March 15, 1890. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
437 
for testing the germination of seeds—a model of the 
apparatus used in the firm’s seed trial house at Reading. 
Death of Mr. Thomas Harrison, of Leicester.—We 
hear with much regret of the death on the 4th inst. 
of Mr. Thomas Harrison, aged 74, who until within the 
last few years was senior partner in the well-known firm 
of Harrison and Sons, seed growers and merchants. 
Market Place, Leicester. The deceased gentleman had 
for a very long time suffered from delicate lungs, but 
considering his age he enjoyed tolerably good health 
throughout the whole winter, up to a few days before 
his death. Pew men were more widely known or more 
highlyrespected in the seed trade throughout the country 
than was Mr. Harrison, who was a conscientious, 
straightforward, and honourable business man. It may 
truly be said that, up to the time of his retirement, his 
his whole life and soul was in the business, for he 
allowed nothing to divert his attention from it. 
Seedling Freesias—We have received from Mr. 
W. Driver, Longfords, Minchinhampton, a box of 
lovely flowers of seedling Freesias. The grateful odour 
emanating from the blossoms made its presence felt 
before the blooms were unpacked, so strong was it. 
Amongst the seedlings we could recognise the typical 
form, Freesia refracta, and F. r. alba, having pure 
white flowers, with the exception of a few violet lines 
in the throat, and quite hidden. The blooms of these 
were of great size, with widely-spreading segments. 
We also noted the so-called F. Leichtlinii, with its 
creamy yellow flowers, yellow blotch, and the tube 
abruptly narrowed below. Another form of this was 
white, with exception of the yellow blotch. A fifth 
distinct variety had the creamy yellow flowers of 
F. Leichtlinii, but the widely expanded segments and 
gradually narrowing tube of F. refracta ; and between 
them were other intermediate forms, so that we consider 
them all forms of one species—namely, F. refracta. 
Wildsinith Memorial Fund.—The following is a list 
of the subscriptions to this fund which have already 
been promised or paid : — 
The Hon. EmmaL. Shaw-Lefevi 
John Hargreaves, Esq., J.P 
W. J. Palmer, Esq., J.P. . 
G. F. Wilson, Esq , F. R.S 
Messrs. Sutton & Sons 
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons 
Mr. H. J. Yeitch 
Mr. A. W. Sutton 
Mr. F. B. Marson, J.P. 
Miss Potts ... 
Miss Mark by 
Mr. W. Binder 
Mr. H. J. Clayton . 
Mr. W. Coleman 
Mr. W. Crump 
Mr. A. Dean 
Mr. W. C. Davis . 
A Friend, Ho. 1 
A Friend, Ho. 2 
Mr. S. Kerry 
Mr. A. Maxim 
Mr. W. A. Searing . 
Mr. T. Turton 
Messrs. W. Wood & Son 
Mr. P. C. M. Veitch 
£ s. d. 
5 0 0 
5 0 0 
5 5 0 
1 1 0 
5 5 0 
5 5 0 
1 1 0 
3 3 0 
2 2 0 
1 0 0 
0 10 0 
0 5 0 
10 0 
1 0 0 
10 0 
10 0 
0 7 6 
10 0 
10 0 
10 0 
1 0 0 
0 5 0 
10 0 
0 5 0 
0 10 6 
Mr, T. Turton, Maiden Erleigh Gardens, Reading, hon. 
sec.; Mr. A. W. Sutton, Reading, anl Mr. H J. 
Veitch, hon. treasurers. 
The Huddersfield Paxton Society.—At the annual 
Meeting of this society, held in December last, the 
subject of the future of the society was under dis¬ 
cussion, and the general opinion expressed was, that as 
the members now take but little interest in it, though 
it has a useful library and some funds in hand, it should 
he reorganised on a new basis. 
Trees and Shrubs for Planting in Manchester.— 
The Manchester Field-Haturalists and Archaeologists’ 
Society has appointed a committee of its members for 
the purpose of promoting the planting of trees and 
shrubs in Manchester and its immediate suburbs, 
especially in available “open spaces.” The idea is 
approved by the corporation, and we Understand that 
in addition to the good work already accomplished 
undei their influence in the public parks, &c., evergreen 
shrubs, planted in boxes or tubs, will before long be 
placed in some of the principal squares. The opinions 
of experienced practical men are earnestly desired as to 
what description of trees can be specially recommended 
for open spaces, and what kind of shrubs, especially 
such as would succeed in tubs or boxes. Information 
is particularly desired in reference to. the different 
districts of the town. What is best for the north side 1 
What for the south ? and so forth. When all possible 
information has been obtained, it is intended to publish 
it in pamphlet form, as a general guide for tree planting 
and culture, so that every encouragement may be given 
to those interested in the improvement of the appearance 
of the city. Replies should be addressed before the 
31st inst. to Mr. C. J. Oglesby, 16, Kennedy Street, 
Albert Square, Manchester. 
-- 
ROYAL AQUARIUM SHOW. 
The first spring exhibition inaugurated by the Royal 
Aquarium and Winter Garden Society, Westminster, 
was held on Wednesday and Thursday, when a fair 
display of spring flowers was brought together. 
Daffodils and other Harcissi constituted the bulk of the 
bulbous flowering plants, but Hyacinths, Tulips, and 
other spring flowers were also fairly represented. The 
first prize for thirty-six Hyacinths was awarded to 
Messrs. Henry Williams & Sons, Fortis Green, 
Finchley, and the exhibit was a very fair one considering 
the earliness of the season. The same firm also took 
the first prizes both for thirty-six pots of Tulips and 
twenty-four pots of Harcissus. The first prize for 
twelve Hyacinths (nurserymen excluded) was awarded 
to Mr. T. L. Turk, gardener to S. Boney, Esq., Cholmley 
Lodge, Highgate. A fine collection of Cyclamens was 
shown by the St. George’s Hursery Company, Hanwell, 
and which carried off the first prize. The second 
award went to Mr. John Odell, Gould’s Green, 
Hillingdon, who also had an extensive and well- 
flowered group. The best thirty-six Cyclamens were 
also shown by the St. George’s Hursery Company ; 
Mr. T. Odell being second. In the class for twelve 
Cyclamens, in which nurserymen were excluded, Mr. 
D. Phillips, Langley Broom, Slough, took the first 
prize with well-bloomed plants in 24-size pots. 
Messrs. Henry Williams & Sons had the only exhibits 
of Lily of the A alley and Spiraea, and were awarded 
the first prizes' 
Azaleas were not well represented the specimens 
being small, unequal in size and not yet in full bloom. 
The second prize was awarded to Mr. C. Hunn, gar¬ 
dener to J. Soames, Esq,, J.Pi, Woodland Lodge, 
Greenwich Park, who had five plants out of twelve 
well flowered. The highest award for a group of plants 
arranged for effect was awarded to Messrs. J. Laing & 
Sons, Forest Hill. Humerous Orchids and Olivias in 
the group gave it a very effective appearance. Messrs. 
H. Williams & Sons took the second prize for a 
group consisting of greenhouse and forced subjects. A 
large collection of Daffodils, nicely arranged in wire 
stands, was shown by Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm 
Hurseries, Tottenham, who carried off the first prize, 
Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent Garden, coming in second 
with another good collection of Harcissi, Anemones, 
&c. The third prize went to Messrs. Collins Bros. & 
Gabriel, 39, Waterloo Road, S.E. Mr. Richard Dean, 
Ranelagh Road, Ealing, was the only exhibitor in the 
class for hardy Primulas and Polyanthus, but the first 
prize was worthily awarded to him, the colours being 
rich, varied and bright. Two of the varieties were 
certificated. 
A miscellaneous group of Palms, Ferns, Dracfenas, 
Azaleas and Cytisus was shown by Messrs. J. Laing & 
Sons, to whom an extra prize was adjudged. An extra 
prize was also awarded to Messrs. B. S. Williams k 
Son, Upper Holloway, for a group of Odontoglossums, 
Amaryllis, Olivias, forced Lilacs, &c. Messrs. J. Cheal 
& Sons, Lowfield Hurseries, Crawley, had an extra 
prize for a collection of sixty-four dishes of Apples in 
good condition. 
-»>$<«- 
PRESENTATION TO Mr. UPJOHN. 
The closing meeting of the winter session of the Man¬ 
chester Horticultural Improvement Society was held on 
the 6th inst. There was a large gathering of members. 
Mi\ A. Stansfield, the vice-president, occupied the chair 
in the absence of Mr. Bruce Findlay, the president, who 
was stated to besuffering from an attack of bronchitis. 
The chairman said his impression of the past session 
was that it had been the most interesting one since the 
formation of the society, and he expected that next 
winter they would have an equally incentive pro¬ 
gramme. Mr. W. B. Upjohn, the hon. secretary, was 
then presented with a handsome timepiece and a purse 
containing £20. The timepiece bore the following 
inscription “Presented to Mr. W. B. Upjohn, hon. 
secretary of the Manchester Horticultural Improvement 
Society, in recognition of his valuable services to the 
society, and as a mark of sincere respect and esteem. 
March 6, 1890.” Mr. Robert Tait, in making the 
presentation, said the hearty manner in which the 
members had responded to the appeal of the committee 
for contributions towards the presentation fund was 
the best evidence they could wish for of the high 
esteem in which Mr. Upjohn was held. He had in a 
large measure contributed to the success of the society 
by his mode of conducting the meetings, his urbanity 
of manner, and above all his practical experience which 
he was ever willing to give upon the subjects under 
discussion. All the members of the society trusted that 
they would long have him as their secretary. Mr. F. 
Robinson, Mr. Griffiths Hughes, Mr. Driver, the chair¬ 
man, and other members supported the remarks of Mr. 
Tait, and spoke of the esteem in which they held Mr. 
Upjohn. Mr. Upjohn, in acknowledging the pre¬ 
sentation, said w-hat he had done for the society had 
been done most willingly, and instead of thinking the 
society was in any way indebted to him, he felt, on the 
other hand, that he was indebted to it. His connection 
with the society had been a most pleasant one through¬ 
out, and if it had been nothing more his position as 
secretary had enabled him to become personally ac¬ 
quainted with many brother gardeners in the Manchester 
district. He had always received every possible assist¬ 
ance from the members, and there was no class of men 
whose esteem and respect he valued more than his 
brother gardeners. 
-- 
THE YULAN OR LILY- 
FLOWERED MAGNOLIA. 
Considering the hardiness and beauty of Magnolia 
conspicua in the southern counties, we should naturally 
expect to find it in favour with planters generally, 
either for planting as an isolated specimen on the lawn 
or pleasure ground or for the mixed shrubbery. It 
requires no protection because of its deciduous nature, 
and owing to its upright habit, is suitable for growing 
in the form of a standard. It flowers the second or 
third year after grafting, and may be kept in the form 
of a bush from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high for many years, and 
even in this state will bloom profusely every spring 
before the expansion of the leaves. For this reason it 
should be planted in front of evergreen shrubs, or in 
the vicinity of Conifers, so as to form a dark back¬ 
ground and show off the bush or tree to the best 
advantage. The tree may be grown to perfection 
trained against a wall in the same manner as Magnolia 
grandiflora, and in this way could be protected from 
frost at a greater distance northwards than when 
planted out in the open. For pot work it may he 
inarched on M. purpurea, which, being of dwarfer 
habit, has a restraining influence upon the scion, in 
this form it can be utilised for forcing purposes, and 
so deserve a larger amount of attention than it has 
hitherto received at the hands of cultivators. 
The second of the above two popular names is nearly 
a translation of the first, inasmuch a Yu lan in China 
means Lily-tree. The application takes its rise from 
the large, spreading, pure white flowers, in the same 
way as the cup-shaped blooms of Liriodendron has 
given rise to the name of Tulip Tree. In China the 
tree grows to the height of 40 ft. or 50 ft., but, as a 
rule, in this country it is very much short of that 
altitude. There is a fine, although not a stately 
specimen in the gardens at Gunnersbury House, Acton, 
about 25 ft. high, and as far through in the spread of 
the branches. The cold summer of 1888 did not ripen 
the wood well, and there was consequently but a poor 
display of bloom in the spring of 1889. How, however, 
the tree is literally laden with flower-buds, and only 
requires genial warm weather to produce a magni. 
ficent effect. 
- *»$**— - 
GREENHOUSE CLIMBERS. 
Climbing plants thinly arranged along the rafters of 
plant houses are always objects which command 
interest by their attractiveness when in bloom ; and 
when loaded with flowers, as many are at present, 
they form a very beautiful picture if fairly balanced, 
and growing naturally along the roof surface of con¬ 
servatories especially. I am prompted to notice 
climbers at present by the fact that Clematis indivisa 
lobata is one of the prettiest objects I have ever seen 
hanging from any rafter. It has flowered all through 
February, and is likely to last for a long time to come. 
The white star-like flowers hang downwards from 1 ft. 
to 2 ft. 
The floor is well covered with Camellias, Palms, and 
orange trees, and the other climbers on the rafters are 
Roses, Chorozemas,Sparmannias (when grown somewhat 
natural, an excellent plant for training along back walls, 
and particularly showy during the whole winter), Aotus 
