January  14,  1897. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
29 
would  have  gone  against  the  York  Judges  ;  indeed,  we  are  almost  certain 
it  would  not  without  a  very  sharp  struggle,  if  then,  and  it  will  be  well 
if  neither  side  is  too  confident  about  being  the  victor. 
APPLES. 
Classification. 
I  QUITE  agree  with  Mr.  W.  R.  Raillem’s  views  (page  13)  that 
there  should  be  three  lists  of  Apples.  If  we  are  to  have  a  classification 
for  the  guidance  of  exhibitors,  judges,  and  societies  in  general,  it  should 
be  as  nearly  perfect  as  it  is  possible  to  make  it  in  regard  to  the  respective 
merits  of  varieties  for  dessert  and  culinary  use.  This  perfection  cannot 
be  arrived  at  with  only  two  lists,  as  some  varieties  are  equally  entitled 
to  be  placed  in  either,  and  such  lists  would  simply  become  a  dead  letter 
or  useless,  except  when  societies  accepted  them  as  a  standard  of  authority. 
The  likelihood  of  all  societies  accepting  such  is,  I  think,  very  doubtful. 
The  “  select  ”  lists  at  present  in  existence  serve  no  useful  purpose 
outside  that  for  which  they  have  been  framed,  but  rather  lead  to  con¬ 
fusion  and  arbitrary  proceedings  outside  the  area  of  their  legitimate 
influence.  If  two  lists  only  are  compiled,  and  these  generally  accepted 
by  societies  as  a  guide  to  exhibitors,  tbe  broad  views  by  which  judges 
should  be  influenced  would  be  lost,  even  in  cases  where  the  lists  had  no 
bearing,  by  rigidly  confining  the  varieties  to  their  enforced  use,  and 
consequently  irritation  would  be  augmented. 
Let  the  R.H.S.  give  us  something  worthy  the  reputation  it  bears  by 
tackling  the  question  in  its  broadest  sense  instead  of  merely  providing 
us  with  special  lists  for  a  special  purpose.  In  relegating  the  respective 
varieties  to  certain  uses,  colour  certainly  should  not  be  lost  sight  of  in 
selecting  those  for  dessert,  as  it  equals  flavour  on  the  dining-room  table  ; 
in  fact,  in  private  establishments  appearance  is  often  more  highly  prized 
than  quality  in  dessert.  To  wit,  who  wculd  prefer  Duchess  of  Buccleuch 
to  Duke  of  Buccleuch  Grapes  on  their  table  ?  By  way  of  obtaining  the 
general  opinion  of  gardeners  on  the  question  of  “  two”  or  “t^ree”  lists 
of  Apples,  I  would  suggest  that  the  Editor  ask  all  to  send  him  their 
choice  in  as  few  words  as  possible.  If  this  proposition  meet  with 
approval,  and  is  taken  advantage  of,  I  would  then  say  take  the  same 
means  to  ascertain  the  value  of  colour  in  dessert.  This  accomplished, 
and  the  facts  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  R.H.S.,  its  members  would 
see  what  was  desired,  and  guide  them  in  their  honourable  and  responsible 
office  in  catering  for  our  requirements. — R.  C.  H. 
[Our  correspondent’s  experience  is  certainly  very  great  as  a  provider 
of  dessert  fruits  for  the  acceptation  of  persons  of  very  high  rank  indeed 
among  our  aristocracy.  We  cannot  invite  the  lists  suggested.  They 
would  be  too  voluminous.  We  are  all  in  favour  of  something  so  concise 
on  the  subject  that  it  can  be  inserted  as  a  note  occupying  about  an  inch 
of  space  in  small  type  in  any  schedule — eg.,  “The  following  T.K. 
varieties  are  eligible  (or  not  eligible)  for  the  dessert  classes.”  A  small 
committee  of  experts  could  foimulate  such  list  in  an  hour  for  the 
sanction,  subject  to  amendments  of  a  General  Committee  and  the  Council 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society.] 
ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY 
Drill  Hall,  January  12th. 
The  first  meeting  of  the  year  1897  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
was  held  in  the  Drill  Hall  on  Tuesday,  and  was  an  unqualified  success. 
If  judgment  could  be  based  upon  this  one  meeting  a  splendid  year  might 
be  expected,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the  augury  of  the  first  meeting  may  be 
fulfilled.  Orchids  were,  ss  a  whole,  of  great  beauty  and  fairly  diversified, 
while  fruit  was  well  represented.  The  exhibits  before  the  Floral  Com¬ 
mittee  were  not  numerous,  but  of  fire  quality,  especially  the  Cyclamens 
from  Major  Joicey  and  the  fragrant  Freesias  from  N.  L.  Cohen,  Esq. 
Fruit  Committee. — P.  Crowley,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ;  with  Rev 
W.  Wilks,  and  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard,  J.  Cheal,  T.  G.  Miles,  G.  W" 
Cummins,  A.  F.  Barron,  J.  Willard,  J.  H.  Veitcb,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh’ 
A.  Dean,  J.  A.  Laing,  W.  Bates,  G.  Woodward,  W.  Farr,  C.  Herrin1 
H.  Balderson,  G.  Wythes,  F.  Q.  Lane,  G.  H,  Sage,  G.  Reynolds,  R.  Fife> 
T.  F.  Rivers,  C.  Ross,  and  J.  Wright. 
As  will  be  seen,  there  was  a  considerable  attendance  of  members,  as 
is  usual  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  year,  but  also,  as  is  usual,  a  limited 
number  of  products  sent  for  examination.  Mr.  John  Crook,  Forde 
Abbey,  Chard,  sent  well-coloured  fruits  of  Dumelow’s  Seedling  Apple, 
and  a  vote  of  thanks  was  awarded.  A  member  thought  they  were  good 
enough  for  dessert.  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  sent  fruits  of  their 
Standard  Bearer  Apple,  good  size,  inclined  to  be  conical,  greenish  yellow, 
very  firm,  good  for  cooking,  and  of  fair  eating  quality.  The  award  of 
merit  granted  in  1893  was  confirmed.  Messrs.  Veitch  also  sent  specimens 
of  Belle  de  JBoscoop  Apple,  large,  flattish,  russety,  with  tender  flesh  and 
of  good  quality.  It  was  thought  they  had  a  general  resemblance  to 
well-grown  fruits  of  Hambledon  Deux  Ans  (award  of  merit).  The  same 
firm  further  sent  Fraise  d’Hoffingep,  a  beautiful  Apple  in  appearance, 
and  will  probably  be  grown  for  exhibition  purposes. 
Mr.  Ward,  Stoke  Edith,  Hereford,  sent  a  seedling  Apple  like  Lady 
Sudely  in  appearance,  but  inferior  in  quality.  Mr.  G.  Fulford,  West 
Park,  Damersbam  Gardens,  sent  fruits  of  DoyennS  d’Hiver  Pears,  very 
fine  specimens  of  Easter  Beurid  ;  and  a  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded. 
Mr.  H.  J.  Sheppard,  High  Street,  Bedford,  sent  Apple  Sheppard’s 
Nonpareil,  which  was  determined  to  be  Scarlet  Nonpareil. 
Mr.  G.  Wythes  sent  a  box  of  Tomatoes  Syon  Prolific  (Ham  Green  X 
Duke  of  York),  very  fine  and  well-coloured  fruits;  and  a  cultural 
commendation  was  accorded. 
Preserved  Dates  were  placed  on  the  table  by  Mr.  J.  Wright,  as 
received  by  him  from  Lionel  Sanders,  Esq.,  one  of  Her  Majesty’s  Judges 
in  Egypt.  Mr.  Sanders  expressed  his  surprise  that  they  were  not  known 
in  England.  They  are  eaten  at  dessert  like  preserved  ginger,  and  are 
very  rich,  with  a  distinct  and  agreeable  flavour.  A  vote  of  thanks  was 
accorded  with  an  expression  of  approval  of  the  conserve. 
Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co,,  also  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  sent 
extensive  and  excellent  collections  of  Apples,  for  which  silver-gilt 
medals  were  unanimously  awarded  ;  and  a  silver  Banksian  medal  was 
adjudged  to  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons  for  a  large  and  excellent  assortment 
of  Potatoes. 
The  Chairman  in  courteous  terms  thanked  the  members  for  their 
services  during  the  past  year,  and  those  present  conveyed  unanimous 
thanks  to  the  Chairman  and  Secretary  for  the  pleasant  and  effective 
manner  in  which  they  had  discharged  their  duties,  conveying  also  best 
wishes  for  the  future. 
The  Veitch  Prizes  for  Flavour.— Pears.— Mr.  G.  Woodward, 
The  Gardens,  Barham  Court,  first  with  Winter  Nelis  :  Mr.  Owen  Thomas, 
Royal  Gardens,  second  with  Ne  Plus  Meuris.  Apples. — First  prize. 
Colonel  Brymcr,  Ilsington  Home,  Dorchester,  with  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  ; 
second,  Mr.  Woodward,  gardener  to  Roger  Leigh,  Esq.,  with  Blenheim 
Pippin. 
Floral  Committee.— Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
with  Messrs.  C.  T.  Druery.  H.  B.  May,  H.  Herbst,  R.  Dean,  R.  Owen, 
G.  Stevens,  J.  Hudson,  J.  Jennings,  R.  B.  Lowe,  C,  E.  Pearson,  J.  Fraser, 
C.  Jeffries,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  C.  E.  Shea,  C.  Blick,  G.  Paul,  H.  S. 
Leonard,  H.  Turner,  J.  Fraser,  and  J.  W.  Barr 
Messrs.  T.  Cripps  &  Son,  Tunbridge  Wells,  sent  specimens  of 
Hamamelis  arborea,  and  of  Violet  Amiral  Avellan,  a  good  dark  single 
variety.  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Higbgate,  arranged  a  group  of 
Cyclamen  persicum  flanked  by  Ericas  melanthera,  hyemalis  superba, 
and  hyemalis  alba  on  the  one  side,  and  by  Aucuba  japonica  vera  in  fruit 
on  the  other  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham 
Cross,  sent  a  large  plant  of  Crataegus  Carrieri.  carrying  large  numbers  of 
orange  red  berries  of  large  size.  Measrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  sent 
a  box  of  their  hybrid  Rhododendrons. 
Mr.  F.  J.  Thorne,  gardener  to  Major  J.  J.  Joicey,  Sunningdale  Park, 
Ascot,  staged  a  collection  of  superb  Cyclamen  persicum.  The  plants 
were  in  5-inch  pots,  and  were  only  fifteen  months  from  seed-sowing. 
The  foliage  was  scout  and  beautifully  marbled,  while  the  flowers  were 
large  and  of  the  best  colours.  Some  of  the  flowers  were  large,  others 
small,  but  all  perfect  in  their  respective  varieties  (silver  Flora  medal). 
Specimens  of  a  hybrid  between  Senecio  multiflorus  and  the  garden 
Cineraria  were  staged  from  the  Botanic  Gardens  at  Cambridge.  The 
Cineraria  was  strongly  in  evidence  in  the  colour  and  size  of  the  flowers. 
Mr.  J.  May,  Twickenham,  sent  a  collection  of  Cyclamen  persicum, 
amongst  which  some  splendid  varieties  were  noticeable  (silver  Flora 
medal).  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  staged  some  handsome 
Primulas,  including  Eynsford  Red.  Eynsford  Yellow,  White  Swan, 
Swanley  Blue,  The  Queen,  Cannell’s  Pink,  and  several  others  in  fine  form 
(silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  A.  Sturt,  gardener  to  N.  N.  Cohen,  Esq., 
Englefield  Green,  sent  a  group  of  Freesias.  The  plants  were  splendidly 
grown  and  profusely  flowered  (silver  Flora  medal). 
Orchid  Committee. — Present :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
with  Messrs.  J.  O’Brien, T.  W.  Bond,  D.  B.  Crawshay, R.  B.  White,  H.  M. 
Pollett,  H.  Ballantine,  F.  Hardy,  J.  T.  Gabriel,  G.  W.  L.  Schofield, 
W.  H.  White,  W.  H.  Young,  H.  J.  Chapman,  E.  Hill,  J.  Jacques,  W.  Cobb, 
J.  Douglas,  and  S.  Courtauld. 
Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans,  arranged  a  bright  exhibit  of 
Orchids,  amongst  which  the  most  conspicuous  were  Odontoglossum 
HarTyanum,  0.  Rossi  majus,  Lycastes,  and  Dendrobiums.  Mr. 
H.  Ballantine,  gardener  to  Baron  Schioder,  The  Dell,  Egham,  exhibited 
a  few  Orchids  of  mBgnificent  quality,  and  in  the  beat  of  health  (silver 
Flora  medal).  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Limited,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery, 
Chelsea,  sigDalised  the  first  meeting  of  the  new  year  by  arranging  some 
splendid  Orchids,  comprising  Laelio-Cattleyas,  Cypripediums,  Epiden- 
drum  elegantulum,  arid  several  others  (silver  Flora  medal). 
F.  Hardy,  Esq.,  Ashton-on-Mersey,  staged  a  few  Orchids,  conspicuous 
more  for  quality  than  for  quantity.  Messrs.  H.  Low  &  Co.,  Clapton,  staged 
a  few  Orchids  (silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  W.  H.  Young,  Orchid  grower 
to  Sir  F.  Wigan,  East  Sheen,  sent  some  varieties  of  Laelia  autumnalis 
and  a  spike  of  Cymbidium  grandiflorum.  Mr.  W.  H.  Lees,  gardener  to 
F.  A.  Bevan,  Esq.,  Trent  Park,  Barnet,  arranged  a  strikingly  beautiful 
collection  of  Odontoglossum  crispum  and  Pescatorei ;  the  plants  were 
grandly  grown  and  staged  (silver  Fiora  medal). 
Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 
Cattleya  Loddigesi  superba  (H.  Ballantine). — A  beautiful  form  with 
rose  coloured  flowers  (award  of  merit). 
Cyclamen  papilio  (De  Laughe). — The  flowers  of  this  are  variously 
coloured,  and  are  somewhat  flat  with  fimbriated  edges  (award  of  merit). 
Cypripedium  Lebaudyanum  (L.  Linden).  —  A  long  wavy  petalled 
hybrid  ;  colour  green  at  the  base,  with  brown  spots,  and  brown  at  the 
extremities.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  pale  green,  striped  and  spotted  brown. 
The  pouch  is  green,  flushed  brown  (award  of  merit). 
Cypripedium  Lilian  Greenwood  (H.  Greenwood). — The  petals  of  this 
are  claret  with  chocolate  spots,  the  dorsal  sepal  being  of  the  same  shade, 
with  the  spots  at  the  base.  The  pouch  is  claret  red  (award  of  merit). 
