September il, 1897. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
27 
were accorded the first prize. They were also an 
easy first for Cactus Dahlias. 
A large number of classes was set apart for 
amateurs, who exhibited Lilies, Ferns, Pelargoniums, 
cut flowers, and various other things in fine con¬ 
dition. In the open classes for amateurs and 
gardeners, the Sweet Peas were very fine, Mr. A. 
Cameron taking first for twelve of Mr. Eckford’s 
varieties. Other classes for Sweet Peas were well 
represented. 
Fruit. —The first prize for a collection of twelve 
kinds was taken by Mr. James Beisant, gardener to 
Mrs. George Armitstead, Castle Huntly, who had 
grand Grapes, Peaches, Nectarines, &c. He also 
led the way for six dishes of hardy fruits, and for 
four varieties of Grapes, the black sorts being finely 
finished. Mr. A. Hutton, gardener to G. Keith, 
Esq., Usan House, Montrose, was a good second, 
his bunches being large but not so well formed. Mr. 
Alex. Duncan was first for Black Hamburgh. Mr. 
John Laing, gardener to Sir J. C. Rattray, Craighall, 
Blairgowrie, had the best Lady Downes Mr. John 
Leslie, Pitcullen Gardens, Perth, staged the best 
Muscats. There were five competitors. Grapes 
were abundant as were Apples, Peaches, Apricots, 
Plums, Pears, Gooseberries, Black, White, and Red 
Currants. 
Vegetables generally were abundant and good. 
There were six collections of vegetables of twelve 
kinds each, and the leading award was taken by Mr. 
A. Cameron, gardener to W. L. Boase, Esq., Bin- 
rock, Dundee, who had grand Onions, Potatos, 
Carrots, Leeks, Peas, Cauliflower, and Celery. Mr. 
James Joss, gardener to the Lord Provost, Dundee, 
was second; and Mr. William Harper, Tulliebelton, 
Bankfoot, came in third. Mr. Alexander Paterson, 
Ruthrieston, Aberdeen, was deservedly first for a 
collection of twelve varieties of Potatos, which were 
handsome ; Mr. Thomas Johnston and Mr. James 
Bethel, were second and third respectively. Potatos, 
Onions, Cabbages, Beet, Peas, Dwarf Beans, Celery, 
Longpod Beans, Golden Ball Turnips, Leeks, and 
Parsley were abundant and in wonderful form. 
Trade Exhibits. —Messrs. Laird & Sinclair, 
Dundee, set up an attractive exhibit of Dahlias, 
Gladioli, hardy herbaceous cut flowers, shower 
bouquets, and Sweet Peas, all neatly arranged with 
other subjects. 
Messrs. James Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen, had the 
best display in the show, for which they had the 
Gold Medal of the society. The exhibit was made 
up of cut flowers of hardy herbaceous plants and 
Roses, very fine being the Montbretias, Gladioli, 
Phloxes, Chrysanthemum Princess May (of hybrid 
origin), and C. Mrs. Head, the latter receiving an 
Award of Merit. The Roses Mrs. John Laing and 
Chas. Lefebvre were grand. 
Mr. Robert Grossart, Clarendon Park Nursery, 
Perth Road, Dundee, had a collection of bouquets, 
baskets, shower bouquets, wreaths, &c. 
Messrs. Storrie & Storrie, Dundee, staged a collec¬ 
tion of herbaceous plants, Begonias, Carnations, 
Celosias, Pelargoniums, &c. 
Messrs. D. & W. Croll had an elaborate arrange¬ 
ment of Roses, Dahlias, Sweet Peas, Iceland 
Poppies, shower bouquets, and other flowers arranged 
with cork, moss, wire arches, &c. 
Mr. John Forbes, Hawick, Scotland, staged a 
choice collection of Cactus Dahlias, Carnations, 
Pentstemons, Phloxes, Hollyhocks, Delphiniums and 
other flowers all carefully named and displayed for 
comparison. The Carnations included a large 
number of varieties chiefly for border culture. 
Mr. Wm. Colchester, Ipswich, occupied a tent 
between two large ones with a fine display of plants 
grown with their speciality, pure Ichthemic Guano. 
The plants and samples were arranged on a high 
conically built stand. 
Messrs. Thyne & Paton, 18, Union Street, Dundee, 
had a very extensive collection of Lilies, Gladioli, 
and herbaceous plants. Messrs. Harley & Sons, 
Reform Street, Dundee, had a collection of wreaths, 
baskets bouquets and other devices (Gold Medal). 
A large party sat down to luncheon at the Royal 
Hotel, under the presidency of Bailie McDonald, 
who was supported by the Hon. Mr. Higgins (United 
States Consul), Mr. Sanege (United States Consul), 
Sir John Leng, M.P., Mrs. McGrady, Mrs. Higgins, 
Captain Dewar, Bailie Doig, Mr. J. S. Gray, Mr. 
John Robertson Colonel Smith, Mr. Walker 
Inerville and Mr. W. F. Hill. 
After the usual loyal toasts, Baillie McDonald 
proposed the " National Artillery Volunteer Forces,” 
which was responded to by Colonel Smith. Mr. 
Gray then proposed " The Judges," and thought 
they discharged a disagreeable, diligent, and difficult 
task. As there were important speakers to his left 
and they were all so well-known, his audience would 
pardon him for not saying more. Mr. Malcolm 
Dunn, in responding, said that he was highly pleased 
to be amongst them all once more. He was amazed 
at the fine exhibition both for for its quantity and 
quality. It was better than it was four years ago— 
the abominable weather excepted. The quantity of 
herbaceous plants had greatly increased. The fruit 
was very creditable. Exhibitors had also shown 
great skill in cultivation. Two Gold Medals were 
recommended for two exhibits so nearly alike in 
artistic display and value that it was impossible to 
differentiate between them. 
Sir John Leng proposed the " Lord Provost and 
Magistrates of Dundee ” for their thoroughly intelli¬ 
gent municipal life, etc. They had taken up the work 
of their predecessors and continued it. The Council 
have supported horticulture, and the society does 
well to recognise it. Bailie Doig responded with 
thanks to the previous speaker in the names of his 
fellow-men. The more he studied it the more he re¬ 
cognised and understood why they supported the 
cultivation of flowers, and their sweetening influence 
on amateur gardeners in the higher walks of life, as 
well as on allotment holders, who were men of 
humbler opportunities. He desired to see more of 
this. 
Mr. Higgins, United States Consul, proposed the 
11 Dundee Horticultural Society, with the City 
Fathers.” This was a municipal function part and 
parcel. This special work made Dundee well known 
in America, for things were not done in America so 
successfully as there. He was pleased to 
associate the “City Fathers” of Dundee with 
their show. Nature is lavish everywhere. Marks 
of skill were evidently the heirloom of our children in 
the humblest walks of life. Our duty to their well¬ 
being is plainly to spend half an hour a week on 
practical subjects, such as the study of plants. To 
this the chairman responded with thanks. 
Mr. Watts proposed the " Successful Com¬ 
petitors,” and said that the show was a considerable 
advance on previous ones. Mr. Mason and Mr. 
Roberts responded. 
NATIONAL DAHLIA .—September yd and 4th. 
Dahlias were admirably shown at the annual grand 
exhibition of this society which took place, as usual, 
at the Crystal Palace, on Friday and Saturday, 
September 3rd and 4th. The competitive exhibits 
and the numerous miscellaneous ones were staged in 
the centre of the building, the eastern and western 
ends being otherwise occupied. All sections of 
Dahlias were well-represented, and Cactus varieties 
in particular were in first-class condition. There was 
a brisk competition in all the important classes. 
A very interesting feature was the V.R. Com¬ 
memoration Class, consisting of a decorative exhibit 
of Dahlia blooms, set up with Palms, sprays of 
foliage, etc., and occuping 108 sq. feet of area. The 
idea was to display the development of the Dahlia 
during the 60 years of Her Majesty's reign. There 
were only two entries, the first prize being awarded 
to Mrs. M. V. Seale, Sevenoaks, who had an im¬ 
posing, although a somewhat stiff, exhibit. The 
groundwork was composed of bunches of Cactus, 
pompon and single Dahlias, set up with Asparagus. 
At the back were five tall decorated pillars, the 
central one of which bore a floral crown. Four 
similar, but shorter, uprights, formed the front rank, 
the pillars in each row being connected with each 
other by arches dressed with Smilax. On the white 
screen, which hung from the edge of the table in the 
front the letters V.R , and the dates 1837 and 1897, 
were worked in crimson and scarlet Dahlias. 
Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, made a close 
second. The ground work in this case was much 
prettier than in the first prize lot, but the central 
pyramid was not tall enough, and the group thus 
lacked the imposing effect it would otherwise have 
had. 
In the nurserymen's classes for cut blooms, Messrs, 
Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, took premier 
honours for the sixty show and fancy blooms, dis¬ 
tinct. William Rawlings, Emin Pacha, Harrison, 
Weir, J. T. West, Mathew Campbell, Mrs. Langtry, 
Miss Cannell, Mrs. W. Slack, Mrs. C. Noyes, Mrs, 
Saunders, Geo. Barnes, Duke of Fife, Dorothy, Alice 
Emily, Hon. P. Wyndham, and Goldsmith were 
some of the strongest blooms. Mr. C. Turner, 
Slough, was second with a very even lot ; Mr. J. 
Walker, Thame, Oxon, was third; and Mr. S. Mor¬ 
timer, fourth. There were five entries in this class. 
There were also five entries in the class for forty- 
eight blooms of the same sections. Here Mr. J. 
Walker led the way, showing Maud Fellowes, Miss 
Cannell, Earl of Ravensworth, Dorothy (self), Henry 
Walton, Duke of Fife, John Standish, John Hick- 
ling, Mrs. Gladstone, Victor, Perfection, Eclipse, 
Mrs. Langtry, and Peacock in capital condition. 
Mr. C. Turner was second, and Mr. S. Mortimer, 
third. 
Three entries only appeared in the competition for 
thirty-six blooms, distinct. Mr. G. Humphries, 
Kington Langley, was placed first with an even and 
well coloured lot, whilst Mr. J. T. West, Tower Hill, 
Brentwood, was accorded the second award. 
Mr. G. Humphries scored another success for 
twenty-four show and fancy blooms, and was again 
followed in the second place by Mr. J. T. West. 
Mr. J. R. Tranter, Henley-on-Thames, had the best 
twelve. 
Cactus varieties made a brave show, and the com¬ 
petition in the premier class for eighteen bunches of 
six blooms each was especially keen. Messrs. J. 
Burrell & Co., Howe House Nurseries, Cambridge, 
staged a grand lot, and headed the list of competi¬ 
tors. They had Regulus, Starfish, Mrs. Kingsley 
Foster, Fantasy, Gloriosa, Mrs. Francis Fell, and 
Mrs. A. Beck in excellent order. The second prize fell 
to the lot of Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salis¬ 
bury ; and the third to Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons. 
There were six exhibits staged. 
In the smaller class for 12 bunches of Cactus 
varieties in similarly sized blooms Mr. J. T. West 
was first, and Mr. G. W. Humphries second. 
For twelve varieties of decorative Dahlias in 
bunches of six blooms each Mrs. M. V. Seale was 
first. Kyneuth, Countess of Radnor, and J. H. 
Roach, were three of the bests sorts shown. Messrs. 
J. Cheal & Sons were second. 
Twenty four varieties of pompons in bunches of 
ten blooms each were best shown by Messrs Keynes, 
Williams & Co., who had a grand lot. Messrs. J. 
Cheal & Sons were second. In the smaller class for 
twelve bunches composed of the same number of 
blooms Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., were first. 
Mr. J. Walker exhibited the premier twelve 
bunches of singles, while the first award in the larger 
class for twenty four bunches fell to the lot of Messrs. 
J. Cheal & Sons. 
In the classes for six blooms each of varieties of 
show and fancy Dahlias of special colour, the first 
prizes went to the following exhibitors for the varie¬ 
ties shown respectively by them :—Mrs. M. V. Seale, 
for dark, with Prince of Denmark ; Mr. J. Walker 
for a light, not yellow, with Mr. Gladstone ; Mr. S. 
Mortimer, for yellow, with John Hickling ; and also 
for red with Mrs. J. Downie (sell); Mr. Walker, for 
white, with John Walker; Mr. G. W. Humphries 
for a tipped variety, with Mrs. Saunders ; and Mrs. 
M. V. Seale, for a striped variety, with Mrs. John 
Downie, and Mr. G. Walker, for an edged Dahlia, 
with Miss Cannell. 
In the amateur classes the following exhibitors 
received first awards in their respective classes ;—T. 
Hobbs, Esq., Easton, Bristol, for twenty-four show 
and fancy blooms; S. Cooper, Esq., Chippenham, 
for twelve show blooms ; C. Keep, Esq , Streatham, 
for six show blooms ; S. Cooper, Esq., for twelve 
fancies ; H. H. Raphael, Esq., Rosecourt, Havering, 
for six fancies ; W. Mist, Esq., Ightham, for twelve 
bunches of six blooms each of Cactus varieties ; 
Edward Mawley, Esq., Rosebank, Berkhampstead, 
for six bunches of similar material, three blooms to 
each bunch ; E. C Wilkins, Esq., Swanley Junction, 
for nine bunches of Cactus blooms, three going to a 
bunch ; W. C. Pagram, Esq , Weybridge, for six 
bunches, ten blooms in each, of pompons; E. 
Jefferies, Esq , Langley Burrell, for six bunches, six 
blooms in each, of pompons; T. W. Girdlestone, 
Esq., Sunningdale, Berks, for six bunches of singles ; 
E. Mawley, Esq., for six smaller bunches of singles; 
Miss L. Hudson, Gunnersbury, Acton, W., for the 
best epergne ; and R. Edwards, Esq., Beechy Lees, 
Sevenoaks, for the best vase of Dahlias. 
Miscellaneous. 
Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Totten¬ 
ham, N., had a nice group of pompon and Cactus 
