September 17, lb98 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
43 
slopes and hill sides. The cones of this Pine are 
here largely used as firewood. 
As one moves eastward, Pinus Pinaster and Pinus 
Pinea are met with, the latter generally growing on 
or about rocks near the sea. This, the " Stone Pine,” 
sometimes from its shape called the " Umbrella 
Pine,” when well developed has a striking appear¬ 
ance, 
Olives, Oranges, and Vines clothe the lower slopes 
of the hills all along the coast, but in the extreme 
east, nearer the Italian frontier, they grow more 
freely and produce their fruit more abundantly than 
farther west ; indeed, the gathering of the Olives 
there forms an important industry. The chief value 
of the Olive fruits, of course, lies in the oil obtained 
from them, that we value so much for many purposes. 
But apart from this they form an article of food with 
the French and Italians. When cooken and eaten as 
a vegetable they are very palatable. 
The Lemon is not generally found on the French 
side of the frontier, but in Italy the cultivation and 
exportation of this fruit forms a staple means of 
livelihood of the peasants. Orange trees are very 
numerous all along the coast. They are invariably 
planted in groves extending over several acres of 
ground. They flower in early autumn, and it is then 
that the flowers are gathered in such quantities for 
the distilleries at Grasse. A sufficient number of 
flowers is always left on the trees to produce a crop 
of fruit the following year, thus a double harvest is 
obtained. The fruit requires rather more than 
twelve months to mature. From flowers which are 
fertilised, say in September, ripe fruit would be had 
from December onward of the following year. There 
are many varieties of Oranges of varying qualities ; 
those known as Mandarines, though small, being 
among the sweetest. 
Although vineyards are formed on some of the 
sheltered slopes of the hills, Grapes for wine making 
are not cultivated in quantity in this immediate 
neighburhood. Wine, both white and red, as you 
doubtless know, is the everyday beverage of the 
French, and is taken with each meal. Excellent red 
wine can be had for 5d. a bottle; white wine is 
slightly more expensive. 
The Evergreen Oak (Quercus Ilex) is common on 
the lower hills, but I do not remember to have seen 
any large specimens. Most of them have a stunted 
growth, due, probably, to the summer drought. The 
Cork Oak (Q. Suber) also grows here, but is not so 
common as the Evergreen Oak. 
Eucalyptus globulus and Platanus orientalis (the 
Plane) have been extensively planted in the vicinity 
of the Riviera towns. The former tree is being 
rapidly rooted out of all the gardens, as for a dis¬ 
tance of several yards from its base nothing will 
grow, on account of its numerous gross-feeding 
roots, which greatly impoverish the soil. The Plane, 
as is well known, succeeds when planted in or around 
towns. At Nice, Cannes, and Mentone there are 
many fine avenues and boulevards of- this tree. 
The Oleander is frequently seen by the road side, 
and in the months of January and February is 
covered with blossom. The same may be said of the 
Judas Tree (Cercis siliquasttum), the Tulip Tree 
(Liriodendron tulipfer'a), Paulownia imperialis, arid 
Catalpa bignonioides, all of which grow : luxuriantly 
in most parts of the'Riviera. Lotus peliorhynchus, 
the beautiful Lotus plant, is a fine sight when in 
flower. Around Nice it does wonderfully well, while 
at Cannes, distant not more than thirty-two or thirty- 
three miles, it has several times failed to pass through 
the winter. 
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum is a common 
plant, covering bare rocks and walls with its pendu- 
ous growths and brightly coloured flowers. 
(To be, : continued.) 
SOCIETIES. 
STIRLING .—September i st and 2nd. 
This two day exhibition was opened on September 
1st, in the Public Hall, Albert Place, Stirling. The 
entries were more numerous than those of last year’s 
exhibition, but there was a falling off in pot plants 
and in fruit. Cut flowers, on the other hand, were 
fully up to the high standard of merit usually to be 
seen at Stirling. 
The judges were Messrs. D. Nicoll, Rossie, and 
McLean, Alloa, for the fruit and vegetables ; Messrs. 
M. Campbell, High BJantyre, and R. Stewart, 
Woodilee, for cut flowers; and Mr. D. W. Soutar, 
Stirling, for honey. The opening ceremony was 
performed by Mr. James McArthur Moir, of Hillfoot. 
Mr. John Downie obtained the first prize in the 
open class for twelve Roses, in not less than eight 
varieties ; twelve spikes of Gladioli, in six varieties, 
twelve Dahlias, and twelve bunches of Violas, show¬ 
ing a fine lot of material that did him infinite credit. 
In the ladies’ competition for a vase filled with 
wild flowers, grasses, &c., Mrs. T. Hall, Bogahan, 
came out first, thus winning the prize offered by Ex- 
Provost Yeelowlees. 
Gardeners’ Classes. 
Mr. T. Lunt, Keir, staged the winning lot of six 
stove and greenhouse flowering and foliage plants, 
and very fine pieces they were. He was also first 
for three stove or greenhouse Ferns; the second 
award in this class going to Mr. A Ferguson, Wood- 
ville, who was first for the single specimen. 
Mr. T. Lunt scored another first for six table 
plants, distinct, one of the stipulations being that the 
pots should not exceed six inches in diameter; Mr. 
W. Rutherford, Airthrey, was second ; and Mr. A. 
Ferguson, third. Mr. Lunt had likewise the best 
specimen foliage plant, and the premier three stove 
or greenhouse plants in flower. 
In the classes for cut flowers Mr. D. McNeill sent 
the winning twelve double Dahlias in six varieties, 
the second prize being won by Mr. W. Maxton, 
Mecklewood. 
Mr. D. McNeill, Gargannock House, also won for 
six bunches of hardy herbaceous flowers, distinct, 
with a very creditable selection ; likewise six 
bunches of hardy annuals, distinct, six Roses, of 
distinct varieties, and twelve Carnations and Pico- 
tees in six varieties, so that he well sustained his 
reputation as a good grower of hardy flowers. 
The fruit classes brought out some excellent 
material. Here Mr. T. Gilchrist, All^ngrange, 
staged the premier two bunches of Black Hamburgh 
Grapes, Mr. D. Kerracher, East Plean, making a 
good second, and Mr. D. McNeill coming in third. 
The first prize for two bunches of White Muscats 
went to Mr. D. McKerracher, as well as the premier 
award for two bunches of White Grapes of any 
other variety. In the corresponding class for a 
similar number of bunches of Black Grapes, Mr. T. 
Lunt was the winner. 
For the single bunch of Black Grapes, the winners 
were Mr. W. Rutherford, Mr J. Waldie, Dollarbeg, 
and Mr. W. W. Ritchie, Polmaise, in the order 
named. In the corresponding class for one bunch 
of White Grapes, Mr. W. Rutherford and Mr. J. 
Waldie were respectively first and second. 
In the classes for vegetables, the principal winners 
were Mr. J. Waldie, Mr. T. Lunt, and Mr. D. 
McNeill, all of whom won a number of prizes. 
Several additional competitions extra to the 
primary schedule had been drawn up, and here Mr. 
T. Lunt obtained first for a collection of plants 
arranged for effect, also winning for four bunches of 
Grapes in two varieties, whilst Mr. J. Waldie scored 
for a collection of ten kinds of vegetables. 
Amateurs’.Classes. 
One , of the most notable exhibits in this section of 
■thp schedule was the 6 ft. by 4 ft. table of plants and 
tflowers arranged for effect that was contributed by 
Mr,, R. C. Dickson, who deservedly received for it 
the leading prize. Mr. W. D. Stevenson was 
second. 
Mr. J. B. Taylor staged the winning four bunches 
of hardy herbaceous flowers, as well as the best 
buttonhole bouquets. Mr. M. Carrighan scored for 
the basket of eight kinds of vegetables. 
GLASGOW AND WEST OF SCOTLAND - 
September 7th and 8 th. 
This show, which was held in the St. Andrew’s 
Halls, Granville Street,Glasgow,was undoubtedly the 
best show this society has held for years. The entries 
far exceeded those forthcoming at any of their pre¬ 
vious shows. The quality also of the various exhi¬ 
bits was extremely high and satisfactory. 
The competition all round was strong. They do 
not go in for groups of plants arranged for effect, but 
prizes are offered for tables of plants—arranged for 
effect. It would be well if the society would consider 
this class and make it a group of plants arranged for 
effect in a specified space. This would give the exhibi¬ 
tors a chance of changing the arrangements alto¬ 
gether, and we think it would add considerably to 
the general effect of the show. Specimen plants, al¬ 
though not large, were clean and well done. 
Zonal Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Liliums, &c , were 
fairly represented, whilst Cockscombs, as usual, 
were a feature of interest. 
Table plants have always been a very strong fea¬ 
ture at this show ; in fact, we seldom meet with such 
a strong competition. It is gratifying no doubt to the 
first prize winner this year, to find himself for the 
twentieth time at the top of the list. This fortunate 
exhibitor is Mr. John Sutherland, of Victoria 
Nursery, Lenzie, N.B. 
Cut flowers and bouquets, Dahlias, Gladioli, 
annuals, &c., were well represented, but bouquets, 
&c., were only fairly good, a great want of taste and 
up-to-date execution being sadly needed. 
Fruit was exceedingly good all round. Grapes 
were well finished and the finest Muscats we have 
seen this season adorned the tables of this show. It 
is surprising, after what we have seen this season, to 
find such excellent quality all round in the fruit 
classes here. 
Vegetables, like the fruit, were excellent. The 
various exhibits, especially the collections, surpassed 
any seen here for years. 
To Mr. John Coates, the secretary and treasurer, 
we offer our congratulations on the superb manage¬ 
ment. Everything passed off without the slightest 
hitch, which is a pleasant thing for us to be able to 
record. 
Honorary exhibits were numerous. Mr. John 
Forbes, Hawick, showed a grand collection of Holly¬ 
hock,Phloxes, Pentstemons, Dahlias, Pinks, Picotees ( 
and Carnations, well worthy his reputation. 
Messrs. Jas. Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen, sent 
herbaceous cut flowers, Roses, etc., in the best con¬ 
dition. 
Mr. M. Campbell, Blantyre, had some good 
Dahlias, herbaceous plants, and Phloxes. From 
Messrs. Brown Brothers, Meadowbank, Udding- 
stone, came a good collection of summer flowering 
Chrysanthemums. This was a most interesting ex¬ 
hibit. 
The society, under its present management, has 
a good future before it, providing the general public 
will come forward and support it in a manner 
worthy of the cause. We think it a great pity that 
the show cannot be held in one of the numerous 
public parks easy of access to the city—this present 
show is overcrowded with exhibits. Why not try the 
Botanical Gardens, which have all the splendid 
advantages we seldom meet with. In such weather 
as this we are now experiencing, these grounds with 
the grand promenade, and plenty of room would be a 
great advantage, with the combined assistance of the 
popular curator, Mr. Dewar, and the energetic 
secretary, Mr. Coates, and his worki ng committee— 
the idea to use a Yankee phrase, ought to catch on. 
BY TELEGRAPH. 
ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL.— 
September 14 th and 15 th. 
The September Exhibition of the Royal Caledonian 
Horticultural Society is again a great success. The 
entries number 2,150, and if there is a falling away 
in some of the smaller classes, there are more ex¬ 
hibitors than on the occasion of the Jubilee Show 
last year. There are eleven collections of fruit ; 184 
entries of Grapes ; 135 of Apricots, Plums, etc.; 438 
of Apples, being a great increase over the entries of 
last year; 129 entries of Pears; 212 of plants; 388 
of cut flowers ; 446 of vegetables ; 62 of small fruits; 
and 120 exhibits of cut flowers from nurserymen. 
Besides these entries in the competitive classes, 
there are 34 special exhibits. The great excess of 
Apples over those of previous exhibitions is probably 
due to the dry and warm weather experienced in 
Scotland during last week ; for no such degree of 
heat has been experienced during the last sixty years, 
much less during the month of September. Special 
interest is created by the fine exhibit of fruit sent by 
Her Majesty the Queen. There are several other 
fine features in the show ; and the arrangements 
have been so admirably carried out by the new 
secretary, Mr. P. Murray Thomson, that he is to 
be congratulated on the grip he already has of the 
working of the affairs in connection with the shows 
of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society. 
Competitive Exhibits. 
The premier honour in the class for a circular table 
of plants 12 ft. in diameter and arranged for effect is 
