fune  10,  1897. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
513 
Mr.  James  Cypher,  Cheltenham,  secured  A.M.  for  Laelias  purpurata 
Meteor,  Schofieldiana,  and  Duchess  ;  also  for  Cattleya  Mossise  striata 
(very  pretty).  Mr.  A.  J.  Keeling,  a  new  comer  from  Bradford,  made 
his  dehut  with  a  choice  little  collection,  containing  much  variety. 
Amongst  amateur  growers  the  chaste  and  beautiful  Cattleya  Mossise 
var.  “  M.  Cahurza,”  was  probably  an  attraction  to  all,  as  it  richly  deserved 
to  be.  In  it,  A.  Warburton,  Esq.,  Vine  House,  Haslingden,  ha3  a  treasure. 
The  form  is  perfect.  It  is  most  floriferous,  having  snow-white  sepals 
and  petals,  with  a  lip  partaking  after  the  var.  Reineckiana.  It  secured  a 
F.C.C.  Mr.  Warburton  had  an  award  of  merit  granted  for  Cattleya 
Mossise,  “  Jubilee,”  having  an  exceptionally  fine  lip.  D.  B.  Rappart, 
Esq. ,  Liscard,  as  on  the  previous  day  at  the  Orchid  Society,  secured  a 
F.C.C.  for  Cattleya  Mossise  in  the  way  of  C.  Reineckiana,  but  very 
much  finer,  the  Committee  unanimously  naming  it  Catt.  Mossise  Rappar- 
tiana,  a  chaste  variety  with  white  sepals  and  petals  of  rare  substance  and 
pale  lip,  dashed  with  bluish  slate. 
For  the  best  miscellaneous  collection  of  Orchids  in  bloom  (amateurs) 
Mr.  W.  Stevens,  gardener  to  W.  Thompson.  E*q.,  Walton  Grange,  Stone, 
arranged  a  charming  display,  the  grand  Oiontoglossums  for  which  Mr. 
Thompson  is  so  noted  being  splendidly  represented.  E.  Ashworth,  Esq., 
came  a  prominent  second,  handsome  Lselias  and  Cattleyas  showing  to 
great  advantage.  J.  Richardson,  Esq.,  Altrincham,  was  third.  In  the 
nurserymen’s  class  Mr.  James  Cypher,  Cheltenham,  arranged  his  group 
with  consuinmate  taste,  securing  the  first  award.  Most  noticeable  were 
Lselia  purpurata  in  variety,  fine  Oiontoglossum  crispum,  and  the  lovely 
Thunia  Marshalli  superba.  Mr.  Jno.  Robson,  Bowdon,  had  for  second 
honours  a  choice  display,  comprising  Cattleyas  and  Dendrobiums  well 
grown  and  of  much  merit,  also  Lselia  tenebrosa  ;  but  the  whole  group 
was  much  dwarfed  by  a  too  formal  arrangement. 
For  the  best  collection  of  Cattleyas  and  Lselias  in  bloom  Mr.  Johnson, 
gardener  to  Thos.  Statter,  Esq.,  Stand  Hall,  Manchester,  had  a  hand¬ 
some  stand  relieved  by  Maidenhair  Fern.  Lselia  purpurata  splendens, 
L.  purpurata  Statteriana  and  tenebrosa,  Cattleyas  Mossise  Mendeli  and 
the  beautiful  C.  Moss’ae  Reineckiana  were  fine.  Mr.  James  Cypher  was 
a  moderate  second,  Cattleya  Mossiae  being  good. 
Mr.  Cypher  was  the  only  exhibitor  for  ten  stove  and  greenhouse 
plants,  but  as  usual  they  bore  the  imprint  of  good  and  thorough  culture. 
Pimelea  Hendersoni,  Erica  ventricosa  magnifies,  Spenceriana  and 
depressa,  Clerodendron  Balfourianum,  Aphelexis  macrantha  rosea, 
Hedaroma  tulipifera,  and  Anthurium  Scherzerianum  were  shown.  In 
the  amateur  classes  Mr.  Wilkes,  gardener  to  Miss  Lord,  Ashton-on- 
Mersey,  won  with  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  one  foliage  plant,  one 
stove  plant  in  bloom,  with  v^ell-grown  Dendrobiumdensiflorum,  also  for 
six  fine-foliaged  plants  ;  but  the  collection  was  not  up  to  the  average 
for  this  season  of  the  year. 
There  were  three  groups  of  plants  arranged,  Mr.  Wilkes,  with  his 
usual  good  taste,  winning  with  a  light  and  elegant  arrangement.  Mrs. 
Blair  was  a  good  second.  In  the  nurserymen’s  section  Mr.  A.  J.  A.  Bruce, 
Chorlton-cum-Hardy,  was  adjudged  the  winner,  the  Bamboos  giving 
great  effect,  otherwise  the  group  was  not  up  to  former  years.  Messrs. 
R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons,  Aigburth  Nursery,  were  placed  second. 
Cinerarias  were  fairly  well  exhibited,  Mr.  Wilkes  winning.  Calceo¬ 
larias  and  Gloxinias  were  moderate,  E.  Thwa.ites,  Esq.,  and  B.  Woodrow, 
Esq,,  being  the  successful  exhibitors.  For  a  collection  of  twelve 
herbaceous  and  alpine  plants  J.  Brown,  Esq.,  Longfield,  had  a  fair 
exhibit.  The  same  exhibitor  won  with  six  pretty  pot  Roses,  also  for 
twelve  pots  of  Pansies.  A  small  but  healthy  collection  of  ten  exotic 
Ferns  secured  the  prize  for  Mrs.  Blair.  Messrs.  W.  &  J.  Birkenhead 
exhibited  ten  hardy  Ferns  fresh  and  in  beautiful  variety.  Coleus, 
Tuberous  Begonias,  Pelargoniums,  Z  mal  and  Show,  were  really  so 
moderate  aa  to  call  for  no  comment,  a  fact  to  be  much  regretted. 
Mr.  Wilkes  again  showed  much  ability  by  his  arrangement  of  a  table 
of  plants  for  effect.  For  not  less  than  fifty  Carnations  in  pots  Messrs. 
W.  Cutbush  &  Sons  secured  the  gold  medal.  Malmaisons  were  nume¬ 
rously  represented,  some  fine  new  ones  bearing  the  names  of  Princess 
May,  Prime  Minister,  Mrs.  Everard  Hambro,  Reginald  Godfrey,  and  Ness 
being  much  admired.  Messrs.  Jno.  Laing  &  Sons  secured  the  small 
gold  medal  for  Begonias,  F.C.C.  being  awarded  to  Hon.  Cecil  Rhodes, 
an  intense  double  scarlet ;  Lady  Pearson,  a  huge  double  salmon  ;  and 
Admiral  Rawson,  a  giant  single  orange  scarlet.  The  same  firm  had  a 
choice  bank  of  Caladiums,  so  well  known  as  to  make  comment  super¬ 
fluous.  A  gold  medal  also  went  to  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Old  Nurseries, 
Cheshunt,  for  a  charming  bank  of  pot  Roses,  Crimson  Rambler  and  Car¬ 
mine  Pillar  playing  a  prominent  part.  Manchester  people  were  again 
delighted  to  see  the  charming  Clematis  from  Messrs.  Smith  &  Co., 
Worcester,  a  small  gold  medal  being  unanimously  awarded.  The  splendid 
Rhododendrons  from  Messrs.  Waterer  &  Son  of  Bagshot  were  quite 
gorgeous,  filling  three  parts  of  the  long  annexe.  The  Society’s  large 
gold  medal  was  never  more  deservedly  awarded. 
Messrs.  Barr  &  Sans  had  excellent  selections  of  Irises,  Py rethrums, 
Papavers,  and  numerous  herbaceous  cut  flowers  (silver  medal).  The 
same  award  went  to  Dicksons,  Ltd.,  Chester,  for  a  truly  handsome  display 
on  similar  lines  to  the  above,  the  arrangement  being  noted  for  good 
taBte. 
Gueldres  Roses  and  Cats.  —  Has  it  ever  been  noticed  by 
gardeners  how  fond  cats  are  of  the  smell  of  the  wood  and  bark  of  the 
Gueldres  R  >se  ?  I  have  three  cats,  and  they  all  frequent  almost  daily 
two  trees  in  my  garden.  They  smell  the  bark,  bite  it,  rub  themselves 
over  it,  and  scratch  it  for  some  minutes  at  a  time.  They  do  not  behave 
in  the  same  manner  to  any  other  tree  in  the  garden. — J.  B.  C. 
THE  YOUNG  GARDENERS’  DOMAIN. 
Forcing  French  Beans. 
I  have  never  found  Beans  to  emit  roots  from  the  stems  after  they 
have  been  top-dressed,  but  I  find  they  root  into  the  fresh  soil  just  as 
well  as  if  they  were  potted.  For  in  potting  one  must  pot  them  deeply 
or  leave  a  lanky  stein  protruding  out  of  the  pot,  which  I  prefer  not  to 
do.  But  as  to  the  earliness  in  bearing,  I  give  preference  to  my  top- 
dressed  ones,  although  not  a  fortnight. — Single  W. 
Packing. 
( Continued  from  page  490.) 
Having  referred  (page  489)  to  the  packing  of  Grapes,  Peaches, 
and  Strawberries,  other  kinds  must  not  be  overlooked. 
Pine  Apples. — These  need  great  care  in  packing, ;their  crowns  must 
be  preserved  intact.  The  fruit  have  tissue  paper  placed  round  them,  and 
are  then  laid  on  their  sides  in  a  box  on  a  bed  of  wood  wool.  The  spaces 
between  the  fruit  and  the  crowns  are  also  well  filled  with  the  same 
material.  Another  way  is  to  have  a  box  so  deep  that  the  fruits  may 
stand  upright  and  the  crowns  be  free,  but  if  they  are  packed  in  this  way 
they  must  have  plenty  of  wood  wool  between  them  to  hold  them  securely 
in  position,  and  the  lid. of  the  box  labelled,  “  This  side  up,  with  care.” 
Figs. — These  require  to  be  packed  in  a  single  layer.  Tne  boxes  are 
about  2J  inches  deep,  and  lined  with  paper.  The  fruits  are  wrapped 
separately  in  soft  Vine  leaves,  and  laid  as  closely  as  possible  together. 
More  leaves  are  then  used  for  covering  the  fruit. 
Raspberries  are  packed  the  same  as  Strawberries,  but  for  dessert  and 
preserving,  Cherries,  Currants,  and  Gooseberries  for  dessert  are  placed  in 
boxes  about  4  inches  deep,  lined  with  Vine  leaves.  Plums  for  dessert 
are  placed  close  together  in  shallow  boxes,  one  layer  in  each,  Vine 
leaves  being  used  for  the  bottom  and  the  top  of  the  boxes.  Apricots  are 
packed  in  the  same  way  as  Peaches  and  Nectarines.  Cape  Gooseberries 
are  placed  in  boxes  with  the  husks  on  the  fruits,  nothing  else  being 
necessary  if  the  box  is  well  fillel. 
Pears  and  Apples  for  dessert  are  placed  in  shallow  boxes  deep  enough 
to  hold  one  layer,  the  boxes  lined  with  paper,  and  the  fruits  packed  as 
closely  as  possible.  They  may  also  be  packed  in  boxes  or  hampers 
holding  several  layers.  No  fruit  of  any  kind  should  be  packed  in  an  over¬ 
ripe  state. 
Cut  Flowers — These,  like  fruit,  require  to  be  packed  closely  to 
prevent  displacement  by  shaking.  For  sending  small  quantities  by  post 
boxes  made  for  the  purpose  may  be  obtained  from  nurserymen  or  card¬ 
board  box  manufacturers.  A  layer  of  cotton  wool,  previously  damped,  is  put 
in  the  box,  and  covered  with  tissue  paper,  the  flowers  then  laid  in,  and 
the  remaining  space  filled  with  Fern  or  any  green  foliage  that  is  light. 
When  sending  mixed  flowers  away  in  large  quantities  wooden  boxes  are 
used,  placing  the  heavy  flo  vers  at  the  bottom,  and  the  lighter  ones  on 
the  top,  covering  with  the  green  foliage  that  is  required  to  assist  the 
flowers  for  decoration.  Flowers  which  are  eaiily  bruised,  such  as 
Gardenias,  Camellias,  and  Malmaison  Carnations,  are  packed  in  single 
layers  in  shallow  boxes. 
Plants. — The  shallow  hampers,  which  are  familiar  to  every  gardener, 
are  the  best  for  packing  plants  in.  Some  plants  require  greater  care 
than  others,  especially  Orchids.  If  these  are  in  bloom  a  piece  of  tissue 
paper  is  tied  round  each  flower  to  prevent  bruising,  and  the  stalk  fastened 
to  a  small  stake.  Stakes  taller  than  the  plant  are  then  forced  in  the 
pot,  and  paper  wrapped  round  so  as  to  enclose  both  pot  and  plant. 
Palms  and  other  hardier  plants  only  require  one  stake,  and  the  leaves 
tied  to  it,  covering  only  the  foliage  with  paper.  When  packing  in  the 
hampers  the  bottom  is  well  covered  with  hay  or  straw.  The  tallest 
plants  are  placed  in  the  centra,  and  the  spaces  between  the  pot  filled 
with  the  same  material.  Strong  cord  is  then  strung  across  the 
hamper,  so  as  to  keep  the  plants  in  their  places.  Large  stakes  made  of 
Willow,  Hazel,  or  Ash  are  then  stuck  in  the  hamper  at  equal  distance 
apart,  and  the  ends  drawn  and  fastened  together  at  the  top  ;  mats 
placed  round  and  secured,  so  as  to  prevent  cold  draughts  reaching  to  the 
plants,  completes  the  operation. — Elveden. 
Tomato  Culture. 
[Continued  from  page  490.) 
Continuing  my  remarks  on  page  490  it  is  necessary  to  refer  to 
the  diseases  and  insects  to  which  Tomatoes  are  liable,  also  to  the 
selection  of  varieties  for  home  use  and  exhibition  purposes. 
Diseases. — Most  of  the  diseases  of  the  Tomato  may  be  traced  to 
want  of  heat  or  neglected  ventilation.  Cladisporium  fulvum  is  one  of 
the  worst  affections,  first  showing  with  a  few  black  blotches  on  the 
under  side  of  the  leaves.  Careful  ventilation  and  fire  heat  for  keeping  a 
circulation  of  dry  air  in  the  house,  watering  the  plants  in  the  morning 
when  it  is  required,  and  cutting  of  all  affected  leaves,  are  the  surest 
remedies  and  good  means  of  prevention.  Phytophthora  infestans,  the 
Potato  disease,  is  seldom  seen,  and  is  more  deadly,  few  plants  growing 
out  of  it,  as  it  attacks  the  stem.  Throw  out  the  plants  affected,  plant 
others,  and  treat  as  above  described.  Cladisporium  lycopersici  is  a 
disease  which  has  given  us  some  trouble.  The  black  spot  of  decay  nearly 
always  Btarts  from  the  centre  of  the  fruit  where  it  has  flowered,  and 
spreads  rapidly  over  the  surface.  A  dry  buoyant  atmosphere  is  the 
only  remedy  I  know,  as  damp  is  the  chief  cause  of  decay  Betting  in. 
Of  insect  pests  the  most  annoying  is  the  white  fly,  Aleyrodes 
vaporariorum.  There  are  few  gardens  where  Tomatoes  are  grown  all  the 
year  round  that  escape  its  visitation.  We  find  Murray’s  Electric 
vapouriser  a  sure  exterminator.  It  does  not  injure  the  tenderest  flower, 
