708 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
July 7, 1900. 
the centre, and a large Phoenix, the ground 
beneath being carpeted with Aspidistras. 
The side shelves are occupied with Pelar¬ 
goniums, Fuchsias, Gesnera fulgens, and 
other flowering plants. The fernery was 
at one time a vinery, but plants are more 
popular than fruit with her ladyship. Some 
of the largest and finest plants of their kind 
here are Adiantum farleyense, Davallia 
hirta cristala, D. mooreana, Nephrolepis 
davallioides furcans, and others which 
make their presence felt at flower shows. 
The adjoining house is a stove having a 
collection of twenty to thirty varieties of 
Caladiums. Gloriosa superba is flower 
ing upon the roof. Palms occupy the cen¬ 
tre, and behind them is a plant of the 
Flower-fence (Poinciana pulcherrima) about 
12 ft. high, and which has been producing 
its glorious red and orange flowers at the 
end of the shoots since Christmas last. A 
cool house close by is filled with Indian 
Azaleas of various sizes, which make a 
grand display in spring. These will 
presently be stood out of doors and the 
house filled with Humeas and Campanula 
pyramidalis to be followed by Chrysanthe¬ 
mums in the autumn. The side shelves are 
occupied with Fuchsias, including Countess 
of Aberdeen (white), Champion (red and 
purple of huge size), and many others. 
Lilium Harrisi and L. speciosum are also 
doing well. Another cool house is gay with 
show and regal Pelargoniums in great 
variety, brightness being also afforded by 
Celosia pyramidalis, Francoa ramosa and 
F. sonchifolia. The zonal Pelargonium 
house is 65 ft. long, contains a collection of 
thirty-five of the best modern varieties, and 
at present is a mass of rich colours that 
amply demonstrate the beauty and decora¬ 
tive value of this old-fashioned class of 
flowers. Some that took our fancy were 
Renommee Lyonaise, Lady Candahar, 
King of Denmark, Dr. Nansen (large pure 
white), Cynthia (double white, and of dwarf 
habit), Mrs. Gladstone, Violet Daniel, New 
Life (a great curiosity), and Edith Strachan. 
All the best are procured as they come out. 
Lady Pigott is very fond of this house in 
winter and spring, on account of its cool 
and pleasant atmosphere. The Malmaison 
Carnation house is well stocked, but the 
flowers are now getting past their best. 
The old blush, the pink, and several scarlet 
ones are grown. Other varieties are repre¬ 
sented by Duchess Consuelo, Germania, 
Yellow Queen, and Pride of Great Britain 
(all yellow), and the pink Reginald God¬ 
frey. 
Orchids are not overlooked, for in one 
house Aerides crassifolium, Ae. Fieldingi, 
Phalaenopsis amabilis, Angraecum falca- 
tum (popular with her ladyship), Oncidium 
flexuosum, Cypripedium Stonei, and other 
species are flowering at the present time. 
Large pans of Coelogyne cristata are 
making fine growth. The same may be 
said of Cattleyas in the Cattleya house, as 
well as of Calanthe Veitchi, C. Turneri, 
and C. vestita. The cases of the propa¬ 
gating pit are filled with all sorts of sub¬ 
jects being rooted. Batches of Begonia 
Gloire de Lorraine and B. Gloire de Sceaux 
are being brought along. The house was a 
Melon pit at one time. The early Cucum¬ 
ber house is at present devoted to Poin- 
settias and the second batch of Gloxinias 
from seed, the old plants having flowered 
in March. Crotons are grown in a great 
number of varieties, of all sizes, from table 
plants to exhibition specimens. Pancra- 
tiums in quantity keep up a succession of 
bloom all the year round. Being very 
popular, plants are sent into the house 
when in bloom. Begonia Corallina and 
President Carnot are flowering grandly 
upon the roof. Large specimen Ixoras 
flower twice a year. The scarlet Episcia 
fulgida is very fine at present. Toxico- 
phlaea spectabilis flowers earlier. Gar¬ 
denias from cuttings are coming along 
strongly. A large number of heated frames 
are very useful for the raising of a great 
variety of subjects, including Chinese 
Primulas and Humeas, the latter being a 
strong feature of this establishment. Mr. 
J. Fleming, the gardener, is very successful 
with this troublesome plant, and develops 
graceful, branching, pyramidal specimens, 
6 ft. to 9 ft. high. He is much encouraged 
by his employer, and makes sowings in 
May, June, and July, the latter batch being 
the principal one, as the plants generally 
do best. The first two batches are more 
in the nature of experiment. He has grown 
plants in peat and leaf mould ; also in loam, 
burnt ash, and silver sand, but finds they 
are not particular as to soil. Water is con¬ 
sidered to be a more important factor to 
success than soil, as the roots are tender. 
Rain water is always preferred, or water 
from the pond when the former fails. The 
plants must also be kept cool at all times. 
The first sown batch is over 6 in. high 
already. At present a roomy lean-to house, 
on a northern aspect, accommodates the 
remainder of last year’s plants in bloom, 
though later plants will presently be potted 
up to take the place of the others. 
Brugmansia Knightii is flowering freely on 
the back wall. Fuchsias and Campanula 
pyramidalis will presently be mixed with 
the Humeas. The scent of the latter is 
remarkably strong as one enters the house. 
Cucumbers and Melons are grown in 
heated frames during the summer months 
to relieve the houses for the more popular 
flowering subjects. The crop in the Melon 
house is now being harvested. The fruits 
of Sutton’s Triumph, Royal Jubilee, and 
Invincible are very fine. Royal Jubilee is 
a variety that sets well. There are two 
trees along the front of the Peach house, 
and two along theback. They are reckoned 
to be about 50 years old, yet the foliage 
and the crops are excellent, both Peaches 
and Nectarines. It being no vandalism to 
dismantle a fruit house at Wexham Park, 
one house of Peaches was destroyed and 
converted into a vinery which is to have 
the border made up and planted presently. 
Tomatos in pots are grown on the back 
wall, and bear an excellent crop. 
-- 
Tulip Picotee.—When making out your bulb 
order do not omit the above; it is a lovely Tulip. 
Golden Crown is another gem. 
The R.H.S. and R.H.S. at Richmond, Surrey.— 
On the occasion of the Richmond (Surrey) Horticul¬ 
tural Society’s show, in conjunction with the Royal 
Horticultural Society, in the Old Deer Park, Rich¬ 
mond, the two societies lunched together on the 
opening day (27 ult.). After the usual loyal toasts 
had been proposed by the chairman, T. Skewes-Cox, 
Esq., M.P., Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., proposed 
the Richmond Horticultural Society and the Royal 
Horticultural Society, together with the secretaries 
of both societies. Sir Trevor referred to the crowded 
state of the show, notwithstanding the abundance of 
space in the park. The finances of the Royal 
Horticultural Society were prosperous, though they 
had not always been so. This society devoted the 
whole of its energies to horticulture, and at the 
previous meeting they elected 120 new Fellows. The 
horticultural industry was a very large and growing 
one; and if it were suddenly dropped you might 
transport the country to the north pole. T. Skewes- 
Cox, Esq., M.P., stated he was pleased to hear that 
in the sentiments expressed the two societies 
agreed. The Rev. W. Wilks and Mr. C. R. King 
also spoke. "The judges of both Societies ” was 
proposed by Sir W. T. Thistleton-Dyer, M.A., and 
replied toby Mr. Owen Thomas, of Windsor, and Mr. 
Geo. Wythes, of Syon House. A. Chancellor, Esq., 
J.P., proposed the health of the chairman, who 
replied. The luncheon was attended by a large 
concourse of the Fellows of the R.H.S. and others. 
Christchurch Burial Ground, Blackfriars Road, 
has been converted into a recreation ground and 
public garden, fcr the benefit of the residents in that 
thickly populated quarter. It has been laid out 
with great taste by lady gardeners. The place is 
full of interesting memories. Near by was the 
famous Bear Garden, kept by Alleyns, whose name 
was perpetuated ia Dulwich College and other 
neighbouring educational institutions which owe 
their existence to his bounty. 
Bristol and District Gardeners’ Mutual Improve¬ 
ment Association.—The monthly meeting was held 
at St. John’s Parish Room, Redland, on Thursday 
last, June 28th. A good attendance was presided 
over by Mr. A. J. Hancock. Mr. W. Staddon, of 
Cote House, read the paper which was on the 
culture of " Strawberries in pots.” In his opening 
remarks he spoke of the origin of our present 
varieties, and named several kinds he thought most 
suitable for forcing, amongst them being Royal 
Sovereign, which be termed the Strawberry of 
Strawberries. The method of culture he recom¬ 
mended was to secure good runners as early as 
possible, layering them in small pots till well rooted, 
when they should be potted in fruiting pots in a 
compost of loam and manure, with a little wood 
ashes, the plants to be kept in an open situation 
until moving to winter quarters. He urged great 
care in heating and ventilating when housed, recom¬ 
mending syringing and feeding. A discussion 
followed and Mr. Staddon was heartily thanked for 
his paper. Prizes for a dish of Strawberries were 
secured by Messrs. Ross, Staddon, and Poole. 
Certificates of Merit went to Mr. White for a Pitcher 
Plant, and to Mr. Poole for six fine Cauliflowers. 
Scottish Horticultural Association.—The annual 
excursion of the members of this association took 
place on Saturday, the 22nd ult., when a goodly 
number of members travelled in two saloon carriages 
to Bridge of Allan, to spend the afternoon at Keir, 
and see its famous gardens, and popular gardener, 
Mr. Lunt. The day was all that could be wished for 
and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent. The 
gardens were inspected with great interest and 
pleasure, few of the members having previously seen 
the gardens where so many splendid specimens of 
high cultivation have been produced. Great interest 
was taken in the vineries,and the general opinion was 
expressed that if all goes well till the crop is finished 
the Keir Grapes will still hold their own, and possi¬ 
bly repeat the great Shrewsbury victory. The 
•' Mum ’’ growers were also keenly anxious to see the 
plants in their present stage ; and it would be diffi¬ 
cult to even fancy a more promising lot. The 
Grapes and Chrysanthemums are Mr. Lunt’s great 
specialities, but in every department the gardens 
showed that nothing was being neglected, and it was 
remarked that Lunt was^a specialist all round. The 
lovers of herbaceous plants were greatly delighted 
with the beautiful plants of a wide range of subjects, 
and the robust health they seem to enjoy in the very 
natural and almost wild manner in which they are 
arranged. Keir is famous for its trees and shrubs, 
and these found many admirers in the company. 
The beautiful specimen of Cupressus lawsoniana, 
Libocedrus decurrens, Thuja giganle3, Cryptomeria 
japonica, various Abies, and Piceas, &c., far excelled 
in beauty and luxuriance any that most of the visitors 
had ever seen, while the giants of the forest in the 
shape of patriarchal Larches, Scots Pine, Spanish 
Chestnuts, Limes, &c. t were the subjects of close 
attention and admiration. The charm of the whole 
was greatly enhanced by the numerous coigns de vant¬ 
age from which could be had peeps of the expansive 
and magnificent scenery in the midst of which Keir 
estate is so beautifully situated. After all had been 
seen the company returned to Bridge of Allan,where 
an informal meeting with Mr. Lunt was held in the 
Queen’s Hotel, and a pleasant half hour was spent. 
Mr. M. Todd in the absence of the president 
occupied the chair, and proposed Mr. Lunt's health, 
conveying to him, and through him to the gallant 
proprietor of Kier, who is now fighting for his country 
in the Transvaal, the pleasure the members of the 
association had experienced in their visit; and while 
congratulating Mr. Lunt on the high position he had 
already attained, expressed the sincere wish of those 
present and all his numerous friends, that he would 
long continue to hold a high place as a practical ex¬ 
ponent of all that was best in British horticulture. 
Several other toasts followed, and the meeting was 
stirred to enthusiasm by a patriotic recitation from 
the poet laureate of the association, Mr. Johnston. 
