September  19, 1895 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
283 
(Castanea  vesca  aurea  variegata),  a  suitable  tree  for  extensive  planting 
in  pleasure  grounds  and  parks.  Thorn,  Paul’s  Crimson  also  stands  pro¬ 
minent  amongst  the  numerous  varieties  grown  here.  Hollies,  of  course, 
were  met  with  in  thousands,  and  large  sections  of  standards  and  weeping 
trees  of  the  Golden  Queen,  Silver  Queen,  and  the  new  Milkmaid  Holly 
appeared  in  splendid  form.  Fine  specimens  of  Golden  Yews,  in  all 
sizes  and  forms,  courted  much  attention,  as  likewise  did  a  large  number 
•of  that  best  of  all  Laurels,  rotundifolia,  in  the  best  of  health.  With 
this,  and  such  other  kinds  as  the  Colchic,  the  Caucasican,  and  latifolia, 
the  common  Laurel  may  readily  be  consigned  to  oblivion,  if  only  on 
account  of  its  comparative  tenderness  to  withstand  severe  frost.  Large 
quantities  of  Aucubas,  comprising  many  varieties,  claimed  due  attention, 
for  which  there  is  ever  a  great  demand.  The  colouration  of  the  foliage 
appeared  to  be  exceptionally  bright  and  vivid. 
Of  Portugal  Laurels  we  noticed  a  large  group  in  a  flourishing 
condition,  having  thoroughly  recovered  from  the  effects  of  the  past 
winter  ;  in  fact,  there  were  but  faint  traces  to  be  observed  of  the 
severe  ordeal  that  all  kinds  of  shrubs  had  passed  through  in  this 
respect.  It  is  superfluous  to  add  that  immense  numbers  of  “forest 
stuff  ”  of  all  kinds  covers  a  large  portion  of  the  nursery.  “  Quick  ’’ 
Thorns  occupy  a  predominant  position,  while  the  common  Privet 
holds  its  own  as  a  covert  plant  against  the  other  varieties,  keeping 
closer  to  the  ground,  and  growing  where  many  plants  will  not  flourish. 
Ere  leaving  this  section  a  word  of  praise  must  be  accorded  to  the  fine 
examples  of  one  of  the  latest  and  most  popular  ornamental  trees — viz., 
Prunus  Pissardi,  surpassing  as  it  does  the  Purple  Beech  in  richness  of 
colour,  the  leaves  also  remaining  on  the  tree  much  longer,  and  for 
contrasting  with,  for  instance,  Acer  Negundo  variegata,  it  is  unsur¬ 
passed.  When  viewing  the  tall  and  vigorous  specimens  at  St.  John’s, 
one  felt  inspired  with  a  sense  of  covetousness  to  possess  the  whole  to 
utilise  for  pictorial  effects  in  parks  and  gardens. 
We  next  come  to  the  Conifers,  of  which  a  volume  might  be  written, 
so  numerous  and  varied  are  they.  One  of  the  first  “  sections  ”  that 
claimed  attention  was  the  beautiful  and  graceful  Himalayan  Cedar, 
Cedrus  deodara,  in  pleasing  variation  of  hue  and  habit,  including  more 
definite  varieties  such  as  the  choice  and  attractive  deodara  verticillata 
glauca,  deodara  robusta,  and  deodara  alba  spica.  Equally  attractive 
was  a  long  stretch  of  Cedar  of  Lebanon,  and  the  Atlantic  species  (Cedrus 
atlantica),  a  much  faster  grower  than  the  former,  and  C.  atiantica 
glauca,  still  more  beautiful  and  robust  than  the  green  form.  Apropos 
the  glaucous  variety  it  is  magnificently  exemplified  in  the  grand 
avenue  at  Madresfield  Court,  raised  we  believe  from  a  packet  of  imported 
seeds  supplied  to  the  late  Earl  Beauchamp  by  Messrs.  R.  Smith  &  Co. 
Amongst  the  numerous  species  of  Abies  and  Picea  our  attention  was 
particularly  drawn  to  the  beautiful  Abies  Parryana  glauca  in  the  enjoy¬ 
ment  of  robust  health.  Other  species,  such  as  Abies  polita  (the  Japan 
Spruce),  A.  Alcoquiana  (of  the  Hemlock  Spruce  division),  A.  Hookeriana, 
A.  Mertensiana,  and  A.  orientals  were  also  in  fine  form.  Several  of 
the  species  of  the  Spruce  family  were  also  more  or  less  abundant  and 
flonrishing,  whilst  the  well  tried  and  popular  Douglas  Fir  occupied 
a  very  prominent  position.  Not  less  interesting  and  beautiful  were 
several  colonies  of  Piceas,  notably  the  beautiful  P.  nobilis  glauca,  such 
kinds  as  P.  amabilis,  P.  lasiocarpa,  P.  magnifica,  P.  pinsapo  glauca,  and 
P.  Nordmanniana,  which  massed  as  they  were  formed  inimitable  pictures 
of  arboreal  beauty.  With  regard  to  the  Pinns  family,  the  merits  and 
attractions  of  several  of  the  numerous  species  cultivated  here  approxi¬ 
mate  so  nearly  to  the  preceding  Conifers  both  in  beauty  and  form  that 
it  would  be  almost  superfluous  to  refer  to  them  specifically.  A  similar 
remark  equally  applies  to  the  various  species  of  Cupressus,  Thujas,  and 
Retinosporas  grown  by  the  acre  at  St.  John’s. 
Relative  to  Roses,  even  if  not  mentioned,  it  may  be  taken  for  granted 
that  hundreds  of  thousands,  in  great  variety  and  species,  are  annually 
disposed  of.  The  rich  alluvial  soil  of  which  the  nursery  consists 
evidently  suits  the  Rose  to  perfection.  Not  the  least  interesting  feature 
in  connection  with  the  working  of  this  vast  emporium  of  plant  life  is 
the  extent  of  the  packing  sheds  and  material  required  for  the  execution 
of  orders  to  all  parts  of  the  world.  Time  would  only  permit  of  a 
cursory  inspection  of  the  glass  department,  covering  as  it  does  an  area  of 
about  5  acres,  but  amongst  others  were  noticed  one  house  filled  with 
those  well-known  exhibition  specimens  of  Clematis,  enjoying  com¬ 
parative  rest,  others  replete  with  Bonvardias,  Pelargoniums,  Azaleas, 
Aralias,  Ferns,  and  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  all  showing  signs  of 
great  care  and  attention,  as  also  did  a  fine  group  of  well-ripening,  short- 
jointed  Vines  in  pots. 
Not  the  least  noticeable  feature,  everywhere  evident  over  the  acres 
of  ground  we  traversed,  was  the  comparative  absence  of  weeds  and  a 
general  observance  of  law  and  order — strong  testimony  of  the  extent  of 
labour  employed  by  the  firm,  which  evidently  seeks  to  do  all  things 
well — and  succeeds. — W.  G. 
EDINBURGH  HORTICULTURAL  SHOW. 
September  11th  and  12th. 
The  autumn  show  of  the  Royal  Caledonian  Horticultural  Society, 
held  on  the  above  dates  in  the  spacious  Waverley  Market,  Edinburgh, 
was  characterised  chiefly  by  the  splendid  display  of  hardy*  fruit  that 
was  brought  together  from  all  parts.  Grapes  were  considered  by  com¬ 
petent  judges  to  be  less  in  quantity  and  below  the  average  in  quality  of 
those  generally  seen  in  the  northern  metropolis.  Cut  flowers  were, 
however,  well  shown,  and  contributed  largely  to  the  success  of  the 
exhibition.  Vegetables  again  were  of  high-class  quality,  though  not 
so  largely  represented  as  is  sometimes  the  case.  Plants,  on  the  other 
hand,  were  about  the  usual. 
Of  the  latter  a  table  of  plants,  20  feet  by  5  feet,  arranged  for  effect, 
was  the  chief  prize.  Only  two  competitors  came  forward,  and  to  that 
arranged  by  Mr.  G.  Woods,  gardener  to  J.  Buchanan,  Esq.,  Oswald  Road, 
Edinburgh,  the  first  prize  was  awarded.  In  addition  to  the  usual 
Crotons,  Dracaenas,  and  Palms,  Liliums  and  Orchids  were  freely 
employed.  A  number  of  Oncidium  incurvum,  with  the  spikes  arching 
boldly  out,  and  away  from  the  more  formal  plants  that  formed  the 
backbone  of  the  composition,  imparted  an  airy  and  graceful  appearance 
to  a  really  charming  group.  Mr.  McIntyre,  who  secured  the  second 
prize,  set  up  a  group  in  the  highly  finished  style  for  which  he  is  noted. 
As  a  whole  it  was  certainly  less  effective  than  the  first-prize  table, 
though  some  thought  it  superior.  Both  were  capital  arrangements,  and 
much  beyond  the  average. 
Among  pot  plants  those  staged  by  Mr.  Lunt,  Keir  House,  Stirling, 
were  splendid  examples.  The  Crotons  Etna  and  Chelsoni,  to  which 
the  first  prize  was  given,  were  magnificent  plants  beautifully  coloured  ; 
and  in  the  class  for  six  foliage  plants  those  which  were  first  from 
the  same  grower  were  equally  fine.  They  included  another  grand 
Croton,  Anthurium  crystallinum,  Alocasia  metallica,  and  Dracmna 
Doucetti.  Mr.  Lunt  was  first  for  six  foliage  plants  in  9-inch  pots.  Mr. 
MTntyre  and  Mr.  Stewart,  Brayton,  Carlisle,  also  showed  well  in  the 
classes  devoted  to  foliage  plants.  Perns  were  numerous  and  well  shown, 
those  from  Mr.  Napier,  gardener  to  Neil  Fraser,  Esq.,  Murrayfield, 
being  particularly  good.  Mr.  A.  Urquhart,  Mr.  J.  Bald,  Canaan  House, 
and  Mr.  MTntyre  also  staged  good  plants  of  Adiantums  and  other  Ferns. 
Mr.  W.  Mure,  Carluke,  and  Mr.  Napier  were  the  most  successful  in  the 
classes  for  British  Ferns. 
Orchids  were  not  numerous,  nor  were  they  particularly  well  shown. 
For  four  distinct  species  Mr.  Allen,  gardener  to  J.  Bunson,  Esq.,  Arundel 
I  House,  Dumfries,  was  first  with  Odontoglossum  Harryanum,  0.  grande, 
I  Cattleya  Eldorado,  and  C.  Dowiana.  Mr.  Hutcheson,  Balmedie,  Aber- 
'  deen,  was  second,  and  Mr.  D.  Wilson  third.  Mr.  Curror,  Eskbank,  with 
an  excellent  piece  of  the  graceful  Oncidium  incurvum  took  first  for  one 
Orchid.  Mr.  Sharp,  Forgandenny,  secured  first  for  three  Cypripediums 
with  Schroderse,  oeuanthe  superbum,  and  Harrisianum  superbum.  Mr. 
Wood  was  second.  Among  a  variety  of  other  plants  for  which  prizes 
were  specially  provided  Liliums  were  very  good,  Mr.  Bald  being  first 
for  three  varieties,  and  Mr.  Murray,  Blackford  House,  occupying  the 
same  position  for  two  plants  of  auratum. 
In  the  cut  flower  section  Roses  formed  the  most  interesting  display. 
The  blooms  of  these  were  as  a  whole  not  so  large  as  those  shown  at  the 
same  time  last  year,  but  they  were,  nevertheless,  very  good,  and  many 
of  them  well  coloured.  The  nurserymen,  naturally,  were  far  ahead  of 
the  gardeners,  though  three  firms  only  were  represented,  and  of  these 
the  chief  honours  fell  to  Messrs.  J.  Cocker  &  Sons,  Aberdeen,  whose 
blooms  secured  for  them  ten  firsts  out  of  a  possible  thirteen.  In  the 
class  for  thirty-six  distinct  varieties  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Sons  had  fine 
blooms  of  Caroline  Testout,  Marchioness  of  Londonderry,  Mrs.  John 
Laing,  Mdme.  J.  Bonnaire,  Cleopatra,  Marie  Baumann,  Her  Majesty, 
and  Mdme.  Hoste.  In  the  eighteen  bloom  class  was  among  others  a 
noteworthy  example  of  Lady  H.  Grosvenor.  Messrs.  Croll,  Dundee, 
were  second  in  both  the  above  classes.  For  twelve  blooms  Mr.  Smith, 
Stranraer,  was  first  with  medium-sized  but  very  fresh  blooms  ;  Messrs. 
Cocker  and  Sons  second.  The  last  named  secured  the  first  prize  for 
twenty-four  Teas ;  Messrs.  Croll  were  a  close  second.  For  twelves  of 
respectively  Alfred  Colomb,  La  France,  and  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Messrs. 
Cocker  &  Sons  were  first.  For  twelve  Merveille  de  Lyon  Messrs.  Croll 
were  first,  and  also  for  twelve  Charles  Lefebvre.  For  twelve  of  any 
crimson  variety  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Sons  were  first,  and  Mr.  Smith  second 
with  splendid  examples  of  Ulrich  Brunner.  For  twelve  any  other  pink 
Messrs.  Cocker  &  Sons  showed  large  blooms  of  Viscountess  Folkestone, 
Messrs,  Croll  being  second  with  charming  buds  of  Grace  Darling.  For 
any  other  white  Rose  The  Bride  was  staged  by  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Sons, 
and  for  any  other  variety  the  same  firm  staged  grand  examples  of 
Caroline  Testout,  Messrs.  Croll  with  Duchess  of  Bedford  being  second. 
In  the  gardeners’  section  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Tulliebolton  House,  Perth, 
in  the  class  for  twenty-four  distinct  varieties  was  first  with  good,  fresh, 
and  clean  blooms,  the  second  prize  going  to  Mr.  Parlane,  Roselea.  For 
twelve  varieties  Mr,  Hood  was  first  with  good  blooms,  and  for  twelve 
Teas  Mr.  Parlane  secured  the  premier  place.  Of  other  flowers  there  was 
a  grand  lot  of  Gladiolus,  Mr.  Mair,  Prestwick,  securing  first  in  the 
nurserymen’s  section  for  thirty  spikes,  and  in  the  gardeners’  section  Mr. 
Smith,  Prestwick,  taking  first  both  for  twelve  and  six  spikes.  Holly' 
hocks  were  also  noteworthy,  Mr.  Forbes,  Hawick,  taking  the  honours 
among  the  traders,  and  Mr,  Oliver,  Cresswell  Park,  Morpeth,  among 
gardeners.  Dahlias  again  were  grand,  Mr.  Campbell,  nurseryman, 
Blantyre,  in  both  the  Show  and  Fancy  class  staging  and  securing  first 
prizes  for  large  and  perfect  blooms.  Among  gardeners  the  best  twelve 
Show  Dahlias  were  from  Mr.  Craig,  Swinton,  Duns.  There  were  also 
good  displays  of  Pansies,  Sweet  Peas,  Asters,  annuals.  Phloxes,  her¬ 
baceous  and  stove  and  greenhouse  plants. 
Passing  now  to  the  fruit  classes,  the  chief  prizes  for  which  were  for 
a  collection  of  twelve  sorts,  and  for  which  there  were  three  competitors. 
The  first  prize  was  taken  by  Mr.  Smith,  gardener  to  Earl  of  Hope- 
toun,  Hopetoun  House,  who  showed  good  Alicante,  extra  good  Muscats 
and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  very  fine  Royal  George  and  Princess  of 
Wales  Peaches,  a  Melon,  good  Pitmaston  Duchess  Pears,  and  Peasgood’s 
Nonesuch  Apples.  Mr,  Hunter,  gardener  to  Lord  Durham,  Lambton 
Castle,  Fencehouses,  was  second  with  a  collection  that  must  have  run 
'  the  premier  one  very  closely,  and  which  furnished  professionals  no 
