OCTOBER. 
295 
the Peach, which had been dressed when the buds were fast swelling 
brought me up. These two truths should be known, or the dropping 
of the blossom of pot fruit trees, in orchard houses, will very likely be 
attributed to some wrong cause.” 
The above is an extract from a letter received from Mr. Rivers, of 
Sawbridgeworth. 
CRYSTAL PALACE AUTUMN EXHIBITION. 
The great autumn show of this Company took place on the 9th, 10th, 
and 11th of September, and on the whole was a very successful display, 
particularly in fruits, flowers, and cottagers’ productions. The collection 
of plants was extensive, but contained little to call for special notice. 
We observed, however, two or three fine specimens of the Meyenia 
erecta, figured by us some time since, which fully retains the opinion 
we then formed of it, and is a valuable autumnal plant. There were 
also some good Allamandas and Dipladenias, which are valuable stove 
plants for gardeners in the country to grow at this season. Balsams 
were very good; Fuchsias very inferior (we see many better at local 
shows) ; Japan Lilies mostly good; Achimenes looked over blown: in 
this class one called Meteor is a fine thing. Variegated and orna¬ 
mental foliaged plants, including F'erns and Lycopods, were very good ; 
Messrs. Parker & Williams and Mr. Cutbush are making rapid strides 
in this department towards overtaking the older growers. These plants 
are increasing perceptibly in public estimation. In the class for hardy 
Ferns Mr. Sims had an unique set; Heaths were good for the season. 
Taking the plants as a whole, there was no advance, and we missed 
several really good autumnal blooming plants, not yet, we presume, 
become fashionable with London growers. But if the pot plants were 
less showy than we see them earlier in the season, cut flowers were in 
all their glory, and made a magnificent display. The florist’s depart¬ 
ment formed the best part of the exhibition, so far as flowers were con¬ 
cerned ; Dahlias, Roses, Hollyhocks, Asters, Verbenas, &c., were spread 
out on tables of immense length. The late rains had freshened up 
these gay autumn plants, for their appearance was fresh and glowing; 
indeed they were one nrarked feature of the show—the other was fruit. 
We have frequently seen much finer individual specimens of fruit 
than could be met with here, but the quantity was prodigious; and 
among so large a quantity some inferior productions are sure to be 
introduced. The collections contained nothing remarkable in the way 
of cultivation. Pines, taken altogether, were inferior, considering the 
season was that in which they attain their largest size ; there were a 
handsome Black Prince and Enville, and one or two fair Queens. The 
best Grapes in the exhibition were Mr. Snow’s two bunches of Muscat. 
IMr. Harrison had also a good box of Hamburghs in the miscellaneous 
class. Next came Messrs. Fleming, Hill, and Allport, with average 
specimens ; in the former collection we noticed the Gromier du Cantal, 
a grizzly coloured Grape, with a musky flavour, and worth growing. 
l\Ir. Busby had also his Golden Hamburgh. Melons were in great 
