Maroh  31,  1898, 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
289 
For  twelve  bunches  of  Narcissus  there  was  strong  and  close  com¬ 
petition,  Mr.  .1.  Harper,  gardener  to  E.  A.  Tucker,  Esq.,  Preston,  winning 
with  some  very  clean  flowers,  closely  followed  by  Mr.  M.  Tourle  and  Mr. 
.T,  Hopkins.  Some  really  good  greenhouse  and  stove  cut  flowers  came  from 
Mr.  H.  Garnett,  gardener  to  R.  G.  Fletcher,  Esq.  There  were  six  boxes 
of  twelve  cut  Roses,  that  from  Mr.  G.  W.  Piper,  The  Nurseries,  Uckfield, 
being  far  in  advance,  and  containing  The  Bride,  Bridesmaid,  Maman 
Cochet,  Madame  Willcrmoz,  Jean  Ducher,  and  Souvenir  d’Elise  Vardon 
as  the  best  six.  Mr.  G.  Miles,  Dyke  Road  Nursery,  followed.  A  stand 
of  natural  flowers  for  the  dinner  table  was  closely  contested,  Mr.  E. 
Meachen  just  beating  Mr.  M.  Tourle,  The  Gardens,  Little  Horsted. 
Groups  of  plants  in  the  amateurs’  section  were  good,  first  being  awarded 
to  J.  R.  Cattle,  Esq.,  Dyke  Road. 
The  most  notable  non-competitive  exhibits,  among  a  large  number, 
were  Azaleas,  Ericas,  and  Boronia  megastigma  from  Messrs.  Balchin 
and  Sons  ;  a  number  of  cut  Roses  from  Mr.  G.  W.  Piper,  Uckfield  (who 
had  good  examples  of  his  new  Tea  Rose  Sunrise  ;  excellent  fruit  from 
Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley ;  Ferns  from  Mr.  W.  Goodcliffe, 
Worthing ;  and  hardwooded  plants  from  Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Sons, 
Highgate. 
SOUTHAMPTON.— Mabch  29th  and  30th. 
In  the  Victoria  Hall,  the  Royal  Southampton  Horticultural  Society 
held  its  spring  show.  We  trust  it  will  prove  as  successful  financially  as 
it  was  horticulturally,  as  the  Society  is  sadly  in  need  of  funds  to  enable 
it  to  carry  out  its  programme  during  the  present  year.  The  classes, 
though  not  numerous,  were  thoroughly  representative  of  exhibi's  for  the 
time  of  the  year. 
The  centre  of  attraction  was  the  group  of  Orchids  arranged  with  Ferns 
and  foliage  plants,  and  which  were  effectively  displayed  in  front  of  the 
orchestra.  Mr.  E.  Carr,  gardener  to  W.  A.  Gillett,  Esq.,  Fair  Oak  Park, 
Bishopstoke,  was  an  easy  winner  of  the  premier  award  with  well- flowered 
plants.  Mr.  A.  Pragnell,  gardener  to  Captain  Shaw  Storey,  Elm  Lodge, 
Bursledon,  was  a  creditable  second.  Mr.  Carr  also  won  the  chief  award 
for  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  plants  arranged  for  effect.  Mr.  W.  Peel, 
gardener  to  Miss  Todd,  Sldford  Lodge,  Shirley,  was  second,  and  Mr. 
Wills,  florist,  Southampton,  third. 
Azaleas  were  a  feature  of  the  show,  so  well  were  they  staged.  Mr. 
Mitchell,  gardener  to  J.  Willis  Fleming,  Esq.,  Chilworth,  was  an  easy  first 
with  well-flowered  examples.  Deutzias  made  a  good  display  ;  the  first 
prize  plants  of  gracilis  from  Mr.  Mitchell  were  excellent  specimens.  Mr. 
Wills  had  the  best  Spiraeas,  while  Mr.  C.  Horsey,  gardener  to  J.  C.  E. 
D’Esterre,  Esq.,  Elm  Field,  Millbrook,  staged  the  finest  Cinerarias. 
Mr.  Wills  won  premier  award  for  twelve  Hyacinths,  with  well  grown 
dwarf  specimens  of  popular  varieties.  Specimen  stove  and  greenhouse 
plants  were  staged  by  three  exhibitors  in  fairly  good  condition,  Mr.  Peel 
winning  tor  eight. 
Prizes  were  offered  for  the  best  decorated  epergne.  Three  entered, 
making  an  interesting  display.  Mr.  Carr,  with  capital  Orchids  effectively 
arranged  with  suitable  greenery,  easily  won  premier  award.  Mr.  Peel 
second.  Miss  Wadmore,  Basingstoke,  in  the  class  for  one  basket  of  cut 
flowers,  open  to  ladies  only,  made  a  pleasing  exhibit,  and  was  awarded 
the  first  prize.  Miscellaneous  exhibits  from  Mr.  B.  Ladhams,  florist, 
Shirley  ;  Mr.  E.  Wills,  Mr.  Longster,  Messrs.  Brightman  k  Andrews, 
not  for  competition,  were  very  interesting. 
ROYAL  BOTANIC.— Maech  30th. 
The  corridor  at  Regent’s  Park  was  capitally  filled  on  the  occasion  of 
this  the  spring  show  of  the  Society,  and  the  exhibits  were  finely 
diversified.  As  has  become  customary  during  the  past  few  years,  the 
competitive  classes  were  practically  nil,  and  if  it  were  not  for  the 
miscellaneous  exhibits  the  shows  would  certainly  be  a  failure.  It  is 
regrettable  that  more  exhibitors  do  not  come,  as  it  would  bring  back  to 
mind  the  Botanic  Shows  of  some  years  ago.  The  few  exhibits  that  were 
staged  in  the  competitive  classes  were  of  no  special  merit,  and  need  not  be 
particularised. 
Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son,  Upper  Holloway,  sent  a  collection  of 
plants,  mostly  comprising  Azalea  mollis,  Clivias,  and  Amaryllis  in  good 
variety,  with  some  charming  Orchids.  Miscellaneous  plants  formed  the 
exhibit  arranged  by  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill.  There  were 
Clivias,  Azaleas,  Callas,  Acacias,  Ferns,  Palms,  Caladiums,  Cytisus,  with 
several  others.  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Sons,  Upper  Norwood,  arranged  a 
bright  group  of  flowering  and  foliage  plants,  as  did  Mr.  G.  Keif,  gardener 
to  Mrs.  Abbot,  South  Villas,  Regents  Park.  Hyacinths  and  Tulips  were 
conspicuous  in  the  latter  stand.  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate, 
sent  yellow  Callas,  Oranges,  Acacias,  Ericas,  and  others  in  good  condition 
and  great  variety. 
Messrs.  J.  Hill  &  Son,  Edmonton,  staged  Ferns,  and  Mr.  W.  Kemp, 
Barnes,  ^Mollis  Azaleas.  Mr.  H.  B.  May  showed  a  few  Ferns,  and 
Mr.  W.  Rumsey,  Waltham  Cross,  some  charming  Roses  in  variety.  Mr. 
W.  Grant,  Newport,  Mon.,  was  represented  by  a  collection  of  Narcissi, 
amongst  which  were  observed  some  good  flowers  of  well-known  virieties. 
Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  sent  floral  devices  of  Roses,  Lilies,  Daffodils,  and 
others.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons  were  represented  by  floral  arrangements, 
some  of  which  exhibited  good  taste,  while  others  were  rather  too  stiff. 
Messrs.  Moule  &  Co.,  Finchley  Road,  sent  Azalea  mollis  and  splendidly 
grown  Mignonette  ;  while  Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.,  Holborn,  staged 
Cinerarias,  as  did  Messrs.  A.  W.  Young  &  Co.,  Stevenage. 
Messrs.  H.  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  sent  an  interesting  group  of  Orchids  ; 
and  Mr.  T.  Jannoch,  Dersingham,  finely  flowered  Lily  of  the  Valley, 
A  handsome  collection  of  Daffodils  was  staged  by  Messrs.  Barr  &  Son, 
Covent  Garden,  the  varieties  being  mainly  represented  by  masses  of 
considerable  size.  The  flowers  were  of  good  substance  and  colour.  The 
St.  George’s  Nursery  Co.,  Hanwell,  staged  well-grown  Cyclamens  ;  and 
Messrs,  W,  Paul  &  Son,  AValtham  Cross,  some  grand  Hyacinths.  All  the 
best  known  varieties  were  represented,  as  well  as  some  of  the  newer  ones. 
The  same  firm  also  sent  a  number  of  Roses  in  pots.  The  plants  were 
carrying  good  flowers.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  staged  Camellias,  both  in 
pots  and  in  a  cut  state,  the  flowers  all  being  of  the  best  quality.  Mr. 
T.'  S.  Ware,  Tottenham,  staged  excellent  Daffodils  and  alpine  plants 
in  variety. 
THE  YOUNG  GARDENERS’  DOMAIN. 
Potatoes  foe  Eaely  Woek. 
In  most  private  gardens  where  early  vegetables  are  required  Potatoes 
are  forced  either  in  nets  or  heated  pits.  If  the  former  plan  be  adopted 
good  results  may  be  had  by  the  following  method.  About  the  Ist  of 
January  place  the  tubers  singly  in  8-inch  pots  (using  those  about  the  size 
of  small  hen’s  eggs  for  seed)  in  a  compost  of  loam,  leaf  soil,  horse 
manure,  and  old  potting  soil  in  about  equal  parts,  with  one  good  crock 
and  a  handful  of  horse  manure  for  drainage.  About  half  fill  the  pots 
with  compost  and  put  in  the  tubers,  just  covering  them  with  soil  ;  .stand 
the  pots  in  a  vinery  that  has  just  been  started,  where  they  will  soon 
commence  strong  growth.  When  the  growth  is  a  little  higher  than  the 
pots  the  plants  should  have  a  top-dressing  of  the  same  compost,  filling 
the  pots  to  within  about  2  inches  of  the  rims.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to 
give  too  much  water  at  first,  but  a  plentiful  supply  will  be  needed  as  they 
advance  in  growth.  When  they  have  abundance  of  haulm  liquid  manure 
should  be  given  occasionally,  and  a  good  crop  may  be  had  by  the  1st  of 
March.  Among  the  best  sorts  for  forcing  are  Sutton’s  Matchless  and 
Myatt’s  Ashleaf. — W.  W, 
Ipomoea  ettbeo-cceeulea. 
Ipomoea  rubro-coerulea  is  an  annual  climber  belonging  to  the  large  and 
varied  order  of  Convolvulaceae.  It  is  specially  adapted  for  training  on  the 
pillars  or  trellises  in  the  stove,  or  in  a  house  of  a  temperature  of  not 
less  than  60°  at  night.  In  such  a  structure  it  will  produce  an  almost 
endless  number  of  bright  electric  blue  flowers,  which  are  very  effective 
arranged  with  Adiantum  cuneatnm  for  table  decoration.  The  flowers 
only  last  twenty-four  hours ;  but  that  is  quite  compensated  by  the  number 
one  plant  produces.  1  have  seen  as  many  as  600  flowers  expanded  at  one 
time  on  fourteen  plants. 
This  plant  is  exceedingly  easy  of  culture,  and  it  is  a  great  pity  it  is 
not  more  universally  grown,  as  it  does  not  need  one-half  the  attention  the 
evergreen  species  do,  while  at  the  same  time  it  is  freer  flowering.  To 
obtain  flowers  from  the  beginning  of  November  till  the  middle  of  February 
the  seeds  should  be  sown  in  the  month  of  June  in  small  60-pots,  giving 
them  two  shifts  into  24’s.  The  soil  best  suited  for  them  is  a  mixture  of 
light  loam,  peat,  and  leaf  soil  in  about  equal  proportions,  with  a  sprinkling 
of  silver  sand.  Care  should  be  taken  with  them,  as  with  all  plants,  in 
the  matter  of  watering,  not  to  go  to  excess  either  way.  Too  much 
stimulant  should  not  be  given,  as  it  causes  the  foliage  to  fall  or  become 
discoloured,  which  is  regrettable,  as  the  natural  colour  of  the  foliage 
greatly  adds  to  the  beauty  of  the  plants. — S.  S.,  Lockinge  Park. 
The  Alteenantheea. 
The  several  varieties  of  this  charming  Brazilian  plant  are  so 
extensively  used  for  carpet  bedding  that  it  has  become  almost  indis¬ 
pensable  in  the  flower  garden.  Moreover,  the  requirements  to  insure  its 
successful  cultivation  are  so  simple  that  a  large  number  may  easily  be 
raised  from  a  few  stock  plants.  These  should  be  wintered  in  a  warm  and 
airy  position  near  to  the  glass,  and  before  growth  commences  in  February 
the  plants  must  be  carefully  examined  for  any  signs  of  spider  or  thrips, 
which  often  prove  troublesome.  An  application  of  some  insecticide  will 
save  much  work  later,  and  I  have  found  that  a  mixture  of  soft  soap  and 
flowers  of  sulphur,  made  soluble,  either  for  syringing  or  dipping  the  plants, 
is  the  most  useful.  Syringing  on  bright  days  materially  assists  growth. 
By  the  first  week  in  March  cuttings  may  be  taken,  and  where 
frames  on  hotbeds  are  at  command  the  best  way  is  to  insert  direct 
into  them,  but  they  do  well  if  pricked  into  pans  or  boxes  of  sandy  soil, 
placed  on  a  hotbed  of  leaves.  Maintain  a  warm  temperature,  and  shade 
from  bright  sun  for  a  few  days  to  prevent  flagging.  When  they  are  well 
rooted,  however,  allow  all  the  light  and  sunshine  possible  to  develop 
colour  in  the  leaves.  Gradually  harden  by  allowing  air  and  removing 
into  cold  frames,  taking  care  to  guard  against  sudden  changes,  or  a  check 
will  result,  which  leaves  its  mark  for  a  long  time. 
Of  the  varieties  used  for  carpeting,  perhaps  A.  paronychioides  stands 
foremost,  being  a  free  grower,  beautifully  marked  with  orange  and  green. 
A.  p.  major,  and  major  aurea  keep  a  good  colour  throughout  the  season. 
A.  amabilis  and  A.  a.  amoena  are  also  very  effective  in  the  panels  of  beds, 
and  form  a  fine  mass  of  colour.  A.  versicolor  is  stronger  and  of  more 
upright  habit,  rather  difficult  to  retain  in  some  soils.  Curiously  enough 
it  is  easily  propagated  in  the  spring,  but  almost  refuses  to  root  later  in 
the  season  for  stock.  This  difficulty,  however,  is  surmounted  by  taking 
up  a  few  plants  from  the  beds  and  making  cuttings  with  roots  attached, 
or  better  still,  by  keeping  some  growing  in  pots  all  the  season,  and 
cutting  over  occasionally  to  keep  them  bushy.  A  few  of  the  highly 
coloured  varieties  may  be  grown  in  3  or  4-inch  pots,  the  leading  growths 
pinched  back  to  encourage  a  compact  habit,  and  used  for  house  or  table 
decoration  where  dwarf  specimens  are  required. 
There  is  a  small  thrips,  almost  invisible,  which  will  devastate  a  houseful 
of  young  plants  in  a  very  short  time,  coming  upon  the  foliage  and  causing 
