November 7, 1885. 
THE GAKDENING WOELD. 
157 
CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS. 
Chrysanthemums are again to the fore, and for the 
next two or three weeks will engross the attention of 
gardeners and amateurs whether exhibitors or not. 
The popularity of the Queen of Autumn is still rapidly 
extending, the shows increase in number every year, 
and fortunately come at a time when floral attractions are 
scarce, affording a most agreeable break in the proverbial 
month of melancholy. So many varieties, too, have 
been raised, that a surprising diversity is now obtained 
both in form and colour. In the Japanese, we have all 
the grotesque forms and brightest colours ; in the in¬ 
curved section, we have the perfection of form from a 
florist’s stand-point ; while the Anemone-flowered, 
Pompons, and singles afford other distinct forms, each 
of which has its admirers, and all are useful as conser¬ 
vatory plants, or to produce blooms that can be cut by 
the bushel. The Chrysanthemum is indeed everyone’s 
flower, and submits to the poisonous smoke of cities 
with much better grace than any other plant, rendering 
many a town-dweller’s garden or greenhouse as gay on 
a smaller scale as the ducal conservatory. 
Such public exhibitions as those at the Temple Gar¬ 
dens and Finsbury Park, have contributed much to the 
increased popularity of the plant, there can be no 
doubt; while most of the leading nurserymen now 
make it one of their specialities, and provide exhibitions 
at this season. Thus, during the present and two 
following weeks, visitors to the nurseries of Messrs. J. 
Veitch & Sons, Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Messrs. Cannell 
& Sons, Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Mr. B. S. Wil¬ 
liams, Mr. N. Davis, and many others, will find 
extensive displays of new and old varieties, admirably 
exemplifying the beauty and variability of the Chry¬ 
santhemum. The general autumn exhibitions have 
also commenced, and of the principal we intend giving 
brief notices, pointing out their chief characteristics 
and naming the owners of the most important prizes. 
Peckham.— Nov. 2nd and 3rd. —The Surrey Chry¬ 
santhemum Society had the honour this year of 
commencing the exhibition season, and did so with 
a pretty little show, which for their second venture 
was highly creditable to all concerned. The show was 
held in the large Public Hall, Eye Lane, a building 
well adapted for an exhibition of this kind, though it 
would have held many more exhibits than those which 
were entered. However, there is good evidence that the 
society will advance in importance, and that their show 
may rank among the best of those in South London. 
One of the most successful competitors, was Mr. Sadler, 
Oak Hill Place Gardens, Streatliam, who was awarded 
no less than five first prizes for blooms of great merit, 
and proving, as did the fine Elaines at Kensington re¬ 
cently from the same gardener, how well Mr. Sadler 
understands the requirements of Chrysanthemums. 
His stand of twelve incurved and twelve Japanese 
varieties, would not have disgraced any exhibitor, 
especially as they had not been submitted to any dressing, 
this being contrary to an express stipulation in the 
schedule. jOne grand bloom of M. Astorg deserves 
notice, for it was a wonderful example of this variety, 
and will probably not be surpassed this season. Mr. 
Stevens, of Putney, succeeded in winning the Silver Cup 
(value five guineas), offered for a group of plants, with 
a collection similar to, but better than the one he had 
at Kensington recently. He also had the best twenty- 
four incurved blooms, undressed, which comprised 
wonderfully substantial examples of Lord Wolseley, 
Alfred Salter, Beethoven, Queen of England, Jeanne 
d’Arc, Emily Dale, Prince Alfred, and Mr. Bunn. Some 
praiseworthy blooms were also staged by Mr. Howe, 
Tulse Hill House Gardens, and with several other 
smaller contributions served to make an interesting 
show. 
Ealing.— Nov. 3rd and ith. —The Lyric Hall, 
Broadway, was selected for the annual Autumn Show 
of the Ealing Horticultural Society, the affairs of which 
have been for several years so satisfactorily conducted 
by the Secretary, Mr. E. Dean. An especial feature 
is made of the Chrysanthemums, but classes are also 
provided for miscellaneous plants, fruits, and vege¬ 
tables, in all of which the competition is invariably 
keen. Indeed, the Ealing show is one of the brightest 
and neatest held in the neighbourhood of London. 
Cut Chrysanthemum blooms were capitally shown by 
numerous exhibitors, Mr. J. Beesley, gardener to 
A. Fraser, Esq., Esthenia House, Ealing, being deser¬ 
vedly awarded several of the leading prizes. His 
premier stand of twelve incurved varieties was remark¬ 
ably meritorious, comprising fine even blooms of Lord 
Alcester, Golden Queen, Lord Wolseley, and Emily 
Dale in the back row, very clean samples of Eeful- 
gence, uncommonly good, Prince Alfred, Jeanne d’Arc, 
and Baron Beust occupying the fore-part of the stand. 
Seven boxes of a dozen Japanese varieties were staged, 
Mr. H. Davis, gardener to H. G. Lake, Esq., Fairlawn 
House, Chiswick, securing the first place for richly- 
coloured and full blooms of Margot, Thunberg, Comte 
de Germiny, Jeanne Delaux, Source d’Or, Madlle. 
Lecroix, Madame C. Audiquier, Hever Fleuri, Madame 
B. Eendatler, Elaine, and Madame Moulix. A hand¬ 
some stand of nine incurved blooms gained Mr. C. Long, 
gardener to E. B. Eidges, Esq., Orchard Dene, Mont¬ 
pelier Eoad, the first prize, a trio of blooms of Prince 
Alfred, Prince of Wales, and Befulgence being remark¬ 
ably fine. Mr. Long also had six handsome Japanese 
blooms of the varieties Criterion, Madlle. Lecroix, 
Fanny Boucharlat, Dolores, Hever Fleuri, and Jeanne 
Delaux, the last-named being of surprising substance. 
Mr. C. Smith, Oakville Gardens, Castle Hill, had the 
best twelve bunches of Pompons, and Mr. Collyer, 
gardener to Mrs. Murrell, The Elms, Uxbridge Eoad, 
showed the finest six Pompons, Mr. E. Chadwick, gar¬ 
dener to E. M. Kelson, Esq., Hanger Hill House, 
Ealing, leading with six reflexed varieties. 
Apples formed the principal part of the fruit display ; 
Messrs. C. Lee & Son, Hammersmith, having a large 
collection of good samples, and Mr. Hudson, gardener 
to H. J. Atkinson, Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton, 
was the premier exhibitor, both with dessert and 
culinary varieties. He also won first honours with 
three bunches of Grapes, excellently coloured examples 
of Alicante, Alnwick Seedling, and Muscat of Alex¬ 
andria, the berries being of good size in each instance. 
Messrs. Sutton & Sons prizes for four dishes of Potatos 
attracted eleven competitors, all the tubers being very 
even and creditable. The miscellaneous non-competing 
exhibits comprised handsome groups of Chrysanthemums 
from Messrs. C. Lee & Son ; Cyclamens from Mr. H. 
B. Smith ; Carnations from Messrs. Hooper & Co. ; 
and most tasteful group of Scabious, Kerines, and other 
flowering plants from Mr. Boberts, Gunnersbury Park 
Garden. Mr. Fountain, gardener to Miss Wood, The 
Elms, Hanger Hill, had a beautiful group of Ferns, 
and Mr. Fulford had a good collection of Chrysan¬ 
themum plants. Mr. Harman, gardener to F. C. 
Capps, Esq., Crown Point, Ealing, staged some ex¬ 
ceedingly fine blooms of Japanese and incurved, La 
Purete, Curiosity, and Fabian de Mediana being 
certificated. The judges were : Mr. J. Eoberts, Gun- 
nesbury Park, and Messrs. E. Sanderson and W. 
Holmes, the president and secretary respectively of the 
National Chrysanthemum Society. 
Lambeth. — Nov. 3rd and 5th .—There are few really 
amateur societies, but this is one of the most successful 
and interesting that we know. The plants and blooms 
are grown by members of the society within a mile and 
a half of the Elephant and Castle tavern, Newington, 
and the good specimens shown are strong proofs of what 
can be effected in a smoky city by enthusiastic amateurs. 
The exhibition was held this year in the Hawkstone 
Hall, Westminster Bridge Eoad, and though the com¬ 
petition was not quite so keen as usual, the blooms and 
plants were in capital condition, fresh, clean, and of 
good substance. The Japanese, which included more 
new varieties than are commonly seen at small exhi¬ 
bitions, being remarkable in this respect. We under¬ 
stand that the president, Mr. Harman Payne, has 
introduced many of these, and the members have cer¬ 
tainly grown them well. The prizes comprise money 
awards, but those most appreciated are the silver cups, 
teapot, knives, and other articles provided in several of 
the classes. Considerable taste is exercised in selecting 
these, and the example might be followed by many 
similar societies. The leading prizes were secured by 
Messrs. H. Ellis, W. L. Tracy, C. J. Fill, J. J. Hillier, 
A. Ball, W. Clark, T. F. Davison, and T. Child. 
Brixton. — Nov. ith and 5th. —This may be truth¬ 
fully termed a model show, for though a comparatively 
small hall sufficed to hold it, the exhibits throughout 
were distinguished by an evenness of merit that is 
seldom seen at larger and more pretentious displays. 
The district which includes Streatham and neighbouring 
parishes isagood one, there being several gardens ofnote, 
especially in the Leigham Court Eoad which has acquired 
some degree of horticultural celebrity, owing to the 
number of meritorious products which have been sent 
from there to the principal London shows. Chrysan¬ 
themums have long been a speciality with many of the 
gardeners, and they annually bring their specimen 
plants or blooms together to test their skill as cultivators. 
A practical committee with an experienced secretary, 
Mr. W. Hall, and careful judges, have gained the con¬ 
fidence of the exhibitors ; the result being well filled 
classes and high quality exhibits. 
Cut blooms were exceptionally good, both incurved 
and Japanese in the leading stands being of considerable 
size and excellent substance. Mr. J. Holmes, gardener 
to G. hi. Starkey, Esq., Balham, was the champion 
competitor with incurved blooms, securing first prizes 
with twenty-four and twelve varieties. In the former 
the back row included magnificent specimens of Queen 
of England, Prince Alfred, Empress of India, Lord 
Wolseley, John Salter, Lady Harding, Alfred Salter, 
and Prince of Wales ; while in the front rows were 
smaller but compact blooms of George Glenny, Eeful- 
gence, and Cherub. Mr. C. J. Salter, gardener to J. 
Southgate, Esq., Leigham Court Eoad, was a very 
close second ; one grand corner bloom of Golden 
Empress being remarkable. Messrs. Holmes and Salter 
were in the same relative positions with twelve varieties, 
followed by Mr. J. Howe, gardener to Mrs. Fletcher 
Bennett, Tulse Hill. With six incurved Mr. C. J. 
Salter was placed first, and Mr. J. T. Salter second, but 
the positions ought to have been reversed for the second 
blooms were several points superior to the first. The 
best twenty-four Japanese came from Mr. G. Pell 
gardener to A. Margetson, Esq., Leigham Court Eoad, 
brightly coloured substantial blooms of Jeanne Delaux, 
Dr. Macary, Pere Delaux, Ferdinand Feral, Margaret 
Marrouch, and Agrement de la Nature, amongst others. 
Mr. T. Sadler had the premier stand or twelve Japanese 
his grand bloom of Mons. Astorg again figuring promi¬ 
nently, as at Peckham. Mr. J. T. Salter took the lead 
with twelve large anemones ; Mr. T. Sadler with six 
reflexed ; and Mr. C. Livermore, gardener to Fred. Webb, 
Esq., Eoupell Park, with six Pompone anemones, very 
beautiful and fresh. Messrs. E. Cherry, and Mr. Weston 
were the principal exhibitors of trained plants, both 
haring good specimens. 
Orchids were the principal feature of the general plant 
classes, Messrs. Salter, Mursell, Luff, and Weston 
carrying off the prizes with healthy well flowered plants. 
In addition, Mr. Salter contributed a handsome group of 
choice Orchids arranged with Ferns, forming a charming 
bank atone end of the hall. Vanda ccerulea, with six¬ 
teen flowers on a spike ; Cattleya imperialis, with three 
grandly coloured flowers ; Phalsenopsis amabEis, and 
Odontoglossum grande, were notable. Mr. H. Wright 
gardener to J. Whittard, Esq., Streatham Hill, was 
first with four Ferns, most praiseworthy vigorous pilants 
Gymnogramma sehizophylla, over i ft. in diameter, with 
graceful arching fronds, being one of the best examples 
we have seen. Apples and Pears were well shown Mr. 
A. Sandy being first with the former, and Mr. W. Hall 
with the latter ; the last named exhibitor also gaining 
the premier award for black Grapes, with three finely 
coloured bunches of Alicante weighing 12 lbs. The 
best white Grapes were Muscat of Alexandria from W. 
Eoupell, Esq. Vegetables and other miscellaneous 
exhibits occupied all available space, and left but little 
room for the numerous visitors. 
Highgate.— November 5th and 6th.— The first ex¬ 
hibition of this Society was held in the Northfield Hall, 
Highgate, and a most excellent display was arranged 
by Mr. T. Bevan, the superintendent of the show. 
For the president’s prize for a group of Chrysanthe¬ 
mums arranged for effect, Mr. W. Theobold, gardener to 
A. Goslett, Esq., Westhill, Highgate, was deservedly 1st, 
taking also the National Society’s Certificate ; and Mr.’ 
Witty, gardener to the London Cemetery Company was 
2nd. Mr. J. Brooks, gardener to W. Eeynolds, Esq., 
the president of the society, was a very successful ex¬ 
hibitor, taking the premier prizes for twelve incurved 
blooms, and six plants of Elaine, which were simply 
perfection, and gained the National Society’s Certifi¬ 
cate. Nine plants ofLady Selborne, were also very mod. 
Of Japanese blooms some splendid specimens were put 
up by Mr. J. P. Lowry, gardener to —McAndrew, Esq. 
Millhill, to whom a Certificate was awarded ; Mr. j’ 
Hodges, gardener to Mrs. Crossley, Cholmeley Parkj 
was also very successful with incurved blooms • and 
Mr. Calvert, gardener to B. Kent, Esq., Highgate, also 
secured several first prizes. Dinner table decorations 
were also a tasteful lot, and Mr. W. Theobald secured 
the first prize after a close competition. Trade growers 
were represented by Messrs. T. S. Ware ; S. Dixon & 
Co., who had some good specimens of Mr. John Lai no- 
Marguerite Marouch, &c. ; while Mr. B. S. William; ’ 
