THE GARDENING WORLD 
December 5, 1885. 
ooo 
for preparation, we would suggest to tlie committee, to 
announce the holding of next year’s show at the earliest 
period. 
Bilston—The second annual exhibition of the 
Bilston society was held on the 24th and 25th November, 
in the Bilston Town Hall. As a young society, the ex¬ 
hibits far exceeded the most sanguine expectations of 
the committee. One of the most interesting features 
was a fine collection of cut blooms, Cyclamens, and 
four dishes of new Tomatos from Mr. Gough, Hareficld 
Grove, Uxbridge, to which special prizes were awarded. 
For the open classes the premier prize, for nine specimen 
Chrysanthemums offered by the Bilston Horticultural 
Society, was won by Mr. Horton, gardener to Col. 
Gough, of Wolverhampton ; Mr. Perry, gardener to 
Mr. J. E. Sparrow, Bilston, taking the 1st prize for 
nine plants offered by the society. Cut blooms were 
well staged, the twenty-four stands in the open classes 
being remarkably good ; Col. Gough took 1st honours, 
and Mr. Williams, of Priestfield, a working ironw'orker, 
taking 2nd with blooms very little inferior. Mr. 
Deville, gardener to Mr. Lees, Wolverhampton, took 
the first prize for twelve very superior blooms. The 
amateur class was strongly represented, proving, beyond 
question, the adaptability of the Chrysanthemums for 
black, smoky districts. For this class Mr. J. P. Hilton, 
Mr. J. H. Jones, Mr. J. Bird, and Mr. R. Hyde were 
the principal prize takers. The attractions of the ex¬ 
hibition were enhanced by a good display of general 
autumn produce, for -which special prizes were offered. 
Mr. J. Knight, Bilston, carried away the 1st prize for 
a collection of Potatos (thirty dishes), and Col. Gough 
2nd. In the cottagers’ and amateurs’ classes the dis¬ 
play of vegetables was very good, evoking the warm 
commendation of the judges. Some grand heads of 
Celery (Waterglade Red), and Coldlane’s Leeks, both local 
varieties, fairly eclipsed anything staged against them. 
-- 
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 
Royal Caledonian.— The Apple and Peak 
Congress was decidedly the most important part of the 
exhibition held in the Waverley Market last week, 
the number of dishes of fruits staged being no less than 
about 12,000 were contributed from all parts of the 
country, besides a few from Switzerland, sent by Herr 
Strasse, Insbruck, Tyrol, and over one hundred sorts sent 
from Nova Scotia by Prof. Lawson, a former resident 
in Edinburgh. Of the home counties, Midlothian 
contributed the largest number, some 1,350 dishes, of 
which Mr. Dunn, of Dalkeith had 260 dishes of Apples. 
Other tine and interesting collections came from Messrs. 
Dickson & Co., Waterloo Place ; Mr. Smith, Oxenford 
Castle Gardens; and Mr. Gray, gardener at Edmonston. 
East Lothian was also well represented by collections 
of varied extent from Mr. L. Dow, Newbyth ; Mr. 
Garrett, Whittinghame; Mr. Brotherston, Tyninghame ; 
Mr. Brunton, Gilmerton ; Mr. Morrison, Archerfield; 
Mr. McKelvie, Broxmouth Park, and others. From 
Aberdeenshire, collections came from Messrs. W. 
Smith, & Sons, Messrs. J. Cocker & Sons, Mr. Forrest, 
Haddo House ; Mr. Smith, Dunecht; Mr. Farquhar, 
Fyvie ; Mr. Donaldson, Inverurie; Mr. Hardy, Aboyne, 
ancl several others. From Perthshire, Dr. Robertson, 
of Errol sent 100 dishes, and capital collections of 
lesser extent came from Mr. Browning, Dupplin ; Sir E. 
Moncrieff, Bart., Bridge of Earn, and Mr. Brown, Aber- 
cairney; and Mr. G. Johnston, Glamis ; Mr. Anderson, 
Greenbourne ; and Messrs. Laird & Sinclair, Dundee, 
contributed 410 dishes from Forfar. 
Mr. A. Bogie, Auchans House, Ayrshire, sent 170 
dishes ; Mr. McIntosh, Paxton House, Berwick, 110 
dishes ; Mr. Berry, Cullen House, Banff, 100 dishes ; 
Messrs. J. Kennedy & Co., Dumfries, 100 dishes ; Mr. 
Gowie, gardener, Mauldslie House, Lanarkshire, 285 
dishes; Mr. McDonald, Balfour Castle, Orkney, 21 
dishes; Messrs. Stuart & Mein, Kelso, 210 dishes; 
Messrs. Ormiston & Renwiek, Melrose, 200 dishes ; 
Messrs. Laing & Mather, Kelso, 210 dishes ; and Mr. 
Dalyrymple-Elliston, St. Boswell’s, a small collection 
of fine samples. From that far off corner of Ross-shire, 
Duneraig, Strome Ferry, Mr. Munro, gardener to A. 
Matheson, Esq., sent 100 dishes. Mr. Melville, 
Dunrobin, contributed some two dozen dishes ; and 
Messrs. Drummond & Sons, Stirling, 186 dishes, nearly 
half of which were Pears. 
The English Nursery trade was unusually well 
represented. From Middlesex, The Royal Horticul¬ 
tural Society, Chiswick, sent 100 sorts of Apples and 
the same number of Pears ; Messrs. James Yeitch & 
Sons, 110 dishes of Apples and 74 of Pears. The 
honour of Kent was splendidly maintained by Messrs. 
G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, who staged 300 dishes, and 
smaller collections were sent by Mr. M’Lean, Yinters 
Park, Mr. Killick, Langley, and Mr. Thomas, Sitting- 
bourne. Messrs. Little & Ballantyne, Carlisle, had a 
grand representation of the produce of Cumberland, no 
less than 560 dishes collected from all parts of the 
county. Other Exhibitors were Mr. Ingram, Belvoir; 
Mr. Smith, Mentmore ; Mr. Miles, Y T ycombe Abbey ; 
Mr. Hunter, Lambton ; Mr. Watkins, Withington, 
Hereford ; Mr. Inglis, Hoviek; Messrs. Harrison & 
Sons, Leicester; Mr. Harris, Alnwick Castle; Mr, 
Burnett, The Deepdene ; Mr. Ritchie, Eardeston ; 
IVorcester ; Mr. Rust, Eridge Castle ; Mr. Berrie, 
Chillingham Castle, and Mr. Mclndoe, Hutton Hall, 
Guisborougli. 
Ireland rvas well represented by some half-dozen col¬ 
lections, the exhibitors being Messrs. Rodger, M’Clel- 
lan & Co., Newry; Mr. Turner, Courtown, Gorey; Mr. 
Cobham, Garbally ; Mr. Warwick, Shane’s Castle; 
Mr. Farrell, Westport, &c. Mr. Loudon, The 
Quinta, Chirk, sent the best of three collections from 
Wales. 
-->£<-—- 
PLANTING AND PRUNING. 
When planting any kind of trees, it is ahvays 
advisable to place next the roots a quantity of clean 
healthy soil, which has not been used for fruit trees 
before. Any broken roots by removal or transit should 
be cut off clean with a knife, and the whole be laid out 
flatly, slightly tapering downwards ; no sharp bends 
on the roots should be allowed, as suckers break out 
and become very troublesome. All roots of trees, old 
and young, should be examined for suckers, and if any 
are found they should be cut clean out. If moss or 
vermin have infested the bark of trees, a coating of 
lime and soot mixed should be well rubbed in by means 
of a brush after every visible particle has been scraped off. 
American blight is an insect which takes up its quarters 
in cracks and wounds in the bark, and spreads over the 
whole trees. Applications of lime and Fir tree oil are 
potent destroyers of this pest, but there being often so 
many crevices (not visible to the naked eye) where they 
can escape to, the work of eradication may be repeated 
again and again while the trees have no leaves on them. 
Largs trees can be helped by syringing them with lime 
water and Fir tree oil; a clean healthy bark does much 
for health in trees. 
The pruning of trees may be completed as soon as 
the work can be performed. Open out the centres of old 
trees, thinning out any cross branches and reducing 
those which are unduly taking the lead is the chief 
work requiring attention at present. A general clear¬ 
ance of dead wood is necessary where such exists. IVe are 
now clearing out a very ancient orchard of gigantic Pear 
and Apple Trees, and the old dead wood is as plentiful 
as the live growth ; such is too often the case with the 
“ let alone system. ” Training, if only with the knife, 
has its advantages in forming trees which are required 
to be handsome, and though I have formed more 
bushes and pyramids than neat compact heads on clean 
stems, say 3J ft. high, I see the propriety of favouring 
the latter form for Apples, Pears, Quinces, Medlars, 
and standard Cherries. In orchards where sheep and 
cattle are to graze under the trees, stems much higher 
are provided by the great fruit tree raisers. Dwarf trees 
5 or 6 ft. high require some care and frequent attention 
to keep the permanent shoots upright and equi-distant, 
open in the hearts and circular in form, and in course 
of time little cutting—except taking out exhausted or 
crossing shoots—is necessary. The formation of natu¬ 
ral spurs should always be encouraged, and by keeping 
the roots in compact masses, as formerly advised, there 
will be numerous growths from 2 ins. to 3 ins. long, which 
are alwajus fruitful; the brown firm wood being the 
ripest is always the best. 
When trees are planted with the view of covering 
fences, walls, or buildings, special training is necessary, 
and good clean trees at the beginning, either as 
maidens or trained are of greatmoment ; stunted bark- 
bound trees are worthless. Much might be said in 
favour of the various forms of training, but these 
forms are so numerous, all answering the same pur¬ 
pose, in view, and all do well when in charge of 
skilful hands. 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 
A Chrvsanthemum House.— I have been wondering whether 
Chrysanthemums could be grown to good purpose, planted out 
in the open ground, but surrounded by hoarding to a sufficient 
height to allow of movable lights being put on the top on the 
approach of frost, or say about the 1st of November. I should 
be glad if you would submit the matter to the judgment of your 
readers, as doubtless a good practical answer would be useful to 
many more besides A Florist. 
Pear Congress. — J. T. F. : If you have not already received 
the names, you no doubt will do so in a day or two. It should 
be remembered that the congress caused a very heavy amount 
of clerical labour be to thrown on Mr. Barron and his staff, and 
it could not be done all at once. 
Names of Plants. — J. II. : 1, Blechnumbrasiliense; 2, Nepli- 
rolepis tuberosa ; 3, Asplenium flacciduin : 4, Blechnum trian- 
gulare; 5, Sellaginella csesia ; 6, Polemonium cceruleum varie- 
gatum; 7, Ophiopogan spieatus. 
Names of Fruits. — Clergyman : 1, King of the Pippins ; 3, 
Round Winter Nonsuch ; 4, King of the Pippins ; 5, not recog¬ 
nised ; 6, Beacliamwell ; 7, Ringer ; 9, Lord Derby, a small fruit. 
Communications Received. —Mrs. P.—J. K'—D. P. L.— 
J. P.—E. D.—G. S. A. (many thanks).—R. O.—J. J. T.—J. W. 
—S. L. & Co.—W. P. R.—D. B. K.—G. H.—B. C. (why a Pear !). 
—P. B.—R. M. 
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TEADE CATALOGUES DECEIVED. 
W. Drummond & Sons, Stirling. N.B.—Forest, Ornamental 
and Fruit Trees, Roses, Shrubs, and Coniferous Plants. 
Thomas Laxton, Seed and Novelty Grower, Bedford. Speci¬ 
alities in Flower and Vegetable Seeds, Fruits, &c. 
-->X<-- 
LONDON SEED TRADE. 
December 2nd, 1885. 
Messrs. Hurst & Son, 152, Houndsditch, and 39, 
Seed Market, Mark Lane, report trade in agricultural 
seeds still very dull and values unchanged. AYliite 
Clover is a little more enquired for and fine samples 
appear to be scarce, but the wet weather having been 
so much against thrashing, it is perhaps too soon yet 
to come to a definite conclusion as to the extent of the 
crop. Eed Clover is offered freely from the Continent, 
and prices are firm. A few samples of new English 
seed have been on offer, but the quality is generally 
inferior. Trefoil maintains the late advance and a 
considerable quantity has changed hands during the 
week. Canary firm. Hemp and Rape are both cheap, 
hut values are hardening with an upward tendency. 
Perennial Eye Grass, of all weights, in plentiful supply 
at last quotations. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET. 
December 3 rd. 
Fruit.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.cl. s.d. I s.d. s.d. 
Apples, J sieve. 1 0 3 0 Pine-apples, Eng., lb. 13 16 
Grapes, per lb. 1 0 2 0 Pine-apples, St. 
Kent Cobs,per 100 lbs. 22 6 25 0 Michaels, each_ 3 0 5 0 
Melons, each. Plums . 
Peaches, per doz. | Canadian Apples, brl.10 0 20 0 
Vegetables.—Average Retail Prices. 
s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. 
Artichokes, Globe,doz. 2 0 3 0 Horse Radish, bundle 3 0 5 0 
Beans, French, per lb. 0 4 Lettuces .. per dozen 1 G 
Beet, per dozen. 2 0 3 0 Mushrooms, p. basket 10 16 
Cabbages_per doz. 1 6 2 0 Onions, per bushel ..5 0 7 6 
Carrots, per bunch ..06 Parsley, per bunch ..06 
Cauliflowers, English, Radishes, per dozen.. 16 
per dozen . 40 60 Small salading, punnet 0 4 
Celery, per bundle ..1 6 2 6 Sea Kale, per basket.. 2 0 3 0 
Cucumbers, each .... 0 6 0 9 Spinach, per strike ..20 
Endive, French, doz. 2 6 3 6 Tomatos, per lb.10 
Herbs, per bunch_ 0 2 0 4, Turnips, per bunch .. 0 6 
Potatos.- Kent Regents, S0J. to 100s. per ton; Kent Kidneys, 
SOs. to 100s. per ton ; Champions, 70s. per ton. 
Cut Flowers.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. 
s.d. 
s 
.d. 
s.d 
Abutilon, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
4 0 
Lilium Longiflorum, 
Acacia mimosa.French 
12 blooms . 
6 
0 
9 
0 
per bunch. 
0 
6 
1 0 
Marguerites, 12 bun... 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Anemone, 12 bunches 
Mignonette, 12 bun... 
i 
6 
3 0 
Arum Lilies, 12 blms. 
6 0 
S 0 
Pelargoniums, per 12 
Asters, 12 bunches 
sprays . 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Azalea, 12 sprays.... 
1 
0 
1 6 
— scarlet, 12 sprays.. 
0 S 
1 
0 
Bouvardias, per bun. 
0 
6 
1 0 
Poinsettia, doz. blms. 
4 
0 
s 
0 
Camellias, 12 blooms. 
3 
0 
6 0 
Primula, double, bun. 
0 9 
1 
6 
Carnations, 12 blooms 
1 
0 
3 0 
Primulas, Chinese, bun 
0 
6 
Carnations, 12 bunch. 
Roman Hyacinths, 12 
Chrysanthemums, 12 
1 
0 
2 
0 
blooms. 
0 
6 
3 0 
Roses (coloured) .... 
o 
0 
4 
0 
Chrysanthemums, 12 
Roses (indoors), doz. 
1 
0 
3 0 
bunches . 
4 
0 
12 0 
Roses, Tea, French,, 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Cyclamen, 12 blooms. 
0 
(3 
0 8 
Loses, red, per dozen 1 
(5 
o 
0 
Epiplivllums, 12blms. 
0 
6 
1 0 
Stephanolis, 12 sprays 
5 
0 
6 
0 
Eucharis, per dozen.. 
4 
0 
.6 0 
1 uberoses, per dozen. 
1 
0 
1 
8 
Gardenias, 12 blooms. 
4 0 
S 0 
Tulips, 12 blooms.... 
1 
0 
1 
3 
Heliotropes, 12 sprays 0 
6 
1 0 
Violet, 12 bunches .. 
1 
0 
i 
G 
Lapagevia, white, 12 
— Czar, French, per 
blooms . 
3 
0 
4 0 
bunch. 
1 
0 
1 
0 
Lapageria,red,12blms. 1 0 2 0 —Panne. 4 0 5 0 
While Jasmine, bun.. 0 6 0 9 
Plants in Pots.—Avers 
s.d. s.d. 
Aralia Sieboldi, doz. . 6 0 IS 0 
Arum Lilies, per doz.12 0 IS 0 
Asters, per doz. 
Begonias, per dozen.. 6 0 12 0 
Bouvardias, per dozen 9 0 IS 0 
Chrysanthemums, per 
dozen pots. 9 0 IS 0 
Cineraria, per dozen.. 10 0 12 0 
Cockscombs, per doz. 
Cyclamens, per dozenl2 0 24 0 
Cyperus, per dozen .. 4 0 12 0 
Dracaena term., doz. .30 0 60 0 
— viridis, per dozen 12 0 24 0 
Evergreens, in var., 
per dozen . 6 0 24 0 
Ferns, in var., doz. .. 4 0 IS 0 
Ficus elastica, each.. 16 7 0 
Fuchsias, per dozen.. 
age Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. s.d. 
Foliage Plants, vari¬ 
ous, each. 2 0 10 0 
Heaths or Erica, var., 
per dozen . 10 0 24 0 
Hyacinths, Roman, 
per dozen . 12 0 15 0 
Hydrangea, per dozen 
Lilium lancifolium, 
per dozen . 
Marguerites, per doz. 9 0 12 0 
Mignonette, per doz. 
Palms in variety, each 2 6 21 
Pelargoniums, doz. .. 
Pelargoniums,scarlet, 
per dozen . 40 60 
Poinsettia, per ddzenl2 0 IS 0 
Primula, single, doz.. 4 0 6 0 
Tulips, per dozen pots S 0 12 0 
