782 
August 8th, 1885. 
THE GARDENING- WORLD. 
Edward Bridge, the energetic Secretary, ably assisted 
by the members of the Committee, who, with their 
most energetic and courteous Chairman!, Mr. J. 
Richardson, Curator of the Botanic Garden and 
Superintendent of the Public Parks and Gardens, are 
most ardent in their endeavours to further develop 
the usefulness of the society. The entries were very 
numerous, and in the principal classes the competi¬ 
tion -was very keen, and especially so in the cut-flower 
department. Liberal prizes are offered, so that 
exhibitors have every encouragement, and, in addition 
to carrying on the exhibitions, the society has 
organized a series of meetings for the benefit of 
horticulturalists in the district, and to encourage, as 
far as practicable, the writing of essays or papers by 
under-gardeners on subjects appertaining to the pro¬ 
fession, prizes being offered for the best. These 
meetings bring out first-rate discussions, which are 
greatly to the benefit of those who attend them. 
Plants. 
For twelve stove and greenhouse plants, six 
foliage and six flowering, Mr. Mease, gardener to 
C. W. Newmann, Esq., Wyncote, Allerton, was an 
easy first, and we question very much if ever finer 
examples of Crotons have been seen before. His speci¬ 
mens of Queen Victoria and Weismanii were nearly 
9 ft. high and the same through, magnificent plants, 
wonderfully well-coloured and having grand foliage ; 
C. Disraelii was nearly as large. The other specimens 
included Prichardia pacifica, a grand piece ; Gleiehenia 
Mendellii, Latania borbonieo, Erica Ne Plus Ultra, 
and E. emula, very fine and fresh, Clerodendron 
Balfourianum, Stephanotis floribunda, and Allamanda 
nobilis. Mr. Cypher, of Cheltenham, was second, 
with a good lot, containing fine examples of Croton 
Joliannis and C. majesticus, Kentia Forsteriana and 
Australis, Cycas revoluta, Latania borbonica, Erica 
Paxtoni and E. Irbyana, Ixora Tilgrimi, Anthurium 
Andreanum, Dipladenia amabilis, and a good Phceno- 
coma. These were a good dozen, but lacked the 
size of Mr. Mease’s plants. However, in the compe¬ 
tition for six stove and greenhouse plants in bloom, 
this order was reversed, Mr. Cypher coming in first 
with a good Dipladenia amabilis, Allamanda nobilis, 
Erica ampullacea Barnesii, Ixora Begin®, Erica 
tricolor major, and Phoenocoma, a fine clean, fresh 
lot. Mr. Mease had Clerodendron Balfourianum, 
Erica ampullacea, E. Williamsii, and E. tricolor 
Wilsoni, Bougainvillea glabra, Allamanda Hender- 
soni, and Dipladenia amabilis, also a good clean 
lot, but not so profusely flowered as Mr. Cypher’s. 
In the class for ten stove and greenhouse plants, 
five foliage and five flowering,, a grand lot was 
put up by Mr. Cox, gardener to W. II. Watts, 
Esq., Elm Hall, Wavertree, who was first with good, 
clean, well-grown plants of Ixora Begin®, I. coccinea 
superba, I. Dixiana, a grandly-flowered specimen with 
over two hundred trusses, Allamanda Hendersoni, 
Statice Butcheri, Aloeasia macrorhiza variegata, La¬ 
tania borbonica, Croton Queen Victoria, &c. 
Fine-foliaged plants were well shown, and here 
again the first prize for eight was well won by Mr. 
Mease with good, well-grown examples of Crotons 
Countess, Prince of Wales, Williamsii, and Mortii, 
Aloeasia macrorhiza variegata, Cycas revoluta, Aloeasia 
metallica and Lowii, a grand lot. Ferns were well 
shown, the best eight exotic coming from Mrs. Hors¬ 
fall, The Priory, good clean plants of Alsophila 
Youngii, Dicksonia squarrosa, D. antarctiea, Pteris 
scaberula, Davallia Moreana, Adiantum Farleyense, 
Ac.; Mr. Cox, Elm Hall, who showed well, was second, 
and J. B. Bowring, Esq., Aigburth (Mr. Hurst, gar¬ 
dener), third. 
Orchids were, poorly represented. The first prize 
for four was won by Mr. Mease with Saccolabium 
Blumei, Thunia Marshallii, Cattleya Gaskelliana, and 
Cypripedium Swanianium; second, Mr. Cypher, with 
Cypripedium Stonei and C. Parishi, Cattleya Dowiana, 
Vanda tricolor, and Odontoglossum vexillarium. 
Zonal Pelargoniums were shown in number, and the 
quality was good. Begonias, Achimenes, Caladiums, 
Gloxinias, Petunias, Coleuses were also fairly repre¬ 
sented, but call for no special comment. 
Of table plants several collections of six were staged, 
but most of them were too heavy. This remark, 
nowever, does not apply to the first prize lot from 
J. H. Harrison, Esq., Holmfield, Aigburth (Mr. 
Fleetwood, gardener). The second prize was awarded 
to Mrs. Watts, Grassendale Park|(Mr.Agnew, gardener), 
and the third to Mrs. Johnson (Mr. Cubben, gardener). 
Of groups arranged for effect we have seen much 
better on several occasions. The first prize for a 
group covering 250 square feet went to Messrs. B. P. 
Ker & Son, Liverpool, and the second to Mr. F. Francis, 
Wavertree. In the 150 square feet class, Mr. Mease, 
gardener to C. W.Newmann, Esq., eame'in first; W. H. 
Watts, Esq., Elm Hall (Mr. Cox, gardener), second; 
and F. G. Gossage, Esq., Camp Hill (Mr. Jellicho, 
gardener), third. These groups were all passable, but 
lacking in the lightness and brightness one now 
expects to see predominant. 
Cut-flowers. 
In this department the Roses were remark¬ 
ably good considering the unfavourable weather 
we have experienced. For forty-eight singles a 
splendid lot was put up by Messrs. Harkness, Bedale, 
who were first, while Messrs. Cocker & Son, Aberdeen, 
were second, and equal third, J. B. Hall, Esq., and 
Messrs. R. C. Mack & Sons, all showing good boxes 
of fine clean flowers. For twelve Teas and Noisettes, 
fine flowers were staged, and here J. B. Hall, Esq., 
came in first, Messrs. Harkness & Son second, and 
Messrs. Perkins, Coventry, third. For twenty-four 
flowers, J. B. Hall, Esq., was first, and A. Tate, Esq., 
second, both showing good flowers of the leading sorts. 
For twelve light-coloured varieties, Messrs. Cocker & 
Sons took the lead with Merveille de Lyon. In the 
corresponding class for twelve dark varieties, Alfred 
Colomb was shown well, this variety taking the first, 
second, and third prizes respectively, Messrs. Mack & 
Sons having the best. The prizes for the most taste¬ 
fully aranged box of Boses were taken by Alfred Tate, 
Esq., and J. B. Hall, Esq. For eighteen varieties 
of stove and greenhouse flowers, Mr. Mease was an 
easy first, with one of the best lots seen this season, 
and superb they were indeed, consisting of good 
trusses of Cypripedium Veitchii, Oncidium Lanceanum, 
Anthurium Ferrierense and Andreanum, Allamanda 
Hendersoni, Kalosanthes, Ixoras, Eucharis, Dipla- 
denias, Gloriosa superba, Erica'cerinthoides coronata, 
Pancratum fragrans, &c. These were much admired. 
Of hardy herbaceous cut-flowers grand collections 
were staged, making a splendid display, and many 
novelties of sterling merit were shown amongst them. 
The leading prize winners were Mr. Mease, Messrs. 
James Dickson A Sons, Chester-, and W. H. Shirley, 
Esq. Several fine bouquets were shown, and Mr. 
Cypher was first; Messrs. Perkins, Coventry, being 
second; and Mr. G. Downs, Lodge Lane, Liverpool, 
third. Wild flower bouquets were extensively shown, 
also model gardens, in some of which good designing 
was displayed. The epergnes were fair, but the 
Pansies and Dahlias were but poor. 
Fruits and Vegetables, Ac. 
For a collection of eight dishes, Mr. Edmonds, 
gardener to the Duke of St. Albans, Bestwood, came 
in first with splendid Grapes, Peaches, Nectarines, 
Figs, Cherries, and a good Melon and Pine; second, 
Mr. Ward, The Gardens, Biddings, Alfreton, who 
showed a very meritorious lot; third, Mr. Mease, 
Allerton. For six dishes, A. B. Gladstone, Esq.,Court 
Hey, Broadgreen (Mr. Elsworthy, gardener), was 
first with good Grapes, Melons, Peaches, Figs, Ac. 
The Pine-ap>ples were of fair quality only, but the Grapes 
were very fine. The first prize for four bunches, two 
black and two white, went to J. Evans, Esq., J.P., 
Hurst House, Prescot (Mr. Young, gardener), who had 
good Madresfield Court, Forster’s Seedling, Black 
Hamburgh, and Muscat of Alexandria, a really grand 
lot; second, B. Pilkington, Esq., Bainford Hall (Mr. 
Middleton, gardener); third, the Duke of St. Albans 
(Mr. Edmonds, gardener). The best two bunches of 
black Grapes came from Mr. Barker, gardener to 
Alderman Bayner, Bock Ferry, very fine Hamburghs, 
good in colour and berry; second, Mr. Brownhill, 
gardener to J. Hargreaves, Esq., Bock Ferry; third, 
B. Bowring, Esq., Beecliwood. 
For two bunches of Muscat Alexandria, B. Pilking¬ 
ton, Esq., St. Helens (Mr. Middleton, gardener), was 
first; W. J. Holland, Esq., Discard Hall (Mr. Dehvortli, 
gardener), second; and W. C. Clarke, Esq., Orleans 
House, Sefton Park, third ; these were all good in 
bunch and berry, and well finished. In the class for 
two bunches of any W r hite Grape, the Duke of 
Buceleugli was shown in fine form by several. First, 
Mr. Bennett, The Gardens, Bhug, Corwen ; second. S. 
S. Parker, Esq., Sudley Boad, Aigburth; third, Bev. 
J. Watts. For two bunches of any black variety, 
Hamburghs excluded, first, Alderman Bayner, Bock 
Ferry (Mr. Barker, gardener); second, J. H. Oakes, 
Esq., Biddings,Alfreton (Mr. Ward, gardener); third,E. 
Evans, Esq., Prescott (Mr. Young, gardener). Melons, 
both scarlet and green-flesh, were numerously shown, 
and the first prize for green-flesh went to Mr. Rhodes, 
gardener to Mr. Horsfall, and for the scarlet to Mrs. 
Paterson, Bock Ferry (Mr. Ferguson, gardener). 
Peaches and Nectarines were well to the fore, some 
splendid fruit being shown. Of,Strawberries and 
Cherries we have seen plenty better this season. 
Baskets of fruits arranged for effect were exhibited 
by Mr. Mease and Mr. Elsworth, who took the prizes 
in the order named. 
Considering the dryness of the season, vegetables 
were well shown, the collection being very meri¬ 
torious. For twelve varieties, Col. Wingfield, 
Onslow Hall, Shrewsbury, -was first with a good lot, 
and in the class for local exhibitors living within 
ten miles of Liverpool, Mr. Mease was first. The 
Peas were very fine, and the entries numerous. 
Potatos were also shown well, and Tomatos,'but the 
Cucumbers were very poor. 
Miscellaneous. —The Liverpool Horticultural Co., 
Mr. J. Cowan, manager, showed, not for competition, 
some good Tea Boses, well grown and flowered, a 
grand lot of Lilium speciosum varieties, miscellaneous 
stove and greenhouse plants, some Orchids, good 
Petunias and Ferns, and samples of their pot-Yines, 
which are veiy good. Altogether they formed a very 
fine display. Messrs. R. P. Ker & Sons contributed 
a collection of stove and greenhouse plants, foliage 
and flowering, containing many novelties, some of 
which were certificated, and samples of then- Vines, 
&e. 
Messrs. F. & A. Dickson & Sons, Chester, had a 
miscellaneous collection of stove and greenhouse 
plants, and Messrs. Pearson & Sons, Chilwell, boxes 
of cut Pelargoniums. Mr. F. Perkins, Leamington, 
had his Pelargonium Volunte national alba in fine 
form. 
Horticultural Requisites. —Mr. Joseph Bramham, 
104. Dale Street, Liverpool, showed specimens of his 
boilers, wire-work, and garden implements for which 
he is so well-known, and the many awards he has 
taken are sufficient to recommend him ; Messrs. 
Forster & Pearson, Beeston, Notts, showed green¬ 
houses and frames ; and Messrs. W. Glassey & Co., 
Liverpool, garden seats and chairs. Messrs. David 
Lowe & Son, Manchester, had a greenhouse ; and Mr. 
Webster, Wavertree, some frames and greenhouses. 
Mr. Fred Mee, Liverpool, exhibited boilers and heating 
apparatus, for the excellence of which he is so well 
noted; Mr. Caesar, Knutsford, rustic work, summer¬ 
houses, Ac., some of the best we have seen ; Mr. P. B. 
Hasken, Liverpool, samples of Teak-wood and Bamboo 
tubs, boxes, &c. 
Great credit is due to all concerned with this exhi¬ 
bition, and especially to the managers of the various 
departments, for not a single hitch occurred, and we 
are pleased to hear that the attendance on Monday 
was much larger than on any previous occasion. 
— 0 --. —- 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
Books.— James TTilson .— Donn’s Hortus Cantabrigiensis 
lias been out of print a long time, but we occasionally see a copy 
on the second-hand bookstalls. 
Sedum acre. — Bee Keeper. —This is an excellent plant to 
grow for Bees, flowering at the end of June and beginning of 
July. We have seen them visiting the flowers in great num¬ 
bers, even in districts where they are not kept to any great 
extent. 
Bedding Plant. — J. S. C. — Your plant is Klenia repens, a 
succulent greenhouse plant, used sometimes in a small state, 
not so often now as a few years ago, as a bedding plant. 
Earlt Grapes. — Scotus — If you want them very early it 
is better to start the pot-Yines in August than October, if the 
canes have been grown with that object in view, and are now 
well ripened. 
Pelargonium. — Junus. —- The largest specimen Fancy 
Pelargonium we remember to have seen measured 1(1 ft. in 
circumference. It was exhibited at the large exhibition held 
in Lower Aston Grounds, Birmingham, in July, 1S75, but we 
have forgotten the grower’s name. 
Varieties op Fruit.— J. JIcA.—lt the schedule says ‘‘ six 
distinct varieties of fruit,” you are certainly entitled to show 
six distinct varieties of Grapes, of Apples, orof Pears, if yon like, 
but there can be no doubt that six distinct kinds were intended. 
Names of Plants.— IF. J?.—I. Tradescantia zebrina; 2. 
Tradescantia repens aurea variegata ; 3. Cyperns alternifoli is : 
4, Isolepis gracilis: 5. Nephrolepis tuberosa; 0. Blechnum 
