310 
April  7,  1898. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
MARIGOLDS. 
Calendula  officinalis,  the  common  ]\Iarigold,  possesses  a  long  and 
honourable  record.  It  was  not  until  the  sixteenth  century  that  “Calendula” 
was  applied  to  i\  and  this  name  was  given  because  of  the  procession  of  its 
flowers  through  each  month  of  the  kalends.  Previously  it  was  known  as 
Caltha  vulgaris — the  common  “  cup  ”  shaped  flower.  With  it,  some  other 
plants  bore  the  name  of  Caltha,  and  it  is  curious  that  every  one  of  these, 
though  it  is  in  some  instances  impossible  to  discover  any  affinity  to  the  true 
Marigold,  bear  that  name  also.  Thus  the  African  Marigold  was  Caltha 
africana  major,  C.  a.  minor  bring  the  French  Marigold.  C.  sylvestris 
was  the  Corn  Marigold  ;  and  the  Marsh  Marigold,  the  only  plant  that 
now  bears  the  designation,  is  Caltha  palustris,  in  olden  times  saluted  as 
the  “  King  Cup,”  though  Gerarde  declares  it  ought  to  be  “  King’s  Cob.” 
“  Gold  ”  was  applied  to  several  plants,  and  underwent  many  varia¬ 
tions,  as  for  example— Guides,  Gools,  Goulions,  Gowans  ;  which  last, 
though  now  appropriated  by  the  Daisy,  means,  in  fact,  a  golden  flower. 
“  Marigold  ”  is,  of  course,  “  Mary’s  Gold,”  and  was  a  flower  on  many 
accounts  highly  valued  ;  but  its  position  of  honour  arose,  no  doubt, 
because  of  its  relation  to  the  Virgin  Mary.  How  it  fell  into  disrepute 
we  cannot  now  tell ;  but  the  probability  is  that  the  dressing  of  shrines, 
which  ceased  at  the  Reformation,  and  the  consequent  disuse  of  garlands 
to  “  flight  ”  images  of  the  Virgin,  would  have  an  immediate  effect  in 
lessening  its  cultivation.  It  continued  in  use  as  a  garland  and  a  nose¬ 
gay  flower  till  at  least  the  time  of  Shakespeare,  and  nothing  finer  in  the 
language  exists  than  the  great  poet’s  references  to  this  humble  flower. 
He  selects  it  as  the  flower  to  compare  with  the  eyes  of  the  sleeping 
Lucrece,  which, 
“Like  Marigolds  had  sheathed  their  light. 
And,  canopied  in  darkness,  sweetly  lay 
Till  they  might  open  to  adorn  the  day.” 
Double  Marigolds  were  cultivated  for  the  beauty  of  their  flowers  as 
early  as  the  sixteenth  century,  perhaps  much  earlier,  and  they  are 
mentioned  early  in  the  eighteenth  century  as  preferable  to  the  single  for 
kitchen  and  pot  herbs.  A  little  later  Phillip  Miller  names  the  follow¬ 
ing  as  then  in  cultivation.  “  The  common  single,  the  double  flowering, 
the  largest  double  flowering,  the  double  lemon-coloured  flower,  the 
greater  and  smaller  childing.”  The  two  last  produced  small  flowers 
round  the  edges  of  the  capitulum  in  exactly  the  same  manner  as  the  Hen- 
and-chicken  Daisy.  In  1789  “The  Gardeners’  Vade  Mecum”  has  a 
still  longer  list. 
At  the  present  day  the  varieties  most  worthy  cultivation  are  Meteor, 
generally  well  known  ;  Prince  of  Orange,  and  Le  Proust.  The  best, 
however,  include  the  large-flowered  Orange,  distributed  some  years  ago 
by  a  continental  firm,  and  which,  when  in  flower,  produces  a  most 
effective  border  or  bed.  Also  worthy  of  attention  is  a  large- flowered 
lemon-coloured  form  which  appeared  three  or  four  years  ago.  In  Messrs. 
Dobbie  &  Co.’s  nurseries  I  have  seen  growing  a  variety  exactly  like 
the  first  of  these,  but  possessed  of  a  very  dwarf  habit. 
The  old  growers  sowed  in  February,  but  April  or  even  May  is  soon 
enough  to  sow  for  autumn  effect,  and  July  for  winter  and  spring  flower¬ 
ing.  Where  a  large  amount  of  space  is  to  be  covered  it  is  decidedly 
better  to  raise  the  plants  thinly  in  a  bed,  and  thence  transplant  them  to 
their  flowering  positions.  They  may  be  set  as  wide  as  15  to  18  inches 
apart,  and  towards  autumn  the  plants  require  trimming  to  keep  them  in 
bounds,  and  in  a  floriferous  condition.  Varieties  rapidly  deteriorate,  and 
as  a  rule  it  is  better  to  purchase  annually  from  a  reliable  source  than 
to  depend  on  home-saved  seeds. — R.  P.  Beotheeston. 
NATIONAL  AMATEUR  GARDENERS’ 
ASSOCIATION  (LIVERPOOL  BRANCH). 
Much  work  of  a  practical  nature  has  been  from  time  to  time 
performed  by  the  above  branch,  but  only  a  few  weeks  back  some  feared 
that  it  would  collapse  altogether.  Anyone,  however,  taking  a  casual 
glance  at  the  large  Hall,  Hackins  Iley,  Liverpool,  on  Thursday  evening 
last,  would  have  thought  otherwise.  The  room  had  been  gracefully 
draped  by  Messrs.  Frisby,  Dyke  &  Co.,  Liverpool,  the  platform  end 
being  beautifully  adorned  with  Amaryllis,  generously  sent  by  Messrs. 
R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons,  Liverpool.  At  the  other  end  Mr.  R.  Pinnington  of 
Roby  had  arranged  many  vases  of  choice  Orchids,  Camellias,  and 
numerous  spring  flowers,  the  whole  presenting  quite  a  transformation 
to  one  accustomed  to  seeing  the  room  on  ordinary  meeting  nights. 
All  this  had  been  brought  about  by  a  select  Committee  suggesting  a 
conversazione,  and  in  the  bands  of  Mr,  J.  M.  Smyth  as  principal  (a 
gentleman  who  takes  a  great  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  branch), 
success  was  at  once  assured,  an  excellent  attendance  of  fadies  and 
gentlemen  being  present,  who  thoroughly  appreciated  the  high  class 
programme  of  music  provided  by  Messrs.  Smyth  and  Pinnington. 
The  President,  J.  H.  Drake,  Esq.,  was  happy  in  his  remarks,  trusting 
that  the  ladies  would  join  their  ranks  and  so  encourage  the  Committee  to 
make  their  syllabus  more  attractive.  It  is  pleasant  to  record  that  Mr. 
Drake’s  remarks  had  the  desired  effect  of  making  many  new  members. 
Mr.  Histed  proposed,  and  Mr.  Butcher  seconded,  the  vote  of  thanks  to 
Messrs.  Frisby,  Dyke  &  Co.,  R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons,  R.  Pinnington,  and  the 
artistes  who  had  so  kindly  provided  so  admirable  an  evening’s  enjoyment, 
each  expressing  the  hope  that  it  would  only  be  the  forerunner  of  many 
more. 
To  all,  but  more  especially  to  Mr.  Smyth,  the  highest  praise  must  be 
accorded  for  the  arrangements. 
LIVERPOOL  SPRING  SHOW. 
Maech  30th. 
On  Wednesday  last  the  thirteenth  spring  show  was  held  in  the 
St.  George’s  Hall.  As  compared  with  former  years  the  exhibits, 
although  showing  a  slight  falling  off  in  number,  were  fully  up  to  the 
excellent  quality,  and  visitors  had  a  really  pleasing  display  for  their 
delectation.  A  feature  reflecting  the  greatest  credit  on  the  stagers  was 
the  lowering  of  the  central  row  of  tables,  and  these  were  placed  at  the 
disposal  of  the  trade,  with  the  result  that  the  effect  produced  was  of  the 
most  gratifying  character,  enabling  as  it  did  every  plant  to  be  seen  to 
advantage.  Two  other  tables  ran  the  whole  length  of  the  hall,  these 
being  filled  with  forced  bulbs. 
The  trade  exhibits  were  of  a  very  high  order.  Messrs,  Dicksons, 
Ltd,,  Chester,  staged  a  lovely  and  interesting  collection  of  Narcissi  and 
other  bulbous  flowers,  the  arrangement  being  very  striking,  Messrs. 
R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons.  Aigburth  Nursery,  Liverpool,  were  again  in  splendid 
form  with  a  grand  collection  of  Amaryllis,  free  flowering,  brilliant  in 
colour,  stout  in  texture,  and  of  superb  form.  Noticeable,  too,  were  the  Azaleas 
mollis  and  indica  in  variety,  and  decorative  plants  that  completed  the  fine 
stand.  Messrs,  Jno.  Cowan  &  Co.,  Ltd,,  Gateacre  and  Liverpool,  had 
many  choice  varieties  of  Orchids,  Azaleas  and  Ferns  being  used  with 
advantageous  effect,  Messrs.  T.  Davies  &  Co.,  Wavertree  Nurseiy, 
Liverpool,  had  a  display  of  Polyanthus  Narcissus,  Lily  of  the  Valley, 
and  bulbs  in  variety.  Messrs,  Turner  Bros.,  Liverpool,  exhibited  floral 
designs  of  the  highest  quality,  Mr.  B.  Ashton,  gardener  to  the  Right 
Hon.  the  Earl  of  Latham,  staged  a  box  of  Royal  Sovereign  Strawberry, 
and  was  with  the  above  named  firms  awarded  the  Society’s  certificate  of 
merit. 
Three  entered  for  the  group  of  miscellaneous  foliage  and  flowering 
plants,  12  feet  by  10  feet,  arranged  for  effect  in  square  form.  Mr.  E. 
Taylor,  gardener  to  E.  Pryor,  Esq.,  Royston,  Aigburth,  won  with  a 
tasteful  arrangement  in  which  some  well-cultivated  Orchids  predomi¬ 
nated  ;  the  second  place  was  taken  by  Mr.  J.  Bracegirdle,  gardener  to 
W.  H.  Watts,  Esq.,  with  an  altogether  lighter  arrangement,  the  quality  of 
the  plants  not  being  quite  so  prominent ;  Mr.  F.  Field,  gardener  to 
J,  H.  Wilson,  Esq.,  was  third,  with  bright  plants. 
Ten  pots  hardy  herbaceous  and  bulbous  plants  brought  five  com¬ 
petitors,  all  having  plants  of  excellent  quality,  Mr.  Ankers,  gardener 
to  W.  B.  Bowring,  Esq.,  Grassendale,  winning  with  fine  Solomon’ .■<  Seal, 
Spiraeas,  Dielytra,  Iris,  Daffodils,  and  Doronicum ;  Mr.  T.  Hitchman, 
gardener  to  Arthur  Earle,  Esq.,  Childwall  Lodge,  being  a  good  second, 
the  latter  winning  with  twelve  pots  Polyanthus  Narcissus.  For  a  display 
of  miscellaneous  bulbs  and  foliage  plants  Mr,  Bracegirdle  was  an  easy 
first  with  a  bright  show.  Mr.  T.  'Wilson,  gardener  to  O.  H.  Williams, 
Esq.,  was  second.  Hyacinths  were  not  up  to  the  usual  Liverpool 
standard.  For  twelve  Mr,  T.  Wilson,  a  noted  winner  in  this  class  for 
many  years,  was  again  to  the  fore.  Mr.  G.  Leadbetter  was  an  excellent 
second.  Mr,  Finch,  gardener  to  Joseph  Smith,  Esq.,  Newstead,  Wavertree, 
was  a  capital  first  for  six.  For  six  pots  Hyacinths,  7~inch  pots,  three 
bulbs  in  a  pot,  Mr.  Leadbetter  was  deservedly  placed  first  with  dwarf 
well-flowered  specimens,  perhaps  amongst  the  finest  ever  seen  at  Liver¬ 
pool.  Mr.  J.  McColl,  gardener  to  J.  W.  Hughes,  Esq.,  New  Heys, 
Allerton,  was  a  fine  second. 
Tulips  were  not  very  extensive,  but  of  splendid  quality,  Mr.  H.  Holford, 
gardener  to  C.  Maciver,  Esq ,  Beechfield,  Heswell,  winning  for  twelve, 
Mr.  J.  Williams,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Procter,  Esq.,  Boscobel,  Noctorum, 
had  a  beautiful  dwarf  set  for  second  position.  For  six  pots  Mr.  Hitchman 
showed  well.  Mr.  J.  Williams  had  a  pretty  six  doubles.  For  three 
greenhouse  Azaleas,  not  exceeding  8-inch  pots,  Mr.  W.  Bustard,  gardener 
to  T.  McClelland,  Esq.,  Aigburth,  had  charming  plants.  Five  entered 
for  six  Amaryllis,  the  prize  being  taken  by  a  noted  grower,  Mr.  T. 
Johnson,  gardener  to  G.  W.  Moss,  Esq.,  Aigburth,  with  grand  examples, 
Mr.  Leadbeater  following  with  noteworthy  examples. 
The  baskets  of  flowers,  the  prizes  for  which  were  presented  by  Messrs. 
Dickson  &  Sadler,  the  Secretaries  of  the  Association,  were  again  a  very 
beautiful  feature,  Mr.  G.  Eaton,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Shirley,  Esq.,  Allerton 
House,  Allerton,  being  placed  first  with  a  charming  arrangement  of 
Orchids,  interspersed  with  Asparagus  plumosus.  Mr.  Carling, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Cope,  Woolton,  was  a  remarkably  close  second,  the 
judges  having  much  difficulty  in  awarding  the  prize. 
For  a  greenhouse  plant  in  flower  Mr.  E.  Taylor  had  a  handsome 
Acacia  dealbata.  For  a  stove  plant  in  bloom  Mr.  Randall  had  a  superb 
Coelogyne  cristata.  Mr.  Bracegirdle  for  three  Orchids  had  Dendrobium 
Wardianum,  Cymbidium  Lowianum,  and  a  magnificent  Angrsecum  sesqui- 
pedale  ;  Mr.  E.  Taylor  second  with  fine  Cymbidium  Lowianum  and 
Dendrobium  nobile  nobilius.  Mr.  Taylor  won  with  a  single  Orchid, 
having  Coelogyne  cristata  abundantly  flowered.  Mr.  Taylor  was  easily 
first  with  two  Orchids,  having  grand  Odontoglossum  maculatum  and  the 
seldom  seen  Odontoglossum  coronarium  in  superb  condition. 
Mr.  Bracegirdle  scored  heavily  with  three  Callas.  Mr.  Geo.  Eaton 
won  with  two  forced  hardy  plants,  and  also  with  a  splendid  specimen 
Davallia  Mooreana  ;  Mr.  Bracegirdle  showing  superior  quality  in  the 
class  for  four  exotic  Ferns.  The  classes  for  four  and  one  Azalea 
contained  nothing  to  call  for  special  comment,  Mr.  A.  H.  Randall, 
gardener  to  A.  L.  Jones,  Esq.,  Aigburth,  and  Mr.  E.  Taylor,  winning,  the 
latter  winning  with  one  hardy  Rhododendron,  and  Mr.  Bustard  with  a 
good  four.  The  latter  also  succeeded  with  six  forced  hardy  plants.  A 
superb  Rhododendron  Gibsoni  won  a  prize  for  Mr.  Randall.  Messrs. 
Bracegirdle  and  Carling  had  well-conditioned  Palms.  Cinerarias  and 
Primulas  were  fair,  the  winners  being  Mr.  T.  Ankers,  and  E.  Edmondson, 
