138 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 
August 9,1894, 
Specimen Plants and Groups, 
The specimen plants were excellent, and for the most part were 
arranged in a manner that admitted of an easy inspection. Mr. 
J. Cypher, Queen’s Eoad Nursery, Cheltenham, was first in the open 
class for twelve stove or greenhouse plants, half to be in bloom, and the 
remainder foliage specimens. The plants shown were, as usual, very 
fine, and included Erica Thompson!, Statice profusa, Phmnocoma 
prolifera Barnesi, Stephanotis floribunda. Erica obbata purpurea, and 
Ixora salicifolia as flowering plants. Those staged as foliage specimens 
were Cycas circinalis, C. revoluta. Crotons Johannis and Queen Victoria, 
Kentia Fosteriana, and a huge Latania borbonica. Mr. W. Finch, 
gardener to J, Harriot, Esq., Coventry, was second with smaller but 
well grown plants, which included two splendid Crotons. The third 
prize went to Mr. William Vause, The Nursery, Leamington Spa, who had 
quite small plants. 
In the class open to residents or their gardeners in the county of 
Northampton for six stove or greenhouse plants, three in and three out 
of bloom, distinct, Mr. J. Copson, gardener to Mrs. Phipps, Collingtree 
Grange, was placed first. This exhibitor had Agapanthus umbellatus, 
Allamanda Schotti, Hoya carnosa, Dracmnas indi visa, Latania borbonica, 
and Kentia Belmoreana. The Dractena indivisa was a very fine plant. 
Mr. H. Roberts, gardener to Mrs. Pressland, Wallington, was second with a 
specimen of Allamanda Henderson! and Adiantum cuneatum, amongst 
others. 
Ferns were good in this division if not numerously staged. Mr. 
F. Holland, gardener to W. Jeffery, Esq., Beaumont Villa, had the best half 
dozen exotic species, these comprising Adiantum farleyense, A. cuneatum, 
A. gracillimum, Gymnogramma Laucheanum giganteum, G. Dayanum, 
and Gleichenia Mendeli. Mr. J. Copson, Collingtree Grange, was 
second with fine specimens, and Mr, \V. Pearce, gardener to S. Loder, 
Esq., Floore House, was third. Fuchsias were grand, and showed 
evidence of excellent culture. Mr. J. Reeve, gardener to W, Coulson, 
Esq., Cliftonville, was first in the class for four plants, Mr. F. Beard, 
Great Brington, following. Coleus made a very fine display, and the 
class for six plants was keenly contested. Mr. F. Copson was first with 
fine pyramidal specimens. Mr. F. B. Palmer, gardener to R. Turner, 
Esq., was second with bush specimens 3 or 4 feet in diameter. 
Mr. J. Reeve was awarded the third prize for smaller but well coloured 
plants. 
Mr. J. Copson secured the premier award in the class for six Pelar¬ 
goniums, three single and three double flowered varieties. These were 
fine plants, the kinds shown being A. Dupr6e, Cato, Lucie Lemoine, 
Shenna, Lady Chesterfield, and Lord Mayor, Mr. F. Meacock, Floore, 
was second, the third prize going to Mr. F. Beard. Mr. J. Reeve won 
in the class for six single tuberous Begonias in flower, staging well 
grown plants. Mr. Holland was second, there being no other competitor. 
Mr. D. Harris, Headingstone, had the best half dozen Cockscombs ; Mr, 
Owen Soden being second, and Mr. G. Mackinlay, Lamport Hall 
Gardens, third. Table plants. Gloxinias, and similar plants were also 
well shown in various minor classes. 
As before mentioned the groups of plants in the open section were 
remarkably good. Four of these were placed in the centre of a large 
marquee, the stipulation being that each group should cover a space of 
20 by 12 feet, the first prize to consist of £9. Mr. J. Cypher in this 
class showed his skill, as he had done with the specimen plants. The 
group was admirably arranged, and much admired by the visitors, 
frequent comments being heard to the effect that it was one of the best 
ever seen at Northampton; The centre was a large Palm, and around 
this grouped in moss and rustic cork were Liliums, Caladiums, and Ixora 
salicifolia, the orange colour of the latter showing well with the foliage 
of the Caladiums and white Liliums. At the base was a mass of green 
Adiantums, from which rose Odontoglossums, Oncidiums, and other 
Orchids. At each corner a small mound was similarly arranged, lesser 
ones being placed at intervals throughout the group. The whole was 
cleverly and tastefully put together, and reflected credit on the exhibitor 
and his assistants. Messrs. Thomas Perkins & Sons, Kingsthorpe 
Nurseries, Northampton, were second with a splendid group, though not 
so effectively arranged as that of Mr. Cypher. The plants used, how¬ 
ever, were good, and the whole produced a good effect. The third prize 
went to Mr. W. Vause, The Nurseries, Leamington Spa, who had a 
group of the same character as that which secured the first prize. 
In the restricted class for a group of plants Mr, J. Holland, gardener 
to W. Jeffery, Esq., Beaumont Villa, was awaided the first prize for an 
excellent arrangement. A mound was formed in the centre by making 
a base of Maidenhair Fern around a large Palm. Pot plants of Cocos 
Weddelliana and Liliums, with Francoa ramosa springing from a 
groundwork of Ferns, Gloxinias and Orchids, made a charming effect, 
Mr. Holland has, it was said, won this prize for five consecutive times, 
and no other exhibitor competed against him. 
Cut Flowers and Floral Decorations, 
Cut flowers were shown in excellent quality, although in this depart¬ 
ment some spare tabling was noticeable. In the open class for twenty- 
four Roses, distinct varieties, there were three competitors, and the first 
prize was won by Messrs. Thos. Perkins & Sons, Kingsthorpe Nurseries, 
who had a box of fresh blooms. The best of these were Louise Van 
Houtte, Dupuy Jamain, La France, Ulrich Brunner, Grand Mogul, Mrs. 
J. Laing, Pride of Waltham, Queen of Queens, Alfred Colomb, Her 
Majesty, Charles Lefebvre, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Duke of Edin¬ 
burgh, Earl Pembroke, and Captain Christy. Messrs. J. Perkins & Sons, 
Market Square, were second, and Mr, W. Lane third. Messrs. T. 
Perkirs & Sons had the best dozen Tea Roses, the Rev. Dr. King, 
Gayton Rectory, being second and Mr. W. Vause third. Mr. F. Beard 
was placed first with twelve Roses in the section open to gardeners and 
residents of Northampton, The second prize went to Rev. Dr. King 
and the third to Mr. Scole. Mr. F. Beard also succeeded in winning the 
prize for twelve fancy or show Dahlias, the second award going to 
Mr. J. E. Mallard, gardener to J. D. H. McCullum, Esq., Woolton Hall. 
Messrs. T. Perkins & Sons were the only exhibitors in the open clasa 
for twenty-four Dahlias, show or fancy varieties. The flowers staged 
were fresh and of good form, especially Goldfinder, Erich Fisher, James 
Vick, Mrs. Langtry, Defiance, Miss Henshaw, and Condor. Mr. W. Finch 
was placed first in the open class for twelve bunches of stove or green¬ 
house flowers. These were effectively arranged, and comprised Dipla- 
denia, Lapageria alba, Ixora javanica floribunda, Allamanda Hender¬ 
son!, A. grandiflora, Stephanotis floribunda, Gloriosa superba, Ixora 
coccinea superba. Erica Shannoni, Pancratium fragrans, and Statice 
Holfordi. Mr. W. Vause was second with smaller bunches. Mr. 
S. Cole had the best hand bouquet, the second prize going to Messrs. 
T. Perkins & Son ; and the third to Mr. W. Vause. 
Mr. J, Knightley won in the restricted class for twelve bunches of 
stove and greenhouse flowers with a creditable stand. Mr. J. Copson 
was second. Mr, S. Cole had the best three buttonholes and three 
sprays ; Mr. H. Law following. Mr. Cole was also first for a hand 
bouquet ; in this section Messrs. J. Holland and J. Reeve being second 
and third. Mr. J, Knightley was also first with twelve bunches of hardy 
flowers, showing, amongst others. Carnation Eaby Castle, Gladiolus 
The Bride, Montbretias, Echinops, and Coreopsis lanceolata. Mr. F. 
Beard was second, and Mr. Mark Loasby, gardener to Major Gould, 
Salcey Lawn, third. 
Fruit and Vegetables. 
Fruit was not so plentiful as might have been expected, neither were 
the exhibits, apart from Grapes, of eny particular merit. There was 
apparently only one collection of fruit in the open section. This con¬ 
sisted of eight varieties, and was staged by Mr. G. Mackinlay, gardener 
to Sir Chas. Isham, Lamport Hall, to whom the second prize was awarded. 
The fruits shown were Black Alicante and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, 
a fine Queen Pine, Dr. Hogg Peach, Sutton’s Scarlet Melon, Elruge 
Nectarines, Brown Turkey Figs, and Sir Joseph Paxton Strawberries. 
Mr. S. Cole was first in the class for six dishes of fruit, showing Madres- 
field Court and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Sutton’s Scarlet Flesh 
Melons, Lord Napier Nectarines, Negro Largo Figs, and Prince of Wales 
Peach. A silver medal of the Royal Horticultural Society was given 
with the first prize, Mr. J. R. Wilson, gardener to Mrs. Middleton, 
Haselbeach House, was second, and Mr. J. Mackinlay third. Mr. J. 
Copson won with three bunches of black Grapes, showing medium-sized 
bunches of Black Hamburgh, Mr. J. Reeve was second with the same 
variety, and Mr. J, R. Wilson third with well-coloured Madresfield 
Court. Mr. Copson was likewise to the front with three bunches of 
white Grapes, these being Foster’s Seedling. Mr. Jordan, gardener to 
Lord Clifton, Holinby House, was second with the same variety, the 
third prize going to Mr. J. Reeve. 
Melons were only poor as regards size and appearance. Mr. H. 
Roberts had the best flavoured fruit, according to the judges—a small 
scarlet flesh Melon. Mr. Mark Loasby was second with a green fleshed 
fruit, and Mr. Jordan third with a scarlet fleshed fruit. None of the 
Melons were named. Peaches, Nectarines, and Apples were only second 
rate, the principal prizes being won by Messrs. J. Copson, W. Pearse, and 
Roberts. Gooseberries were fairly good, and Mr. H. Roberts was placed 
first for two dishes ; Mr. F. Simmons, Headingstone, being second. Mrs. 
D. Harris had the best three dishes of Currants, Mr. W. Pearce being 
second and Mr. J. Douglas, Collingtree, third. Mr. W. Pearse was first 
with a dish of Cherries, Mr. S. Cole second, and Mr. H. Roberts third. 
Mr. Cole was first with a dish of Strawberries, showing fine fruit of Sir 
Joseph Paxton. Mr. G. Mackinlay was second. Mr. Mark Loasby 
was first with Raspberries, and Mr. S. Cole second. 
Vegetables were well represented, being numerous, clean, and of 
excellent quality. In the open class for a collection of twelve varieties, 
Mr. S, Cole, gardener to Earl Spencer, Althorp Park, was awarded the 
first prize for a splendid collection. This exhibit consisted of Cranston’s 
Excelsior Onion, PragneU's Exhibition Beet, Autocrat Peas, Perfection 
Tomatoes, Veitch’s Autumn Giant Cauliflower, Globe Artichokes, Tele¬ 
graph Cucumber, Chelsea Giant Bean, Veitch’s Select Carrots, Snow¬ 
drop Potatoes, Dobbie’s White Turnip, and Major Clarke’s Celery. 
Mr. J. Knightley, gardener to Sir H. H. Wake, Bart., Courteen Hall, 
was a close second with well-grown examples ; Mr, J. Copson was 
third ; and Mr. H. Rogers, gardener to Lord Rendlesham, Rendlesham 
Hall, Woolbridge, fourth, all showing well. Mr. Cole also had the best 
collection in the restricted class, and was followed by Messrs. Mallard 
and Mackinlay. These, with other exhibitors named, were also amongst 
the prizewinners in the smaller classes for vegetables. 
In the amateurs’ and cottagers’ sections the exhibits were numerous 
and of a diversified character. Small collections of plants in pots were 
very conspicuous, and many of them were creditable to the respective 
growers. The cut flowers, too, were of excellent quality, the same 
applying to the table decorations, a class which was keenly contested. 
Fruit was only fairly represented, but vegetables formed a striking 
feature in this section. Special prizes were offered in other divisions by 
Messrs. Sutton & Sons, T. Perkins & Sons, and J. Perkins & Sons for 
collections of vegetables grown from seeds supplied by the respective 
firms. Miscellaneous exhibits included a group of plants from Messrs. 
T. Perkins & Sons, who also had a collection of cut flowers, amongst 
which white Sweet Peas were conspicuous. 
