558 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
May 3, 1890. 
third. The first prize for hardy Primroses was taken 
by Mr. J. Douglas, whose plants were of moderate size, 
but carried large and richly coloured flowers. Mr. R. 
Dean was second, as he had several weak plants in his 
exhibit. The first prize for a basket of Primroses was 
taken by Mr. R. Dean. They consisted of nine 
massive pieces of Polyanthus, of various shades of 
yellow and crimson, with a white variety in the centre ; 
all were dwarf and exceedingly fioriferous. The second 
prize was taken by Mr. J. Douglas with a larger basket 
of smaller pieces of Polyanthus, well mixed, in various 
shades of colour. The third prize was taken by 
Mr. W. H. Frettingham, Beeston, Notts, most of his 
plants being varieties of Polyanthus. 
The first prize for a group of flowering and 
foliage plants was taken by Mr. W. Morle, 
Regent Street, "W., with a capital lot; Mr. C. Nunn, 
gardener, Maze Hill, Greenwich Park, being second. 
For a collection of Olivias, Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, 
Forest Hill, received the premier award ; and the first 
prize for a collection of Primulas, went to Mr. J. 
Douglas; Mr. R. Dean being second. Mr. Morle 
was the only exhibitor of Spirseas and Cytisus, which 
were grown in 32 and 48-size pots. There were two 
very large collections of Daffodils, which not only 
occupied a large amount of space, but had a very 
enlivening effect in contrast to the Primulas and other 
dark-flowering and foliage subjects. The first prize 
was taken by Mr. T. S. Ware, whose collection of 
varieties was of very high quality, and the flowers 
neatly set up ou wire stands, with their own foliage. 
Messrs. Barr & Son took the second prize with a 
larger collection, containing a greater number of 
varieties, but the flowers were somewhat smaller. 
The latter firm also took the first prize for thirty-six 
bunches of Daffodils. 
In the classes from which nurserymen were excluded, 
the first prize for Spiraeas was taken by Mr. J. Lambert, 
gardenerto H. W. Segelcke, Esq. ,Elfindale Lodge, Herne 
Hill, who had large well-flowered plants. Mr. C. Nunn 
took the prize for Cytisus ; and Mr. Lambert for 
Dielytras. The first prize for eighteen bunches of 
Daffodils was taken by VV. Cowan, Esq., Valley field, 
Penicuik, Midlothian, whose collection contained 
many of the finer kinds grown. There were a consider¬ 
able number of miscellaneous unclassified exhibits. 
Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, Upper Holloway, had a 
very large group, including a collection of Amaryllis, 
varieties of Azalea mollis, Rhododendron Williamsii, 
Palms, Ferns, and a showy bank of Clivias. Messrs. J. 
Laing k Sons had also a group of Palms, Dracaenas, 
Azaleas, Heaths, Ferns, Begonias, and several Orchids. 
Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, had a collection of 
well-grown and flowered herbaceous Calceolarias in 
many beautiful colours, as well as a large collection of 
border and Alpine Auriculas. Mr. T. S. Ware had a 
good collection of varieties of Primula Sieboldi ; and 
Messrs. H. Lane k Son, Berkhamsted, a showy collec¬ 
tion of forced Rhododendrons. Mr. W. Gordon, 
Twickenham, showed a collection of Japanese Maples 
in several varieties, enlivened with Tree Pamnies ; and 
a collection of tree Carnations in pots came from Mr. 
C. Turner, Slough. A large collection of single and 
double Tulips and some Narcissi came from one of the 
Dutch growers ; and Mr. J. Chambers, Isleworth, had 
a group of Viola Snowflake, a good bedding variety 
with white flowers. The plants were grown in pots, and 
were very fioriferous. Mr. R. Dean showed Wallflower 
Bedfont Yellow, a very sturdy, dwarf and free-flowering 
variety. 
-*>$<*- 
HARDY FLOWERS FROM 
TOTTENHAM. 
After a comparatively cold and dry spring, with a 
prevalence of east winds, we have been visited with 
occasional heavy showers of rain, and although sun¬ 
shine is less frequent and durable than we might expect 
at this season, yet the rain and increased warmth has 
caused a development of hardy spring flowers in great 
abundance. We received the other day from Mr. T. 
S. Ware, a box of flowers, which although not new, 
the lovers of hardy flowers have long since learned to 
appreciate, and gladly hail their return with each 
recurring season. Probably the time is not far distant 
when they will be reinstated to their former places in 
the garden with more abundance than ever. 
Amongst them were a number of varieties of the 
elegant and sprightly Primula Sieboldi, which modem 
cultivators are treating very much in the same way as 
the florist does Auriculas, that is, by growing them 
under glass. This has the effect of bringing out their 
form and colour to great perfection, but except in the 
hands of the skilful cultivator they generally get over¬ 
drawn from want of proper exposure and ventilation. 
We should like to see the newer and finer forms grown 
out of doors in greater abundance than they are. 
Besides the more typical, rosy purple and white-eyed 
forms, there were others of a pure white above and 
rosy pink beneath, some that differed from the above 
in having much cut segments and a" rosy margin to the 
segments, while another with deep rosy red flowers was 
cut almost like Ragged Robin (Lychnis Flos-cuculi). 
A charming little thing also is the pure white Primula 
involucrata. 
Anemones were represented by the pale blue A. 
nemorosa Robinsoniana ; Tulips by the yellow Tulipa 
sylvestris and the scarlet or red and yellow T. Kolpa- 
kowskiana, with its great eye-like blotches of black and 
yellow, best seen in sunshine. A near ally to the 
Anemone is the golden Adonis pyrenaica, with its 
feathery, finely divided foliage ; and another is the 
white Buttercup, Ranunculus amplexicaulis, which 
should be in every collection. Trillium grandiflorum, 
one of the best, if not the best of its kind, is a suitable 
object for a half shady place, in a soil consisting largely 
of peat. This latter is not absolutely necessary, 
however, except in localities with a comparatively dry 
climate ; because in northern counties it can be grown 
in any friable, light soil in full exposure. Another 
plant that delights in a cool climate, with a moist 
atmosphere and soil, is Gentiana acaulis, the intensely 
blue, funnel-shaped flowers of which are curiously 
marked in the throat with a green blotch at the base of 
each segment. 
Choice bulbous plants are the Giant Dog’s-tooth 
Violet (Erythronium grandiflorum giganteum), the 
revolute flowers of which are white, with an orange or 
yellow blotch at the base of each segment, and Mus- 
cari conicum, a beautifully dwarf Grape Hyacinth, 
with short conical heads of cylindrical, bright blue 
flowers and white tooth-like segments at the mouth. 
It is very hardy and free flowering, suitable alike for 
border or rockwork decoration. In striking contrast to 
the above are the large golden yellow Sunflower-like 
heads of Doronicum plantagineum excelsum. It is 
invaluable for border work, as it comes into flower 
early, and blooms the greater part or the whole of 
summer, provided it receives liberal treatment, which it 
well deserves. The double Marsh Marigold (Caltha 
palustris flore pleno) is another plant capable of pro¬ 
ducing a striking effect in spring, if planted in good- 
sized masses on a moderately moist border, or on the 
banks of a stream or pond, or better still, on the edges 
of an island in a pond, where its roots can dip into the 
water. Only those who have seen it under these con¬ 
ditions can imagine the effect produced by vigorous 
plants, glowing like burnished gold when in bloom, 
and showing their reflection in the water. 
-•***»- 
HORTICUL TURAL S OCIETIES, 
Manchester Royal Botanical and Horti¬ 
cultural. —April 29th. 
The second spring show of this society was held in 
the Town Hall, Manchester, in connection with that of 
the National Auricula Society. The exhibits staged 
were not for competition, although a varied and 
splendid exhibition was formed chiefly by the trade— 
fine masses of cut flowers, including in most cases those 
of hardy growth, and which flower naturally at this 
season. The exhibits were staged round the hall, 
whilst the centre table was reserved for the 
Auriculas. Messrs. B. S. Williams k Sod, Holloway, 
sent a large and miscellaneous display. Messrs. 
Dicksons, Chester, exhibited a magnificent bank 
of Daffodils, about sixty varieties, to which was 
awarded a First Class Commendatiou. Messrs. Dickson 
& Robinson, Manchester, had a showy collection of 
Daffodils in variety, single and double Tulips, with 
foliage plants as a background, and which also gained 
a First Class Commendation. A charming arrange¬ 
ment of Primula Sieboldi, intermixed with Ferns, 
which was worthily accorded the Society’s Silver 
Medal, came from Messrs. Ryder & Son, Sale. 
Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent Garden, had a tasteful 
arrangement of cut Daffodils, relieved by their own 
foliage. Mr. William Owen, of Northwich, gained a 
First Class Commendation for a group of foliage and 
flowering plants, including Orchids, and cut specimens 
of Polyanthus Queen Victoria, a double crimson with 
gold lacing. Messrs. Dickson, Brown k Tait, Man¬ 
chester, secured a First Class Commendation for a 
large showy collection of Daffodils, Tulips, and other 
spring flowers. Mr. J. Broome staged a delightful 
selection of spring flowers from his garden at Llandudno, 
which fully deserved the First Class Commendation 
that was awarded to it. Roses, Mignonette, Pceonies, 
Ranunculus, Iris, and Anemones were included in this 
charming combination, which were all gathered from 
the open air. Mr. Hodkinson was awarded a First 
Class Certificate for Dendrobium Wardianum, Board- 
man’s var., carrying twenty-five flowers. A report of 
the Auricula competition has not yet reached us. 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 
Carnations. — C. A. G.: No ; simply remove the flower stems. 
If you get plenty of well-rooted layers, it would be better to rely 
upon them and destroy the old ones. 
Carpet Bedding, — Formal Design : We like your second plan 
the best, but would not edge the Pear-shaped panels with 
Echeveria if you use Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum 
for number three. 
Cyclamens. — Fulney, Lincolnshire : When in full flower, they 
certainly want plenty of water, but the quantity should be 
regulated by the condition of the compost and state of the 
drainage. If the former is sweet and porous, and the drainage 
free, you may water with a liberal hand, but if the water does 
not get away freely, then, of course, less will be required, and 
you will have more difficulty in keeping the plants healthy. 
The curling of the leaves indicate a check in the growth, either 
from irregular watering, or the attacks of green-fly or thrips. 
Dipladexias and Bougainvilleas. — Constant Reader: Under 
good treatment from twelve to thirteen weeks in both cases. 
Ealing Gardeners’ Improvement Society. — 5. Day: Mr. 
Chadwick, gardener, Hanger Hill House, Ealing, is the secretary, 
and he will give you any information. The prizes, we believe, 
can only be competed for by members of the society. 
Gold-laced Polyanthuses. —IF. P .: All three are good, but 
No. 1 is the best florists' flower, the lacing being correct and 
refined, the body colour good, the yellow pure, and the flower 
thrum-eyed. Two is a good flower, but somewhat coarser than 
No. 1. Three is coarser still, but a showy border flower; indeed 
the showiest of all for a clump or larger mass. 
Names of Plants.— IF. D. : A species of Babiana, probably 
Babiana plicata. M. McL. : Asplenium Ceterach. B. C. G. : 
1, Dendrobium densiflorum : 2, Dendrobium nobile; 3, Begonia 
of garden origiD, but we do not recognise it; 4, Adiantum 
concinnum ; 5, Scirpus riparius, generally known in gardens as 
Isolepis gracilis; 6. Cyperus longus apparently, but we should 
like to see flower stems and flowers; 7, Dracaina of garden origin, 
which we do not recognise. E. E ,: l r Daphne pontica ; 2, Pyrus 
spectabilis. 
Narcissus poeticus. — N. H.: We suspect that your soil is 
cold and wet, otherwise the Poet’s Narcissus should thrive aud 
flower satisfactorily without any special attention. We have 
grown it successfully, both in light sandy soil and also in that 
of a heavy nature, in a position where it would have been 
inclined to be we;, provided it had not been well drained. 
Another point of great importance is that the soil must be well 
tilled and otherwise repared before planting either the Trumpet 
Daffodils or the Poet’s Narcissus. Lift the bulbs and part them 
after the foliage has completely died down, and dig the ground 
well, or trench it 2 ft. deep. Judging from the sample sent, we 
should not turn the top spit into the bottom and vice versa, but 
retain the old soil on the top. It is evident that your heavy 
shady soil wants turning up to frost in winter. You could make 
a point of treating a part of it in that way every year. In 
replanting the bulbs, we should keep them within 2 ins. of the 
surface. Replanting should be done in SeptemCer, or at least 
before any roots are emitted. Then it would be a good plan- to 
mulch the beds with some well-rotted farm-yard manure, taking 
care that the crowns have no difficulty in getting through it in 
the spring. In fact we should remove all the rougher material 
in March. 
Rhubarb. —C. A. G. : If not planted unreasonably deep we 
should let them alone. The crowns will correct themselves in 
due time, and you can assist them by draw ing a little soil away 
from them with a hoe. 
Tulip Soil. —Ah H. : Your soil may not contain anything 
that is actually objectionable, but is certainly wanting in every 
element conducive to a healthy growth. The growth of the 
moss proclaims poverty, and this to a very great extent accounts 
for so many of the bulbs throwing up single leaves or “ Widows,” 
as such leaves are usually termed. Tulips want good sweet 
loam, and a change as often as possible. 
Vine Flowers Failing. — G. K. : After carefully examining 
the inflorescence you sent, we failed to find any evidence of 
external injury in the shape of fungi or insects, and from other 
evidence we concluded that weakness of root action is the cause 
of the evil. The young flowers at various stages of their existence, 
but generally before they extend beyond their accompanying 
bracts, become brown or black, owing to the dying of the com¬ 
mon stalks of each branch ; then the latter, with its contained 
bracts, drops off close to the base. The bracts then die back as 
if starved for want of nourishment. You did not say whether 
the leaves of the young shoots exhibited similar symptoms; 
but we should expect it. The borders are very narrow, but if 
the subsoil, and especially the drainage, are right, the small 
body of soil would not altogether account for the failure. We 
suggest that after ascertaining the state of the drainage, you 
should find out whether the Vines had been properly ripened off 
in the autumn, giving, at the same time, plenty of ventilation. 
Plenty of foliage, well exposed to the light, is also a very 
important matter. 
Communications Received.--F. C.—G. C.—W. C.—A. H.— 
H. G.—F. O. C.—R. H A —E. C.—W. W. G.—L. G.-Scotus— 
Leonard-T. G. F.-W. P.—F. M. S. 
-» >! • < -- 
LONDON SEED TRADE. 
April 28f/t. 
Messrs. Hurst k Son, 152, Houndsditch, and 39, Seed 
Market, Mark Lane, E.C., report a slow demand 
for Agricultural seeds. Foreign Red Clover is again 
dearer. Heavy Perennial Rye Grass has also advanced 
owing to further export demand. White Clover, Alsike 
and Trefoil steady. Rape seed scarce. 
-- 
OOVENT GARDEN MARKET, 
April 30 th. 
Vegetables.—Average Retail Prices. 
s.d. s.d. 
Artichokes, Globe,doz. 3 0 GO 
Asparagus ....per 100 4 0 6 0 
Beans, French, per lb. 1 6 2 6 
Beet .per dozen 2 0 3 0 
Cabbages_per doz. 16 2 6 
Carrots .... per bunch 0 6 
Cauliflowers, English, 
per dozen 3 0 6 0 
Celery .... per bundle 2 6 
Cucumbers .... each 06 10 
Endive, French, doz. 2 6 3 0 
s.d. s.d. 
Herbs ....per bunch 0 2 0 4 
Horse Radish, bundle 3 0 5 0 
Lettuces .. per dozen 16 2 0 
Mushrooms, p. basket 13 2 0 
Onions.... per bushel 3 6 5 0 
Parsley.... per buucb 0 6 
Radishes .. per dozen 1 6 
Small salading,punnet 0 4 
Spinach, per strike ..20 
Tomatos _per lb. 1 6 2 0 
Turnips _per bun. 0 6 
Potatos.— Kent Regents, 80s. to 100s. per ton; Kent Kidneys, 
80s. to 100s. per ton ; Champions, 70s. par ton. 
