August  29, 1895. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
209 
are  in  flower  at  the  present  time.  Messrs.  G.  Jackman  &  Sons,  Woking, 
had  an  effective  group  of  hardy  cut  flowers  and  Chrysanthemums, 
both  of  these  were  not  for  competition. 
MANCHESTER  LILY  AND  FRUIT  SHOW. 
August  22nd  to  24tii. 
To  Mr.  Bruce  Findlay  must  be  given  the  honour  of  many  innovations 
in  horticultural  exhibitions,  but  certainly  none  is  more  worthy  than  the  one 
which  opened  on  Thursday,  the  22ad  inst.,  at  the  Botanical  Gardens,  and 
which  consisted  almost  exclusively  of  Lilies.  Neglected  they  are  without 
a  doubt  by  the  majority  of  cultivators  and  limited  to  a  very  few 
varieties.  Why  this  should  be  is  not  easy  to  determine,  and  as  Mr.  Leo 
Grindon  truly  remarked,  “  We  have  our  Tulip  and  Carnation  societies, 
why  not  one  for  the  Lily  ?  ”  As  a  crowning  effort  to  Mr.  Findlay’s 
great  work  in  horticulture  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  from  this  beautiful 
exhibition  may  spring  up  a  society  which  will  take  in  hand  the  cultiva¬ 
tion  of  the  Lily,  and  place  it  in  the  high  position  its  merits  undoubtedly 
entitle  it  to.  On  the  exhibition  itself  nothing  but  praise  can  be  bestowed, 
though  if  the  weather  had  been  more  congenial  during  the  past  few 
weeks  we  should  have  had  a  greater  accession  of  fine  forms  from  the 
Society’s  own  garden  at  Manchester,  these  being  at  the  present  time  in 
most  perfect  condition,  but  only  just  beginning  to  unfold. 
Amongst  contributors  the  chief  position  must  certainly  be  accorded 
to  Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester,  who  staged  a  collection  covering 
a  large  number  of  square  feet.  The  finest  types  represented  were 
auratum  rubro-vittatum,  platyphyllum,  a  fine  variety  called  Wittei 
(pure  white,  yellow  bands),  virginale,  Batemani,  superbum,  Henryi, 
lancifolium  rubrum,  Melpomene,  and  Leichlini.  For  this  the  firm 
was  unanimously  awarded  a  large  gold  medal.  Mr.  W.  H.  Hudson, 
Kilburn,  London,  and  Messrs.  J.  &  R.  Thyne,  Glasgow,  each  received 
commendations  for  an  interesting  display,  consisting  chiefly  of  the 
auratum  types,  as  did  also  Messrs.  Barr  &  Son,  Long  Ditton,  Surrey,  for 
a  fair  group  of  Lilies  interspersed  with  a  choice  and  varied  collection 
of  herbaceous  plants.  The  same  award  was  granted,  and  that  worthily, 
to  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Sons,  Langport,  Somerset,  for  a  gorgeous  collection 
of  cut  spikes  of  Gladioli,  which  for  size  and  form  could  not  be  excelled. 
They  also  showed  Gaillardias,  Asters,  and  the  Japanese  Wineberry, 
Rubus  phoeniculasius,  in  superb  form; 
A  striking  feature  in  the  show  was  a  grand  circular  bank  of  cut 
flowers  staged  by  Mr,  Frank  Law,  Beech  Road  Nurseries,  Sale.  The 
centre  consisted  of  well-grown  plants  of  Campanula  Calycanthema 
mixed  with  scarlet  Gladioli.  Then  in  tiers  came  splendid  bunches  of 
herbaceous  plants,  a  relief  from  flatness  being  afforded  by  handsome 
spikes  of  various  Lilies  placed  between.  An  edging  of  Moss  and  Smilax 
completed  a  most  charming  group.  An  extra  first  prize  was  granted. 
Messrs.  Dickson,  Brown,  &  Tait,  Manchester,  contributed  a  fine  stand  of 
Gladioli  spikes  ;  Mr.  John  Robson,  Bowdon,  a  good  collection  of  her¬ 
baceous  plants.  A  bright  and  pleasing  feature  in  the  show  was  six 
boxes  of  cut  Roses,  trebles,  in  fine  condition,  staged  by  Messrs.  Dickson 
and  Robinson,  Old  Millgate,  Manchester,  the  commendation  being  well 
earned.  A  certificate  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Anthony  Waterer  &  Son, 
Woking,  for  Spirrna  Anthony  Waterer. 
Fruit  classes  were  only  few,  but  the  quality  was  excellent  in  nearly 
every  instance.  For  eight  dishes  Mr.  Goodacre,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Harrington,  Elvaston  Castle,  Derbv,  was  an  easy  first,  staging  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  Elruge  Nectarines,  Bellegarde 
Peaches,  Denniston’s  Superb  Plums,  Jargonelle  Pears,  a  Queen  Pine 
Apple,  andJVictory  of  Bath  Melon  (splendid).  Mr.  Wallis,  gardener  to 
R.  Sneyd,  Esq.,  Keele  Hall,  Newcastle,  was  a  fair  second,  Darwin  Nec¬ 
tarines  and  Walbnrton  Admirable  and  Nectarine  Peach  being  the  best. 
Mr.  Slade,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  Clumber,  was  third, 
having  good  Muscats  and  Hero  of  Lockinge  Melon. 
For  twelve  bunches  of  Grapes  there  were  four  stands  staged,  and 
here  again  Mr.  Goodacre  showed  his  superiority  by  an  almost  perfect 
stand  consisting  of  four  splendid  Gros  Maroc,  Muscat  of  Alexandria 
(four),  superb,  two  fine  Barbarosaa,  and  two  Alnwick  Seedling.  Mr. 
Blphinstone,  gardener  to  B.  M.  Mundy,  Esq.,  Shipley  Hall,  Derby,  was 
second,  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Black  Hamburgh  being  very  fine. 
Mr.  Slade,  who  came  third,  deserves  special  praise  for  his  Six  splendid 
bunches  of  the  grand  but  seldom  seen  Duke  of  Buccleuch.  Mr.  Tullett, 
gardener  to  the  Right  Hon.  Lord  Barnard,  Raby  Castle,  Stamford,  was 
a  creditable  fourth.  The  same  number  competed  for  six  bunches,  Mr. 
Elphinston’s  superb  Muscats  winning  him  the  prize.  He  had  also  three 
pretty  Madresfield  Court.  Mr.  Goodacre  came  a  good  second,  Muscats 
and  Madresfield  being  his  best.  The  third  prize  went  to  Mr.  Richardson, 
gardener  to  J.  E.  Platt,  Esq.,  Cheadle,  Gros  Maroc  and  Muscat  of  Alex¬ 
andria  being  good.  An  extra  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Wallis. 
In  fairness  to  Mr.  Findlay  and  to  Mr.  Paul,  bis  able  assistant,  a 
notice  of  the  show  alone  would  be  iticomplete  were  not  some  reference 
made  to  the  splendid  condition  of  the  gardens  at  the  present  time.  In 
addition  to  the  very  fine  collection  of  Lilies  iu  flower  staged  by  the 
Society  in  the  exhibition  bouse,  there  are  many  thousands  more  which 
will  be  grand  in  a  few  weeks.  Other  flowering  plants  are  in  abundance, 
noticeable  being  some  good  Cannas.  Orchids  are  in  the  best  of  health, 
the  growths  of  the  Dendrobes,  of  which  there  is  a  tine  collection  in  the 
Victoria  Regia  house,  being  astonishing.  There  were  some  very  fine 
pieces  in  flower,  the  following  being  the  best — Cattleyas  Rex  and 
Gaskelliana,  Vandas  tricolor  and  the  variety  Ainsworthi,  Coelogyne 
Massangeana,  Oncidium  ornithorhynchum,  Cypripediums  Curtisi,  Parishi, 
and  Roezli,  with  numerous  seedlings.  In  fact  the  collection  is  quite  a 
credit  to  all. 
Chrysanthemums  are  dwarf,  most  promising,  and  in  abundance. 
Fernery  and  Palm  houses  are  in  the  best  possible  condition.  Outside 
the  summer  bedding  is  seen  to  perfection,  notable  being  the  beds  of 
Pentstemons,  perfect  sheets  of  bloom  with  edgings  of  blue  and  yellow 
Violas,  in  fact  the  bedding  out  in  every  phase  is  well  carried  out.  Trees, 
shrubs,  and  herbaceous  plants  are  all  well  represented  and  carefully 
labelled.  Would  that  all  the  Manchester  citizens  could  thoroughly 
appreciate  Mr.  Findlay’s  earnest  efforts  in  trying  to  cater  for  their 
welfare.  There  would  then  be  no  need  to  make  such  earnest  appeals 
from  time  to  time,  and  his  life’s  work  would  meet  with  the  success  it  so 
richly  merits. — R.  P.  R. 
CRYSTAL  PALACE. — August  23ed  and  24th. 
In  connection  with  the  National  Co-operative  Festival  the  Agri¬ 
cultural  and  Horticultural  Association  held  its  tenth  annual  exhibition 
of  flowers,  fruit,  and  vegetables  on  Friday  and  Saturday  last.  Some 
idea  of  the  magnitude  of  the  show  may  be  judged  from  the  fact  that  all 
the  tables  at  the  Crystal  Palace  were  brought  into  requisition  in  staging 
the  exhibits.  It  is  said  that  these  tables,  if  arranged  end  to  end  in  a 
single  line,  would  extend  half  a  mile  in  length.  Prizes  to  the  cash  value 
of  £300  were  awarded,  besides  gold,  silver,  and  bronze  medals. 
Almost  every  kind  of  garden  produce  was  exhibited  by  cottagers, 
gardeners,  and  amateurs,  and  too  much  can  hardly  be  said  in  praise  of 
it.  When  the  first  show  was  held  the  variety  of  productions  was  not 
great,  but  the  shows  have  had  the  happy  result  of  stimulating  a  stirring 
competition,  and  every  class  in  the  large  schedule  now  finds  many 
entries.  The  fact  that  all  the  leading  classes  show  an  increase  of  entries 
this  year  must  prove  gratifying  to  the  executive.  There  were  no  less 
than  1823  entries  of  the  many  varieties  of  vegetables,  1209  entries  of 
cut  flowers,  upwards  of  500  plants  in  pots,  380  dishes  of  fruit,  besides 
other  exhibits,  such  as  table  decorations,  ladies’  and  children’s  exhibits, 
and  farm  produce.  The  increase  of  exhibits  by  ladies  was  a  marked 
feature  in  the  show. 
A  special  word  of  praise  is  due  for  the  efficient  manner  in  which  the 
whole  arrangements  were  conducted  and  the  numerous  duties  performed, 
and  in  this  work  the  main  responsibility  rested  with  Mr.  G.  Waugh,  the 
Honorary  Director,  aided  by  Mr.  Frank  Bell,  the  Assistant  Secretary, 
and  a  large  number  of  volunteer  Stewards.  An  immense  crowd  of 
visitors  testified  to  the  public  interest  in  visiting  the  show,  and  their 
appreciation  of  it  was  everywhere  apparent.  As  in  previous  years  two 
separate  sections  were  provided — one  open  to  amateurs  and  gentlemen’s 
gardeners,  and  the  other  to  workmen  and  cottage  gardeners.  The 
former  was  opened  on  Friday,  followed  on  Saturday  by  the  latter  ;  and 
this  seems  to  be  altogether  a  satisfactory  arrangement,  as  it  allows  more 
time  for  the  Judges  to  perform  their  duties  without  having  to  hurry,  a 
point  most  essential  in  judging,  besides  giving  the  officials  more  time  to 
carry  the  numerous  operations  necessarily  conneeted  with  a  show  of  such 
magnitude. 
In  the  amateur  section,  for  members  and  customers  of  the  Agri¬ 
cultural  and  Horticultural  Association  or  their  gardeners,  prizes  were 
offered  for  collections  of  vegetables,  open  to  the  northern,  midland  and 
eastern,  western  and  southern  districts  of  the  British  Isles  ;  and  though 
the  competition  in  these  classes  was  not  keen,  several  good  exhibits  were 
staged,  those  of  Mr.  S.  T.  Wright,  gardener  to  Chas.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq., 
Glewston  Court,  and  Mr.  C.  J.  Waite,  gardener  to  Hon.  W.  P.  Talbot, 
Esher,  gaining  first  prizes  in  their  respective  divisions.  In  all  other 
classes  vegetables  were  well  shown,  and  the  competition  in  many 
instances  very  keen,  the  chief  prizewinners  being  Mr.  C.  J.  Waite  ;  Mr. 
J.  Holton,  Oxford  ;  Mr.  J.  Mossman,  gardener  to  G.  D.  Pollock,  Esq., 
Bagshot ;  Mr.  F.  Matthews,  Muswell  Hill  ;  Mr.  R.  Chamberlain  ;  and 
Mr.  J.  W.  Abraham,  Bromley  ;  while  other  exhibitors  also  figured 
creditably  in  the  various  classes. 
Fruit,  both  hardy  and  otherwise,  was  well  shown.  Mr.  A.  Gavien 
was  first  for  a  collection  of  cooking  Apples  in  a  close  competition,  and 
for  dessert  Apples  Mr.  A.  Axell,  Sittingbourne,  occupied  the  place  of 
honour.  The  first  prize  for  a  collection  of  fruit  was  won  by  Mr.  H.  Pitt, 
Hereford,  who  staged  Golden  Queen  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  with 
Pears,  Peaches,  Figs,  and  a  Melon.  The  last  named  exhibitor 
claimed  premier  honours  for  a  collection  of  hardy  fruit.  Apricots, 
Morello  Cherries,  and  Currants,  also  gaining  a  first  prize  for  two  fine 
pieces  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes.  Mr.  Waite  showed  the  best 
black  Grapes,  staging  Gros  Maroc.  Mr.  T.  Osman  was  first  for  Peaches, 
and  for  Nectarines  Mr.  R.  Chamberlain  claimed  the  highest  award. 
For  dessert  Pears  and  Plums  Mr.  Waite  claimed  first  prize  in  both 
instances. 
The  cut  flower  classes  were  all  well  filled,  but  in  many  instances  the 
effect  of  these  would  have  been  much  more  pleasing  if  greater  attention 
had  been  given  to  arrangement,  and  exhibitors  in  the  future  will  do 
well  to  bear  this  in  mind.  The  prevailing  objeet  seemed  to  be  to  get  as 
many  flowers  into  the  vessels  as  possible,  whereas  if  one-third  the 
number  had  been  used,  and  these  elegantly  arranged,  not  only  would 
they  have  been  more  effective,  but  the  qualities  of  each  bloom  could 
have  been  seen  to  greater  advantage.  Annuals  were  the  chief  feature, 
and  amongst  others  Asters  were  well  shown,  the  first  prize  going  to  Mr. 
Harris,  Oxford.  Mr.  G.  Palmer,  Oxford,  gained  the  highest  awards  for 
a  vase  of  Mignonette,  six  bunches  of  hardy  perennials,  and  Stocks,  and 
amongst  other  prizewinners  were  Messrs.  Waite,  C.  Osman,  W.  Salmon, 
Norwood  ;  J.  Holton,  A.  Tunbridge,  A.  Colbourn,  and  S.  J.  Crofts. 
Dinner  table  and  floral  arrangements  occupied  considerable  space,  and 
many  deserving  exhibits  competed  for  the  prizes.  Amongst  the  plants 
Mr.  A.  Colbourn  was  to  the  front  for  six  pots  of  annuals,  Asters  in  pots. 
