216 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
December 1, 1888.’ 
CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS. 
Liverpool. — November 20th and 21st. 
The ninth winter show organised by the Liverpool 
Horticultural Association was held in St. George’s Hall 
on the above dates. The wild stormy weather which 
prevailed on the opening day was most unfavourable ; 
during the judging a fierce storm of rain and hail, 
accompanied by vivid flashes of lightning and loud 
peals of thunder, combined with the fury of the wind, 
made matters most serious. The judging was carried 
on under the greatest difficulties, as it was completely 
dark at times. The past season has been a most un¬ 
favourable one for this society, and it will be greatly 
regretted by all who hear that, owing to the inclemency 
of the weather on the spring and summer show days, 
a loss of over £400 has been incurred. Great credit is 
due to Mr. Bridges, the energetic secretary and his 
hard-working committee, for the splendid and complete 
arrangements. As at most of the other similar 
exhibitions, the quality of the cut flowers was not up 
to the usual mark, the classes, however, were well filled 
and the competition very keen, the exhibition of Grapes 
in the fruit classes especially so. There were as many 
as twenty-two entries for two bunches of Alicante, 
and it is only fair to say that there was not a bad 
bunch of Grapes in the whole exhibition, while 
nearly 200 bunches were put up for competition. 
Specimen plants of Chrysanthemums were not up to 
their usual excellence. The centre of attraction 
lay in the competition for the 10 guineas and 
Silver Cup, for which there were five competitors— 
the honour falling most deservedly to Mr. John 
Jellicoe, gardener to F. H. Gossage, Esq., Camp Hill, 
"Woolton, who showed the following varieties, namely, 
Japanese: Boule d’Or, Avalanche, Criterion, Belle 
Paule, Elaine, Edwin Molyneux, Yal d’Andorre, 
Mons. Tarin, Golden Dragon, K. Brocklebank, Mrs. 
Laing, Meg Merrilies, Jean Delaux, Mons. J. Pigny, 
Madame Baco, &e. They formed a nice clean lot of fresh 
flowers, and were well staged ; Mr. Roberts, gardener 
to Miss Holt, was second ; and Mr. Cox, gardener to 
Yt T . H. Watts, Esq., third. For twenty-four incurved 
sorts, Mr. Burden, gardener to George Coekburn, 
Esq., Claughton, was first with the following varieties, 
Queen of England, Golden Empress, Beauty, Emily 
Dale, Alfred Salter, Empress of India, John Salter, 
Lord Alcester, &e., forming a good lot; Alfred Holl, 
Esq., Aigburth, was second. For eighteen incurved 
varieties, the first prize was well won by Mr. Osborne, 
gardener to H. J. Robinson, Esq., Woolton, who 
showed very well indeed ; Mr. Jellicoe was second. 
For twelve incurved varieties, Thomas Drysdale, Esq., 
stood first, and Mr. Cox second. For twelve incurved 
varieties, Mr. J. H. Kenlon, and for six incurved 
varieties, Mr. Frank Tobin took the first prizes. For 
twenty-four Japanese varieties, G. Coekburn, Esq., 
was first with a good lot; Mr. Jellicoe being second. 
For eighteen Japanese varieties, H. J. Robinson, Esq., 
was a good first, showing good blooms. For twelve, 
Thomas Drysdale, Esq., was first ; and J. D. Irwen, 
Esq., had the best six. The best six Anemones were 
shown by Mr. Cox ; and the best twelve. Pompons by 
James Lewis, Esq. 
Stove and greenhouse plants were shown in the usual 
way here, many old rivals again competing. Mr. Cox 
was first for six, and Mr. W. Clark for four, The first 
prize for Ferns went to D. de Ybarrondo, Esq., and 
that for one tree Fern to Mr. Cox. Orchids were fairly 
shown, the first prize for three going to H. J. Robinson, 
Esq., who showed Phalaenopsis amabilis, Odonto- 
glossum grande, and O. Rossii majus ; the second went 
to Henry Tate, Jun., Esq. (gardener, Mr. Edwards), 
who had Phalsenopsis grandiflora aurea, Lselia Perrinii, 
and Cypripedium Spicerianum ; the third went to 
D. de Ybarrondo, Esq. The best single specimen was 
shown by "W. C. Atkinson, Esq. ; the best specimen 
Calanthe by R. H. Heap, Esq., and the best three 
specimen Palms by F. H. Gossage, Esq. Epiphyllums, 
Primulas, Cyclamen, Mignonette, and Poinsettias were 
fairly shown; but the competition for six table plants 
produced a dozen competitors, the first being W. 
Maxwell, Esq. The same honour in a strong com¬ 
petition for pots of Roman Hyacinths was awarded to 
L. F. Bahr, Esq. ; these are always well shown here. 
For bouquets, Miss Todd was first in a strong com¬ 
petition, and in the open classes for the same, Mr. 
George Cashel. 
Fruit was shown in excellent condition. Although 
O 
the Apples and Pears were not up to the usual standard, 
considering the unfavourable season, they made a 
creditable display. The Grapes, however, made up for 
any deficiency in the fruit classes. For twelve dishes 
that most successful exhibitor, Mr. Goodacre, gardener 
to the Earl of Harrington, was an easy first, showing 
Golden Queen, Alicante, Muscat of Alexandria, 
and Gros Colmar Grapes, Smooth Cayenne Pine, good 
Melon, Coe’s Golden Drop Plum, and good dishes of 
Apples and Pears. For six dishes, A. R. Gladstone, 
Esq. (Mr. Thomas Elsworth, gardener), was first. For 
two Pine Apples (one of which was a splendid example 
of Smooth Cayenne, weighing 10 lbs. and upwards), 
Mr. Gleeson, gardener to the Duke of Newcastle, was 
deservedly first. Seldom do we see such fine 
examples of cultivation, for these were everything 
that could be desired. The best two bunches of black 
Grapes, Muscat flavour, were shown by Mr. Paterson, 
gardener to — Ferguson, Esq., who showed Mrs. Pince. 
For two bunches of Alicante, Mr. Elsworth, gardener 
to A. R. Gladstone, Esq., wa3 first with good examples, 
there being twenty-two competitors. For two bunches 
of black, any other kind, Mr. Paterson had the best, 
showing Barbarossa. For two bunches of white 
Muscats, R. Pilkington, Esq. (Mr. Middleton, gar¬ 
dener), was first, with splendid bunches highly finished. 
The best two bunches of white, any kind, were Golden 
Queen, from Mr. Collins, gardener to S. Smith, Esq., 
M.P. For four bunches, two white and two black, 
Mr. Goodacre was well to the fore amongst seven com¬ 
petitors. He showed grand examples of Mrs. Pearson, 
Lady Downes, Muscats, and Alicante. The same 
competitor took first for eight dishes of dessert Pears, 
also for six dishes of dessert Apples. 
Messrs. Ker & Son showed a grand group of 
Cyclamen well flowered and of good strain, and the 
new Begonia, John Heal, for which they received a 
Special Certificate. The Liverpool Horticultural Com¬ 
pany, Limited, showed a group of foliage plants, 
Ferns, Orchids, wreaths, and floral designs. The 
Messrs. Dicksons, Limited, of Chester, had a collec¬ 
tion of Apples ; as well as the Messrs. Rylance & Co., 
Ormskirk. Mr. H. Middlehurst had a collec¬ 
tion of Potatos. All were highly commended. An 
extra prize was granted to Mr. Bridge, the secretary, 
for three dishes of Tomatos, and a Commendation to 
Mr. Bramham for boilers and wirework.— Rusticus. 
Edinburgh ..—November 20 th and 21st. 
The Scottish Horticultural Association deserves well of 
the Edinburgh gardening public for its persistent efforts 
in promoting the cultivation of the Queen of Autumn, 
and it is a pleasure to record the fact that though the 
entries on the occasion of the recent show held in the 
Music Hall were not more numerous than last year, 
there was a noticeable improvement in the quality of 
the blooms staged. It was a bright and enjoyable little 
show, but unfortunately, owing to stormy wintry 
weather, a much smaller number of visitors enjoyed the 
pleasure of seeing it, than the executive would have 
liked to have seen present. 
The Association Challenge Cup for the best eighteen 
Japanese and eighteen incurved blooms, open only for 
competition to Scottish gardeners and amateurs, was won 
by Mr. Machattie, gardener to the Marquis of Lothian, 
Xewbattle, with a fine lot of blooms of all the leading 
sorts ; and Mr. Carruthers, gardener to Mrs. Fleming, 
Hillwood, Corstorphine, was a close second. In other 
competitions the first prizes went as follows : Twelve 
Japanese and twelve incurved : Mr. W. Hepburn, 
gardener, Erich Bank, Kirn, Argyll. Twelve 
incurved : Mr. A. M’Millan. Six incurved: Mr. 
Peter Mathieson. Twelve Japanese : Mr. W. Rushton, 
gardener, Clerwood, Corstorphine, with a specially fine 
stand. Mr. Rushton also had the best six Japanese, 
distinct; six Japanese, one variety ; and twelve blooms, 
reflexed. 
The display of fruit was not large, but certainly 
good, the hardy fruits and Pears being especially well 
represented. The best black Grapes came from Mr. 
Murray, Culzean Castle, Maybole ; and the best black 
from Mr. Machattie. Mr. Murray was also awarded 
Cultural Certificates for a collection of six Pine Apples, 
and for two bunches of Barbarossa Grapes weighing 
11 lbs. each. Mr. James Day, gardener to H. F. 
Broadhurst, Esq., Galloway House, Wigtonshire, 
showed the best collections of Apples and Pears. 
To the miscellaneous class Messrs. R. B. Laird & 
Sons contributed an attractive group of Chrysanthe¬ 
mums. There were over 100 blooms, mostly Japanese, 
including sixty varieties, and their beauty and fresh¬ 
ness were much admired. Messrs. Methven & Son had 
a fine group of Chrysanthemums in pots, and together 
the two firms just named decorated the orchestra with 
Palms in an effective way. Messrs. Dickson & Co., 
Pilrig and Liberton, had a large table in the centre of 
the hall, well stocked with an admirable selection of 
plants and flowers. Messrs. J. Dickson & Sons, 
Hanover Street, had also an attractive display of plants 
and flowers. Mr. Fairgrieve, Dunkeld, exhibited a 
model of his fruit tree protector in the shape of a 
canvas screen, constructed in a simple yet efficient 
manner. 
Birmingham. —November 21 st and. 22nd. 
The twenty-eighth annual exhibition of Chrysanthe¬ 
mums, fruit, and winter-flowering plants of the 
Birmingham and Midland Counties Horticultural 
Society took place in the Town Hall on the above date. 
The show, like many others this season, was not quite 
up to the average, but, taken all round, was most 
creditable. The arrangements were perfect, thanks to 
the energetic management of Mr. Hughes, the secretary, 
and his able staff, to whom great credit is due. The 
show was well attended, and the society most liberally 
issued free invitations to the various schools of Bir¬ 
mingham for the children to view the show on 
Wednesday. Over 1,000 of them, accompanied by 
their teachers, were admitted, and judging from the 
bright smiles upon the countenances of the youngsters, 
they seemed thoroughly to enjoy the treat. The 
organist of the Town Hall also gratuitously played*a 
selection of music during their stay upon the mag¬ 
nificent organ. Mr. Hughes, the secretary, too, hit 
upon a happy idea on behalf of the Gardeners’ Orphan 
Fund. He engaged two bright intelligent little girls, 
who paraded the hall on both days with a conspicuous 
box, announcing in plain terms the object of the 
collection, and I am pleased to say the appeal was 
responded to by many of the visitors. 
Specimen plants of Chrysanthemums were well done, 
especially those exhibited by Mr. Cooper, gardener to 
the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, M.P. His collection 
comprised Lady Hardinge, Queen of England, Pink 
Yenus, Lord Alcester, Prince of Wales, Empress of 
India, Golden Empress, and Barbara ; Sir Thomas 
Martineau (gardener, Mr. Braiser) was second ; and C. 
Showell, Esq. (gardener, Mr. F. Cooper), was third. For 
six large-flowering kinds, the Right Hon. J. Chamber- 
lain again held the first place ; Mrs. Marigold (gardener, 
Mr. Dye) was second. Sir Thomas Martineau was 
first for Pompons ; and the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain 
was first for single specimen Japanese, and also for a 
group of plants in a space of 80 sq. ft. The arrange¬ 
ment was good and the flowers of excellent quality ; 
J. A. Kendrick, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Cryer), was 
second. Primulas are always better done in Birming¬ 
ham than anywhere else, and the growers fully 
maintained this reputation — both amateurs and 
nurserymen showing magnificently. Messrs. T. B. 
Thompson & Sons took leading honours amongst the 
nurserymen; whilst Mrs. Marigold and Mr. H. Elkington 
were the most successful amongst the amateurs. For 
six stove and greenhouse plants Mr. Finch, gardener to 
J. Marriott, Esq., Coventry, was first ; Mrs. Marigold 
being second. For six Orchids C. Winn, Esq., was 
the only exhibitor, and was worthily awarded the 
prize. Mignonette, Poinsettias and Cyclamens were 
fairly done, but call for no special comment. 
Cut flowers of Chrysanthemums were shown in quan¬ 
tities, the quality of the leading exhibits being 
remarkably good considering the fickle season we have 
just passed through. Mr. R. Parker, gardener to J. 
Corbett, Esq., M.P., Droitwich, proved himself again 
invincible, winning the leading prize (£10) in grand 
style and showing most meritoriously. Amongst his 
forty-eight blooms he had the following Japanese: 
R, Brocklebank, Avalanche, E. Molyneux, M. C. 
Audiguier,Meg Merrilies, Boule d’ Or,BaronnedePrailly, 
Carew Underwood, M. J. Pigny, Duchess of Albany, 
Thunberg, Mrs. H. Cannell, &c. ; and amongst 
incurved, Alfred Salter, Queen of England, Golden 
Empress of India, Lord Alcester. Mr. Lindsey, 
gardener to Sir Thos. E. Moss, Otterspool, took the 
second prize ; and Mr. Forster, gardener to A. Heggat, 
Esq., the third. In the class for twelve incurved and 
twelve Japanese, Mr. Parker was again first. For 
eighteen incurved, Mr. Lindsey was first. The first 
prize for twelve Japanese was taken by Mr. Parker; 
that for twelve Anemone-flowered, by Mr. Cooper ; for 
twelve blooms grown within four miles of Birmingham, 
by Mrs. Marigold ; for twenty-four, under the same 
conditions, by Sir Thomas Martineau. The first 
prize for bouquets, shown by nurserymen, was taken by 
Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Coventry ; the second by 
Messrs. Pope & Sons. A. W. Mills, Esq., was first 
in the amateurs’ class ; J. Marriott, Esq., had the 
best table epergne, and C. H. Kendrick, Esq., the 
best three button-holes. 
Fruit was shown in first-rate condition. Mr. Pratt, 
