July 17, 1897. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
733 
methods of training, were a notable feature attract¬ 
ing a considerable amount of attention. 
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., exhibited a small 
group of hybrid Orchids, including Disa Veitchi in 
good form, Laeliocattleya Eunomia, L. Zephyra, and 
L. canhamiana albida. The latter is a magnificent 
bigeneric hybrid with large flowers, white sepals, and 
a huge crimson-purple lip. L. Zephyra has creamy- 
yellow flowers and a purple blotch on the lip. 
Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, exhibited a 
small group of Cypripediums, including Svend 
Bruun, C. Euryale, and C. Mulus. They also had a 
fine piece of Phaius ashworthianus, having yellow 
flowers and an orange-brown lip. 
E. Ashworth, Esq. (gardener, Mr. H. Holbrook), 
Harefield Hall, Cheshire, staged a small collection 
of cut flowers of Cattleyas, consisting largely of 
fine varieties -of C. Warcewiczii (gigas). He also 
exhibited C. Eldorado Wallisii, and C. superba 
alba. The new Dendrobium Victoriae Retinae, the 
so-called blue Dendrobe, created some amount of 
interest but not much excitement. The sepals and 
petals are shaded with a mixture of purple and 
blue. He also staged Catt-Laelia Mardellii. 
Messrs. F. Sander & Co. had a grand batch of the 
white Watsonia Ardernei. The plants were upwards 
of 5 ft in height, and carried huge spikes of the 
handsome white flowers. 
Exotic ferns in considerable quantity were forth¬ 
coming from Mr. H. B. May, Dyson’s Lane Nur¬ 
series, Upper Edmonton. The plants throughout 
were in robust health, and were excellent samples of 
good gardening. Three genera only were repre¬ 
sented, but a considerable number of members of 
each were shown. Aspleniums in variety constituted 
the bulk of the exhibit, and the style of growth, and 
cut ing of fronds showed a deal of variation. From 
A’ Nidus var. australasicum to such comparative 
rarities as A. flabellifoliura, and such pretty forms as 
A. praemorsum, A. Mayii, and A. ornatum, a wide 
difference is manifest. The wealth of the genus 
Asplenium was well-demonstrated here (Silver 
Gilt Flora Medal). 
Cut hardy flowers were well-shown by Mr. T. S. 
Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, N. 
Alstroemeria aurantiaca, Lilium Humboldtii, L. 
Brownii, and Eryngiums were very showy (Silver 
Banksian Medal). 
A collection of cut hardy flowers, contributed by 
Mr. John Charlton, Tunbridge Wells, included some 
good Delphiniums, Aconitum bicolor, Malva mos- 
chata alba and Gaillardias. It received a Silver 
Banksian Medal. 
Liliums, Calochorti, and Brodiaeas were shown by 
Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens, Col¬ 
chester. Lilium excelsum, L Parryi, L. Brownii, 
L. thumbergianum Van Houttei, and L. dalmaticum 
were all first-class. Brodiaeaixiodes, and B. californi- 
ca should also be mentioned (Silver Flora Medal). 
Messrs. Barr & Son, King Street, Covent Garden, 
had an imposing array of cut hardy flowers. Eryn¬ 
giums, Phloxes, and Sweet Peas in variety were good, 
and some capital blooms of varieties of Iris laevigata 
were on view (Silver Banksian Medal). 
Messrs. A. W. Young & Co., Stevenage, Herts, 
also showed cut hardy flowers. 
Mr. B. Ladhams, Shirley Nurseries, Southampton, 
had a choice collection of similar material, for which 
a Silver Flora Medal was voted. 
The bunches of Sweet Peas sent by Mr. Henry 
Eckford, Wem, Shropshire, were of superb quality. 
Fifty bunches, in as many varieties, were staged, and 
the range of colour forthcoming was very great. 
Mars, Countess of Shrewsbury, Coquette, Emily 
Eckford, Mikado, Mrs. Eckford, Countess of Powis, 
Blanche Burpee, Eliza Eckford, and Stanley were a 
few of the finest varieties (Silver Flora Medal). 
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, were 
voted a Silver Gilt Banksian Medal for a large and 
imposing array of cut hardy flowers that ran the 
whole length of the hall. Three stands containing 
120 blooms of border Carnations were also exhibited 
by this firm. King Arthur, Voltaire, Eldorado, 
Eudoxia, Bendigo, Xerxes, The Pasha, and Seagull 
were some of the best. 
Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Braiswick Nursery, 
Colchester, received a Silver Flora Medal for some 
excellent cut Roses. The new varieties Muriel and 
Mrs. Frank Cant were well shown, as were also such 
standard varieties as A. K. Williams, S. Marie Rodo- 
canachi, Niphetos, Ethel Brownlow, Medea and 
Catherine Mermet. 
Messrs. Wra. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, sent a 
group of cut blooms of new Roses. A basket of the 
new Tea, Empress Alexandra of Russia, was a con¬ 
spicuous feature here. 
Mr. James Douglas, Great Bookham, Surrey, 
exhibited blooms of new Carnations and Picotees. 
There were some magnificent forms observable here. 
Voltaire, Endymion, Pelegia, Badminton, Perseus, 
Lancer, Mrs. James Douglas and Miss Violet 
Douglas were some of tha best. 
Messrs. H. Cannell & Son, Swanley, Kent, 
had a nice group of seedling tuberous Begonias. 
The plants were dwarf and sturdy, and the flowers 
of good form, and very double. A grand dark 
crimson form was the most conspicuous (Bronze 
Banksian Medal). 
A Silver Banksian Medal went to Mr. B. R. 
Davis, Yeovil, Somerset, for five stands of superb 
flowers of double tuberous Begonias. The Hon. 
Miss Winn, Mrs. W. H. Fowler, Mrs. Stothert, and 
Saturn were some of the most noteworthy. 
There were but few competitors in the classes fur 
cut hardy flowers. 
Mr. C. Herrin, gardener to the Lady Louisa 
Fortescue, Dropmore, Maidenhead, was the solitary 
competitor for twelve bunches, and was awarded 
first prize. He had large and showy bunches of 
Aconitum bicolor, Spiraea ariaefolia, Galega officin¬ 
alis, Lathyrus grandiflorus, Alstroemeria aurantiaca, 
and Achillea Ptarmica the Pearl. 
Miss Debenham, St. Peters, St Albans, was alone 
in the class for eight bunches and also received first 
prize. The bunches were smaller than in the 
preceding exhibit, but were fairly good. 
At a meeting of the fruit and vegetable committee 
Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, were 
voted a Silver Gilt Knightian Medal f r twent}- 
three splendid dishes of Cherries. Varieties like 
Monstreuse de Mezel, Early Rivers, Black Heart, 
and Bigarreau Napoleon were notable for the huge 
size of the fruit and its superb finish. 
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., showed a collec¬ 
tion of Gooseberries in pots illustrating different 
methods of training. Standards, fan trained, 
pyramids, and cup-shaped trees were all on view. 
All of them were carrying good crops of fruit, about 
twenty fine varieties being represented. From the 
same firm came samples of the late Strawberry 
Veitch’s Perfection, the result of a cross between 
Waterloo and British Queen (Silver Gilt Knightian 
Medal). 
Messrs. W. W. Johnson & Son, Boston, received a 
Silver Banksian Medal for a collection of Peas that 
comprised upwards of sixty dishes. 
Mr. E. Beckett, gardener to Lord Aldenham, 
Aldenham House, Elstree, staged a magnificent 
collection of vegetables for which he received a 
Gold Medal. It is not often that a collection of such 
merit is to be seen, for everything composing it was 
of the best, and Mr. Beckett evidently knows how to 
gain points by clean and effective staging. Tomatos, 
Cucumbers, Peas, Carrots, Onions, Beet, Globe Arti¬ 
chokes, Cauliflower, Marrows, Broad and French 
Beans, Vegetable Marrows and Cabbages were all 
in first-rate order. 
Messrs. Jas. Carter & Co., High Holborn, exhibited 
a fine lot of Cos and Cabbage Lettuce, some of the 
curled and fringed varieties being especially good. 
Some shapely Turnips also came from the same 
firm (Silver Banksian Medal). 
BY TELEGRAPH. 
WOLYERHAMPTON .—July 13th, 14 th, &■ 15th. 
The ninth annual floral fete of Wolverhampton was 
opened Tuesday under the most happy circumstances 
as regards weather, number and quality of exhibits, 
excellent arrangements, and in the happy selection of 
judges, which included Mr. Richard Dean, Mr. Alf. 
Outram, Mr. Owen Thomas, of Windsor, Rev. J. H. 
Pemberton, Mr. Cocks, Mr. Coombs, etc. 
Plants. 
The exhibits of plants under this division were far 
above the average; and it has been characteristic 
with a good many shows this season that the groups 
were the leading feature. Mr. J. Cypher, Chelten¬ 
ham, gained the coveted place with a most beautiful 
and artistically arranged group of Palms, Crotons, 
Orchids, etc. Mr. French, Coventry, was awarded 
second with another splendid group. Mr. Vause, 
Leamington, was third with a noteworthy group ; 
while Messrs. Tom B. Dobbs & Co., Wolver¬ 
hampton, were commended. 
In the class for groups open to gentlemen’s 
gardeners first came J. A. Kerwick, Esq. (gardener, 
Mr. Cryer) ; second, H. Lovatt, Esq. (gardener, R. 
Sharpe) ; third, T. Clayton, Esq., Birmingham 
(gardener, L. Feukes) ; fourth, Enoch Horton, Esq 1 
Walsall. 
Roses. 
The show of cut blooms was excellent; and when 
such exhibitors as Messrs. Harkness & Sons, of 
Bedale, and Mr. Ben R. Cant, of Colchester, came 
forward, it is sufficient criterion of the quality of the 
exhibits. The leading honour for seventy-two dis¬ 
tinct Roses fell to Messrs. Harkness & Sons, Bedale, 
and Hitchin,mostly all their blooms being noteworthy, 
including Comtesse de Nadaillac, Fisher Holmes, 
Cleopatra, and Horace Vernet. The second place 
fell to Mr. Ben. R. Cant, who had alsr a splendid 
exhibit, noteworthy being Ethel Brownlow, Luciola, 
and Marchioness Dufferin. Messrs. R. Mack & Son, 
Cathrick, and Scoton, were third ; and the English 
Fruit and Rose Co., Hereford, were fourth. 
In class nine for forty eight Roses, single trusses, 
Mr. Ben. R. Cant was first; Messrs. Harkness & 
Sons were second ; Messrs. Perkins and Sons, 
Coventry, third; and Messrs. J. Townsend & Sons, 
Worcester, were fourth. In class ten for twenty-four 
Roses Mr. Ben. R. Cant took the lead; second, 
Messrs. Harkness and Sons; third, Messrs. J. 
Townsend & Sons ; fourth Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough. 
Most of the other cut bloom classes fell to Messrs. 
Perkins & Sons, Coventry, who carried off all the 
leading honours for bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ 
bouquets and hand bouquets. The second 
prizes in the same competition were awarded to 
Messrs. Jenkinson & Son, Newcastle, while the 
third prize went to Miss H. M. Stevens, Birming¬ 
ham. For the decorative arrangement of Roses, 
Messrs. Perkins & Sons also gained first place. Mr. 
J. Maddock, Oxford, wjs second. 
Several of the non-competitive exhibits were of 
rare beauty and merit. Messis. Barr & Sons, 12 
and 13, King Street, Covent Garden, London, 
had a large and varied group of cut blooms and 
herbaceous plants. Mr. Eckford, of Wem, had an 
exhibit of almost every variety of Sweet Peas, and 
of the most exquisite beauty. 
Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, had another 
noteworthy group of Violas, etc. Messrs. Clibran 
& Son, Manchester, had a group of Violas and table 
plants. Mr. Robert Sydenham, Birmingham, ex¬ 
hibited a choice selection of his rustic table decora¬ 
tions. Messrs. Thomson & Co., Sparkhill, Birming¬ 
ham, set up a large group of Ferns, Gloxinias, and 
Carnations ; while Messrs. Hewitt & Co., also of 
Birmingham, had another good group. 
Messrs. E. Webb & Sons, Stourbridge, had a 
striking exhibit of flowers, fruit, and vegetables. 
Messrs. Edwards & Son, of Nottingham, had a large 
group of their decorative pottery. The Ichthemic 
Guano Company, Ipswich, had an exhibit of their 
speciality. 
Fruit was well represented, chief honours going to 
Earl Harrington (gardener, J. H. Goodacre) ; Lord 
Bagot (gardener, T. Bannerman); and Lady 
Somerset, Ledbury (gardener, F. Harris). The 
Prize Trophy for the best exhibit in the show was 
not awarded at the time of sending off the 
telegram. 
--S*- 
Questions iqd msojgrs 
*,* Will our friends who send us newspapers he so good 
as to mark the paragraphs or articles they wish us to see. 
We shall be greatly obliged by their so doing. 
[ Correspondents , please note that we cannot undertake to 
name florists' flowers such as Carnations, Pelargoniums, 
Chrysanthemums, Roses, nor such as are mere garden 
varieties, differing only in the colour of the flotuer. 
Florists' flowers, as a rule, can only be named by those who 
grow collections of them.] 
Peaches and Nectarines Dropping. -W. C G ; 
It is, no doubt as you suggest, because of the heavy 
cropping to which the trees are subjected that the 
fruits keep dropping. You say that the trees are 
not dry at the root, and this we can readily give you 
credit for during the summer months when the trees 
are growing and bearing a crop of fruit. There is a 
greater danger of the soil and roo's getting dry after 
the crop has been gathered, the idea amongst a great 
many gardeners being that the trees should be en¬ 
couraged to go to rest by withholding water. We 
do not imply that you pursue this plan, but merely 
offer it as a suggestion. There are now good culti¬ 
vators who apply water all through the ripening 
period, and find that the fruits are the juicier and 
the better for it. In a state of nature, that is, in the 
