110 
THE FLORIST. 
it is early, however, in the season for very first-rate specimens. For 
the best three, Mr. Macfarlane, gardener, Baimton, was first, with 
Lablache, Optima (Hopwood’s), one of the best and most distinct 
varieties grown; and Scottish Chieftain ; Mr. Thomas Reid, Broomfield, 
second; and Mr. Archibald Walker, third. An extra prize was 
awarded to Mr. Macfarlane, for three fine plants not entered for 
competition in this class. 
Prizes were offered for hand bouquets, which called forth a spirited 
competition. Mr. C. W. Buck, of Covent Garden, succeeded in 
winning the first prize, with a most tastefully arranged bouquet; and 
Mrs. Carstairs, Warriston, obtained the second prize, with a beautiful 
bouquet, nearly equal to Mr. Buck’s, but not so artistically finished at 
the margin. 
The large music hall, containing tabling 240 feet by 3 feet, was 
completely filled with plants contributed by various nurserymen and 
gentlemen’s gardeners in and about Edinburgh, and from other parts of 
the country. Mr. Thomson, of Dalkeith Gardens, contributed a large 
group of superb specimens of ornamental stove and greenhouse plants, 
which filled a large additional centre table, and to which an extra prize 
was awarded. Mr. Laing, of Dysart, sent a plant in flower of the 
beautiful Rhododendron Bianca ; Mr. Ritchie, a well grown and 
flowered specimen of Azalea optima; Mr. Gordon, Middrie House, 
a basket of admirable mushrooms ; Mr. Gavin, Hopetoun, a collection 
of Pine-apples; Mr. C. W. Buck, Covent Garden, a handsome bride’s 
bouquet; Mr. Pender, of Moredun, a collection of specimen plants in 
flower that evinced skill as a plant cultivator; Mr. Lockhart, Arniston, 
a fine specimen of Pultenaea subumbellata. To all these extra prizes 
were awarded. A few other extra prizes were awarded, but we have 
selected the above awards as given to denote excellence in culture. 
Several extensive collections of seeds and plants were also exhibited by 
the various seedsmen ; and one of the most interesting features of the 
exhibition was a patent apparatus for heating greenhouses, where 
gas can be applied, sent by H. Craigie, Esq., Falcon-hall; the best 
contrivance we have yet seen for this purpose, and where hot- 
water apparatus or flues do not exist. It is particularly applicable 
to the numerous small greenhouses to be found in London and 
large towns, and can be produced at a cost of about 12/. In our 
next number we shall describe it more fully. Our attention was also 
arrested by a display of Minton’s ornamental flower-pots, made of 
mixed terra cotta and china, and beautifully coloured, some of them 
in gold, and all very ornamental, and of rustic and various other patterns. 
The very great attendance of visitors, both day and night, must have 
been very gratifying to the management of the exhibition ; and especial 
thanks are due to C. K. Sivewright, Esq., for his untiring energy in 
collecting together so many exhibitions—many from a great distance— 
and bringing the exhibition to such a successful issue. We trust that 
the day is not far distant when some special recognition of this gentle¬ 
man’s services in the cause of horticulture and floriculture will be made. 
Such a step is, we believe, contemplated, and shall have our cordial help. 
At the dinner which followed the exhibition about 16/. were collected 
