JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
May  3,  1900. 
:i82 
The  midland  Daffodil  Society. 
April  25tli. 
Faik  afl  was  tho  initial  show  held  last  year  at  the  Edgbaston 
llofanical  (hardens,  the  recent  event  surpassed  it  both  in  size  and  the 
general  (piality  of  the  blooms.  Several  excellent  seedlings  came  from 
Miss  Willmott  of  Groat  VVarley ;  Mons.  R.  Van  der  Schoot  &  Sons, 
llillegotn;  and  Mons.  J.  do  Grootct  Sons.  Silver  medals  were  awarded 
to  two  exquisite  seedlings  of  Miss  Wilbnott’s — viz  ,  Countess  Grey  and 
Mrs.  Beikeloy.  A  similar  honour  was  bestowed  upon  Chaffinch, 
exhibited  by  P.  D.  Williams,  Ksq.,  St.  Keverne,  Cornwall.  A  special 
certificate  was  also  awarded  by  the  committee  to  Queen  Wilhelmina, 
from  Mons.  J.  de  Groot  &  Sons. 
The  trade,  as  usual,  made  a  brave  display,  and  silver  medals  and 
special  certificafos  were  severally  accorded  to  Messrs.  Harr  &  Sons, 
London  ;  Dickson,  fjtd.,  Chester  ;  Hogg  &  Robertson,  Dublin  ;  Thos.  S. 
Ware,  L'd.,  Feltham  ;  R.  Sydenham,  Birmingham;  J.  R.  Pearson  and 
Sons,  Chilwell ;  H.  11.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech  ;  Pope  &  Sons,  Birmingham  ; 
and  Hewitt  &  Co.,  Birmingham. 
The  following  is  the  y)riz0  list : — For  a  collection  of  Daffodils,  fifty 
varieties  (exclusive  of  the  Polyanthus  section),  the  first  prize,  silver  cup, 
was  worthily  awarded  to  Mr.  R.  O.  Backhouse,  Hereford  ;  second  to  Mr. 
P.  D.  Williams,  St.  Austell,  Keverne  ;  third.  Rev.  J.  Jacob,  'Whitchurch, 
Salop;  and  fourth,  Mr.  W.  A.  Caldecott,  Coventry.  For  twelve  distinct 
true  trumpets  the  premier  honour  was  conferred  upon  Miss  F.  W. 
Currey,  Lismore,  Ireland;  second,  Mr.  W.  J.  Grant,  Newpirt,  Mon; 
third,  Mr.  11.  B.  Young,  Methoringham,  Lincoln;  fourth,  Miss  M.  B. 
Crawford,  Ardlamont,  N.B. ;  and  fifth.  Miss  Mabel  B.  Crawford,  was 
again  successful.  For  six  varieties  (trumpets)  Mr.  A.  Cryer,  gardener 
to  J.  A.  Kenrick,  Ksq.,  Edgbaston,  was  placed  first;  while  Mr.  Leonard 
of  Brentwood,  and  the  Rev.  G.  F.  Eyre,  Bewdley,  were  accorded  equal 
second  ;  fourth,  Mr.  C.  Dawson,  Penzance  ;  and  fifth,  the  Bishop  of 
Worcester,  Hartlebury  Castle. 
For  twelve  varieties  Medio-Coronati,  Miss  F.  W.  Currey  was 
again  to  tho  fore  with  excellent  blooms  ;  second,  Mr.  11.  B.  Young  ; 
third,  Mr.  W.  J.  Grant.  For  six  Mr.  Leonard  Brown,  the  only 
exhibitor,  was  awariled  the  first  prize.  For  six  varieties  Parvi- 
Coronal.i,  Miss  F.  W  Currey  and  Mr.  II.  B.  Young  were  ftlaced  equal 
first;  third,  Mr.  C.  Dawson  ;  fourth,  Mr.  C.  Dawson  and  Messrs.  Pope 
and  Sons,  equal.  For  twelve  varieties  Narcissi  the  first  prize  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  A.  J.  Styles,  Spalding  ;  second,  Mr.  It.  C.  Bick, 
gardener  to  Walter  Chamberlain,  Esq.,  Harborne  Hall,  Harborne, 
Birmingham  ;  third,  Mr.  W.  B.  Latham;  and  fourth,  Mr.  J.  Mallender, 
Worksop.  For  six  the  first  prize  was  given  to  Mr.  C.  R.  Bick  for 
remarkably  fine  examples;  second,  Mr.  11.  J.  Stiles;  and  third,  Mr. 
J.  Mallender. 
lor  six  vases  of  Spanish  Irises  the  first  prize  went  to  Mr.  R. 
Sydenham,  the  only  exhibitor,  with  bright  c.xamples.  Daffi)dils  in  pots 
were  very  well  represented,  but  the  Polyantluis  section  was  only  of 
medium  quality,  the  chief  exhibitors  being  Messrs.  Cryer,  Isaac  Cooke, 
Robert  Sydenliam,  J.  t-ceaney,  Harborne ;  and  E.  M.  Sliarp,  Edgbaston. 
Tulips  were  exceedingly  well  shown,  and  for  six  pots  of  single  flowers 
Messrs.  R.  Sydenham,  A.  Cryer,  and  J.  Sceaney  were  the  prizetakers  in 
the  order  named.  Fine  examples  of  Lily  of  the  Valley  were  in  evidence, 
and  the  prizes  fell  respectively  to  Messrs.  I.  Cooke  and  A.  Cryer; 
Cyclamens  were  also  well  shown  by  Mr.  F.  Impney,  Northfield,  and 
Mr.  C.  L.  Bronson,  Coleshill;  Cineraiias  were  fairly  well  staged  by 
Messrs.  A.  Cryer,  1.  Cooke,  and  Mr.  Musten,  gardener  to  H.  F.  Bird, 
Ekp,  Moseley  ;  Lilium  Harrisi  made  an  attractive  show  by  Messrs. 
I.  Cooke  and  A.  Cryer. 
Table  decorations  formed  a  very  attractive  feature,  Messrs.  John 
Pope  &  Sons,  I.  Cooke,  and  Musten  being  the  winners  with  elegant 
designs,  composed  of  DsiTodils  and  ornamental  foliage.  Groups  of 
spring  flowers  were  nicely  shown  by  Messrs.  A.  Cryer,  Musten,  and 
Rev.  J.  .lacob.  For  a  hoiKpiet  of  Daffodils  Messrs.  Pope  &  Sons  wete 
to  the  fore  with  a  moat  elegant  example,  and  Mr.  A.  Cryer  excelled 
himself  with  a  somewhat  similar  arrangement.  Bowls  of  cut  Daffodils 
made  a  striking  feature,  the  best  coming  from  Mr.  A.  Cryer,  VV.  J.  Grant, 
and  Miss  Rosie  Sydenham.  For  a  group  of  cut  DiilTodils  the  Rev. 
J.  Jacob,  and  Messrs.  I.  Cooke  and  Musten  were  the  winners.  For 
throe  jura  of  Folyanthus  Narcissus  Messrs.  I.  Cooke  and  B.  M.  Sharp 
were  jilaoed  as  named.  For  three  pairs  Daff  idi's  Messrs.  A.  Cryer, 
I.  Cooke,  J.  Sceaney,  and  E.  1\1.  Sharp  were  placed  in  order  nam-)d. 
Fora  box  of  cut  Daffodils  Messrs.  J.  Mauger  &  Sons,  Guernsey,  were 
awarded  the  first  prize  ;  .Mr.  J.  T.  Wliite,  Spalding,  the  second,  and  Mr. 
I.  Cooke  the  third. 
- ««•*» - 
Tl(e  Young  Gardeners’  Domain. 
Forcing  Peaches  and  Kectarines. 
CoNTiNUiNO  my  remarks  on  the  above  subject,  from  page  274,  I 
should  like  to  emphasise  the  necessity  for  eai ly  disbudding.  Nothing 
appears  to  me  to  be  gained  by  allowing  the  development  of  useless 
shoots,  which  exhaust  the  food  reserves.  They  should,  therefore,  be 
removed  early,  that  those  which  remain  may  have  all  the  support 
possible  to  lay  the  foundation  for  the  production  of  an  abundance  of 
bloom  buds  and  fruit  for  the  following  season.  Disbudding  must  there¬ 
fore  commence  before  the  buds  have  expanded  into  leaf,  subsequently 
removing  those  that  remain  at  intervals  of  three  or  four  days.  If  the 
tree  has  covered  the  space  allotted  to  it,  one  shoot  at  the  base  and 
another  at  the  apex  of  last  season’s  growth  will  be  sufficient.  Over¬ 
crowding  of  the  shoots  should  be  avoided,  so  that  when  fully  developed 
sun  and  air  may  have  free  access  to  all  parts. 
In  numbers  of  cases  many  more  fruits  will  be  set  than  are  required, 
and  it  will  be  necessary  to  thin  them.  First  remove  those  that  are  not 
in  a  good  position,  continuing  gradually  with  the  worst  fruits  until 
only  tho  desired  number  of  the  best  placed  and  most  promising  remain  ; 
the  last  thinning  should  take  place  when  the  fruits  are  about  the  size 
of  Walnuts.  The  crop  of  fruit  which  a  tree  can  perfect  depends  on  its 
health  and  vigour,  and  also  on  the  variety.  The  Nectarine  will  bring 
to  perfection  more  fruits  than  the  Peach;  careful  forethought  should 
therefore  be  given  to  the  subject,  so  that  each  tree  may  be  cropped 
according  to  its  ability. 
During  the  stoning  period  care  should  be  taken  that  the  trees  do  not 
receive  any  check,  either  by  sudden  fluctuations  of  the  temperature  or 
over-dryness  at  the  roots.  An  equable  temperature  and  a  genial 
atmosphere  must  be  maintained.  Keep  the  filiage  clean  by  forcibly 
syringing  the  trees  on  fine  days  with  the  hand  pump  or  syringe,  and 
examine  the  borders  frequently  to  ascertain  their  condition,  and  when¬ 
ever  water  is  needed  give  suffijient  to  thoroughly  moisten  the  whole  to 
the  drainage.  When  the  fruits  commence  the  final  swelling  the 
minimum  night  temperature  should  be  60°.  Dispose  the  shoots  evenly 
over  the  space  at  command,  and  secure  them  to  the  trellis  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  leave  the  fruits  exposed  to  the  light  as  much  as  possible. 
When  the  fruits  commence  to  ripen  syringing  should  be  discontinued, 
and  a  free  circulation  of  air  maintained  both  night  and  day.  Fresh, 
pure  air  and  full  sun  are  important  factors  in  the  production  of  fruit 
of  high  quality  and  good  colour.  Examine  the  trees  daily,  and 
carefully  remove  fruit  sufficiently  ripe.  When  the  crop  is  gathered  the 
house  must  be  freely  ventilated,  and  the  trees  well  washed  occasionally 
to  free  them  from  red  spider,  which  may  have  made  its  appearance. 
The  old  wood  that  has  borne  fruit,  and  any  shoots  not  required, 
should  be  cut  out  to  admit  all  the  light  possible,  in  order  that  the 
young  wood  may  be  thoroughly  solidified  and  matured.  If  the  roof- 
lighrs  are  movable  they  may  be  taken  off  with  advantage  when  the 
leaves  have  fallen,  or  in  the  case  of  early  forced  trees  when  the  wood  is 
well  ripened  and  the  buds  plump.  If  they  cannot  be  removed  the 
ventilators  should  be  open  continually,  and  the  house  kept  as  cool  as 
possible.— S.  P. 
Fruit  Forcing, 
Vines.  —  Early  Houses. — Vines  started  at  the  new  year  have  the 
Grapes  in  an  advanced  stage  for  ripening;  indeed,  some  are  commencing 
to  colour,  and  will  need  a  circulation  of  warm  rather  dry  air.  It  is 
imperative  to  keep  the  foliage  clean  and  healthy  for  as  long  a  period 
as  possible.  Where  red  spider  has  obtained  a  bold,  prompt  measures 
must  be  adop'ed  for  its  destruction. 
Houses  of  /’ipe  Grapes. — Early  Vines  that  have  ripened  their  crops 
require  a  circulation  of  air,  and  the  temperature  should  fall  to  60°  at 
night.  The  soil  must  be  kept  moist,  so  as  to  keep  the  foliage  in  good 
condition.  Moderate  air  moisture  also  is  essential  to  prevent  the 
foliage  prematurely  ripening,  and  it  benefits  rather  than  prejudices 
the  keeping  of  the  Grapes,  provided  the  atmosphere  is  not  stagnant. 
The  G  rapes  are  liable  to  lose  colour  with  hanging  ;  a  slight  shade  will 
be  beneficial  in  helping  to  keep  colour,  especially  in  Black  Hamburghs 
and  Madresfield  Court.  It  is  also  desirable,  where  it  can  be  practised 
without  crowding  the  principal  leaves,  to  allow  a  moderate  extension  of 
the  laterals. 
Muscats. — The  Vines  started  in  December  to  afford  a  supply  of  ripe 
fruit  early  in  June  are  now  beginning  to  colour.  Muscat  of  Alexandria 
takes  longer  to  colour  than  Muscat  Hamburgh  and  Madresfield  Court. 
The  Grapes  of  the  former  variety  are  liable  to  shrivel  unless  the  Vines 
are  well  supplied  with  water  and  nourishment  at  the  roots.  When 
these  are  provided  judiciously  a  much  drier  condition  of  the  atmosphere 
may  be  allowed  than  is  otherwise  safe,  and  this  is  essential  to  good 
finish  in  Muscats.  Directly  the  Grapes  change  colour  give  a  thorough 
supply  of  water  or  liquid  manure,  following  with  a  mulch  of  rather 
strawy  material.  As  a  safeguard  against  scorching,  to  which  Muscat 
of  Alexandria  is  subject,  a  slight  shade  should  be  provided,  ventilating 
early,  and  increasing  the  air  with  the  advancing  sun  heat,  but  allowing 
a  high  temperature  by  that  means. 
Mu-cats  in  flower  set  freely  with  a  night  temperature  of  70°,  75°  by 
