418 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
May  13,  1897. 
ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 
Drill  Hall,  May  11th. 
The  meeting  at  the  Drill  Hall  was  a  very  interesting  one,  though 
not  so  large  as  several  have  been  of  late.  Each  Committee  had  work  to 
do,  but  as  usual  the  bulk  fell  to  the  Floral. 
Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. — Present :  Philip  Crowley, 
JJ8q.  (in  the  chair)  ;  with  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks  and  Messrs.  T.  F.  Rivers, 
J.  Cheal,  G.  Bunyard,  J.  H.  Veitch,  A.  F.  Barron,  A.  H.  Pearson,  W.  J. 
Empson,  A.  Dean,  J.  A.  Laing,  W.  Bates,  W.  Farr,  G.  H.  Sage, 
G.  Wythes,  Jas.  Smith,  H  Balderson,  G.  T.  Miles.  F.  Q.  Lane,  G.  W, 
Cummins,  G.  Reynolds,  J.  Willard,  R.  Fife,  and  G.  Norman. 
Mr.  W.  J.  Empson,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Wingfield,  Ampthill  House, 
sent  a  splendid  collection  of  vegetables,  comprised  of  Peas  in  pots  Carter’s 
Lightning,  Leek  Holborn  Model,  Tomato  Earliest  of  All,  Cucumbers 
Rochford’s  Market  and  Blend  worth  Perfection,  with  Asparagus,  Broccoli, 
Potatoes,  French  Beans,  and  so  forth.  Considering  the  time  of  the 
year  the  exhibit  was  one  of  exceptional  merit  (silver  Knightian 
medal). 
Mr.  G.  Wythes,  gardener  to  Earl  Percy,  Syon  House,  sent  a  collection 
of  Figs  St.  John  and  Brown  Turkey,  and  also  a  box  of  very  fine  well- 
coloured  fruits  of  Hale’s  Early  Peach.  Mr.  Jas.  Barkham,  Longford 
Gardens,  Isle  of  Wight,  sent  fruits  of  a  Cucumber  the  result  of  a  cross 
between  Rochford’s  Market  and  Improved  Telegraph.  Mr.  M.  Russell, 
Mytchett,  Farnborough,  sent  fruits  of  Strawberry  Russell’s  Early 
Giant,  a  fruit  of  a  very  wrinkled  surface.  Mr.  A.  Bishop,  Westly  Hall 
Gardens,  Bury  St.  Edmunds,  sent  a  specimen  of  a  seedling  Melon 
which,  considering  the  earliness  of  the  season,  was  of  good  flavour  and 
large  in  size. 
In  the  Apple  competition  Mr.  J.  C.  Tallack  was  awarded  first  prize 
with  Court  Pendfl  Plat.  Mr.  A.  J.  Reid,  gardener  to  F.  C.  Carr 
Gomm,  Esq.,  Farnham  Chase,  was  second  with  Golden  Reinette. 
Floral  Committee. — Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
with  Messrs.  J.  Fraser,  C.  T.  Druery,  H.  B.  May,  H.  Herbst,  R.  Dean, 
J.  Hudson,  J.  Jennings,  J.  F.  McLeod,  H.  S.  Leonard,  G.  Nicholson, 
J.  Fraser,  R.  M.  Hogg,  W.  Bain,  J.  D.  Pawle,  E.  Mawley,  J.  W.  Barr, 
J.  Walker,  H.  J.  Jones,  D.  B.  Crane,  E.  Beckett,  G.  H.  Engleheart,  and 
G.  Paul. 
Mr.  J.  R.  Box,  Croydon,  arranged  a  very  effective  exhibit  of 
Gloxiniasand  Maidenhair  Ferns.  Some  of  the  varieties  wereof  fine  quality. 
The  same  exhibitor  also  sent  a  few  flowers  of  double  Begonias  (silver- 
gilt  Banksian  medal).  Five  boxes  of  superb  Marshal  Niel  Roses  were 
staged  by  Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thame.  The  blooms  were  solid,  of  good 
colour,  and  very  fragrant  (silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  G.  Mount,  Canter¬ 
bury,  made  himself  conspicuous  by  staging  a  magnificent  collection  of 
Roses,  including  La  France,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Captain  Hayward,  Ulrich 
Brunner,  and  many  others  (silver-gilt  Flora  medal). 
Mr.  Capp,  gardener  to  Sir  W.  Peerson,  Paddockhurst,  Crawley,  sent 
an  exhibit  comprised  of  Gloxinias  and  Zonal  Pelargoniums.  Messrs. 
W.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate,  were  represented  by  a  group  of  hardy 
flowers,  in  which  Doronicums,  Primulas,  and  Alyssums  were  conspicuous 
(bronze  Banksian  medal).  A  large  extent  of  tabling  was  occupied  by 
Messrs.  Barr  &  Son,  Covent  Garden,  who  showed  a  fine  collection  of 
their  famous  Tulips.  English,  Darwin,  Cottage  Garden,  and  Parrot 
sections  were  represented,  and  it  was  easy  to  realise  from  the  method 
of  arrangement  how  beautiful  these  flowers  are  from  a  decorative 
point  of  view.  Flowers  of  all  colours  were  shown,  comprising  all  forms 
known  in  the  Tulip  world  (silver  Flora  medal).  On  one  side  of  the 
Drill  Hall  entrance  was  a  fine  bank  of  Roses,  exhibited  by  Messrs. 
W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross.  Amongst  others  were  noticed  Gustave 
Piganeau,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Jeannie  Dickson,  La 
France,  and  Fisher  Holmes,  together  with  a  box  of  cut  blooms  of 
Marechal  Niel  that  it  would  be  difficult  to  heat.  The  firm  also  exhibited 
blooming  plants  of  the  new  Tea  Rose  Enchantress  (silver-gilt  Flora 
medal). 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  showed  a  small  collection  of  hardy 
flowers  and  Violas.  Among  the  former  were  Genistas,  Pyruses,  and 
Azaleas  in  variety  (bronze  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  Kemp  &  Wilson, 
Mortimer  Street,  W.,  showed  floral  designs  in  the  shape  of  wreaths, 
bouquets,  and  baskets  of  flowers  (bronze  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  J. 
Hudson,  gardener  to  Messrs.  De  Rothschild,  Gunnersbury  House,  sent 
flowers  of  Hymenocallis  macrostephana  tastefully  arranged  in  an  earthen¬ 
ware  vase.  Mr.  B.  Ladhams,  Southampton,  sent  flowering  plants  of 
a  new  Pink,  Diamond,  with  Tulipa  flava  and  a  Calla  of  large  size. 
Pasonies  were  largely  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Kelway,  Langport,  being  the 
first  of  the  season.  Amongst  others  Cardinal  Vaughan,  Diamond 
Jubilee,  and  Longest  Reign  were  very  striking  (silver  Banksian  medal). 
Messrs,  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  were  represented  by  hybrid  Rhodo¬ 
dendrons,  Iris  cristata,  Trillium  grandiflorum,  Pyruses  in  variety,  with 
Geums,  Roses,  and  other  flowers,  the  whole  making  up  an  effective  and 
interesting  exhibit  (silver  Flora  medal).  Tulips  in  charming  variety 
were  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea.  All  sections  were 
represented,  and  in  addition  to  these  flowers  the  firm  showed  Tritonias, 
Ixias,  Deutzia  hybrida  Lemoinei,  and  Rubus  Ideliciosus  (silver  Bank¬ 
sian  medal).  Messrs.  Thos.  Cripps  &  Son,  Tunbridge  Wells,  showed 
plants  of  Deutzia  Lemoinei  and  a  few  Cypripediums.  An  interesting 
exhibit  came  from  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  comprising  Rhododendrons 
Kewense,  Luscombei,  and  cinnabarinum,  with  flowering  branches  of 
Gytisus  purgans,  Ribes  speciosa,  Pyruses  Pingo  and  Schiedeckeri.  and 
Amelanchier  alnifolia. 
Orchid  Committee  — Present  :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair).; 
with  Messrs.  J.  O’Brien,  De  B.  Crawshay,  H.  M.  Pollett,  J.  T.  Gabriel, 
W.  H.  Young,  F.  J.  Thorne,  H.  J.  Chapman,  E.  Hill,  J.  W.  Bond, 
C.  Pilcher,  W.  Cobb,  J.  Douglas,  and  H.  Williams. 
Mr.  G.  W.  Cummins,  gardener  to  A.  H.  Smee,  Esq.,  The  Grange, 
Wallington,  staged  a  handsome  collection  of  Orchids,  comprised  mostly 
of  Cattleyas,  Laelias,  and  Laelio-Cattleyas  in  splendid  condition  (silver 
Flora  medal).  Mr.  Oragg,  gardener  to  W.  C.  Walker,  Esq  ,  Percy  Lodge, 
Winchmore  Hill,  sent  a  showy  group  of  Orchids.  There  were  Laelias, 
Cymbidiums,  Odontoglossums,  Cypripediums,  and  others  (silver  Flora 
medal).  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  AlbaDs,  exhibited  a  small  collection 
of  Orchids.  Amongst  others  Cattleya  Mossise,  C.  Skinneri  virginale, 
C.  Schroierae  alba,  C.  Wm.  Murray,  Odontoglossum  vexillarium,  and 
Masdevallias  were  conspicuous. 
Very  attractive  were  the  Orchids  sent  by  Messrs,  J.  Veitch  &  Sons, 
Ltd.,  from  Chelsea,  The  arrangement  of  the  several  handsome  plants 
at  disposal  was  very  effective,  small  Adiantums  being  used  as  a  ground¬ 
work.  Oncidiums  and  Odontoglossums  were  gracefully  beautiful, 
Dendrobiums  of  splendid  quality,  Masdevallias  showy,  with  Cymbidiums, 
Laelias,  Cattleyas,  and  Cypripediums,  aided  in  the  general  excellent 
effect  (silver-gilt  medal).  Besides  these  prominent  exhibits  of  Orchids, 
several  smaller  ones  came  from  numerous  exhibitors.  Mr.  Methven, 
gardener  to  Marquis  Camden,  Bayham  Abbey,  sent  a  fine  Cattleya 
Mendeli  with  a  spike  carrying  seven  flowers. 
Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 
Anemia  rotundifolia  (W.  Bull)  — A  graceful  Fern  with  long  fronds 
composed  of  round  pinnae  (first-class  certificate). 
Cypripedium  Bellatulo-vexillarium  (Mrs.  Briggs-Bury). — A  hand¬ 
some  hybrid.  The  colour  of  the  dorsal  sepal  is  white  at  the  lower  part, 
shading  to  deep  claret  at  the  margin.  This,  too,  is  the  colour  of  the 
pouch.  The  petals  are  white,  spotted  and  flushed  claret  (award  of 
merit). 
Cypripedium  Chapmani  magnijicum  (H.  J.  Chapman). — Deep  claret 
is  the  colour  of  the  lip  of  this  beautiful  Orchid.  The  broad  petals  are 
almost  entirely  covered  with  deep  claret  crimson  spots.  The  round 
dorsal  sepal  is  white  at  the  margins,  becoming  maroon  towards  the  base 
(award  of  merit). 
Lcelio- Cattleya  Ilippolyta,  Bulcote  variety  (W.  Cobb). — A  superb 
form  of  the  type  (award  of  merit). 
Lilac  Senatoi  Holland  (W.  Bain). — A  handsome  double  variety.  The 
truss  is  large,  and  the  colour  dark  (award  of  merit). 
Odontoglossum  Andersonianum  Boqaerdianum  (D.  B.  Crawshay). — 
The  spots  and  blotches  on  this  are  very  fiae,  being  bright  chocolate 
(award  of  merit). 
Rhododendron  Pink  Pearl  (J.  Waterer). — This  is  a  very  beautiful 
variety,  with  large  pink  flowers  (award  of  merit). 
Streptocarpus  achimeniflora  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.) — This  is  a 
hybrid,  resulting  from  a  cross  between  a  white-flowered  hybrid  and  a 
S.  polyanthus,  evidences  of  which  may1  readily  be  seen.  The  colour  of 
the  flower  is  pale  blue  (award  of  merit). 
Trollius  napelli/olius  (Barr  &  Son3). — The  flowers  of  this  are  of 
medium  size,  and  very  rich  in  colour  (award  of  merit). 
RED  SPIDER  AND  SICKLY  GOOSEBERRY  FOLIAGE. 
On  page  338  Mr.  G.  R.  Allis  mentions  the  pale  and  sickly  appearance 
of  the  foliage  of  Gooseberries  and  Currants,  and  attributes  it  to  frost. 
Now,  I  have  not  seen  the  particular  case  to  which  he  refers,  and  am  not 
disputing  it ;  but  it  is  such  a  very  common  error  to  ascribe  to  frost 
what  is  really  an  attack  of  red  spider,  that  I  venture  to  call  attention  to 
it  at  the  present  time. 
I  was  examining  a  large  fruit  plantation  last  week,  and  came  across 
some  bushes  of  Gooseberries  as  described,  pale  almost  to  whiteness,  and 
their  sickly  appearance  was  apparent  at  a  distance.  I  could  see  at  a 
glance  it  was  the  old  enemy,  and  by  carefully  plucking  a  few  sprays  in 
order  not  to  dislodge  them,  I  carried  them  to  the  “  Rose  and  Crown  ”  to 
show  people  and  educate  them  in  detecting  early  attacks. 
The  owner  of  the  plantation  came  in,  and  asked  me  had  I  noticed  how 
the  frost  had  turned  the  foliage  of  the  Gooseberries  yellow.  “No,”  I 
replied  ;  “  but  you  have  the  old  enemy  in  force,  and  that  is  the  cause.”  I 
asked  the  landlord  for  a  sheet  of  white  paper,  and  tapping  the  shoots 
sharply  on  it,  hundreds  of  spiders  were  racing  in  every  direction.  Now, 
Mr.  Editor,  may  I  ask  all  fruit  growers  who  are  interested  in  this 
question  to  give  this  simple  plan  a  test,  and  for  the  sake  of  information 
oblige  with  brief  replies  ?  I  found  out  some  years  ago,  when  giving 
lectures  oi^  insect  pests  (illustrated  under  the  microscope,  as  I  have 
every  season  since),  that  these  spiders  (or  mites)  hatch  out  in  the  coldest 
and  wettest  weather  in  the  beginning  of  February,  and  there  remain,  as 
thofie  referred  to  have,  through  one  of  the  wettest,  coldest,,  and  most 
unlikely  seasons  known.  The  red  spider  eggs  on  Apples  and  Plums  are 
only  just  hatching  out,  and  from  the  red  eggs,  young  spiders  appear 
identical  to  the  Gooseberry  spiders. — J.  HlAM. 
[Without  for  a  moment  suggesting  that  Mr.  Allis  was  mistaken,  we 
have  no  doubt  Mr.  Hiam  is  correct  in  his  assumption  that  the  mite  known 
as  red  spider  does  much  more  harm  to  Gooseberry  bushes  early  iu  the 
year  than  many  persons  suppose.  What  those  persons  want  to  know 
who  have  to  deal  with  the  enemy  is  the  safest  and  surest  method  to 
pursue  for  its  extirpation,] 
