April 25, 1896. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
547 
NEWCASTLE SPRING FLOWER SHOW. 
This annual event opened on the 15th inst., and was 
continued next day, under very favourable conditions 
as to weather. The show was considered the best 
ever held by the society at this period of the year. 
The spring flowering bulbs were decidedly the 
feature of the exhibition, and the competition in 
some of the classes for Hyacinths was exceedingly 
keen. In one case the judges had to split a point 
between the first and second prize lots. The double 
Tulips were also unusually fine. Table decoration 
and bouquets received a large amount of attention 
owing to their conspicuous character. Orchids 
played an important part, and were considered finer 
than usual. Lord Ravensworth (gardener, Mr. 
Oliver), Eslingfon, had an exhibit of hardy Prim¬ 
roses and Violets of a new kind that came in for a 
a large share of attention. 
In the open division for plants in bloom, the lead¬ 
ing award for effect, was taken by Mr. J. McIntyre. 
He was followed by Mr. J. Wood, Morpeth, who, 
however, had the best three plants in bloom. Mr. J. 
McIntyre had the best Indian Azaleas. Mr. T. 
Wheeler led the way for three Orchids. Mr. J. 
Wood again came to the front with Amaryllis: Mr. 
T. Wheeler, with Deutzias ; and Mr. J. McIntyre, 
with Spiraeas. Mr. Wm. Pitt had the best exhibit 
of Cinerarias. In the class for Primula sinensis, Mr. 
G. McDougal came to the front. Mr. Jos. Gardner 
was first for Cyclamens. With plants for table 
decoration Mr. J. McIntyre led the way. Mr. R. 
Patterson figured largely in the classes for Auriculas, 
taking first prizes for six varieties, and four (Alpines 
excluded); also for gray-edged, white-edged, and 
self varieties. Mr. T. E. Hay also took two first 
prizes for Auriculas, and some second prizes. Mr. 
George Lee had the best six and two Alpine 
Auriculas. Mr. John Cawthorne took the lead with 
gold-laced Polyanthus in two classes. 
Prizes were offered in several classes for bulbs in 
bloom, and Mr. G. McDougal carried off the premier 
honours for twelve varieties of Hyacinths. He \Vas 
followed by Mr. T. Wheeler, who, however, came to 
the front in another class for twelve. Mr. G. 
McDougal again scored with twelve Hyacinths of 
one variety ; with nine pots of single Tulips (three 
bulbs in a pot); and with six pots of double Tulips 
(three in the pot). Mr. T. Wheeler had it all his 
own way in two classes for Polyanthus Narcissi. 
In the open section for cut flowers, Mr. H. 
H. Hilliar showed the best twelve Camellia blooms, 
and the best twelve bunches of Rhododendrons. 
Mr. J. Wood had the best Azaleas. Mr. Wm Laws 
came in first for Marechal Niel Roses. Mr. 
Wheatley had the best exhibit of Pansies of the show 
class ; but the Rev. C. E. B Bell took the lead in 
the class for fancy varieties. 
A considerable number of classes were open to all 
except nurserymen, and here Mr. J. McIntyre scored 
for Indian Azaleas. Mr. W. Pitt took the lead in 
the classes for Deutzias, Cinerarias, and Dielytra 
spectabilis. Mr. J. Charlton led with Spiraeas; 
Mr. R. Elliott, with Chinese Primulas; Mr. Jos. 
Gardner, with Cyclamens; and Mr. J. McIntyre 
with Lily of the Valley. In the classes for bulbs in 
bloom, the leading awards were taken by Mr. E. 
Callaghan, Mr. Jas. D. Bisset, Mr. T. Wheeler, Mr. 
G. McDougal, and Mr. J. Battensby. The latter 
also figured well in both classes for table decorations. 
Several classes were open to amateurs only, both for 
bulbs, cut flowers, and table decorations. About 
3,500 people visited the show the first day. 
-- 
NOTICES OF BOOKS. 
The Fruit Grower’s Year Book, 1896. The 
leading Text Book of the Fruit-Growing Industry. 
Price one shilling. London : “ Cable ” Office, 
30, Fleet Street, E.C., &c. 
This book contains numerous short articles by 
various writers, on different subjects pertaining to 
the fruit-growing industry, both in Britain and in 
various parts of the world from whence our annual 
supply of fruit is obtained. We do not admire the 
arrangement of the book, but, as indicated by its sub¬ 
title, it is intended to supply the fruit growers with 
the kind of information they want, or, at least, what 
it is calculated will be of use to them. In proportion, 
as it meets the requirements of this class of growers, 
so will it be appreciated. 
Apple packing, fruit novelties of 1895, fruit drying, 
orchards and markets in the United Kingdom, 
useful spraying mixtures, weights and measures in 
the leading markets, indoor and outdoor work for 
each month, are some of the subjects dealt with, 
and which may interest gardeners in private 
establishments as well as market growers. The 
chapter on weights and measures serve to show the 
want of uniformity that prevails in the different 
parts of the country. 
The chapter on " Improved Apple Packing " con¬ 
tains information that might well be acted upon by 
others as well as the trade grower. It does not flatter 
our boasted nineteenth century progress in the matter 
of packing Apples for transit by rail or water. The 
writer quoting from statements made by a well- 
known Covent Garden dealer, says that the • packing 
of these most important fruits is worse now than it 
was twenty years ago. Speaking from a grower’s 
point of view, he urges the development of local 
trade, in opposition to sending fruits to the large 
markets which are often congested. In order to 
establish a business with the retail dealers, and 
■ through them to come in direct contact with 
consumers, he advocates the use of boxes, in which 
the fruit is less liable to damage than in market 
baskets. These boxes are meant to be unpacked by 
the consumer only and graded according to size, 
quality generally, and name. Those of a certain 
defined size should hold eighteen fruits of the first, 
twenty-eight of the second, and thirty-six of the 
third grade. Dessert Apples that are too large to be 
packed in a 5-lb. box should be sold by the dozen. 
The box should be lined with woodwool, and each 
fruit placed on a slip of pink paper that will prevent 
them from actually touching one another when 
packed. This will prevent their getting bruised as 
well as enhance their colouring. A portion of the 
fruit will thus be exposed to the public eye when the 
lid of the box and other coverings are removed, 
without disturbing the packing material in which the 
Apples are embedded. White or non-resinous wood 
and wood wool are advocated to prevent the Apples 
from acquiring the flavour of turpentine to which 
they are so liable. The contents of each box should 
be properly defined, and the definition honestly 
adhered to in order to secure the confidence of 
customers. 
- - -- 
BIRMINGHAM DAFFODIL SHOW. 
The Daffodil show held at the Botanical Gardens 
under the auspices of the Birmingham Botanical and 
Horticultural Society, Edgbaston, April 16th and 
17th, was one of the most complete; for almost all 
classes of the Daffodil (Narcissus) were represented, 
including the Narcissus Tazetta. The attendance 
was fairly good in spite of the rain on the first day. 
The number of entries and exhibits were such as to 
enhance the reputation that this beautiful garden 
flower has achieved. It will in the near future be 
grown by all who can boast of having a few square 
yards of ground to cultivate them. In the non-com¬ 
petitive classes Messrs. Barr & Sons, in their usual 
way, contributed a most interesting collection of 
about 150 varieties, consisting of such of the newer 
varieties as Weardale, Glory of Leiden, Samson, 
Lord Russell; and older varieties,such as Sir Watkin, 
Gloria Mundi, Barrii Conspicuus, and B. C. Flora 
Wilson, Madame de Graaff, Maurice Vilmorin, and 
Crown Prince ; also Leedsii Minnie Hume, Duchess 
of Westminster, M. M. de Graaff, Burbidgei 
Baroness Heath, Ellen Barr, John Bain, Little Dirk, 
and Vanessa. Of the Pheasant’s Eye section they 
sent Poeticus ornatus, Tripodalis, Grandiflorus, and 
many others. They also had a very choice collection 
of Polyanthus Narcissus, of which Grand Monarque, 
White Perfection, Bazelman major, Adonis, 
Maestro, and Soleil d'Or were fine. This firm also 
contributed an unique collection of single and double 
Tulips in great variety, and such sundries as 
Ornithogalum, Primulas, Fritillarias, Muscaris, etc. 
Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, and Mr. T. S. 
Ware, Tottenham, sent a large collection similar to 
Messrs. Barr & Son ; Mr. Robert Sydenham, Tenby 
Street, sent a collection of Daffodils, including some 
fine specimens of Mrs. Langtry, Minnie Hume, 
Amabilis, Poeticus ornatus, Emperor, Bariii Con¬ 
spicuus, Bicolor Horsfieldi, and Grandee ; he also 
sent a magnificent collection of Hybrid Streptocarpi. 
To each of the above the Society’s Silver Medal was 
awarded. 
The competitive exhibits in the amateurs’ classes 
were far in advance of last year, and, it is only fair 
to say, the competition was stronger than at the 
Royal Botanic on the two preceding days. 
In the cut bloom section, for a collection of 
Daffodils (not to include Polyanthus Narcissi) the 
first award (Barr's Silver Cup, designed by Mr. H. 
G. Moon) was taken by Messrs. Pearson & Sons, 
Chilwell, with a grand collection tastefully arranged. 
Rev. J. Jacob, Whitchurch, was second, taking the 
Society’s Silver Gilt Medal. MissM. Crawford, Kyles 
of Bute, was third, receiving the Society’s Silver 
Medal. 
For twelve single varieties of the Magni-coronati 
section, Messrs. Pope & Son, King's Norton, led the 
way ; Rev. J. Jacob was second. The Rev. G. P. 
Haydon, Doncaster, had the best six varieties, and 
was followed by Miss Crawford. 
Messrs. Pope & Son and Rev. J. Jacob took the 
same order as above for twelve varieties of the Medii* 
coronati section. Rev. G. P. Haydon and Miss Craw¬ 
ford again took this order of merit for six varieties. 
In the Parvi-coronati section Rev. J. Jacob was 
first for twelve varieties, and Rev. G. P. Haydon 
had the best six; the latter was followed by 
Messrs. Pope & Sons. The latter took the lead 
with four double Daffodils; and the Rev. J. Jacob 
was second. 
Mr. E. Sharp, Edgbaston, led the way with five 
pots of Daffodils ; and Mrs. Cutler, Edgbaston, was 
second, but came in first for Polyanthus Narcissi. 
Messrs. Pope & Son had the best bouquet of 
Daffodils ; and Mr. S. Gibbs, Harborne, was second. 
In the ladies’ class for table decoration, Miss E. 
C. Swinden, Edgbaston, led the way; and was 
followed by Miss L. Ashby Bolton, Edgbaston. 
In the special class for a new Daffodil seedling not 
in commerce, Mr. J. Mallender, Worksop, was first 
with a large bicolor (Ajax) named Hodsock’s Pride. 
The Rev. G. H. Englehart, Andover, was second ; he 
also gained premier honours fcr a collection of seed¬ 
lings and a Certificate of Merit lor a new seedling 
named Niobe, a cross between Madame de Graaff 
and N. triandrus, maintaining the character of each 
parent. 
Such shows of Daffodils as these are not soon 
forgotten. Diversity of form and size, richness of 
texture, and purity of colour combined to make a 
magnificent display. 
--i-- 
Hardening Jiscellany, 
PYRUS MALUS. 
Among all the species of Pyrus which find a place in 
our shrubberies, none are more worthy of attention 
than the Crab Apple. As a rule, the trees flower 
profusely each year, and their delicate rosy-pink 
blossoms are exceedingly bright and showy during 
the early months of spriDg. It would be well if more 
attention were paid to the planting of our hardy 
flowering trees and shrubs rather than to so much 
of the evergreen element. We are pleased to 
see that this is being recognised in most of our public 
parks or gardens to a great extent, although from 
some reason or other the Crab is in many cases 
passed over for something else. Possibly its 
very commonness is to blame for this; but, at any 
rate, it is not too common to be beautiful, and we 
would like to see it planted in increasing numbers, 
being well assured that yet another modicum of 
beauty would be added to our public pleasure 
grounds. 
-- 4 
PRIMROSES AND POLYANTHUS. 
There are few more pleasing and delightful spring 
flowers than these old-fashioned favourites in their 
modern form and beautiful colours. There is a very 
fine strain of both in the garden of E. H. Watts, Esq., 
Devonhurst, Chiswick. They have been flowering 
for many weeks past, and show no signs of giving 
over Amongst the Polyanthus are some rich and 
beautiful crimson seifs, as well as light yellow, 
golden-yellow, white, and numerous other varieties in 
pleasing shades of colour. A crimson hose-in-hose 
form is notable for the peculiar manner in which the 
segments of the corolla are whorled. The Primroses 
pass through a similar range of colour, and include 
light blue, purple, mauve, and other hues. Many of 
those inclined to blue show an evident affinity with 
the Primrose which used to be grown in gardens 
under the name of Primula altaica. One variety in 
particular forcibly reminds us of P, vulgaris 
