November 27, 1886. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
203 
ORCHID NO TES AND GLEANINGS. 
Dendrobium hercogdossum.— This last of 
Messrs. F. Sander & Co.’s additions to the useful 
genus Dendrobium proves to be a very distinct, pretty 
and floriferous plant. The plants at St. Albans, which 
are only 1 ft. or 15 ins. in height, have been covered 
with sprays of three and four blusli-wliite flowers. The 
flowers at first sight remind one of those of D. adun- 
cum ; but those of D. hereoglossum are larger and 
have a peculiar inflation of the labellum and lower 
sepals enclosing its base. The violet-coloured cap to 
the column adds much to the attraction of the flowers, 
which will prove useful for all those purposes for which 
neatly-formed flowers are required. It has also been in 
flower with Mr. John Laing, at the Forest Hill Nur¬ 
series, for some time .—James O’Brien. 
Epidendrum xanthinum. — A grand inflo¬ 
rescence of this rare and pretty Orchid grown by Mr. 
Spencer, the gardener at Goodrich Court, Eoss, is 
submitted to us for inspection. It consists of a dense 
terminal head of about 200 bright golden yellow 
flowers, each 1 in. across, and even with this large 
number of flowers the point of the spike shows in¬ 
dications of its having stopped long before all the buds 
were put forth. The three-lobed labellums are curiously 
fringed, and a peculiar prominent tubercle occupies the 
centre of the lip. It has the habit of E. ellipticum 
(crassifolium), and was originally named E. ellipticum 
flavum, but the plant is so distinct that it cannot easily 
be confounded with any other species. It lasts a long 
time in flower, and is a very desirable plant. 
Cymbidium affine.—The true variety of this, 
which received a First Class Certificate at the Eoyal 
Horticultural Society three years ago, and was figured 
in the Orchid Album, is again in flower in the col¬ 
lection of G. Nevile Wyatt, Esq., Lake House, 
Cheltenham, under Mr. Simcoe’s care. The noble plant 
has seven spikes of flower, averaging ten blooms on a 
spike. The expanded flowers are 4 ins. across, pure 
white, with the exception of the broad three-lobed 
labellum, which is blotched and spotted with crimson 
up to the base, a double ridge of yellow also running 
up the middle of the lip. Single blooms of some of the 
varieties of C. Mastersii may be taken for C. affine, but 
when seen in the presence of the true plant, they 
cannot be mistaken for it. 
AngTseeum sesquipedale. — The large im¬ 
portation of fine specimens of this plant, which is now 
to be seen in the Orchid houses of Messrs. Hugh Low 
& Co., at the Clapton Nurseries, will be a welcome 
sight to many who have long coveted a good example 
of this grand Orchid, but have been prevented from 
obtaining it on account of the high price really good 
plants have hitherto realised. A good many of the 
specimens recently imported by Messrs. Low are equal 
in vigour to the best-grown established plants, and far 
preferable to many established specimens. A grand lot 
of the true AngrEecum Ellisii, the pure white A. 
articulatum, the rare and pretty Aerantlies Curnowiana 
and other rare and some probably new Madagascarian 
plants, also came in the same importation, and travelled 
so well, that their numerous flower-spikes are pushing 
as vigorously as possible. 
Labelling Plants in Pots.— I wish some of 
your correspondents would tell me the best means of 
naming or numbering my plants so as to secure the 
identity of each. I am a beginner, but have already 
collected enough plants to experience some difficulty in 
the matter, and to see that it is time to grapple with 
the question. Doubtless some of your correspondents 
will kindly assist me through your columns.— B. N. 
Orchid Prices. —At Mr. Stevens’ sale of flower¬ 
ing Orchids, &c., on the 18th inst., a magnificent 
specimen of Lrelia anceps Sanderiana, with 150 bulbs, 
twenty-four leads, and fine extra strong flower spikes, 
realised 44 guineas. A plant of Cypripedium Bois- 
slerianum, in flower, fetched 18 guineas. 
-- 
CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS. 
The National. — Nov. 21th .—The Floral Com¬ 
mittee of this society held a meeting at the Eoyal 
Aquarium on Wednesday, and a more miserably foggy 
day for holding a meeting of this kind can scarcely be 
conceived. The light was so bad that it was with the 
utmost difficulty that the colours could be distinguished, 
and this will, in some measure, account for the small 
number of First Class Certificates awarded; and it is 
just possible that out of the very large collection of 
flowers sent up, in a good light, some that were passed 
over in the fog, will obtain the honours they deserve. 
Syringa, a large lilac-rose Japanese, with twisted 
incurved florets, exhibited by Mr. Martin, of Dartford, 
was commended. Mr. E. Brocklebank, a rich golden 
sport of Meg Merrilies, retaining the habit of the parent, 
a plant exhibited by Mr. Works worth, of Liverpool, 
received a First Class Certificate. D. B. Chapman, a 
large full flowered rose-carmine Japanese, exhibited by 
Mr. Sullivan, of Eoehampton, also received a First Class 
Certificate. Pelican, a variety which received a First 
Class Certificate last year, seems very much inclined to 
vary its form ; it is a large creamy white, with twisted 
and curly petals ; and both Eobert Bottomly and Mrs. 
II. Cannell (Cannell & Son), were considered not 
sufficiently distinct to receive attention. Charles Hale, 
a Japanese, exhibited by Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, 
was commended. Iona, an orange-brown fimbriated 
hybrid, sent by Mr. Ware, was commended as a decorative 
variety ; Eubra perfecta, a dark velvety brown reflexed 
pompon, exhibited by Mr. W. E. Boyce, of Highgate, 
received a First Class Certificate ; Mr. Norman Davis, 
a very pretty yellow sport from Princess Teck, exhibited 
by Mr. Mizen, of Mitcham, also receivedaFirst Class Cer¬ 
tificate. Mr. Owen, of Maidenhead, staged a very good 
white reflexed flower, under the name of Mrs. Glover, 
which was considered to correspond in every degree with 
La Vierge, and not distinct enough for an award. For 
the following, two First Class Certificates were awarded 
to Messrs. Cannell & Son, Swanley:—Mrs. William 
Holmes, a lilac anemone, said to belong to the large- 
flowering varieties, but as shown, although a compact 
flower, can scarcely be classed as an exhibition bloom ; 
L’Or du Japon, a Japanese, with broad bronze petals, 
shading to gold in the centre. Moonlight, a pure white 
Japanese, and a very full flower of excellent merit, was 
exhibited by Mr. Kendall, of Eoehampton, and received 
a First Class Certificate. 
Liverpool. — Nov. 2-3 rd and 24 th. —In the dreariest 
of November weather, this show was opened in St. 
George’s Hall, and]“ Better than ever ” was the general 
verdict. Great credit is due to Mr. Bridge, the 
energetic secretary, and the committee for the perfect 
arrangements they made for the benefit of all. The 
attendance was very large, and we trust the results 
may be beneficial to the society, for it well deserves it. 
Miscellaneous stove and greenhouse plants were 
shown well, especially the first prize six, exhibited by 
Mr. Cox. Table plants were staged in quantity, and 
good in quality. Orchids were shown well if not 
numerous, and the first prize for three went to Mr. 
Edwards, gardener to H. Tate, Junr., Esq., Allerton, 
who had a magnificent Oncidium varicosum, with two 
large branching spikes ; Cattleya intermedia alba and 
Phalsenopsis grandiflora. Primulas and Cyclamen were 
only fair, as w T ere Poinsettias, except those awarded 
the first prize, which were good. Koman Hyacinths 
were shown in great quantities, the first prize lots 
being good. There were nine competitors. Tree 
Mignonette was done well, as were also Epiphyllums. 
Than the first prize lot of forty-eight blooms, twenty- 
four Japanese and twenty-four incurved, we have never 
seen better. They were staged by Mr. Eoberts, gar¬ 
dener to W. D. Holt, Esq., West Derby; the flowers 
were large, well-developed and beautifully put up. 
The premier flowers of the show in incurved and 
Japanese were both found in the first prize stand in 
the other class, exhibited by Mr. Wilson, gardener to 
J. Eeynolds, Esq., Sandford Park, the incurved being 
a grand Lord Alcester, and the Japanese, Boule d’Or. 
We have seen better specimen incurved plants, but 
never such fine pompons ; these were splendidly done, 
as were also the standards. 
As regards cut flowers, never were the like se.en 
here before, as the incurved were better than those we 
liave’seen at the southern shows, and the Japanese were 
good too. The quantity shown was far in excess of any 
seen here previously, and the competition very keen. 
The prize offered for six incurved and six Japanese—for 
those who have never won a prize—brought forward 
many new beginners, showing how popular this 
winter favourite is held in the neighbourhood ; and 
the manner in which many exhibited for this their 
maiden attempt, was highly creditable, and in the 
future we may expect to see them holding prominent 
positions. 
Again, in the case of fruit, never was there a finer 
lot all round, seen in the hall than that staged at 
this show. There were 150 bunches of Grapes alone, 
and the quality, considering the quantity, was excellent. 
The same may be said of the collection of Apples and 
Pears—fine clean fruit of the latter and wonderfully 
well coloured. The Muscats from Sir Thomas Moss, 
Otterspool (Mr. Lindsay, gardener), were very fine in 
bunch and well-finished ; the Mrs. Pince, from Mr. 
Hollingsworth, we seldom see so fine, either in bunch, 
berry or finish. The Gros Colmar, from Mr. Goodacre, 
were similar to those shown by him at the Aquarium, 
which were so much admired ; this exhibitor was 
also successful in the collection of twelve dishes. 
Messrs. Kerr & Sons put up one of the finest groups 
ever seen in the hall, consisting of well-grown Cyclamen 
of a very fine strain, beautiful Eomau Hyacinths, &c. 
These were splendidly arranged, the ground-work being 
composed of Maiden-hair, nicely relieved with Cocos 
Weddeliana. This was deservedly awarded a very 
Highly-Commended Certificate. The Liverpool Horti¬ 
cultural Co., Garston, received a similar award for a 
collection of Chrysanthemums (miniature), well-grown 
and exceedingly well-flowered ; also some good Heaths, 
Ferns, etc., producing a fine effect. Messrs. F. & A. 
Dickson, Chester, were highly commended for a group 
of Carnations well-flowered, a collection of fruits, &c. 
Messrs. H. Fislock & Sons were highly commended for 
wreaths, crosses, sprays, well done ; Messrs. W. Cutbush 
& Son, of London, received a similar award for mis¬ 
cellaneous plants. Fruit was shown also by Messrs. 
Eylauce and Mr. George Smith, consisting of many 
fine samples ; and Messrs. E. Webb & Sons also 
showed collections of Potatos from Stourbridge. 
St. Peter’s, Hammersmith, and District. 
■— Nov. 11th. —Small exhibitions have their uses as well 
as large ones, because they are designed to encourage 
local efforts, and this is one of the main objects kept in 
view by this society. It is an humble but honest 
endeavour to encourage the culture of these, and provide 
an exhibition of the same in one of the-most unlovely 
parts of the metropolis. A few working men banded 
together to let a little sweetness and light mingle with 
the lives of the inhabitants of the St. Peter’s district ; 
and that, too, at a season of the year when rain, fog and 
dull dark days shut out from view almost every aspect 
of natural beauty. These working men are philan¬ 
thropists in the truest sense of the word, and it is a 
source of sorrow to me that they are not suqiported, as 
they deserve to be, by the better class of inhabitants. 
St. Peter’s schoolroom is hardly a cheerful one at 
best, but it looked pretty and bright when we walked 
into it on the above date, though the rain fell, and the 
lowering clouds appeared to frown upon the efforts of 
Mr. Finch and his helpers. Plants at the sides, with 
cut flowers and fruit down the middle, had taken the 
place of boys poring over their lessons with Mr. Davey 
in supreme command. The principal class was for 
twelve incurved and twelve Japanese varieties, open to 
Hammersmith and the adjoining parishes, and here 
Mr. Davis, gardener to.H. G. Lake, Esq., Fairlawn 
House, South Acton, w T as first; second, Mr. Stanton, 
gardener to H. Smith, Esq., Griffin Brewery, Chiswick; 
third, Mr. Wood, gardener to Mr. Sanderson, Heathfield 
Terrace, Chiswick. In the division open only to gar¬ 
deners, the best six incurved and six Japanese came 
from Mr. Lampard, gardener, Chiswick, and Mr. 
Stanton. The best six Japanese, one variety, came from 
Mr. Wood, wffio had charming blooms of Mdlle. 
Lacroix; Mr. Lampard being second with Album 
plenum. Mr. Lampard had the best six incurved 
of one variety, having Empress of India ; Mr. Wood 
being second with Eve. 
In the amateurs’ class for six incurved and six 
Japanese, Mr. Farrow, St. Peter’s Grove, Hammer¬ 
smith, was first ; and Mr. Woodhouse, St. Peter’s 
Grove, second. Mr. Jones, St. Peter’s Grove, had 
the best six of each section in the competition confined 
to members only ; second, Mr. Woodhouse; third, 
Mr. Nelson, 21, St. Peter’s Koad. In the way of 
plants, the best twenty Chrysanthemums in pots, 
arranged for effect, came from Mr. Finch, West 
End, the hon. secretary, he being the only ex¬ 
hibitor, and they well deserved the prize awarded 
to them. The best eighteen in the amateurs’ class 
came from Mr. Thompson, Flora Gardens, Dalling 
Eoad, Hammersmith ; second, Mr. Nelson ; third, Mr. 
Woodhouse. Mr. Wood had the best three Primulas, 
Mr. Lampard being second. Mr. Woodhouse had the 
best three Selaginellas, Mr. Nelson being second. Mr. 
Farron had the best three Isolepis, Mr. Woodhouse 
being second. In the amateurs’ class for three Primulas, 
Mr. Jones was first, and Mr. Woodhouse second. 
Certificates of Merit were awarded to Mr. D. Dowell, 
