October, 2, 1886. 
78 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
have added single Dalilias. Reforms were taken up in 
all directions, and so he goes on. Now the question 
is, are those reforms wise or desirable to the extent 
suggested ? Should we cast away our old familiar and 
favourite flowers that have been held in high esteem 
for many years in the past ? I am sure they will be 
regarded for many years to come. 
But my intention is not to find fault with plaudits of 
any flower ; merely to call attention to the curious 
freaks that human tastes are subject to. They turn 
and return to the same thing. A plant at one time in 
the highest estimation, lost, revived again with renewed 
honours a few years later. 
To produce a double flower in any class has always 
been the height of a gardener’s ambition, and double 
flowers have been appreciated by the whole community. 
A double flower always took precedence. There is no 
doubt this is an extreme view. There are many single 
flowers which, for distinctness of colour and exquisite 
lines, will always be held in admiration. But in 
general, double flowers, I think, will always have the 
preference. Double flowers are extra efforts of Nature, 
and we may admire them just in the same ratio that 
we admire an elaborate piece of mechanical work from 
the hand of man. The fact is, that the [simplicity of 
the design enables many to grasp wherein the beauty 
lies, whereas in the double forms the work is more in¬ 
tricate, and requires a higher education to be able to 
balance and distinguish the details of the subject. 
Single Dahlias, I admit, are very beautiful in their 
chaste lines and colours ; but when we look into the 
double forms and note the more extensive formation 
with the same distinctness, their petals so regularly set, 
we must allow them the preference It may be (as it 
is) called stiffness by some, but I fail to see it in that 
light. For many years past the perfect formation of a 
flower has been the great criterion by which judgment 
has been given of their merits, and I’m sure will hold 
its own for many a day to come. 
I do not wish to be thought as condemning single 
flowers ; but I do so when it is with the intention of 
degrading other old favourites, such as the double 
Dahlia. I only wish to shew where such notions will 
carry us, not only in this but in many things. How 
often do we see plants discarded for years, even lost, 
and yet reappear in popular appreciation, as if they had 
never been abandoned. Is fickleness a law of Nature ? 
For the advancement of the profession it is perhaps 
well it should be so to some extent. There is an old 
saying, and often true, that changes are lightsome, and 
fools are fond of them ; but I would say it in another 
form for this subject: Changes are lightsome, and we 
all should be fond of them when they do not detract 
from the merits of old floral friends. Give us the single 
Dahlia, I say, or any other single flower. It need not 
interfere with our love for the double ones. 
Freaks of fancy are all the more curious because they 
have generally tended to detract from their parent 
forms. At the present day single Roses are the 
applauded ; but who would dare to place them on the 
same level or as superior to the double ? No one will 
try this, I am sure. 
There are many freaks of fancy just as curious in 
regard to other matters in connection with plants as 
this. When a new plant is first introduced with the 
slightest deviation from its parent, it receives signal 
praise over its predecessor because it is slightly different, 
though without any mark of superiority, just because 
it can be called a new one, and for a time may carry 
one away by mere novelty. But eventually novelty 
palls. We appear to hold, as the Scotchman does, that 
all new things are bonnie (pretty). This is not always 
true when compared justly with the older ones. The 
aspirations to acquire new things, is perhaps, one of 
the best traits anyone can have. I love it, because the 
effort gives you personal insight into the merits of the 
novelty, and enables you to judge for yourself, and 
satisfies a craving to see that which we have heard of. 
I have no blame to attach to parties recommending 
novelties. In many instances they may see beauty in 
their productions which we cannot. It is thus in every 
line we follow, and so we must put up with it, I suppose, 
to the end.—Ah Robertson, in American Gardeners’ 
Monthly. 
The second annual exhibition of the Sheffield xYND 
West Riding Curt s an them r s i Society will be held 
in the Corn Exchange, Sheffield, on November 19th 
and 20th. 
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 
PRESTON AND FDLWOOD. 
On Saturday evening last the annual meeting of 
the Treston and Fulwood Horticultural Society was 
held, under the presidency of Mr. W. Swan. There 
was a fine attendance, including Messrs. J. B. Dixon 
(treasurer), J. Atherton (secretary), W. Troughton, 
E. Payne, C. Parker, A. Waters, R. Frisby, Henry 
Terry, P. Whittle, P. Haworth, John Letts, John 
Williams, P. Gannon, J. Royle, and W. Bardney 
(Liverpool). 
Mr. Atherton read the eighth annual report of the 
committee, in which they tendered their sincere thanks 
to all who by their liberal support enabled the Society 
to continue its beautiful annual displays of the choicest 
of nature’s productions. The show held in March was 
one of the best gatherings they had held, for in addition 
to the fine display of plants and flowers, two evening 
concerts were given, in which four eminent vocalists 
took part. This proved one of the most enjoyable 
attractions the society had provided, and which 
the committee hoped to repeat. The committee with 
pleasure could state that they had a balance in hand of 
£8 7s. 9| d. This was exceedingly gratifying, especially 
considering the large sum paid for the concerts. The 
committee thanked Col. Wilson and Geo. Galloway, Esq., 
for the support they had rendered to the society ; 
J. B. Dixon for his untiring exertions as treasurer ; the 
mayor and chairman of the Parks Committee, for per¬ 
mitting Mr. Rowbotham, their curator, to again send 
a splendid collection of plants ; and to Mr. William 
Troughton, for the excellent display of plants and 
other floral decorations that did much to enhance the 
beauty of the hall. 
Mr. J. B. Dixon submitted the balance sheet, which 
set forth that the receipts of admission to the exhibition 
were £48 14s. 2d., subscriptions £96 10s. 6 d., and 
sundries, making the total into £160 3s. 0 \d. There 
were expended for vocalists £17 17s., band £12 2s., 
prizes £64 12s. 9 d., and other items, making the total 
spent, £151 15s. 2>d., thus leaving in hand £8 7s. 9\d. 
Mr. Payne moved the adoption of the report and 
balance sheet. He remarked that they were in a very 
flourishing condition, thanks to the efficient manner 
in which then- secretary and treasurer fulfilled their 
duties. He hoped that success would continue to 
attend their efforts. Mr. Charles Parker seconded the 
proposition, which was adopted. The election of 
officers was then proceeded with. The chairman 
proposed that the president of the society be E. Garlick, 
Esq., J.P., who had given them a forecast of the 
manner in which he would fulfil his duties by his 
regular attendance at their monthly meetings. Mr. 
Waters seconded the motion, and it was carried with 
acclamation. Mr. Atherton moved that J. B. Dixon, 
Esq., be re-appointed treasurer. In seconding the 
proposition, Mr. Troughton said no society in the 
country had a better treasurer than they had, and 
when they had got a good man it was then- duty to 
stick to him.—Carried. Mr. Dixon tendered his 
thanks for the honour conferred upon him, and assured 
the members that he would have pleasure in again 
performing the duties. The chairman proposed that 
Mr. John Atherton be re-elected secretary ; he had 
fulfilled the duties with efficiency for several years, 
and as a mark of their appreciation of his services, 
they, a few months ago, made him and his wife 
beautiful presents. Mr. Terry seconded, and Mr. 
Payne supported the motion, remarking that they 
were greatly indebted to Mr. Atherton for his past 
services.—Carried. In acknowledging the compli¬ 
ment, Mr. Atherton promised to further the interests 
of the Society to the utmost of his ability. If 
they would all pull together success would reward 
their efforts. The following committee was appointed : 
Messrs. W. H. Wilding, J. B. Jones, E. Payne, Jno. 
Letts, Jas. Rigg, R. Frisby, J. Royle, J. Healey, C. 
Parker, E. Sendall, Ply. Winwood, J. Newton, P. 
Whittle, J. Robinson, R. Leazell, P. Haworth, W. 
Willan, T. Moss, J. Starkie, Hy. Terry, W. P. Roberts, 
Geo. Hutchinson, W. Swan, A. Waters, Jas. Clark, 
W. Troughton, Jno. Williams, and P. Gannon, with 
power to add to their number. It was further resolved 
that a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Swan, 
Newton, Roberts, P. Haworth, and J. Royle, prepare 
the schedule for the forthcoming spring exhibition. 
The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the 
chairman. 
QUESTION'S AND ANSWERS. 
Fuchsias. —■/. H. L.: Keep them in the cool greenhouse, and 
reduce the supply of water until the wood is well ripened and 
the leaves fall off. During the winter keep them in a cool place, 
hut out of the reach of frost, and keep the soil on the dry side, 
hut not dust dry. Early in February prune them hack to the 
well-ripened wood, and put them in a gentle heat to start into 
growth. When this commences shake'out the old soil, repot 
them, and grow them on liberally in a warm greenhouse until 
you can safely put them out of doors. By giving them a good 
compost, liberal shifts, and careful watering, you should have 
fine plants in August. 
Nawes of Plants. — Q, R.: 1, Hieraceum aurantiacum ; 
2, Chelone barbata ; 3, Leucanthemum maximum ; 4, Agrostemma 
coronaria ; 5, Lychnis chalcedoniea fl. pi. ; 6, Bocconia cordata ; 
7, Claytonia sibirica. IF. D. Marks: A very tiny specimen. 
Please send bulb and leaf showing manner of .flowering, or, if 
that.is not possible, describe growth, and say how the flowers are 
produced, and how many on a spray. •/. Morrison : 1, Den- 
drobium chrysanthum ; 2, Diplacus glutinosus ; 3, Begonia, not 
recognised. J. B. K.: 1, Polemonium Richardsonii 2, Abelia 
rupestris; 3, Anemone japonica Honorine Jobert ; 4, Hieraeeum 
aurantiacum; 4, Aster Amellus. Peter Wilkinson: 1, Asplenium 
biforme; 2, Davallia bullata ; 3, Lomaria spicant ; 4, Polystichum 
aculeatum cristatum ; 5, Polypodium vulgare. 
. Names of Fruits. — J. Jones, Tamu-orth: 1, Denver’s Victoria ; 
2, Pond’s Seedling; 3, Washington ; 4, Coe’s Golden Drop ; 
5, Magnum Bonum (fine); 6, Belle de Septembre. W. Martin : 
1, Paradis d’Automne; 2, Bergamotte d’Esperen ; 3, Glou 
Morceau; 4, Catillae; 5, Beurre de Capiaumont ; 6, Jersey 
Gratioli. E. Eayu-ard : The numbers nearly all got loosened from 
the fruits, so that we have no means of distinguishing them. 
1 and 5 are Ribston Pippin, so is another without a number. 
The round fruit is Cox’s Orange Pippin, and the two small ones, 
Colonel Vaughan. J. C .: A small fruit of Beurre de l’Assomptton. 
Communications Received.- M. C. (next week)— J. W.— 
M. T.—C. F. H.—North Wales.—R. G. W.—B. L.— E. J.—J. A. 
—H. W. W.—W. P.—W. H. * 
-- 
TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. 
H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley Kent.—The Best Plants to 
flower all the Winter, Bulbs, &c. 
John Hiscock, 107d, Queen’s Road, Peckham, S.E. —Hardy 
Bulbous and other Flower Roots. 
-- 
LONDON SEED TRADE. 
September 29th, 1886. 
Messrs. Hurst & Son, 152, Houndsditch, and 39, 
Seed Market, Mark Lane, report a slow sale for Winter 
Tares and Rye. Clover Seeds and Rye Grasses offer 
freely without finding buyers. Blue Peas sell slowly 
at lower rates. Canary Seed steady ; Hemp and 
Linseed is neglected. 
--—>V<-- 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET. 
September 30th. 
Fruit.—Average Wholesale Prices 
s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. 
Apples, £ sieve. 1 6 3 6 Peaches, per doz. 3 0 9 0 
Cherries, \ sieve _ Pine-apples, St. 
Currants, £ sieve_ Michaels, each_2 6 SO 
Grapes.per lb. 0 6 2 0 Pine-apples, Eng., Ih. 2 0 3 0 
Kent Cobbs. .100 lbs. 55 0 Plums, £ sieve . 0 9 2 0 
Melons, .each 1 0 2 0 Strawberries .. per lb. 
Vegetables.—Average Retail Prices. 
s.d. s.d. 
Artichokes, Globe,doz. 2 0 3 0. 
Beans, French, per lb. 0 4 
Beet, per dozen. 2 0 3 0 
Cabbages_per doz. 2 0 2 6 
Carrots, per hunch ..06 
Cauliflowers, English, 
per dozen . 30 50 
Celery, per bundle ..16 26 
Cucumbers, each .... 0 6 0 9 
Endive, French, doz. 2 6 3 6 
Herbs, per bunch.... 0 2 0 4 
s.d. s.d. 
Horse Radish, bundle 3 0 5 0 
Lettuces ..per dozen 1 C 
Mushrooms, p. basket 10 2 0 
Onions, per bushel ..4 0 6 0 
Parsley, per hunch ..06 
Radishes, per dozen.. 1 6 
Small salading,punnet 0 4 
Spinach, per strike ..2 0 
Tomatos, per lb.0 9 
Turnips_ perbun. 0 6 
PoTATOs.- Kent Regents, 80s. to 100s. per ton; Kent Kidneys, 
80s. to 100s. per ton ; Champions, 70s. per ton. 
Cut Flowers.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. s.d. 
Asters, dozen hunches 2 £) 4 0 
Arum Lilies, 12 blms. 4 0 6 0 
Bouvardias, per bun. 0 6 10 
Carnations, 12 blooms 10 3 0 
Carnations .. 12 bun. 
Cornflower ..12 hull. 
Delphinium . .12 bun. 
Daisies, common, 
12 bunches 2 0 4 0 
Eucharis, per dozen.. 3 0 5 0 
Forget-me-not or Myo- 
sotis, 12 bunches ..2 0 4 0 
Gardenias, 12 blooms. 2 6 4 0 
Gladioli .. 12 sprays 10 2 0 
Heliotropes, 12 sprays 0 6 
Lapageria,red,12blms. 10 2 0 
Lilium longiflorum, 
12 blooms 4 0 6 0 
s.d. s.d. 
Liliums in variety, 
dozen bunchesl2 0 24 0 
Marguerites, 12 bun... 3 0 6 0 
Mignonette, 12 bun... 10 3 0 
Pelargoniums, per 12 
sprays. 09 10 
— scarlet, 12 sprays.. 0 3 0 6 
Primula, double, bun. 0 6 10 
Pyrethrum, 12 bnclis. 2 0 4 0 
Roses ... .12 hunches 2 0 6 0 
Roses (coloured) .... 0 9 10 
Roses, Tea per dozen 0 9 2 0 
Stephanotis, 12 sprays 16 3 0 
Sweet Peas, doz. bch. 16 3 0 
Sweet Sultan, 12 bun. 3 0 4 0 
Tropieolums . 10 20 
Tuberoses, per dozen. 0 4 0 9 
White Jasmine, bun. 0 6 0 9 
Plants in Pots.—Average Wholesale Prices. 
s.d. 
Aralia Sieholdi, doz.. 6 0 IS 0 
Asters, per dozen.... 3 0 6 0 
Balsams_per doz. 
Begonias, per dozen.. 6 0 12 0 
Chrysanthemums, doz. 4 0 12 .0 
Cockscombs, per doz. 
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 76 
s.d. s.d. 
Foliage Plants, vari¬ 
ous, each. 0 10 2 0 
Fuchsia, per doz. 3 0 6 0 
Gladioli, 12 pots _ 
Hydrangea . . per doz. 
Liliums_ per doz.12 0 30 0 
Marguerites, per doz. 6 0 !> o 
Mignonette, per doz. 4 0 6 0 
Palms in variety, each 2 6 21 0 
Pelargoniums, doz. .. 
Pelargoniums,scariet, 
per dozen . 30 60 
Petunias, per doz. ... 
