120 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
February  11,  18  »7. 
At  the  last  Committee  meeting  of  the  Ulster  Horticultural  Society 
it  was  decided  to  celebrate  the  Diamond  Jubilee  of  the  Queen  this 
year  by  offering  £100  and  three  medals  for  competition  in  forty-eight 
Japanese  blooms  at  the  Belfast  show,  on  16th  and  17th  November  next. 
The  money  is  to  be  divided  into  seven  prizes,  as  follows  : — First,  £40 
and  gold  medal  ;  second,  £25  and  silver  medal  ;  third,  £15  and  bronze 
medal ;  fourth,  £10  ;  fifth,  £5  ;  sixth,  £3  ;  and  seventh,  £2.  The 
Committee  decided  to  open  this  event,  aloDg  with  a  few  others,  to 
eardeners  of  the  United  Kingdom.  The  prize  is  to  be  called  the 
Victoria  Jubilee  Championship,  and  is  presented  by  the  Lady  Mayoress 
of  Belfast  and  ladies  of  Ulster. 
Pride  of  Madford  and  Beauty  of  Teignmouth. 
I  SEE  by  your  issue  of  November  5th,  1896  (page  480),  there  is  still 
some  doubt  respecting  Beauty  of  Teignmouth  Chrysanthemum.  I  may 
state  that  I  sent  the  original  plant,  Pride  of  Madford,  to  my  father,  Mr. 
W.  Hannaford,  of  Messrs.  Hannaford  &  Sons,  Teignmouth.  The  names 
were  obliterated  in  transit,  and  I  did  not  mention  the  name  in  my  letter, 
but  merely  told  them  to  grow  a  stock  of  it.  It  was  thus  sent  out  under 
the  name  of  Beauty  of  Teignmouth,  and  also  mentioned  a  Colonial-raised 
seedling.  It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Lynch,  then  gardener  at  Madford  House, 
Towak,  a  suburb  of  Melbourne. 
I  see  in  the  same  number  a  communication  by  Mr.  T.  Pockett.  He 
is  a  regular  enthusiast,  and  far  and  away  ahead  of  any  other  grower  in 
Australia.  He  has  brought  Chrysanthemum  growing  to  a  great  pitch. 
Last  season  we  had  some  good  seedlings  raised  here,  and  I  firmly  believe 
Victoria  will  take  the  lead  in  sending  out  new  varieties,  as  our  climate 
is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  world  for  hybridising  and  the  saving  of  seed. 
I  have  seen  far  finer  blooms  here  than  at  home — that  is,  ten  years 
since.  No  doubt  improvements  have  been  equally  as  rapid  in  the  Old 
Country.  I  am  the  horticultural  editor  of  the  “  Weekly  Times,”  and  also 
on  the  agricultural  staff.  I  read  your  paper  with  great  interest,  it  being 
quite  an  old  friend. — Frank  Hannaford. 
[We  are  very  much  obliged  to  Mr.  Hannaford  for  his  letter  and  clear 
explanation  on  the  subject,  and  shall  be  pleased  to  hear  from  him  again 
on  Chrysanthemum  matters  and  progress  in  Australia.] 
Classifying  Incurved  Chrysanthemums. 
The  members  of  the  select  Committee  of  the  N.C.S.,  who  were 
appointed  to  endeavour  to  settle  the  above  question,  have  taken  a  decided 
step  ;  but  whether  they  have  satisfied  themselves,  let  alone  the  outside 
public,  is  a  question  I  much  incline  to  doubt.  I  openly  confess  I  am 
not  satisfied.  When  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  is  classed  as  a  Japanese,  and 
Harold  Wells,  which  is  a  sport  from  Sir  Trevor  (and  exactly  the  same  in 
every  respect,  except  colour),  had  an  equal  number  of  votes  for  and 
against  as  an  incurved,  and  the  Committee  consisted  of  seventeen 
members,  I  am  puzzled.  Did  one  member  vote  both  ways  ?  for  he 
surely  could  not  be  neutral  on  a  question  (as  an  expert)  which  he  was 
asked  to  decide. 
Another  question  seems  rather  perplexing.  If  Ma  Perfection,  Perle 
Dauphinoise  and  Egyptian  are  to  be  Bhown  as  incurved,  where  will 
Louise,  Miss  M.  Simpkins,  Philadelphia,  Mrs.  Libbie  Allen,  Boule  d’Or 
(1895),  Challenge,  Ada  Spaulding,  Goliath,  J.  W.  Moorman,  Madame 
Ad.  Chatin,  and  many  others,  come  in  ? 
The  Egyptian  has  incurving  florets  certainly,  but  will  Messrs  L  es 
and  Mease  ever  stage  it  in  their  forty-eight  incurved  at  the  N.C.S.  1  The 
colour  is  the  only  point  in  its  favour.  Size  ought  to  count  for  something 
certainly,  but  a  neat  Mrs.  George  Bundle,  in  my  opinion,  would  count 
more  than  a  rough  Egyptian,  which  is  a  very  late  variety,  and  first 
crown  buds  are  nothing  but  quills.  Even  later  buds  are  quilled  half 
their  length  (see  rough  bloom  enclosed!.  In  my  opinion  judges  will  be 
more  hampered  than  ever,  especially  if  they  are  minus  the  confidence  of 
a  “  Molyneux.”  I  have  heard  Mr.  Molyneux  remark,  “  If  it  is  staged  as 
a  true  incurved  I  give  it  the  benefit  of  the  doubt.” 
But  now  comes  the  point,  What  about  those  varieties  which  have 
been  certificated  by  the  Floral  Committee  as  incurved  or  Japanese, 
because  the  Select  Committee  have  reversed  some  of  their  decisions  ? 
It  will  prove  chapter  28  in  my  “  Book  on  Mums,”  although  it  was  a 
bold  adventure.  But  good  as  the  members  of  the  Floral  Committee 
may  be,  as  a  Committee,  have  they  all,  each  and  every  one,  grown 
Chrysanthemums — i.e.,  sufficiently  well  to  vote  with  confidence?  I 
really  do  not  mean  any  offence,  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  was  raised  from 
seed  in  these  nurseries.  Harold  Wells  Bported  from  it  before  it  was 
distributed,  and  I  defy  anyone  to  see  the  difference  in  them  in  any  other 
way  except  colour.  Hence  my  objection,  but  the  Committee  have  my 
best  wishes  all  the  same,  for  I  know  it  is  hard  to  please  all,  especially 
— W.  Wells,  Earlswood, 
[The  specimens  of  Egyptian,  as  might  be  expected  at  this  season, 
are  small  and  loose.  On  one  point,  however,  there  can  be  no  doubt, 
every  floret  displays  the  characteristic  twist  of  the  Japanese  that  is  not 
seen  in  true  incurved  Chinese  varieties.] 
Sheffield  Chrysanthemum  Society. 
The  annual  dinner  of  this  Society  was  held  on  the  2nd  inst.  in  the 
Masonic  Hall,  Surrey  Street.  The  chair  was  occupied  by  Mr.  C.  E. 
Jeffcock,  the  President  of  the  Society,  who  was  supported  by  Mr.  C.  E. 
Vickers,  Mr.  A.  S.  Jarvis,  Mr.  W.  Atkinson,  and  others.  There  was  a 
large  attendance  of  members  and  friends,  amongst  whom  were  Messrs, 
F.  W.  Littlewood,  J.  G.  Newsham,  S.  W.  Seagrave,  J.  W.  Jarvis, 
W.  P.  Atkinson,  R.  Crosland,  J.  Haigh,  W.  Housley,  the  Secretary,  and 
most  of  the  officials  and  members  of  the  Society  to  the  number  of  100, 
Delegates  attended  from  the  Floral  and  Paxton  Societies  of  Wakefield, 
Leeds,  Rotherham  (two  societies — viz.,  Gardeners’  and  Floral),  Sheffield 
(Floral),  and  Walkley.  The  tables  were  decorated  with  plants  and  cut 
flowers,  and  almost  the  whole  of  those  present  wore  on  the  lappels  of 
their  coats  a  choice  Orchid  or  other  flower. 
The  usual  loyal  toast,  “  The  Queen  and  Royal  Family,”  was  proposed 
by  the  President,  who  referred  to  her  “  Diamond  Jubilee,”  and  Her 
Majesty’s  expected  visit  to  Sheffield  in  May.  The  toast  was  honoured 
with  the  usual  enthusiasm  and  loyalty  that  it  always  receives  in 
Sheffield.  The  complimentary  toaBts  next  received  attention,  the  first 
being  “The  Presidents,  Vice-Presidents,  and  Patrons  of  the  Society,” 
proposed  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Jarvis  in  a  very  appropriate  speech,  reference 
being  made  to  the  valuable  assistance  of  the  President,  who  was  always 
ready  to  assist  the  officials  in  furthering  the  interests  of  the  Society. 
Mr.  C.  E.  Vickers  (Vice-President),  in  his  reply,  wished  the  Society 
every  success,  and  said  no  other  source  of  recreation  was  so  good,  pure, 
or  elevating  as  the  cultivation  of  flowers,  and  that  nothing  was  so  highly 
and  generally  prized  as  a  eift  of  flowers,  esteemed  by  young  and  old, 
rich  and  poor.  Mr.  F.  W.  Littlewood  proposed  the  “Visitors  and 
Kindred  Societies,”  and  gave  a  welcome  to  all  present.  Mr.  T.  Gartery 
(Rotherham)  and  Mr.  W.  Cawsall  (Walkley)  responded  in  suitable 
terms. 
“The  Sheffield  Chrysanthemum  Society”  was  entrusted  to  Mr.  A.  S. 
Jarvis,  who  congratulated  the  Society  on  its  financial  position,  there 
being  a  balance  in  hand  on  the  general  account  of  £80,  and  one  of  £50 
in  favour  of  the  benevolent  fund  connected  with  the  Society,  and  also 
on  its  possession  of  its  excellent  library  of  works  on  the  varied  branches 
of  floriculture,  horticulture,  and  kindred  subjects,  the  gift  of  the  Hon. 
Treasurer,  Mr.  H.  Broomhead,  F.R  H.S.  He  alsospokeof  the  numerous 
advantages  of  the  Society  generally.  His  speech  was  very  effective,  and 
was  well  received.  It  was  duly  acknowledged  by  Mr.  J.  G.  Newsham 
in  appropriate  terms. 
Mr.  W.  Housley  (the  Secretary)  proposed  the  “  Nurserymen  and  Non¬ 
competing  Exhibitors,”  and  thanked  them  for  the  assistance  they  always 
so  freely  rendered  at  the  annual  exhibitions.  Mr.  W.  Atkinson  (Fisher, 
Sons  and  Sibray)  replied  in  a  very  able  manner,  and  recommended  the 
officials  not  to  lose  sight  of  other  flowers  in  growing  and  exhibiting 
Chrysanthemums,  and  referred  to  other  beautiful  flowers  that  bloomed 
at  the  same  time  worthy  of  notice.  Mr.  R.  Crosland  (Crosland  Bros.) 
also  responded.  The  musical  portion  of  the  evening’s  entertainment 
was  highly  satisfactory. — J.  H.  S. 
ENDIVE. 
Salad  in  some  variety  is  expected  to  be  forthcoming  from  the 
majority  of  good  gardens,  almost  if  not  daily  throughout  the  y ear .  Where 
this  is  so,  more  than  ordinary  effort  is  required  to  furnish  it  during  the 
winter  months,  and  until  spring  Lettuce,  Radishes,  and  Cucumbers  are 
available.  Endive  plays  an  important  part  in  meeting  this  daily 
demand  — indeed,  in  a  number  of  gardens  it  would  be  absolutely 
impossible  to  supply  salads  without  it.  It  is  quite  true  that  Endive  is 
not  so  generally  accepted  as  Lettuce,  and  with  many  there  would  seem 
to  be  an  acquired  taste  needed,  much  in  the  same  way  as  Tomatoes, 
before  it  receives  its  due  appreciation. 
Although  it  may  not  be  necessary  to  provide  for  so  long  a  season,  it 
is  possible  to  have  Endive  for  nine  months  of  the  year,  August  to 
April  inclusive  ;  but  it  is  not  certain  that  a  succession  will  be  main¬ 
tained  until  the  latter  month.  Usually  under  glass  it  commences  to 
“bolt”  in  February  and  March,  earlier  or  later  according  to  the 
conditions  under  which  it  is  grown.  At  that  season  it  is  very  impatient 
of  fire  heat  or  pent-up  solar  warmth,  and  even  in  cool  houses  it  is  prone 
to  run  to  seed  early.  It  is  only  by, late  sowing  on  a  border  outdoors,, 
where  it  may  remain,  that  it  can  be  depended  on  for  late  cutting,  and 
even  then  it  is  at  the  mercy  of  the  weather. 
Only  once  in  four  seasons  have  I  been  able  to  maintain  a  supply  so 
late  as  April,  although  the  attempt  has  been  made  in  regard  to  sowing. 
What  may  happen  this  season  cannot  yet  be  decided.  The  sowing  was- 
made,  the  plants  at  present  are  very  small,  too  small  in  fact  to  give  any 
assurance  of  what  may  result.  The  seeds  were  sown  in  the  beginning 
of  September,  but  that  being  the  wettest  month  of  the  year  the  progress 
of  the  plants  was  slow,  and  has  been  so  ever  since.  A  previous  autumn 
being  favourable  the  plants  became  too  large  to  stand  frost,  and  the 
winter  of  1894-5  was  such  that  required  something  very  much 
stronger  in  constitution  than  Endive  to  escape  from  being  frozen  to 
death. 
The  early  portion  of  the  crop  is  usually  the  best,  and  the  easiest  one 
to  provide,  as  this  has  the  favour  of  the  late  summer  whereiD  to  develop 
a  good  head,  and  for  which  there  is  generally  sufficient  accommodation, 
in  cool  or  heated  pits  where  the  plants  are  safe  from  damaging  frosts  and 
heavy  rains.  But  it  would  need  a  considerable  pit  room  to  meet  a  fairly 
large  demand  from  September  till  March.  In  my  case  portions  of  the 
