December 24, 1887. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
263 
than are the majority of smaller varieties. Perhaps 
“ D. ” will name Princess of Wales as his lean ideal of 
an incurved flower. I yield to no one in admiration of 
this variety, hut, notwithstanding that we cannot do 
without our Queensand Empresses. 
I fail to see why any one of the six kinds of these 
races are not as distinct from each other as any other 
two kinds in the incurved section ; for, after all, there 
is not so very much difference in the form of one variety 
from that of another. Compared with the Japanese class, 
the great difference in incurved kinds lies in their 
colours ; of course there is a difference in the character 
of varieties with narrow florets, compared to those 
possessing broad petals, but what I mean is that we 
have not that striking difference in form that there is 
in the Japanese section. 
While deprecating the “Queen” family, and agi¬ 
tating for the larger use of smaller varieties possessing 
quality, he loses sight of the fact that the best quality 
of an incurved bloom is more largely developed in the 
“Queen” and “Empress” family than can be found 
in any other of the smaller varieties—namely, depth of 
flower. This -is the first quality aimed at by the 
grower, and recognised by good judges as showing 
higher cultural skill. If depth of bloom is not the 
highest quality, perhaps “D.” will inform us what it 
is ? I fancy that were two stands set up of the varieties 
as named in my lists—one the large and the other 
smaller kinds—the latter stand would find very few 
admirers as compared- with the former. Even the 
largest growers would find a difficulty in competing in 
both classes, for the reason that a very large number of 
both varieties and plants would need to be grown, 
because dependence cannot be placed on all sorts each 
year. Sometimes one variety will fail to produce a 
single good bloom up to exhibition standard. In that 
case the result would be that very few people would 
grow the smaller kinds. Attention would be turned 
to the classes where the larger varieties would be 
allowed. 
I have yet to learn what grower would exclude 
either Barbara or Refulgens from any stand, even of 
twelve, if he could present them in good form. These 
two sorts are sure to find a place. Again, regarding a 
class of twelve, “ D.” says some limit should be placed 
upon duplicates. I am not aware that any society 
allows duplicates in so small a class as one of twelve, 
except “ D.” calls the varieties of the “Queen” and 
“Empress” duplicates. Surely these cannot be such. 
My idea of a duplicate flower is, say, for instance, two 
blooms of “Queen of England.” According to the 
dictum of “D.,’’ Hero of Stoke Newington and Princess 
Teck should not be staged in one stand. These two 
varieties are, however, wide enough apart, I fancy, for 
almost any one, be they ever so hard to please ; but 
from the ideas expressed by “D.,” they must not be 
placed together in classes of twelve. 
Turning now to the Japanese section, I have not yet 
met a judge who has a decided preference for any class 
of Japanese flowers to the detriment of other classes or 
types of this section. As far as I know' of the ways of 
others, they accord with mine, which is to adjudicate 
fairly upon the blooms as they appear before me w-hen 
acting in that capacity. Each variety has its merits 
accorded just as it is presented, without any regard to 
personal feelings on my part, and, 1 fancy, most j udges 
act in the same manner. Of course, extra weight is 
given to those varieties that are known to be difficult 
to obtain in the highest possible quality, whether they 
are of one class or another ; therefore I attach little 
importance to “D.’s” objection on this head, that 
exhibitors are unfairly treated by some with likes 
and dislikes for any particular class of the Japanese 
section. 
I think he would be a peculiar individual who had a 
preference for, say, Meg Merrilies, and ignored a very 
fine specimen of Madame C. Audiguier, or, again, 
J. Delaux in the opposite class, as placed by “D.” I 
venture to say such men are not to be found ; if they 
are, I should not look upon them favourably did 
I know they were appointed to judge my flowers. I 
think exhibitors need not trouble themselves seriously 
in this respect, because with the present system of 
point-judging mistakes seldom occur ; each flower, be 
it of whatever class, gets its full reward. Such is my 
experience, at all events, but, perhaps, that of “D.’s ” 
is different. 
From my remarks generally “ D.” will see I am not 
in harmony with his suggestions, but I willingly give 
the lists as desired to the best of my judgment. I do 
not think such radical changes as he suggests in the 
schedule arrangements is needed or looked for by 
exhibitors generally. My ideas of this are. borne out 
by the increased numbers annually at the leading 
shows, and by the large number of new societies which 
are springing up now in a Mushroom-like manner all 
over the country. Were the conditions as bad as 
“D.” would have us believe they are, the results 
would be exemplified by thinness of exhibitors rather 
than increase.— E. Molyneux. 
■ -— - 
Hardening ffoTES from 
fcOTLAND. 
♦ 
♦ 
Horticultural Supper in Edinburgh.— On 
the evening of the 16th inst. a horticultural supper 
took place at the Windsor Hotel, at w'hich there were 
present a representative gathering of the leading 
horticulturists about Edinburgh. Mr. W. Thomson, 
Clovenfords, presided, and Mr. Robertson Munro, 
and Mr. A. Mackenzie, acted as croupiers. In proposing 
the toast of “Scottish Horticulture,” the chairman 
gave an interesting account of Scotchmen who held a 
prominent position in horticulture half a century ago, 
amongst whom he mentioned Mr. Mackie, founder of 
the Clapton Nursery ; R. Buist, of Philadelphia ; 
Jackson, of Kingston; Kinghorn, of Richmond ; 
Glendinning and Munro, of Chiswick, and David Moore, 
of Glasnevin, and others ; and said if ever there was a 
time in the world’s history when it was important that 
the science of cultivation should be knowm in all its 
details, it was now. It was becoming a serious thing 
for the nation that there was, generally speaking, no 
class of tenants able to make the very best of the land 
they held. There was, he went on to say, an opening 
now for young gardeners, which did not exist twenty- 
eight years ago. He referred to the tea planting in 
India. Gardeners were altogether much better off than 
when he was a young man. Mr. Mackenzie, in 
responding, said he was often told that the present 
race of Scottish gardeners was not equal to that of the 
past. He believed they were, and that they would 
carry forward the triumphs of former generations, and 
hand them down to the coming generations. Mr. 
James Grieve, in a humorous speech, proposed “The 
Boyal Caledonian Horticultural Society, the Scottish 
Horticultural Association, and other kindred Societies.” 
Mr. D. P. Laird, of the Scottish Horticultural Associa¬ 
tion, who responded, referred to the proposed formation 
of a board of examiners of apprentice and journeymen 
gardeners, and said he thought young men who could 
produce certificates of proficiency in the science of 
horticulture, would be better qualified than many now- 
are, to uphold the reputation and dignity of the pro¬ 
fession. Horticultural improvement associations were 
now established all over the country, and young men 
who did not take advantage of them were blind to 
their own interests. The other toasts included “The 
Nursery and Seed Trade,” “Scottish Gardeners,” “ The 
Horticultural Builders,” “The Horticultural Press,” 
“The Market Gardeners and Florists,” and “The 
Nursery and Seed Employes.” 
Royad Horticultural Society of Aber¬ 
deen. —The acting directors of this society met on 
Wednesday, 14th inst, in the office of the secretary, 
Union Street, Aberdeen, Councillor Lyon presiding. 
Previous to commencing the business of preparing a 
prize schedule for 1888, the chairman drew attention to 
the death of Sir Francis W. Grant, Bart., of Monymusk, 
a gentleman who had taken great interest in the affairs 
of the society. It was unanimously agreed, on the 
motion of the chairman, that a deep expression of regret 
be recorded in the minutes of the society, and that an 
excerpt from the minute, along with a message of 
sympathy, be sent to Lady Grant in her bereavement. 
North of Scotland Horticultural Asso¬ 
ciation. —The members of this association held their 
usual fortnightly meeting in the Round Room, Music 
Flail Buildings, Aberdeen, on Friday evening, 16th 
inst. There was a capital turn-out of members, and 
Mr. D. M. Smith, vice-president, in the absence of the 
president, occupied the chair. The business on the 
agenda paper was a discussion on “Fruit, Flowers, 
Vegetables, and Plants.” An animated debate on these 
subjects was taken part in by a large number of those 
present. Mr. Alexander Robson, of Messrs. William 
Smith & Sons, presented to the association, on behalf 
of Sir Archibald Dunbar, Bart., of Northfield, Duffus 
House, Elgin, a pamphlet containing a record of Sir 
Archibald’s experiences for forty years in growing 
different kinds of hardy fruits ; and the secretary, Mr. 
William Reid, was requested to write a letter of thanks 
to the donor. Mr. Thompson, of Messrs. Cardno & 
Darling, exhibited a small greenhouse heating appar¬ 
atus of his own invention, which was warmed by 
paraffin instead of coals, and which was favourably 
commented on by the members. The two Gold Medals 
in connection with the competition to commemorate 
Her Majesty’s Jubilee, were presented to the successful 
competitors : Mr. Sira, Gatesidc, Banchory, was pre¬ 
sented with the Medal for the best essay on “The 
Principal Points to be considered in Judging Fruits, 
Flowers, Vegetables and Plants,” and Mr. Mackay, West- 
wood, received the other for “The best plan for the 
arrangement of a Kitchen Garden of one acre.” A Cer¬ 
tificate of Merit was awarded to Messrs. James Cocker 
& Sons, for a fine collection of Orchids. A vote of 
thanks to the chairman for presiding ended a most 
enjoyable evening. 
Brussels Sprouts, &c.-We notice Aigburth 
Brussels Sprouts highly spoken of (as it has often been 
before), and we never had that kind so satisfactory as it 
is this year. The crops are remarkably even, and the 
sprouts, though not so large as some kinds, are of fine 
form and remarkably firm. Dalkeith Brussels Sprouts 
are also extra good ; but for great size, the kind with 
the name of Scotch Saved out-distances all others, and 
are very firm, but somewhat irregular in growth. We 
always look upon this excellent vegetable as the most 
useful and profitable extant for winter use ; and from 
the Scotch Saved we expect to have the largest supply 
— proportionately to the number of plants—which we 
ever grew. It is one of the favourites of Mr. Downie, 
of Edinburgh, but we hope he may get his selection to 
come more equal in growth. The sprouts, if only for 
their size and firmness, are, undoubtedly,- worthy of 
careful saving. Very large sprouts are not, however, 
so much in favour with expert cooks as the even and 
smaller size, like the Aigburth. 
Turnips.—These have been unusually useful during 
the past season, and a quantity, which threatened from 
the heat of the soil and copious late rains to become 
useless for the present season’s supply, is now of much 
value. They were lifted during October and put closely 
in rows, covering the tubers with soil and firmly 
treading them ; the tops are still green, and though 
the roots have not swelled since their being placed 
under such conditions, they have remained thoroughly 
sound and tender. It is well to draw soil over Turnips 
now in rows, as a protection from very severe weather. 
Veitch’s Red is of special merit for present use, and all 
the yellow kinds are good if their colour should not be 
objectionable. Young Carrots covered with fine ashes 
are most useful throughout the winter, and last in good 
condition till those forced in frames can be reckoned 
upon to give regular supplies.— Caledonian. 
-- 
The Amateurs’ Garden. 
Hyacinths. —Where fire-heat has been employed, 
the earliest potted batches of the white Roman will 
now be in flower, and should be removed to the con¬ 
servatory or greenhouse or the windows of the dwelling 
house, as the case may be, where they will be appreciated - 
not only for the display they make at this dull season, 
of the year, but for the delicious fragrance which they 
diffuse through the house. This will be all the 
stronger and more perceptible if the temperature is 
moderately high. The festive season, when so much 
is required in the way of decoration, will also enhance 
their value for cut-flower work. It must be remembered, 
however, if their duration is of primary importance, 
that the lowest temperature consistent with growth 
will preserve the plants in presentable condition for 
the greatest length of time. In such low temperatures 
a comparatively dry atmosphere must be preserved, 
otherwise the purity of the flowers may become tinted, 
or even spotted, should moisture settle upon them 
owing to the lowness of the temperature. A cool dry 
atmosphere will induce them to grow slowly, preserving 
the foliage and the flower-stems within reasonable 
proportions, provided the plants are also kept near the 
light. 
Later batches now showing their crowns might be 
introduced from the frames or elsewhere, in which they 
have been plunged in ashes. This applies both to 
Roman and the larger-flowering Hyacinths, some of 
which are well forward, although they have not been 
subjected to any artificial heat whatever. Many lovers 
of these early flowers have no means of forcing them, 
either by properly constructed pits or hot-beds ; but 
