348 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 
October 11,1894. 
the Society. He knew many persons sympathised with gardeners in 
their troubles, but he would like to see those sympathisers raise the 
wages of their employes. (Cheers.) Gardeners, as a rule, were by 
no means a well-paid class of men, considering the responsibility which 
rests on their shoulders in connection with the work they perform. If 
gardeners were better paid he contended that the majority of them 
would make an effort to provide for their wives and families, and he 
ventured to say that the Society would grow much richer in a very few 
years. As regards the financial position of the institution, they all 
knew it was remarkably sound. Up to the end of January of this year 
£8700 were invested, but he was glad to say that since then £800 had 
been added to that fund. (Cheers.) He hoped it would soon be 
£10,000, and he urged all gardeners to become members of the Society. 
There had been three deaths this year, but fifty-nine new members had 
joined, and he also had the pleasure of announcing several new life 
members, including Sir Stuart Knill (ex-Lord Mayor of London) and 
Mr. G. H. Cuthbert of Southgate. (Applause.) 
Mr. J. Hudson, in responding, pointed out the firm basis on which 
the Society was working, and remarked that their funds could never 
become exhausted, simply because they were liquidated every year. 
During the past few years they had had an increase of ten per cent, of 
members, and he hoped to see still further progress in this direction. 
He should like to make a special appeal for the management fund, for 
were this improved they would be better able to make known the 
advantages of the Society. They were determined not to be behind 
other societies in the matter of sick pay, hence the proposal to increase 
the weekly sum by 2s., which had been mentioned by the Chairman. 
Clarence Smith, Esq., M.P., proposed the toast of “ The Visitors,” 
observing that he did this now as a member of the Society. Last year 
he had the honour, as a visitor, of responding to a similar toast, and 
then announced his intention of becoming a life member. He had 
noted the extreme warmth with which the officers of the Society had 
been referred to, and he was quite sure, from his own knowledge of the 
matter, that the excellent Treasurer (Mr. Hudson) invested their 
money in perfectly safe hands. He earnestly hoped that they would 
be able to increase the amount of sick pay, as proposed. (Hear, hear.) 
He ventured to suggest that Sir Stuart Knill be asked to propose the 
same toast next year, because they had heard of his intention to become 
a subscriber to the Society, and they all knew of his unbounded 
generosity. He need not further commend Sir Stuart to them, because 
they were aware that he had been one of the best, most liberal, and 
most righteous of Lord Mayors of this great City. (Hear, hear.) He 
was sure though, that even at the Mansion House, Sir Stuart had never 
seen tables more charmingly arranged with flowers, or a better display 
of fruit. (Cheers.) 
Sir Stuart Knill, in responding, said that as an Englishman he loved 
flowers and his garden, although he was one of the least capable to 
speak of their history. Having, as he thought, a little Scotch blood in 
his veins, he was also proud of the fact that the abilities of Scotch 
gardeners were recognised throughout the world. When Lord Mayor 
of London he happened to be an innocent cause of promoting a greater 
interest being taken in gardening by obtaining a livery for the 
Worshipful Company of Gardeners. This Company was of ancient 
origin, having been inaugurated at the instigation of one of the kings of 
this country, about 300 years ago, but up till the last year or so it had 
not been recognised in the proper manner. He was glad to say that it 
had now a livery, and moreover that the Fruiterers’ Company also took 
a keen interest in horticulture. After referring to the ancient gardens 
of London, when Roses grew and bloomed around St. Paul’s, and Straw¬ 
berries were cultivated in Hatton Garden, Sir Stuart observed that 
nothing gave him greater pleasure than a walk through a beautiful 
garden with an intelligent gardener. (Applause.) 
Mr. Nathan Cole rendered the toast of “ The Honorary and Life 
Members,” to which Mr. W. Marshall responded. In doing this 
Mr. Marshall said he strongly objected to the proposed increase in the 
amount of sick pay, because it would upset the working of the Society. 
Sir Stuart Knill proposed the toast of “ The Chairman,” and 
remarked that, in reply to the challenge of Mr. Clarence Smith, he 
might say he had never sat down to a table where the beautiful flowers 
and fruit appealed so strikingly to one’s senses as they did on this 
occasion. He congratulated the members on having Mr. Arnold Moss 
in the chair, because he knew personally of the great interest their 
Chairman took in the Society. Mr. Moss briefly responded, announcing 
among other subscriptions the sum of 5 guineas from Mr. N. Sherwood 
for the Convalescent Fund. 
The other toasts included “ The Donors of Flowers and Fruit,” and 
“ The Press,” after which the company dispersed. 
BELTON HOUSE GARDENS. 
Among the comparatively few establishments which have not to any 
perceivable extent felt the effects of the wave of commercial depression 
which has, according to the pessimists, overwhelmed this country of late 
years, may be instanced Belton House. This is the Lincolnshire residence 
of Earl Brownlow, and is situated about two miles from Grantham on 
the Great Northern Railway. Travellers from London would find no 
difficulty in reaching this town, there being several trains each day that 
accomplish the journey of over a hundred miles in less than two hours_ 
a feat worthy of record, notwithstanding the apparent digression. A 
pleasant walk from Grantham, more famed for its lofty church spire and 
the manufacture of agricultural implements than anything else, through 
fields, brings one to the entrance lodge of Belton Park. From this point 
the mansion is approached by a straight drive about a mile in length, 
and bordered on each side with a row of Elm trees of gigantic propor¬ 
tions. Some grand specimens of Oak and Beech trees are also noticeable, 
and the park generally is well wooded, the surface rising on the right to 
a considerable extent. On a recent fine day the whole presented a 
charming appearance to one whose life is chiefly spent amidst the 
bricks and mortar of the metropolis, the various tints of the foliage on 
the trees harmonising beautifully with the other surroundings. Herds 
of deer and cattle roam at will over the broad acres, which are also, 
thanks to the generosity of the owner, open to the inhabitants of the 
neighbourhood for the greater portion of the year. 
The gardens are extensive and admirably managed. Some years 
since the writer was privileged to visit this establishment, hence the 
improvements that have been recently effected were more conspicuous, 
and it is obvious to the most casual observer that the gardens are in 
good keeping. It is particularly gratifying to come across an instance 
of this kind, inasmuch as the reverse is, unfortunately, the rule 
nowadays, and many gardeners are practically called on to “ make 
bricks without straw.” In other words, the staff of workmen in some 
places is so reduced that those in charge find it a very difficult task to 
keep the grounds in anything like a presentable condition. As has been 
said, in the establishment under notice we have an exception, and the 
utmost is made of it. Mr. W. Emerton, the able and courteous 
manager, evidently takes more than an ordinary interest in his work, 
and has just cause to be proud of his accomplishments. There is ample 
scope here for displaying abilities, a large and constant supply of fruit, 
flowers, and vegetables of the best quality being in demand. 
The fruit and vegetable gardens are some distance from the mansion 
and on the opposite side of a public road. There are several walled-in 
divisions, the walls being occupied with well trained fruit trees. Some 
of these are old and past their best, but efforts are being made to plant 
young ones in their places. Pears are very abundant, but rather 
small on some trees, although excellent fruits were noticeable on the 
younger, and consequently more vigorous ones. As elsewhere, this year. 
Apples are not very plentiful, and Cherries were a comparative failure. 
This was caused by the severe frost in May, which also seriously affec’ed 
both Currants and Gooseberries to such an extent that the bushes have 
not yet recovered. Apricots do remarkably well, and the trees, which 
are in splendid health, have borne grand crops this year. Strawberries 
are extensively grown, both in pots and outdoors, about 2000 plants 
being used for forcing annually. For early use Auguste Nicaise is 
much esteemed, this handsome variety being followed by Keen’s Seed¬ 
ling. The plants of these well-tried kinds are in 6 and 7-inch pots, and 
have well-developed plump crowns. In the open quarters a plantation 
of Keen’s Seedling was pointed out as bearing the third crop this 
season. The plants fruited in pots in the spring under glass, and from 
thence were planted outdoors where a crop was produced in July. They 
flowered again, and at the time of my visit, the middle of September, a 
large number of excellent fruit were perceivable. John Ruskin Straw¬ 
berry also does fairly well, and Scarlet Queen is considered an acquisition 
as an early variety. This kind is said to ripen fruit some days before 
any other sort in the locality mentioned. 
Vegetables are well and extensively grown, and it is seldom that 
such splendid crops are seen. Onions are magnificent, there being, it is 
estimated, about 2 tons weight of bulbs obtained from one plantation. 
These are large, sound, and as close on the ground as they possibly can 
be, there being three to four bulbs in 1 foot of space. No special 
treatment was given them, and no extra care taken in preparing the 
ground other than an application of wood ashes previous to sowing the 
seeds and a dressing of soot when the plants were a few inches high. 
The variety is Veitch’s Maincrop, which is obviously an Onion possessing 
much merit. Nearly an acre of Asparagus is grown, the bulk of this 
being forced. The first Asparagus is usually ready for cutting in 
November, and from thence a constant supply is maintained until the 
outdoor crop is ready. French Beans, too, are grown all the winter and 
spring, there now being a large number of plants in pots. The earliest 
crop of Potatoes, Sharpe’s Victor, was produced in pots at the New Year 
last winter, and these were followed by others in frames. It will be 
apparent to all that this involves much labour, but it is carried out 
annually. Cucumbers are likewise well represented, plants in pits 
bearing heavy crops of fine specimens. Outdoors the various vegetables 
are cropping splendidly, and if one kind is more worthy of being 
particularised than another it is the Autocrat Pea. A long row of this 
variety has borne an enormous number of large, well-filled pods for 
seven weeks, and it appeared as if the plants would continue bearing 
for some time to come. Sutton’s Matchless Marrowfats and Latest of 
All are also grown, whilst Sturdy is recommended as being a good 
late Pea. 
As already hinted, flowers are much in demand, and consequently an 
abundance of these is forthcoming. Roses in pots form a feature, and a 
house is about to be specially devoted to their culture. Arum 
Lilies, too, are likewise grown in large numbers, about 600 of these 
plants standing in pots in the open air. Chrysanthemums are in grand 
health, and comprise most of the latest novelties, whilst many of the 
well tried kinds are cultivated for producing flowers for cutting. Under 
glass Poinsettias are unusually fine, the same also applying to the plants 
grown for house decoration, which are noted for their cleanliness and 
excellent appearance. Thousands of Marie Louise, Neapolitan, and 
Comte de Brazza Violets are grown for blooming in frames during the 
