380 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
February 15, 1890. 
Besides the losses by death, the Council deeply 
grieve to have to record the loss of thirty-nine Fellows 
by resignation. The society has been struggling 
bravely for the last two years in the face of many 
adverse circumstances, and with the burden, financially 
speaking, of a large number of Life Fellows —from 
whom it derives no income whatever—bequeathed to it 
by a former generation ; and the Council had hoped 
that, with the evidence which even this report gives of 
renewed life and vigour and usefulness, the society 
would have retained the goodwill and support, and, for 
a time, the forbearance of all who had joined it. They 
have, however, the pleasure of adding that a greater 
number have joined the society than have left it. Still, 
as they said in another paragraph, they wish to impress 
very strongly the fact that the society needs a large 
augmentation before it will be financially possible to 
embrace the many opportunities of usefulness opening 
before it. 
The president, in moving the adoption of the report, 
said he thought the direction in which the society was 
moving would commend itself to all who were 
interested in its welfare. He commented upon the 
various features of the year’s work—the several con¬ 
ferences and exhibitions, and the trials and committee 
meetings at Chiswick, with reference to which he 
remarked that the garden had not proved to be a very 
convenient centre for this part of their work. They 
were still obliged to hold their meetings at the Drill 
Hall, the Council not having been able to find a more 
suitable place. They had felt all along that though 
this was the best place they could get, bad was the 
best, and they were most anxious to get more suitable 
quarters. The Council had had the matter for sometime 
under consideration, and hoped at no distant date to put 
forth a scheme for building a horticultural hall. Having 
referred to the value of the meetings held in the Drill 
Hall, the increasing interest taken in the afternoon 
lectures, and the more regular appearance of the society’s 
Journal , which had met with much favour among the 
Fellows residing beyond the metropolitan area, the 
president said with reference to Chiswick, that the 
Council hoped this year to put all the glass-houses in 
a substantial state of repair, believing that that course 
would be approved by the great majority of the Fellows. 
Baron Schroder, who on rising to second the motion 
was most cordially received, said it was of the utmost 
importance that the society should soon acquire a 
permanent and suitable home, for there was no question 
but that a, favourable turn had come in its affairs, 
and if something was not done quickly to take 
advantage of the rising tide of opinion in their favour, 
they must relapse again into stagnation, and might as 
well at once close their doors. He then gave an out¬ 
line of the sort of home he would like to see established, 
and described the steps that had been taken so far by 
the Council. The two main points that had to be 
considered were: first, how could they obtain the 
money required—£30,000 or £40,000 ; and secondly, 
where could they get a site ? He thought if they could 
get outside help in raising the amount required, they 
could get a site, and he had a very suitable one in his 
mind, of which he would not theD, for obvious reasons, 
give any detail. The amount, collected in the form of 
a loan, should be invested in the names of three trustees, 
of which he had no objection to being one, and the 
interest received during a few years would provide 
capital with which to erect the building, that in turn 
would be security for the ground rent. He really asked 
them only to lend him the money for a few years free 
of interest, the principal being subsequently returned 
to the lenders. He had the utmost confidence in being 
able to carry such a scheme through, but it must have 
the support of all interested in horticulture or it would 
he a failure. 
Dr. Hogg, who supported the resolution, expressed the 
great pleasure with which he had listened to Baron 
Schroder’s proposals, a sentiment which evoked the 
liveliest enthusiasm and satisfaction. The motion was 
then put and carried unanimously. The scrutineers 
then declared that Mr. Sherwood, Mr. Hambro, and 
Mr. Martin R. Smith were duly elected members of 
the Council, and that the officers nominated by the 
Council had also been elected without opposition. 
This brought the business proceedings to a close, and 
a guarantee list for the Hall for Horticulture Fund was 
started, which, in a few minutes, amounted to about 
£2,000. Baron Schroder headed the list with £1,000, 
and other guarantors were Mr. H. J. Yeitch, £150 ; 
Messrs. F. Sander & Co , £200 ; Dr. Hogg, £100 ; Mr. 
C. Mordaunt Matthews, £100 ; Mr. H. M. Pollett, 
£100 ; Mr. W. Marshall, £25 ; Mr. H. Cannell, £25 ; 
Mr. G, Deal, £50 ; Messrs. John Laing k Sons, £50 ; 
Miss Sullivan, £25 ; Mr. J. Treble, £25 ; Mr. G. 
Bunyard, 10 guineas ; Mr. C. N. Hooper, £5 ; Mr. C. 
Toope, 10 guineas ; Mr. Pearson, £50 ; and Mr. J. 
Douglas, £25. 
Committee Meeting. 
The second meeting of the season was held in the 
Drill Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday last. Considering 
the bitter cold weather that prevailed, the exhibits 
were wonderful for February, and the display of Orchids 
was quite unusual and unexpected. Collections of 
Conifers for winter bedding purposes, Cyclamens, 
Hellebores, hardy herbaceous plants generally, and 
Apples were the leading features. Messrs. J. Veitch 
& Sons, Chelsea, exhibited a collection of Orchids, 
including Cypripedium calypso, C. Lathamianum, 
Phaltenopsis F. L. Ames, Dendrobium Wardiano- 
japonicum and others, some of which were certificated. 
They also had some hybrid greenhouse Rhododendron 
blooms. Baron Schroder (gardener, Mr. H. Ballantine), 
The Dell, Egham, had a fine piece of Cypripedium 
Lathamianum. H. M. Pollett, Esq. (gardener, Mr. W. 
Parks), Fernside, Bickley, had a fine piece of Cypri¬ 
pedium Elliottianum, also Odontoglossum crispum 
Biekleyense, Cattleya Trianae var., and Cypripedium 
Germinyanutn. Malcolm S. Cooke, Esq. (gardener, 
Mr. D. Cullimore), Kingston Hill, had a grand piece 
of Cattleya amethystoglossa, with twenty-four 
flowers on a spike ; Lselia albida bella, Odontoglos¬ 
sum blandum, Ansellia africana, and other fine things. 
A. H. Smee, Esq. (gardener, Mr. G. W. Cummins), The 
Grange, Wallington, had a fine piece of Odontoglossum 
ramosissimum, Masdevallia leontoglossa, and Cattleya 
Trianae Dayana. W. Yanner, Esq., Camden Wood, 
Chislehurst, had Cypripedium cardinale (Vanner’s 
var.), Dendrobium nobile Cooksoni, Lycaste Skinneri 
alba, and others. A. S. Smith, Esq. (gardener, Mr. 
J. Quarterman), Silvermere, Cobham, received a Cul¬ 
tural Commendatiou for Cypripedium insigne, and also 
showed Cordyline indivisa (true). Mr. Waltham, 
Streatham Hill, showed a fine basket of Ccelogyne 
cristata ; and Mr. O. Thomas, Chatsworth Gardens, 
Chesterfield, sent six fine spikes of the Chatsworth 
variety, bearing eight flowers on a spike. Mr. Mitchell, 
gardener to F. G. Arbuthnot, Esq., Bridgen Place, 
Bexley, showed the white Cattleya Triance Hellenianum 
and C. T. virgiaalis, and others. E. A. Roberts, Esq. 
(gardener, Mr. J. Simon), Woodland House, Green- 
hithe, Kent, had Lycaste Skinneri Regime and Cymhi- 
dium eburneum. Mr. Bond, gardener to C. L. Ingram, 
Esq., Elstead House, Godaiming, exhibited Cypri¬ 
pedium Lathamianum. A basket of Coelogyne 
cristata was staged by the Right Hon. Lord Foley 
(gardener, Mr. Miller), Ruxley Lodge, Esher. F. G. 
Tautz, Esq. (gardener, Mr. C. J. Cowley), Studley 
House, Hammersmith, had some fine Cypripediums, 
including C. Mrs. Canham, C. porphyrochlamis, and C. 
Lathamianum. 
A Silver Banksian Medal was awarded to Messrs. 
Chas. Lee k Son, Royal Vineyard Nursery, Hammer¬ 
smith, for a large collection of Conifer®, Hollies, 
standard and other Ivies, Eleagnus pungens foliis 
variegatis, and other subjects of a kindred nature, 
illustrating a method of winter bedding, window boxes, 
&c. A Bronze Banksian Medal was awarded to the 
St. George's Nursery Company, Hanwell, W., for a 
fine group of Cyclamens. Mr. F. Ross, gardener to Sir 
Geo. Macleay, Pendell Court, Bletchingley, exhibited 
some fine sprays of Akebia quinata, and flowers and 
foliage of Astrapea Wallichi. Messrs. H. Cannell k 
Sons, Swanley, Kent, exhibited some plants of a fine 
variety of the Chinese Primula, named Cannell's Pink; 
and Mr. J. James, Farnham Royal, Slough, showed 
Woodside Giant, a fine white sort. A varied assort¬ 
ment of Hellebores,'all seedlings, from a dark variety of 
H. guttatus, was shown by Mr. J. Douglas, gardener 
to Mrs. Whitbourne, Great Gearies, Ilford. Mr. W. 
C. Leach, Albury Park, Guildford, showed collections 
of Violets, Cinerarias, Azalea obtusa, and Andromeda 
japonica. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, exhibited 
Hellebores, Irises, and other hardy plants. Messrs. 
Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, showed cut flowers of 
Hellebores, Anemones, Chionodoxa, and Snowdrops. 
At a meeting of the Fruit Committee, Messrs. J. 
Cheal k Sons, Crawley, Sussex, received a Silver 
Banksian Medal for a fine collection of Apples, inclu¬ 
ding New Hawthornden, Brabant Bellefleur, Gloria 
Mundi, Bismarck, Lord Derby, Beauty of Kent, Cox’s 
Orange, Winter Queening, and others. A Cultural 
Commendation was awarded to Mr. W. Leach, Albury 
Park, for Ham Green Favourite Tomato. He also 
showed Coldstream Leeks. On the motion of Mr. A. 
W, Sutton, seconded by Mr. J. Hudson, a vote of 
condolence with the widow of Mr. W.. Wildsmith was 
unanimously passed. 
giBtfucm?. 
Wf. regret to learn that Mr. Micklewright, who for 
the past three years has been gardener to A. Pears, Esq., 
Spring Grove House, Isleworth, has fallen a victim to 
the prevailing epidemic. Mr. Micklewright was seized 
with influenza on the 2nd inst. and died early on 
the morning of the 6th, a very brief illness, rendering 
his death all the more sad and unexpected. He leaves 
a widow and three boys, the youngest being seven years 
of age. Mr. Micklewright was at one time in the 
Gardens at Stoke Park, Slough ; later he was at Shrub- 
land Park, under Mr. Blair ; then after a few months 
spent in Messrs. Veitch’s nursery, he went to Greystoke 
Castle, near Carlisle, and afterwards coming south 
again was for a year with Mr. W. Brown, St. Mary’s 
Nursery, Richmond. Later he was recommended to Mr. 
Pears as gardener, and entered upon the difficult labour 
of thoroughly re-arranging, rebuilding, and replanting 
the grounds of Spring Grove House, once so well known 
as the residence of Sir Joseph Banks. This work Mr. 
Micklewright had so far well done that, thanks to the 
exceeding liberality of Mr. Pears, a fine lot of glass¬ 
houses have been built, with gardener’s house, sheds, 
walls, &c., and what promises to be an admirable 
garden created. Very much yet remains to be done ; 
indeed, the mansion is to be pulled down and rebuilt. 
The funeral took place in Heston Churchyard on 
Monday last, when a large number of gardeners and 
others attended. Mr. Micklewright was a quiet 
amiable man, enjoying the entire confidence and esteem 
of his employer, and the friendship of a wide circle. 
The deceased was but forty-four years of age. He had 
been a member of the committee of the Richmond 
Horticultural Society, and was from its formation a 
member of the Hounslow Horticultural Society, of 
which Mr. Pears is the esteemed chairman. Amongst 
gardeners at the funeral were Mr. W. Brown, who 
brought a beautiful wreath ; Mr. Lindsay, White 
Lodge, and Mr. Bowles, all of Richmond ; Mr. Bates, 
Twickenham ; Mr. Thompson and Mr. Ford, Hounslow; 
Mr. West, Sunbury ; Mr. Backley, formerly of Feltham 
Hill House; Mr. Spooner, nurseryman, Hounslow ; 
Mr. A. Dean, Bedfont ; Mr. Granville and Mr. J. 
Roberts, formerly of Gunnersbury Park. The garden 
men gave a beautiful permanent wreath under glass, 
and Mrs. and the Misses Pears a cross of exceeding' 
beauty. 
We also regret to record the death, on the 4th inst., 
age sixty-two years, of Mr. George W. Young, who 
was for some years gardener at Beckett House, Shriven- 
liam, and subsequently at Stowe, near Buckingham. 
After leaving Stowe he went into business, but was 
not successful, and last month was elected a pensioner 
of the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution. The 
deceased, who was buried at Fulham on Monday last, 
leaves a widow and five sons, three of whom are head 
gardeners, and two under gardeners. 
-■ >!< ■» 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 
Abutilons.— Beauregard.: If you are rightabout the parentage 
of your seedlings, the cross is certainly a remarkable one. How 
far it differs, however, from A. Selowianum we are not able to 
say, not having a specimen for comparison. The flowers are 
large and of a dark red, and, judged on their own merits, are 
both interesting and ornamental; but from a horticultural 
point of view they would hardly make headway in gardens 
against the many beautiful hybrids already in cultivation, the 
product of both British and Continental gardens. By crossing 
the seedlings with good existing kinds you may be able to obtain 
some with large and brightly-coloured flowers worthy of preser¬ 
vation. The green leaf you sent us seems to be quite different, 
as far as we can remember, from A. Selowianum marmoratum 
as seen in stoves here. The small variegated leaves were those 
of A. Darwinii variegatum. 
Artificial Manure.— Rev P.-JV.: Standen’s Manure does not 
give off the objectionable odour of which you complain with 
regard to the kind you have been using. It may be used for 
hard-wooded subjects, because it is of a long-lasting nature, and 
may be used even in a dwelling-room. Thomson's Manure is 
quicker in its action, and therefore to be recommended for soft- 
wooded subjects, such as Primulas, Cinerarias, Mignonette, &c. 
It may be used as a top-dressing mixed with a quantity of soil, 
or incorporated with the compost when potting is being done. 
Aucuba Leaves. —IF. P. Roberts : The variety exhibited by the 
seedlings of which you sent us leaves is certainly very great. 
The two large leaves were richly and handsomely variegated, 
but we should prefer those seedlings bearing flat leaves in pre¬ 
ference to the kinds which are undulated or wrinkled. The 
latter character may not, however, be constant, and in all pro¬ 
bability does not affect all of the leaves on any particular bush. 
An average-sized leaf of a dark green colour with small spots we 
also considered distinct and choice, as well as a small one 
densely spotted with clear yellow. There is a considerable 
number of named varieties in cultivation ; still some of yours are 
worthy of extended culture. 
Mignonette in Pots. — Rev. P.-IF.: To obtain good Mignonette 
you must commence by making up a compost of two parts of 
