no 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
July It), 1897 
as are also the Vineries. Muscats are the favourites 
and are splendidly done, as the crop is really 
wonderful. If they finish as well as they promise 
they will be fine objects for the exhibition table, 
many of the bunches being now fully a foot long and 
well proportioned. A splendid house of Madresfield 
Court bears the same character. Melons are also 
extensively grown in frames where the Strawberries 
are forced. The favourites are Hero of Lockinge 
and Windsor Castle ; the latter has been grown over 
8 lbs. in frames and is a grand Melon for frame 
work. 
Tomatos are grown both inside and out. Fine 
crops of Sutton's Perfection, Chemin de Luli, and 
Northumberland are the favourites Two new 
houses have just been erected for Peaches and 
Nectarines ; of the later Rivers Early occupies one 
house. These were planted last December and are 
making grand headway. To Mr. Allsop much credit 
is due for the admirable condition he has everything. 
Cleanliness and good order are in strong evidence, 
for a finer lot of trees, combined with a most excel¬ 
lent crop of grand fruits, well coloured, it would be 
impossible to find, and I must congratulate him upon 
his great success .—Alfred Outram, F.R.H.S. 
-—*-- 
A HAWICK AMATEURS GARDEN. 
Amongst the many lovers of hardy plants in 
Hawick, Mr. Robert Elliot, of Stanley Cottage, is 
one of the most enthusiastic. His handsome cottage 
which stands in the centre of his tastefully-arranged, 
and well-stocked garden, is a home of which he may 
well feel proud. Being a working man, his only 
spare time for tending his fruit and flowers is in the 
evenings and Saturday afternoons ; and judging from 
what I saw during my visit, he certainly makes good 
Use of his time. Hardy herbaceous and alpine 
plants, besides a very fine collection of hardy Ferns, 
being his strong point, it is needless to add that 
almost at all seasons of the year he has something to 
admire. His collections may not be so comprehen¬ 
sive as some noted in these columns; but it is being 
diligently and judiciously added to year by year as 
circumstances allow. 
A few of the most prominent things in flower on 
the borders and rockwork were Aubrietia Leicbt- 
linii, Linum arboreum, Lithospermum prostratum, 
red, yellow, and blue respectively. Being in bulk, 
and near to each other the eflect was charming. 
Prominent also were large breadths of Saxifraga 
Aizoon, S. rocheliana coryoph) 11 a, S. dtnsifolia, and 
S. marginata in dense sheets of white. Sempervi- 
vums were also fine, the most prominent being S. 
Laggeri. This is a variety I have several times 
lost, but Mr. Elliot seems to have more luck, as the 
specimen he has seems very much at home. Its 
position is an exceptionally dry one, which suits it 
admirably; this holds good for most Houseleeks. 
At the same time I have some good specimens of S. 
Brauni, S. fimbriatum, S. montanum, etc., growing 
in very damp positions, and doing well Sedums 
were also prominent, especially S. ternatum, which 
is useful and pretty with its myriads of sprigs of 
white. Tree Paeonies, Lupines, and Aquilegias 
were at their best, and were represented by the best 
of each colour only. Hesperis matronalis alba fl. pi., 
the old true Scotch Rocket, I was pleased to see in 
such fine clumps. This is a grand old plant which 
should be in every garden. 
Passing to the Ferns, which Mr. Elliot specially 
admires, I was much struck by the healthy appear¬ 
ance and size of some of the plants, both on a small 
rockery and in the cool frames. Two lovely things, 
and in exceptional condition, were Athyrium cris- 
pum and A glomeratum elegans, the latter especially 
being the most striking, its fronds resembles extra 
fine curled Parsley. It is, I believe, rather rare. The 
Bladder Ferns were well represented, the most 
notable being Cystopteris fragilis dickiana and C. 
montana, both of which were well grown plants. 
Ceterach officinarum (the Scale Fern), so seldom 
seen in a healthy condition, was also really fine. 
Polypodium robertianum and P. cristatum were the 
best in this v,sc ion. Polystichum angulare grandi- 
cep; and P. Lonchitis (the Holly Fern) were also 
good. The Spleenworts and Hart’s-tongues were 
represented by the choicest varieties, Scolopendrium 
digitatum being very prominent. Many other varie¬ 
ties, too numerous to mention, also find a home 
here; many a long ramble have they cost their 
owner, who knows the haunts of all the rarer dis¬ 
trict Ferns, and even further afield. When and 
wherever on holiday our friend is on the watch 
for anything worth picking up. Mr. Elliot grows 
his plants for love of them, and looks not to the com¬ 
petition table to gain him fame, although on one 
occasion he was tempted to try for a Banksian 
Medal given for Alpines in pots, which he had the 
honour to win, and of which he justly feels proud.— 
Coila. 
-- 
NATIONAL AMATEUR GARDENERS’ 
ASSOCIATION. 
Beautiful weather favoured the National Associa¬ 
tion of Amateur Gardeners on Saturday, July 3rd, 
when a garden party was held in the gardens of the 
Royal Botanic Society at Regent’s Park The day 
was warm without being oppressive and a gentle 
breeze made matters still mors comfortable as the 
amateur gardeners and their friends, including a 
considerable number of ladies, strolled among the 
trees and lawns of the Botanic Gardens. Instru¬ 
mental music was discoursed at intervals throughout 
the afternoon. One special feature was the reception 
of some of the Colonial Premiers, who visited the 
gardens towards the close of the afternoon. Alto¬ 
gether the function was a happy and successful one. 
In the large tent behind the conservatory a show 
of garden produce generally had been organised. 
This, of course, attracted a considerable number of 
friends and acquaintances of competitors. The 
strictly business air which invariably seems to attend 
the ordinary large shows was conspicuous by its 
absence and as no one seemed to take the competi¬ 
tion seriously there was a good deal of dilatoriness 
in making known the awards and the affixing of the 
prize cards. 
The exhibits in the several classes arranged for in 
the recently issued printed schedule and report were 
rather few in number and do not call for any spe ial 
remark. Pot plants, such as Fuchsias, Coleuses, 
and exotic Ferns were fairly good. 
Cut Roses were represented by a few good blooms. 
A few dishes of good vegetables were also to be 
seen. Two floral tables only were forthcoming. 
One of these was disqualified by the judges for 
infringement of the rules, and the prize was with¬ 
held from the other for want of the possession of 
sufficient merit on the part of the exhibit. 
The show really owed its attractiveness to the 
miscellaneous exhibits. These were fairly numerous 
and a goodly proportion of the best known trade 
growers were represented. These miscellaneous 
groups were delegated to the higher mounds 
round the sides of the tent to which they gave a 
furnished appearance. 
Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, 
N., had a large semi-circular group of cut hardy 
flowers. A considerable variety was manifest, and 
the material shown was-of excellent quality. 
A very pretty group was that staged by Mr. H. J. 
Jones, Ryecroft Nursery, Lewisham, S.E. It was 
composed chiefly of tuberous Begonias, in the culti¬ 
vation and improvement of which Mr. Jones has 
made such a name and fame. Both single and 
double varieties were worthily represented, and some 
of the latter were remarkable for the substance and 
form of the flowers. An edging of Isolepis gracilis 
was tasteful, and some fair sized pieces of Bambusa 
gracilis and Acer Negundo had been employed with 
great judgment for a background and also for dotting 
here and there over the group for lightening 
purposes. 
Cannas were splendidly shown by Messrs. H. 
Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent. The plants were 
only in large 48-sized pots, but carried large trusses 
of grand flowers. Such varieties as Queen Charlotte, 
Aurea, Pavonia, Duchess of York, Alex. Billard, 
Simon Maupin, Conquerant, and Incendie were 
particularly noteworthy. 
Two cases of bedding Violas were contributed by 
Mr. W. Baxter, Woking. The flowers throughout 
were very fresh and good. 
Mr. W. Rumsey, Joyning's Nurseries, Waltham 
Cross, sent a number of excellent quality cut Roses. 
The ne# variety Mrs. Rumsey was shown with long 
stalks and in sprays to illustrate its value as a 
bedder. 
The Malmaison Carnations from Messrs. W. Cut- 
bush & Son, Highgate, N., were, as ever, first-class. 
Blush and rose varieties were particularly good, and 
the dwarfness and vigour of the plants gave evidence 
of culture of a very high order. An edging of 
Maidenhair Fern was in capital taste. 
Cut hardy flowers from Messrs. Barr & Sons, 
King Street, Covent Garden, made a brave show. 
Lilies, Delphiniums, and Eryugiums were especially 
well shown. A stand of capital samples of Iris 
laevigata was much admired. 
A huge exhibit was made by Messrs. John Laing& 
Sons, Forest Hill, S.E. Foliage plants occupied the 
centre, and here some capital Souvenir de la Mal¬ 
maison Carnations appeared. Flanking these both 
to the right and the left were cut hardy flowers in 
great profusion and excellence. 
The Sweet Peas that were contributed by Messrs. 
Dobbie & Co., Rothesay and Orpington, were remark¬ 
ably fresh and good. Many of the leading varieties 
were included in the collection. 
The Ichthemic Guano Co., Ipswich, had a stand 
of plants grown by the aid of this special Guano. 
From appearances it evidently suits Carnations, 
Fuchsias, Ferns, and Pelargoniums. 
The One and All Co., Agar Street, Strand, sent an 
exhibit of vegetables. 
- - 
SONNING BRIDGE. 
None can go up or down river to Sonning without 
noticing the bridge—hence I am tempted to make 
some comments. The structure is considered by 
some to be “ handsome " ; I cannot altogether agree 
with this view. Certainly Sonning itself occupies 
a delightful site on the Thames a little way below 
Reading ; in fact quaint old Leland calls it an " up- 
landish town, sette on a faire and commodious 
ground ; the Tamise renneth under it in a praty 
vale.” I am not, however, concerned just now with 
the village, or “town” as Leland styles it, but with 
that too conspicuous red brick structure which 
divides its honours between the Shires of Berks and 
Oxford. 
It is a utilitarian bridge ; and, as such, of course 
fulfils a purpose, but not an ideal. If it have any 
claim to beauty it lies in the eleven irregular arches, 
of which it is composed, and in which the fancy may 
well find a sufficient number of curves to please or 
play with. But where art has failed, nature has 
succeeded, and time and weather have not only 
toned down the colour of the bridge, but have stepped 
in with amplification and adornment. 
Yea, in addition to Moss and Lichen, which have 
combined to cover its external surface, there are 
other plants which have found a home and fixed 
themselves thereon. The chief and most noticeable 
perhaps—on the 29th May—is the graceful little 
Ivy-leaved Toad-flax (Linaria Cymbalaria) whose 
pendulous branches are now alive with pretty, pale- 
coloured, purple flowers, the palates of which are 
suggestive of gold, while the curious, short pointed 
spurs are indicative of nectar, for which the wily bee 
goes. Its bright, shining, he .rt-shaped leaves are 
there, too, in rich profusion ; they look elegant and 
interesting, and doubtless serve, if not to “ point a 
moral,” to adorn a wall. 
Another plant which, like the Hyssop, may be 
slid to “spring out of the wall,” is the Pellitory 
(Parietaria officinalis). This has rough, reddish 
stems, and numerous, small, axillary flowers which 
grow in threes, the middle one being pistiliferous 
only. The leaves are ovate or lanceolate, in form, 
rough-looking and unattractive, like the flowers; 
but which, in their present position, certainly have 
one good point, viz , to cover up and clothe defects 
in brick and mortar. The Pellitory is also found 
growing on rubbish heaps and at the foot of, as well 
as on, old walls, but, as a plant, it exhibits far more 
character on a wall than at the base of it. 
This red brick bridge also, is not without its repre¬ 
sentative of the order Filices ; for does not the little 
Wall-rue (Asplenium Ruta-muraria) seek its kindly 
aid ? It is a brave, or hardy little plant with tough, 
dark green compound fronds, that seem proof against 
the elements. It is one of the smallest of our British 
Ferns, and somewhat difficult to cultivate, although 
if the proper conditions be present it will grow freely 
enough. 
But, as one leans upon the bridge, 
And looks adown its side, 
One wonders where the tiny spores 
Are taken by the tide. 
It is a true wall plant and, like the other subjects 
mentioned, subserves nature’s mood as against man's 
handicraft. I am, therefore, more than willing, in 
the presence of these little wildings, to recant my 
former opinion concerning Sonning bridge, by rtason 
of the vegetation on it.— C. B. G. Aclon, IF. 
