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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
May  27,  1897. 
there  would  be,  with  some  at  least,  a  difficulty  in  filling  it  without 
enormous  repetition.  Looking  at  flower  shows  from  an  educational 
point  of  view,  the  excessive  duplication  of  plants  or  flowers  is 
the  reverse  of  appropriate,  as  the  highest  object  is  lost  ;  and 
besides,  the  public  soon  tire  of  such  masses  as  may  be  seen  in  the 
market. 
Comparing  last  season’s  exhibition  with  this  we  see  a  few 
changes  for  the  better  in  ideas,  though  in  the  majority  of  cases 
there  is  no  deviation.  Nor  under  the  circumstances  now  existing 
can  there  be,  for  narrow  tables  are  not  ideal  places  for  original 
arrangements.  One  feature  we  are  very  glad  to  see,  and  that  is  the 
return,  after  a  brief  secession,  of  Baron  Schroder’s  unrivalled 
Orchids,  which  are  a  superb  spectacle  in  themselves.  From  the 
largest  tent  let  us  turn  for  a  moment  to  the  smallest,  where  Messrs. 
Carter  &  Co.,  who  have  in  a  unique  and  charming  manner  erected 
a  floral  trophy  in  honour  of  the  Queen’s  Diamond  Jubilee,  and  in 
so  doing  have  provided  perhaps  the  most  novel  exhibit  in  the 
show. 
From  generalities  we  may  now  come  to  the  tents,  and  what  they 
contain,  ere  giving  specific  references  to  the  plants,  flowers,  fruits,  and 
vegetables.  As  is  customary,  the  largest  tent  comprises  the  most 
effective  display  by  reason  of  its  height  and  width.  Here  are  to  be 
seen  superb  Roses  in  pots,  artistically  displayed  ;  fragrant  Malmaison 
Carnations  ;  stately  drooping  Palms  ;  delicately  hued  Caladiums  ;  hand¬ 
some  Clematises  ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines  in  pots  bearing  their  luscious 
burdens,  besides  Orchids,  rich  in  colour,  diversified  inform,  and  priceless 
value.  It  is  a  floral  paradise,  where  quality  is  supreme,  and  quantity  is 
ample. 
As  one  passes  into  tent  No.  4  one  is  met  with  richly  coloured 
Begonias,  plants  new  and  rare,  blue  Leschenaultias,  ducal  Carnations, 
beautiful  Calceolarias,  brilliant  Cannas,  as  well  as  Orchids,  and  the 
perfume  of  Roses.  From  one  end  to  the  other,  on  centre  and  on  side 
tables,  there  is  much  that  will  interest  and  enforce  the  admiration  of 
every  visitor. 
A  breath  of  freshness  comes  with  the  rockwork  in  the  third  marquee 
over  the  broad  walk ;  then  there  are  hardy  flowers  of  almost  innumer¬ 
able  kinds,  more  Roses  and  Carnations,  graceful  Ferns  of  many  forms, 
a  gigantic  and  splendid  display  of  Reading  Gloxinias,  which  so  clearly 
show  what  may  be  done  with  care  and  judgment  in  methods  of  culture. 
Delicacy  of  colouration  is  the  predominating  feature  of  the  Gloxinias 
from  Chelsea,  while  the  Streptocarpuses  from  the  same  source  exhibit 
such  remarkable  improvements  as  would  not  have  been  dreamt  of  ten 
years  ago.  Putting  tents  Nos.  1  and  2  together  we  find  beauty  and 
utility  combined  to  a  degree  that  is  seldom  seen.  The  flowers  are 
beautiful,  the  fruits  and  vegetables  are  magnificent.  There  are  Peas 
and  Beans  in  pots  and  boxes  clothed  with  well-developed  pods  ;  Tomatoes 
literally  roped  with  bright  fruits  ;  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Grapes,  Figs, 
Apples,  and  Pears,  as  well  as  others,  in  the  best  possible  condition, 
which  reflect  the  very  highest  credit  on  their  respective  growers. 
For  the  benefit  of  many  readers  who  may  not  be  familiar  with  the 
Temple  Show  we  give  (on  the  opposite  page)  from  the  Society’s 
schedule  a  ground  plan  of  the  Inner  Temple  Gardens  as  they  are  to-day. 
From  this  visitors  may  know  in  which  direction  to  go  for  any  particular 
exhibit  they  wish  to  see.  Below  will  be  found  a  report  of  the  major 
portion  of  the  exhibits  that  are  shown,  and  it  need  only  be  said  here 
that  in  the  disposal  of  the  exhibits  in  the  several  groups,  and  in  general 
high  quality,  the  show  exceeds  all  its  predecessors. 
Orchids. 
As  was  hinted  in  the  introduction  to  the  report,  the  Orchids  make  a 
bright,  interesting,  and  rich  display.  The  central  table  of  the  large 
marquee  is  entirely  devoted  to  these  plants,  as  well  are  a  considerable 
portion  on  the  middle  staging  in  tent  No.  5.  When  it  is  said  that  Sir 
Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Baron  Schroder,  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co., 
W.  Lewis  &  Co.,  and  J,  Cypher,  with  Major  Joicey,  Earl  Percy, 
W.  S.  Ellis,  Esq.,  and  others,  are  represented,  it. will  be  known  that 
there  is  much  that  is  honestly  worth  the  seeing.  It  is  a  matter  for  regret 
that  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  and  R.  J.  Measures,  E3q.,  do  not 
exhibit  on  this  important  occasion,  for  they  always  stage  plants  that 
merit  attention,  either  by  reason  of  their  rarity  or  their  splendid 
culture.  Perhaps  in  coming  years  they  may  be  induced  to  contribute  to, 
and  so  enhance,  the  beauty  of  the  Show. 
The  town  ot  St.  Albans  has  during  recent  years  become  celebrated 
for  its  Orchids,  owing  to  the  prominence  of  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co. 
in  the  Orchid  world.  Their  exhibit  is  always  of  very  great  merit,  and 
never  more  so  than  on  the  occasion  now  particularly  under  notice. 
They  are  showing  in  quantity,  while  quality  is  by  no  means  absent.  It 
is  impossible  for  us  to  name  all  those  on  the  stand  that  deserve  recogni¬ 
tion,  so  we  content  ourselves  with  calling  attention  to  those  only  that 
are  particularly  conspicuous,  and  amongst  them  may  be  mentioned 
Dendrobiums  Deari,  infundibulum,  Dalhousianum,  Sobralia  Veitchi, 
Odontoglossums  crispum  and  polyanthum,  Cattleyas  Mendeli,  Mossiae, 
and  Skinneri,  Calanthe  Laucheana,  Lselio  -  Cattleya  The  Queen, 
L.  C.  D.  S.  Brown,  Laelia  purpurata,  and  others  of  the  highest  quality. 
Though  the  exhibit  staged  by  Mr.  W.  Buckill,  gardener  to  Malcolm  S. 
Cooke,  Esq ,  Kingston  Hill,  is  considerably  smaller  than  the  one  just 
named  it  is  very  creditable,  for  the  plants  are  clean,  healthy,  and  as  a 
rule  well  flowered.  We  might  call  especial  attention  to  Laelia  pnrpurata, 
Cymbidium  Lowianum,  Cattleya  Moss'ae,  Maxillaria  Sanderiana,  Cattleya 
Mendeli,  Mssdevallia  Harryana,  Dendrobium  thyrsifl  >rum,  Cypripedium 
villosum,  C.  bellatulum,  C.  Chamberlainianum,  Cattleya  Lawrenceana, 
and  Oncidium  macranthum  as  b.ing  of  quite  average  merit. 
ft  is  essential  in  an  event  of  such  importance  as  this  that  the  south¬ 
western  counties  should  be  represented,  and  Mr.  J.  Cypherof  Cheltenham 
worthily  occupies  the  position.  There  is  either  something  in  the  air  of 
the  Gloucestershire  town  or  in  the  system  of  procedure  in  tbeir  culture 
that  places  a  stamp  of  excellence  on  Mr.  Cvpner’a  Orchids  which  it  is 
very  pleasing  to  see.  He  does  not  come  to  London  every  day,  but  when 
he  does  it  is  with  something  really  good.  Very  beautiful  are  Laelia 
purpurata  Meteor,  L.  p.  Distinction,  L.  p.  Russelliana,  Thunia  alba, 
Cattleya  citrina,  C.  Mossiae  gigantea,  C.  Mendeli  superba,  C.  Mossiae 
splendens,  Dendrobium  infundibulum,  D.  Parishi,  D.  nobile  majus, 
Odoutoglossum  crispum  in  splendid  variety,  0.  Pescatorei  virginalis, 
light  and  dark  coloured  Miltonia  vexillaria,  Tricopilia  crispa  superba, 
as  well  as  Cypripediums,  Masdevallias,  and  others. 
Last  year  hundreds  of  visitors  were  much  disappointed  when  they 
discovered  that  Baron  Schroler,  The  Dell,  Egham,  was  not  exhibiting, 
and  many  were  the  expressions  of  regret.  This  year  the  scene  is 
changed,  for  the  Baron  is  very  strongly  in  evidence.  Mr.  H.  Ballantine, 
the  gardener,  is  a  master  in  the  art  of  Orchid  cultivation,  as  everyone 
knows  who  has  seen  the  plants  at  home.  Look  now  at  the  splendid 
growth,  the  handsome  flowers  of  the  purest  hues,  and  you  will  see 
Orchids  as  they  should  be  growm.  The  staging,  too,  is  very  effective, 
for  it  is  done  so  that  the  superb  spikes  of  the  matchless  Odontoglossums 
may  be  seen  with  ease,  while  there  is  no  suspicion  of  the  crowding  that 
is  occasionally  apparent  in  other  portions  of  the  exhibition.  Singularly 
charming  are  Odontoglossums  elegans  superbum,  crispum  mirabile, 
Halli  leucoglossum,  Miltonia  vexillaria,  Vanda  teres,  Odontoglossum 
crispum  Sanderianum,  0.  luteo-purpureum  Vuylstekeanum,  Laelia  pur¬ 
purata,  Thunia  Veitchiana,  Cattleya  Mendeli,  C.  Mossiae,  Dendrobium 
Bensoniae,  Cypripedium  bellatulum,  C.  George  Keltie,  C.  callosum 
Sanderae,  and  many  others  of  equal  merit,  besides  a  magnificent  plant 
of  Coelogyne  Dayana. 
Mr.  W.  H.  White,  grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart,,  Burford 
Lodge  Dorking,  is  to  the  fore  with  Orchids  of  botanical  interest.  The 
stand  is  one  of  considerable  size,  and  many  of  the  specimens  are  quite 
unique.  Though  several  of  these  are  not  of  particular  beauty,  they 
create  a  wonderful  amount  of  interest,  and  their  place  at  the  Temple 
would  be  difficult  to  fill  if  the  loyal  President  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  were  to  cease  showing.  Visitors  never  seem  to  become  tired 
of  examining  such  plants  as  Epidendrum  Mooreanum,  Aeranthus  zygo- 
petaloides,  Disa  racemosa,  Epidendrum  Endresi,  Stenoglotti9  longifolia 
alba,  Oocidium  pubes  ;  while  Cypripediums  Euryale,  Swannianum 
superbum,  Eleanor,  superb  Lawrenceanum,  ciliolare,  Mastersianum, 
Stonei  magnificum,  Curtisi,  Fraseri,  bellatulum,  niveum,  and  barbatum ; 
Oocidium  concolor,  Odontoglossums  citrosmum,  crispum,  vexillarium, 
Halli,  Andersonianum,  and  mulu3  ;  Dendrobiums  polyphlebium  Emerici 
and  Bensoniae  ;  Cattleyas  Mossiae  in  variety,  Skinneri,  Mossiae  Wagneri, 
and  labiata  Mossiae  ;  Laelia  purpurata,  Tbunias  Brymeriana  and 
Marshalliana,  superb  Masdevallias  proviied  flowers  in  varying  forms 
and  colours  that  are  so  necessary  to  tne  effective  display. 
The  majority  of  horticulturists  would  in  all  probability  designate 
Mr.  Geo  Wythes,  gardener  to  Earl  Percy,  Syon  House,  Brentford,  a 
vegetable  and  a  fruit  grower  alone  ;  but  tbose  who  visit  the  show  during 
the  three  days  that  it  will  be  open  will  see  Orchids  such  as  would  be  a 
credit  to  a  specialist.  There  are,  amongst  others,  Laelia  purpurata, 
Vanda  teres,  Cymbidium  Lowianum,  Laelia  tenehrosa,  Brassia  verrucosa, 
Miltonia  vexillaria,  Dendrobium  phalaenopsia  Scbroderiana,  Thunia  alba, 
Dendrobium  chrysotoxum,  Cypripedium  Lawrenceanum,  C.  Sedenicandi- 
dulum,  Dendrobium  thyrsiflorum,  and  beautiful  forms  of  Cattleya 
Mossiae,  all  of  which  are  displayed  in  an  artistic  manner.  To  aid  in 
making  the  Orchids  more  prominent  small  Palms  and  Ferns  have  been 
judiciously  employed. 
Odontoglossums  as  staged  by  Wellbore  8.  Ellis,  Esq.,  Hazel  bourne, 
Dorking,  are  surprisingly  beautiful,  and  show  what  good  culture,  com¬ 
bined  with  good  taste  will  effect.  Many  of  his  varieties  of  0.  crispum 
are  good,  but  unfortunately  the  specific  names  could  not  be  read. 
Besides  these  Mr.  Ellis  has  staged  vexillarium,  citrosmum,  and  a  few 
others. 
Mr.  E.  Carr,  gardener  to  W.  A.  Gillett,  Esq  ,  Fair  Oak  Lodge,  Bishop- 
stoke,  Hants,  exhibits  a  collection  of  Orchids,  amongst  which  the 
splendidly  grown  plants  are  finely  flowered.  The  growths  are  clean  and 
the  colours  in  the  blooms  very  clear.  O  lontoglossums  vexillarium  in 
variety,  crispum  in  charming  selection,  fine  citrosmum,  Pescatorei,  and 
maculatum,  Laelia  purpurata  of  good  form,  pale  and  deep  Cattleya 
Mossiae,  with  Cypripedium  niveum,  and  others.  Small  Ferns  as  a  ground¬ 
work  enhance  the  general  effect. 
Brightly  beautiful  is  the  arrangement  of  Mr.  W.  N.  Young,  Orchid 
