necessary applying an insecticide. Although less moisture is needful 
than when the fruit is swelling, yet there should be sufficient moisture 
at the roots to maintain the trees in a healthy condition. Trees in pota 
from which the fruits are gathered may be placed outdoors in the 
full sun, plunging the pots in ashes. Water as required to keep the 
soil moist, and syringe in the evening of hot days. 
Vines. —Early Houses ,—When the Grapes are cut the Vines should 
be well syringed to free them of dust and such insects as red spider and 
thrip. If scale or mealy bug has obtained a footing some approved 
insecticide should be used against them, or they may be syringed with 
petroleum, using a wineglassful to 4 gallons of water, one person 
syringing into the vessel so as to keep it well mixed whilst another 
