182 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAkDENER. 
August 23, 1894 
there appears much that ia peculiarly adapted to the more delicate 
manipulation of a lady’s hand. It may be taken for granted that lady 
gardeners’ hands will neither nip earwigs nor crush caterpillars with the 
gusto we delight in, but it is within their sphere to show us those 
microscopic foes which are ever increasing, leaving us to do the nipping 
and crushing. 
What will they do without entrenching on our field of work ? To 
this imaginary question I must refer to the only data to hand—viz., the 
quotation from the “ Lady’s Pictorial,” limited and insufficient though 
it be. On analysis 50 per cent, are comfortably disposed of, 25 per cent, 
having retired, and 25 per cent, married—may they be happy. We, at 
least, have I think little to fear and something to hope for from the 
coming lady gardeners when they arrive.—E. K., Duhlin. 
EUTOCA VISCID A. 
This is a charming annual of dwarf growth, and is adapted for small 
beds or near the margins of borders, as otherwise the plants appear to 
little advantage crowded with the taller, stronger growing perennials. 
The Eutocas are not particular as to soil, any moderately light ordinary 
garden soil suiting them, and perhaps the best way to obtain plants in 
good condition is to sow the seeds in the borders in the autumn. The 
flowers (fig. 27) have very rich blue corollas, with a circular red blotch 
in the centre, and they are borne in curved racemes, several blooms 
being open at one time. The leaves are somewhat heart-shaped, but 
irregularly cut at the margin, and the surface of the plant generally is 
covered with hairs, the points of which each bear a viscid secretion, and 
to this character it owes its specific name. The bright blue tint is very 
pleasing, and the flowers, moreover, last a considerable time if cut with 
a good length of stem and placed in water, thus rendering them valuable 
for vases. 
FARRINGTON HOUSE GARDENS. 
Whilst recently visiting the gardens at Farrington House, near 
Preston, the residence of John Eccles, Esq., J.P., C.C., I was much 
interested in the successful manner of Grape growing there evident. 
Farrington House is situated about two and half miles on the south 
side of Preston, and is approached from the main road by a carriage 
drive through well-wooded grounds. Without attempting to describe 
the mansion or its surroundings I will commence at once with the glass 
houses and gardens attached, dealing principally with the Grapes, which 
formed the main object of my visit. 
During the whole of my thirty-five years of horticultural experience in 
various parts of the country I have never seen Vines in better condition. 
The foliage was good, the wood sound, and the fruit as near to perfection 
as it seemed possible. The first vinery I entered is 40 feet by 15, and 
18 planted with Madresfield Court, carrying about 150 bunches of fruit, 
perfect in shape, size, and colour. The next one is a large house, built 
for a Pine stove, but is now planted with Black Hamburgh Vines, 
tearing heavy crops of good fruit. From this house we have to cross 
the walled-in portion of the kitchen garden, and the same good culture 
18 noticeable here as elsewhere. The wall trees were looking well, with 
a f^ir sprinkling of good fruit; while the daily supply of vegetables is 
not forgotten. We next entered a splendid house of Lady Downe’s, 
45 feet by 18, and I here counted 244 bunches of splendidly grown fruit, 
perfect in shape, and I am quite under the mark when I say that every 
bunch would average 2 J lbs. weight. At the end of this house is planted 
a cane of Gros Colman, which bore a crop of thirty-one bunches, 
decidedly the best example of this Vine I have seen. Another house is 
planted with Black Hamburgh, from which 210 bunches had mostly 
been cut. The sample still hanging convinced me of the same excellent 
quality and finish of the fruit, while the foliage and wood look most 
promising. Mjself and guide then entered the Muscat house, and J was 
much impressed with the extraordinary crop of excellent fruit the Vines 
were carrying, and yet not showing the least sign of being overtaxed. 
I counted 222 bunches, and each bunch a model in shape and size. 
A large conservatory situated on the west side of the mansion is well 
stocked, and at the time of my visit was gay with all the usual summer 
flowering plants. A large specimen Hydrangea had 102 trusses fully 
expanded, and a splendid Tacsonia Van-Volxemi was covering a great 
portion of the roof. A large fernery is situated on the opposite 
side of the mansion, and on entering this house one cannot help 
observing the health of the plants and the artistic arrangement of the 
Mckery. Arches are covered with Mosses and Ficus repens, while 
free herns stand out conspicuously, all being in excellent health. The 
house altogether contains a choice and valuable collection of Ferns. 
In a small stove I noticed a choice selection of Crotons, Aralias, Palms, 
and similar plants, all in splendid health ; also two o-f the finest plants 
of Adiantum farleyense I have ever seen, quite 5 feet through, and in 
grand condition. _ In another stove there were about thirty good speci- 
mens of Eucharis amazonica, and some very fine plants of Calanthe 
Veitchi. A large house, originally built for a stove, now used as a cool 
greenhouse, was planted all round with Tea Roses and other climbers 
suitable for supplying cut flowers. 
A large square structure was built for a Palm bouse, but is now used 
for late Peaces, and very promising the trees looked; very clean and 
good crops. We also entered another large Peach house, planted back 
and tront, and it is evident at first sight that the same cultural skill 
applied to the Vines is also extended to the Peaches. Indeed everything, 
not forgetting the 400 Chrysanthemums, seems to thrive under the care 
of the able gardener, Mr. H. E. Tye, whom I take this opportunity of 
thanking for his kindness in showing me the gardens. I may just say 
that the natural soil in the neighbourhood of Farrington is of a black 
loamy nature, full of humus, and I am sure it would be interesting if 
Mr. Tye would give, through your columns, a short account of his 
proceedings in Vine culture.—E. P. 
HORTICULTURAL SHOWS. 
SEVENOAKS.— August 15th. 
Notwithstanding the windy and showery weather which prevailed 
on the above date hundreds of visitors were to be seen wending their 
way towards Knole Park, the seat of Lord Sackville, where the twenty- 
seventh exhibition of the Sevenoaks Horticultural and Floral Society 
was being held. This proved a very good show so far as the exhibits 
were concerned, but it cannot be said that they were arranged in the 
best possible manner. There were numerous classes, however, and the 
majority of these being well filled, the exhibits made an imposing 
display, this remark applying with much force to the groups of plants. 
These were arranged on one side of a large tent, in which the specimen 
plants were also given a place. Fruit and vegetables were extensively 
exhibited, the amateurs and cottagers coming well to the front in 
these classes. 
In the class for a miscellaneous collection of exotic fiowering plants, 
six distinct varieties, Mr. A. Gibson, gardener to T. F. Burnaby Atkins, 
Esq., Halstead, was first, showing well fiowered specimens. These were 
Ixora Fraseri, Allamanda magnifica, Anthurium Scherzerianum, 
Dipladenia Brearleyana, D. amabilis, and Ixora Dixiana. Mr. A. Hatton, 
gardener to Mrs. Swanzey, The Quarry, Sevenoaks, was second. Mr. 
A. Gibson also secured the leading award for six foliage plants, 
staging Cycas revoluta, Seaforthia elegans, Croton Sceptre, Gymno- 
gramma chrysophylla Laucheana, Croton Evansim, and Asparagus 
tenuissimus. Mr. Hatton followed in this class with smaller plants. 
Mr. S. Huntley, gardener to Rev. S. Curteis, Sevenoaks, had the best 
six Fuchsias, showing well-grown and profusely flowered plants. Mr. 
Heath was second with similar plants ; the third prize going to Mr. 
A. Hatton, who staged smaller specimens. Mr. Heath was successful 
with half a dozen Begonias, and was followed by Mr. Hughes, gardener 
to J. Dixon, Esq, Edenhurst, both staging fine plants. In the class 
open to gardeners with only one assistant Mr. Huntley again won with 
four Fuchsias, staging excellent plants, Mr. Heath following. 
Zonal Pelargoniums were very good. Mr. H. Heath, Riverhead, had 
the best half dozen plants, which included Hettie, Madame Thibet, and 
Dr. Jacoby. Mr. Gibson was second with creditable plants, the third prize 
going to Mr. A. Handley, gardener to F. L. Bevan, Esq., Sevenoaks. 
Mr. Ewing, gardener to Rev. G. France, won with half dozen Coleuses, 
staging small plants, the second prize being won by Mr. E. Hughes. 
In the class for four Caladiums Mr.Talmage, gardener to Miss Hodgson, 
Sevenoaks, was first with handsome specimens 3 or 4 feet high and as 
much in diameter. Mr. A. Hatton was second with smaller but well 
grown and finely coloured plants. Mr. Talmage was first with six 
Gloxinias, Mr. Hatton being second, and Mr. C. Noble third, all showing 
small plants. The prizes for four hardy Ferns went to Mr. Talmage, 
Mr. G. Fennell, and Mr. H. Heath. 
Mr. Heath had the best single specimen plant in the restricted class, 
showing a fine Adiantum farleyense. Mr. W. Marton, Sevenoaks, was 
second with Asparagus tenuissimus, and Mr. Wing was third. The 
last named exhibitor was first, however, for three foliage plants, the 
second prize being won by Mr. H. Heath, and the third by Mr. C. Noble, 
gardener to Miss Austin, Sevenoaks. Mr. Huntley was first in the 
restricted class for a single flowering plant, showing a fine Fuchsia. 
Mr. E. Wing followed with an Allamanda, and Mr. Heath was third 
with Statice Holfordi. Mr. Heath was apparently the only exhibitor 
in a special class for four Zonal Pelargoniums, but was awarded the first 
prize for well grown plants. 
Groups were very fine, and in the leading class some charming 
arrangements wers noticeable. Mr. G. Fennell, Fair Lawn, Tonbridge, 
was first, having a bright and well arranged group. The background 
was composed of Palms and plants of Campanula pyramidalis, the 
frontal position consisting of Ferns, Gloxinias, Orchids, Bouvardias, 
Coleus, and Begonias amongst other plants. Mr. Heath was second 
with an effective group, the third prize going to Mr. A. Hatton. 
Mr. J. Hilling, Prestons, Lytham, was awarded the fourth prize, and 
Mr. S. Cook, Rosefields, Sevenoaks, the fifth. There were six competitors 
in this class. Groups of Ferns arranged for effect formed a striking 
feature. Mr. Heath was first in this class with a beautiful arrangement 
of deep green, healthy-looking plants, Mr. Hatton being a close second. 
There appeared to be some dissatisfaction in regard to the decision of the 
judges in this class, the second prize exhibit containing some charmingly 
coloured fronds, which, it was reported, was the only cause of its being 
placed second. For effect the latter was certainly the better of the two, 
but the judges ruled otherwise, probably taking into consideration the 
general excellence of the plants shown in the leading exhibit 
Mr. J. Hilling was placed third. Groups in the restricted class were 
also good. Mr. W. Mears, Ightham, was first with a neat arrangement, 
amongst which Liliums, Crotons, Ferns, Gloxinias and Palms were 
prominent. Mr. F. Bolton, gardener to G. Wilmct, Esq., Shoreham, was 
second and Mr. Martin third. 
