218 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
December 4,1897. 
Bracken, each after its kind, lend a lustre or give a 
colour to the landscape, which no mere description 
can possibly compass. 
Higher up still—up to the mountain summits— 
colour goes merrily along ; but there it depends upon 
the rosy or the melancholy morn, the condition of 
the mid-day air, the subdued evening light, or the 
glories of the setting sun. Here, also, originate 
those tiny tinkling streams which gain in volume as 
they descend to lower altitudes, and which, ever and 
anon, during their downward course, sparkle in the 
sun like mirrors of burnished silver. But enough of 
poetising ; let us give up— 
“ Dreaming upon the wonderful, sweet face 
Of Nature, in a wild and pathless place,” 
and come down to more mundane matters. Let us 
attempt a succinct account of Ardenlee, the subject 
of our cares. 
Ardenlee, then, is about a mile from Dunoon, on 
the southern side, is beautifully situated, commands 
the Firth of Clyde and the hills of Renfrewshire on 
the opposite side. Ardenlee is occupied by C. M. 
Hogg, Esq , a Glasgow sugar-refiner, and is fairly 
representative of its class in this moist, but favoured, 
clime. The mansion is painted a dead white, so 
much that I feel I must call it the “ White 
House of the Woods.” Woods prevail here, and 
what is called the “ Bull Wood ” consists principally 
of Oaks. Two things, however, contribute to the 
reputation of Bullwood—one is that Hymenophyllum 
Wilsoni was first found here as a British habitat - and 
fortunately it still survives—and the other, though 
less tangible is really interesting, because it solemnly 
declares that Mary Stuart may be sometimes seen in 
ghostly mien. Alas, who would not have a ghostly eye 
to see a ghostly queen ! 
Probably this story has had some effect on my 
mental vision in intensifying the whiteness of Arden¬ 
lee. However that may be, the '* White House ” is 
worth a visit. To show the nature of the ground, I 
may state that the conservatory, which is at the 
back of the house, is up among the chimneys, and 
that the servant’s entrance is through a tunnel cut 
out of the solid rock. 
In such a position, then, one may expect art to 
come to the aid of Nature; and so it does— 
especially gardening art, for Mr. J. Fraser—a potent 
name in horticulture—tells me that, in mowing the 
steep slopes, the machine has to be worked up and 
down with a rope. As a matter of fact the garden— 
about six acres—is all steeps and terraces, the upper 
portion being about 200 ft. above the lower. 
Notwithstanding these natural difficulties some 
very good results are obtained where the soil is 
sufficiently deep to permit of success. Fruit trees, it 
is hardly necessary to add, are not grown in the best 
of mediums, but by root-pruning and other details, 
Mr. Fraser has secured on a wall a fair crop of 
Apples and Pears. King of Pippins, Stirling Castle, 
and Cellini are his best Apples ; while Marie Louise, 
and Bellissitne d’Hiver, represent the two sections of 
Pears. Fruit trees, however, are are much subject 
to canker. Moss and lichen also abound, due, no 
doubt, to the excessively moist conditions which 
prevail. Bush fruits, however, and Strawberries 
give a large return. In the houses, of course, better 
results are obtained, because the conditions are more 
under control. Vines look well, Foster's Seedling 
and Alnwick Seedling bringing up the closing year. 
Tomatos, too, are still bearing a “ mickle ” of fruit, 
Challenger, Conference, and Frogmore Selected, 
being the favourites grown These are cultivated 
on what maybe termed a sliding scale; i. e., the 
shelves are lowered as the height of the plants 
increase, so that a good crop is thus taken all up the 
stems. 
In a miscellaneous collection of plants I noticed 
Pelargonium Agnes, a fine pure white, and probably 
the best of its class. 
Among Conifers under glass Mr. Fraser thinks a 
lot of the Bermuda Cedar (Juniperus bermudiana), 
its graceful feathery foliage and general elegant 
appearance, rendering it a fit subject, in a small state, 
for cool greenhouse work. Although this is a some¬ 
what tender species and is “ rarely seen in England,” 
it survives the winters in this mountain garden. 
Oiher trees and shrubs of a half-hardy character, as, 
for instance, Chamaerops Fortunei, Fuchsia Riccar- 
toni, Viburnum Tinus, etc., also seem to be at home. 
Chrysanthemums are well represented and well 
grown. In fact, I must pay Mr. Fraser a well- 
merited compliment—they are the most promising 
lot in the district as far as my peregrinations enable 
me to compare. About 200 of the large-flowering 
plants have his attention, and these are quite up to 
exhibition standard, besides others which are 
grown as specimens or for cut flowers. 
At the time of my visit—the third week in Septem¬ 
ber—the most forward were being transferred to 
their blooming quarters to save them from their too- 
attentive friend, the daily drizzle. 
Summer-flowering varieties, such as Piercy's 
Seedling, Blushing Bride, and the lovely golden- 
yellow La Petite Marie were doing well; but me- 
thinks the season is slightly out of gear. 
But still there are some things which this 
“ season” suits, and which find a place in every 
Highland garden—to wit, herbaceous plants ; the 
Scotch climate being such as these and alpines 
revel in. I wish, therefore, the purely business 
aspects of the Gardening World, would permit a 
description; but they will not. Space is too 
valuable; time too important. Brevity is wanted; 
but, alas, I fear I do not possess " the soul of wit.” 
Anjhow, my notes on this subject can stand over, 
although I must mention the Viola, another favourite 
N.B. flower. 
Violas are par excellence the flowers of Caledonia 
"stern and wild ” ; they scent the air, they love the 
weeping skies. Bullion betrays its colour ; Clivia is 
sweet-scented; Nora May is silvery-white ; Duchess 
of Fife and Countess of Kintore are generally 
admired; Ariel is light and graceful; while Dobbie's 
Iona is said to be “ one of the finest grown ” 
I cannot, however, close these notes without 
reference to Eckford’s Sweet Peas which, under Mr. 
Fraser’s culture, literally become “ hybrid per- 
petuals,” as they have been flowering continuously 
since June, and still exhibit their beautiful colours, 
their freshness of form and their quality of size. 
Roses, also, have been a success—the old " Glory ’’ 
(Gloire de Dijon) being so proliferous that fears are 
entertained for its vitality. 
Many other observations must be reserved from 
necessity, and so I will only add that many of the 
ordinary operations of gardening are here attended 
with great difficulties ; such as the carting of manure, 
the mowing of grass, the repair of the paths, or the 
trundle of the wheelbarrow. 
Who would not be a gardener ? 
In such a clime as this ? 
Where Nature triumphs all the year 
And man has little bliss. 
Where rains descend—and gravel too, 
And stones roll down the glen ; 
Who would not be a Sisyphus 
And roll them up again ? 
Still, Phoebus sometimes does attend 
With fiery steeds, and wiles— 
Oh! then the weeping skies depart 
And all the garden smiles. 
C. B. G., Acton, IV. 
CHRYSflNTHEinUin SHOWS. 
WARE AND DISTRICT .—November 10th. 
The Chrysanthemum show in connection with the 
Ware and District Horticultural Mutual Improve¬ 
ment Society was opened on the 10th ult. by Mrs. 
Barclay, of High Leigh, Hoddesdon; the weather 
being all that could be desired helped to increase the 
numbers at the opening ceremony. Many ladies and 
gentlemen of the district were present, including Mr. 
and Miss Agatha Hanbury, the president, E. S. 
Hanbury, Esq., of Poles; Abel Smith, Esq., M.P., 
of Woodhall; S. Croft, Esq., of St. Margaret's, 
Bury; R. Walters, Esq., of the Priory; and R. 
Barclay, Esq. 
After the show was declared open, Miss Agatha 
Hanbury was called upon, in the unavoidable absence 
of Miss Hanbury, to present a ” Silver Cup,” which 
was given to the society by the president, to Mr. 
Fulford, gardener to R. Walters, Esq., for the best 
thirty-six blooms—eighteen Japanese and eighteen 
incurved—not more than two of one variety. In the 
prize blooms many of the leading sorts in cultivation 
were represented, all in good form and character, 
notably a fine bloom of the beautiful yellow incurved 
C. H. Curtis, to which was awarded the Society's 
Certificate as the best incurved bloom in the show. 
Mr. Asher, gardener to R. C. Berkley, Esq., 
Collett Hall, was awarded second in the contest for 
the silver cup. Among his blooms was the best 
Japanese bloom in the show which also obtained the 
Society’s Certificate. Mr. Dover; gardener to R. 
Barclay, Esq., was awarded second place in this 
class. 
Mr. Barclay was then called upon to present 
another silver cup to Mr. F. Durrant, New Road, 
Ware, which was given by W. Richardson, Esq., of 
Sawbridgeworth, for the best twelve Japanese 
blooms in the amateur class. 
There were only two entries for the group of 
Chrysanthemums, that by Mr. Baulk, gardener to 
S. Croft, Esq., being first; and Mr. Asher, second, 
there being a creditable lot of blooms in both 
groups. 
Mr. Asher was an easy first in the group for mis¬ 
cellaneous plants (Chrysanthemums excluded) he 
having a nice effective arrangement of Bouvardias, 
Begonias, Roman Hyacinths, Cattleyas, Oncidiums, 
etc., on a groundwork of Fern backed by a nice 
Palm. Mr. Dover was second; and Mr. Surridge 
third. Mr. Fulford also took first for six foliage 
plants, twelve incurved blooms, and twelve Japanese, 
distinct, and six dishes of culinary Apples. Mr. 
Gull was first for zonal Pelargoniums, single and 
double Primulas, and winter-flowering Begonias. 
Mr. Fanding, gardener to D. Ludgate Flack, Esq., 
was first for a group measuring 6 ft. by 4 ft. of Chrys¬ 
anthemums ; first for six Anemone blooms ; and 
first for three dishes of dessert Pears. Mr. Dover was 
first for six reflexed blooms; first for six Japanese, 
one variety ; six dishes dessert Apples and collection 
of vegetables. Mr. Surridge, gardener to C. Sande- 
man, Esq., led for two bunches black Grapes and 
six dishes dessert Pears. 
The amateur and cottager sections were also well 
contested, many first-class vegetables and fruit being 
shown by them. 
Plants not for competition were kindly sent from 
the gardens at Poles, Easneye, Prisdales, and St. 
Margaret’s, Bury. 
The trade was represented by Mr. E. P. Francis, 
Hertford; and Mr. Chapman, Blue Coat Nurseries, 
Ware. 
The judging was satisfactorily accomplished by 
Mr. G. Gordon, Kew, and Mr. C. Cox, Brickendon 
Grange, for flowers and plants ; Mr. J. Dean, 
Cheshunt, and Mr. R. Smith, Brickendon, Bury, 
for fruit ; Mr. Alexander, Walton-on-Thames, and 
Mr. G. Kimmins, Allenry Hall, for the vegetables. 
This is the eighth Chrysanthemum show held by 
this society, they having commenced in 1889 and it 
is very gratifying to notice the progress year by year, 
also the interest shown by the members and com¬ 
mittee to make not only the show but the society a 
success, and well worthy of the name Mutual 
Improvement Society. 
BIRKENHEAD .—November 16th and lyth. 
The eleventh annual exhibition under the auspices 
of the above society was held in the Music Hall, 
Birkenhead. The exhibits were hardly as numerous 
as in previous years, but quality, with the exception 
of stove and greenhouse plants, was fully sustained. 
The groups of " 'Mums ” were a distinct feature, 
whilst the cut blooms and fruit were of a high order. 
The first prize winners in the more important 
classes were:—For twenty-four Japanese distinct, A. 
Ellis, Esq. (gardener, Mr. J. Davies), the finest 
blooms being Duke of York, Phoebus, International, 
Etoile de Lyon, Mutual Friend, Viv. Morel, Chas. 
Davis, M. Gruyer, Western King, Edith Tabor, and 
G. C. Schwabe. 
For eighteen incurved varieties, Mrs. Cockburn 
(gardener, Mr. G. Burden) was first, the best sam¬ 
ples being J. Agate, W. Tunnington, Chas. H, 
Curtis, R. Petfield, Miss M. A. Haggas, Prince of 
Wales, and Bonnie Dundee. W. H. Watts, Esq. 
(gardener, Mr J. Bracegirdle) secured second posi¬ 
tion in each class with good blooms. 
For twelve Japanese, C. J. Procter, Esq (gardener, 
Mr. J. Williams), was first with a good stand. 
F’or twelve incurved, R. Balfour, Esq. (gardener, 
Mr. T. Pink), led. 
For six Japanese, C. Mclver, Esq. (gardener, Mr. 
H. Holford), was first; for six incurved, J. H. Ismay, 
Esq. (gardener, Mr. W. Neisb), led the way. Six 
Japanese were best shown by C. H. McCleay, Esq. 
(gardener, Mr. H. Ledsome) ; the last named exhibi¬ 
tor won in the maiden class for six Japs. The best 
six incurved came from H. B. Smith, Esq. (gardener, 
Mr. E. Neil). 
