June  16,  1898. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
505 
ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 
DRILL  HALL.— June  14th. 
The  Drill  Hall  on  Tuesday  presented  a  very  gay  appearance,  and  was 
well  filled  with  exhibits  of  a  diversified  character.  Carnations  from  Dover 
House  were  grand,  as  were  Cannas,  Pseonies,  and  Rhododendrons  from 
various  growers.  Orchids  were  of  great  interest,  but  not  very  numerous. 
Fruit  Committee.  —  Present  :  P.  Crowley,  Esq.  (in  the  chair")  ; 
with  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  and  Messrs.  T.  F.  Rivers,  ,T.  Cheal,  J.  Willard, 
A.  F.  Barron,  G.  Norman,  F.  Q.  Lane,  ,T.  Smith,  H.  Balderson,  G.  Wythes, 
G.  Woodward,  T.  G.  Miles,  A.  Dean,  and  J.  Wright. 
Mr.  ,1.  Prowse,  Hall  Barn  Gardens,  Beaconsfield,  Bucks,  sent  seed  of 
a  second  early  Cabbage  to  Chiswick  last  year.  It  was  sown  in  August, 
and  plants  were  placed  before  the  Committee.  The  hearts  were  medium- 
sized,  conical,  and  tender-looking,  with  few  outside  leaves.  The  variety 
is  named  Beaconsfield,  and  was  granted  an  award  ot  merit. 
Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Rowledge,  Farnham,  sent  a  box  of  splendid  fruits 
of  Cucumber  “  Sensation,”  which  was  granted  a  certificate  in  1896,  and 
this  was  confirmed.  Mr.  Mortimer  also  sent  a  box  of  fruits  of  his  new 
Cucumber,  The  Keeper.  It  resulted  trom  a  cross  between  Improved 
Telegraph  and  Duke  of  Edinburgh.  Fruits  of  good  length,  uniform, 
very  dark,  with  prominent  spines,  and  covered  with  a  meal-like  bloom. 
Some  of  the  fruits  had  been  kept  since  the  Temple  Show,  and  seemed 
practically  as  firm  as  ever.  It  should  prove  a  valuable  market  Cucumber 
if  a  free  bearer.  An  award  of  merit  was  unanimously  granted. 
Mr.  E.  Beckett,  Elstree  Ht  use,  sent  Spinach  with  leaves  of  extra¬ 
ordinary  size,  measuring  16  X  15  inches.  A  cultural  commendation  was 
granted  to  Mr.  Beckett,  and  the  variety  was  recommended  to  be  tried  at 
Chiswick.  Name,  “  The  Carter.” 
Mr.  Empson,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Wingfield,  Ampthill,  sent  fruits  of  a 
new  medium  sized  neatly  netted  Melon,  Empson' s  Seedling,  obtained  from 
Anthony’s  Favourite  and  Eastnor  Castle.  It  is  a  white-fleshed  variety, 
extremely  tender,  juicy,  sweet,  and  refreshing.  An  award  of  merit  was 
granted  without  a  dissentient. 
Mr,  James  Hudson  sent  from  Gunnersbury  House  fine  highly 
coloured  fruits  of  Lord  Napier  Nectarine,  for  which  a  cultural  commen¬ 
dation  was  promptly  awarded.  He  also  sent  a  box  of  Guigne  Annonay 
Cherry,  the  fruits  gathered  from  a  tree  against  a  wall  in  the  open  air.  It 
was  said  to  be  the  best  in  quality  of  all  early  Cherries,  being  ten  days  in 
advance  of  Early  Rivers,  though  not  bo  large  and  dark.  As  the  fruits 
were  marked  “not  to  be  tasted  ”  the  proposal  of  an  award  of  merit  for  the 
variety  could  not  be  considered. 
Floral  Committee.— Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair) ; 
with  Messrs.  J.  Fraser,  H.  B.  May,  G.  Nicholson,  J.  H.  Fitt,  G.  Stevens, 
W.  Howe,  J.  Hudson,  J,  F.  McLeod,  J.  Fraser  (Kew),  W.  Bain, 
G.  Gordon,  J,  D.  Pawle,  E.  Mawley,  C.  E.  Shea,  C.  E.  Pearson, 
E.  T.  Cook,  E.  Beckitt,  C.  Blick,  G.  Paul,  H,  J,  Jones,  C.  T.  Druery, 
J.  W.  Barr,  H.  S.  Leonard,  C.  E.  Cant,  and  T.  W.  Sanders. 
Hardy  flowers  in  large  show}^  bunches  came  from  Messrs.  Collins 
Bros.,  Waterloo  Road.  They  included  Geums,  Gaillardias,  Irises,  and  a 
charming  single  Pyrethrum  called  Monarch.  Irises  formed  the  backbone 
of  the  group  sent  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea.  They  were 
mainly  forms  of  Iris  germanica,  and  included  Agamemnon,  Nationale, 
Darius,  Mrs.  H.  Darwin,  Pallida,  Dalmatica,  Garrick,  and  others.  Double 
Pyrethrums  were  also  very  fine,  as  were  Eremuri  and  Aquilegias.  Messrs. 
Veitch  staged  also  Hydrangeas  and  Hibiscus,  with  Gloxinias  Phila- 
delphus,  Mont  Blanc,  and  others. 
The  group  of  Cannas  sent  by  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley, 
made  a  very  bright  display,  as  the  well  grown  plants  were  carrying  finely 
formed  flowers  of  very  rich  colour.  Amongst  the  best  were  Queen 
Charlotte,  Duchess  of  York,  Germania,  Aurore,  Milne  Redhead,  aurea, 
Incendie,  Paul  Bruant,  Beaute  Poitevine,  and  Comte  de  Bouchand.  The 
Swanley  firm  also  sent  a  handsome  exhibit  of  double  Begonias,  in  which 
Lady  Blythswood,  Myra,  Mr.  Stirling  Stewart,  Souvenir  de  P.  Netting, 
Mrs.  Dunning,  and  Lady  Musgrave  were  vpry  fine.  Several  bunches  of 
Aquilegias  in  variety  completed  this  firm’s  stand.  Mr.  H.  B.  May,  Upper 
Edmonton,  was  represented  by  a  beautiful  group  of  Ferns.  The  plants 
were  splendidly  grown,  and  comprised  sixty  varieties,  all  raised  by  Mr. 
May.  The  same  firm  also  staged  a  showy  yellow,  Tropaeolum  named 
Sunlight,  and  Zonal  Pelargonium  Milfield  Rival.  ^ 
Messrs.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans,  made  up  an  attractive  exhibit  of 
Acalypha  Sanderi,  A.  Godseffiana,  IMikania  Sanderi,  Globba  calophylla, 
Caladiums  Mrs.  F.  L.  Ames,  Lord  Annesley,  Lady  Warwick,  and  Mrs. 
Miller  Mundy,  and  Begonia  Mrs.  F.  Sander.  Mr.  F.  Perkins,  Leamington 
Spa,  exhibited  a  group  of  his  new  Carnation  Primrose  Queen.  The 
variety  appears  to  be  very  useful  for  cutting  purposes.  It  is  slightly 
fragrant.  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent  Garden,  staged  a 
very  large  and  comprehensive  collection  of  Irises.  The  most  notable 
were  i.  aphylla  Gazelle,  i.  variegata  Malvina,  i.  v.  Regina,  i.  v.  Abon 
Hasson,  i.  neglecta  Willie  Barr,  i.  Humboldt,  i.  lusitanica,  i.  dalmatica 
Princess  Beatrice,  and  i.  pallida.  The  same  firm  also  staged  an 
attractive  group  of  hardy  flowers,  comprising  bright  Pyrethrums,  Geums, 
Ranunculus  acris  flore-pleno,  Muscari  plumosa  monstrosum.  Delphiniums 
in  variety,  single  Pseonies,  and  a  choice  collection  of  Ixias. 
Messrs.  F.  Miller  &  Co.,  267,  Fulham  Road,  staged  a  very  fragrantexhibit 
of  Miller’s  Civic  Mignonette,  spring  sown.  The  plants  were  dwarf, 
and  the  spikes  large  ;  the  group  was  flanked  with  single  Petunias  of  the 
well  known  market  type.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  staged  an 
exhibit  of  hardy  flowering  trees  and  shrubs,  also  groups  of  ornamental 
foliage.  The  chief  objects  were  Weigela  amabilis  alba,  and  W.  grsewe- 
genii,  Genista  Andreanus,  Eurybia  Gunni,  Spiraea  Van  Houttei,  Cheal’s 
New  Golden  Laburnum,  and  Fraxinus  argenteus  variegatus. 
The  centre  of  the  hall  was  filled  with  a  very  large  group  of  Carna¬ 
tions  of  the  Malmaison  type  by  J.  P.  Morgan,  Esq.,  Dover  House, 
Roehampton  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  F.  McLeod).  The  arrangement  was 
excellent,  the  huge  plants  being  relieved  with  tall  Kentias,  while  a 
groundwork  of  Maidenhair  Ferns,  Spiraea,  Lycopodiums,  and  Caladiums 
effectually  hid  the  pots.  Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester,  had  a 
very  gay  group  of  hardy  plants  on  view.  The  Irises  were  very  prettily 
arranged  in  baskets.  1.  Sanspareil,  Miss  Maggie,  Chelles,  Mrs.  Darwin, 
aphylla,  and  Mrs.  Newell  were  most  notable  in  the  germanica  division. 
The  Spanish  types  were  well  represented.  Anthericum  liliastrum  major,  a 
pure  white  form  ;  Lilium  rubellum,  an  attractive  species  ;  various  forms 
of  Liliums,  all  contributed  to  make  an  attractive  exhibit. 
Messrs.  Kelway,  Langport,  exhibited  their  Pseonies,  Pyrethrums,  and 
Delphiniums  in  all  their  gorgeous  beauty.  The  best  Pseonies  were 
Cavalleria  rusticana,  Bioni,  Maud  Wild.  Limosel,  and  Duchess  of  Teck. 
Pyrethrums  were  very  bright.  The  double  forms  of  Melton,  Aphrodite 
Pericles,  Ovid,  Alfred  Henderson,  and  Carl  Vogt.  In  the  single  forms, 
the  bright  crimson  form  .Jas.  Kelway  was  well  represented.  Delphiniums 
Aspiration,  Princess  May,  True  Blue,  Monument,  Albert  Edward,  and 
Amyas  Leigh  were  remarkably  fine. 
Messrs.  Wm.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  had  an  extensive  display 
of  Rhododendrons,  grown  at  their  Lough  ton  Nurseries  on  loam.  The 
colours  were  very  bright  and  fresh,  and  the  foliage  all  that  could  be  desired. 
The  same  firm  aLo  staged  baskets  of  the  double  Scotch  Roses  in  variety, 
also  some  of  the  single  forms.  The  miniature  Provence  Spong,  a  bright 
pink,  was  very  showy.  Hybrid  Sweet  Briars,  Austrian  Briars,  and  the 
single  forms  of  Rosa  rugosa  alba  and  rosea  completed  the  display. 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  staged  one  of  their  well-known  collec¬ 
tions  of  dwarf  Cannas,  grown  in  5  and  6-inch  pots.  The  best  varieties 
were  Kate  Vaughan,  Flamingo,  L.  E.  Bailey,  Lady  Faudel  Phillips, 
Professor  Baker,  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Wm.  Tofts,  and  Mr.  Jas.  Bailey. 
Hardy  herbaceous  plants  were  also  in  evidence.  Pyrethrum  Hamlet, 
Geum  minatum,  Aquilegia  hybrids.  Campanulas,  and  Thalictrum  aquile- 
gifolium  rubrum,  amongst  others,  were  well  shown.  Special  mention  is 
deserved  by  the  huge  spikes  of  double  white  Rocket,  Hesperis  matronalis 
alba  plena,  rivalling  in  proportions  and  purity  the  ordinary  white  Stocks. 
It  is  a  subject  that  should  be  more  frequently  met  with  in  herbaceous 
borders. 
Mr.  J.  Russell,  Richmond  Nursery,  Richmond,  contributed  to  the  rich 
display  of  hardy  flowers  with  *  good  bunches  of  Irises,  Campanulas, 
Pyrethrums,  Oriental  Poppies,  Delphiniums,  Achillea  mongolica,  Lilium 
umbellatum,  and  Heuchera  sanguinea,  the  display  making  a  very  bright 
exhibit.  A  magnificent  basket  of  Carnations  came  from  the  Marquis  of 
Salisbury,  Hatfield  (gardener,  Mr.  Norman).  The  varieties  were  Miss 
Audrey  Campbell  and  King  Arthur.  The  yellow  plants  were  a  mass  of 
bloom,  while  the  specimens  of  King  Arthur  fully  maintained  the  reputa¬ 
tion  of  this  variety.  Mr.  Martin  Smith,  Hayes  (gardener,  Mr.  C.  Blick), 
exhibited  a  few  of  his  new  Carnations,  Lady  Hermoine,  a  border  form, 
salmon  pink  ;  King  Oscar,  a  red  silvery  Malmaison ;  and  Emma,  also  a  rose 
pink  Malmaison. 
Orchid  Committee.— Present :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
with  Messrs.  J.  O’Brien,  de  B.  Crawshay,  R.  B.  White,  H.  M.  PoUett, 
H.  Little,  A.  H.  Smee,  H.  J.  Chapman,  W.  H.  Young,  B.  Hill,  T.  W. 
Bond,  C.  Winn,  W.  Cobb,  E.  Handley,  S.  Courtauld,  T.  B.  Haywood, 
J.  T.  Gabriel,  J.  G.  Fowler,  W.  H.  White,  and  J,  Douglas, 
Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  occupied  their  customary  position 
with  an  effective  group  of  Orchids.  There  were  not  a  great  number  of 
plants,  hut  those  shown  were  good,  and  comprised  Laelio-Cattleva  Hippo- 
lyta,  Tricopilia  suavis  alba,  Lselio-Cattleya  Canhamiana,  Cattleya  QDnone, 
C.  Mossias,  Reineckiana,  Epiphronitis  Veitchi,  Disa  langleyensis,  and 
Disa  Veitchi.  In  addition  to  those  enumerated  Messrs.  Veitch  sent 
Cattleya  Mendeli  virginalis,  Ltelio  -  Cattleya  Cauhamiana  superba, 
L.-C.  Eudora  splenders,  L.-C.  Eudora  alba,  Epi-Cattleya  radiata  Bow- 
ringiana,  Lselio-Cattleya  Hippolyta  aurantiaca,  and  Cattleya  Gertrude. 
Mr.  W.  H,  White,  Orchid  grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart,  Burford 
Lodge,  Dorking,  sent  Dendrobium  Bensonise,  Odontoglossum  crispum, 
O.  elegantius  Baroness  Schroder,  Phalsenopsis  Aphrodite,  Disa  kewense, 
Coelogyne  Schilleriana,  Geodorum  Augusta,  and  Bulbophyllum  Lobbi, 
Burford  variety.  A  group  of  varieties  of  Odontoglossum  crispum  came 
from  Messrs.  J.  McBean  &  Sons,  Cookbridge,  Sussex.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chap¬ 
man,  gardener  to  R.  1.  Measures,  Esq.,  Camberwell,  staged  Lselia 
purpurata  Ernesti.  Mr.  J.  Hudson,  Gunnersbury  House,  sent  a  magni¬ 
ficent  specimen  of  Laslia  purpurata  carrying  ten  spikes  of  good  flowers. 
Mr.  H,  Whiffen,  gardener  to  J.  Bradshaw,  Esq.,  The  Grange,  South- 
gate,  staged  a  few  Orchids,  comprising  Odontoglossums,  Lmlia  tenehrosa, 
Cattleya  Mossiae  Reineckiana,  and  C.  ISL  Admiral  Bradshaw.  ]\Ir.  W.  H. 
Young,  Orchid  grower  to  Sir  F.  Wigan,  Bart.,  Clare  Lawn,  East  Sheen, 
was  represented  by  Cattleya  IHossim,  C.  M.  maxima,  Laslio-Cattleyas 
superba  elegans,  Canhamiana  lolanthe  and  Lady  IVigan,  Cymbidium 
tigrinum,  Laelia  tenebrosa,  and  Scuticaria  Hadweni.  Two  forms  of 
Laelia  purpurata,  one  of  which  had  the  varietal  name  of  Mrs.  de  Barri 
Crawshay,  and  Cattleya  Mendeli  Sprite,  were  shown  by  Mr.  de  Barri 
Crawshay,  Rosefield,  Sevenoaks,  and  Mr.  W.  J.  Empson,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Wingfield,  Ampthill,  sent  Cattleya  Mossife  Wingfield’s  variety. 
A  charming  group  of  Orchids  came  from  Messrs.  Stanley  Mobbs  and 
Ashton,  Southgate,  in  which  the  flowers  were  well  diversified,  of  good 
form,  and  bright  in  colour.  There  were  Laelia  purpurata  in  variety, 
Cattleya  Mossis,  Cypripedium  Sir  Thos.  Lipton,  C.  Evenor  Southgate 
variety,  C.  Gertrude  Hollington,  Dendrobium  Victoria  Regina,  and  others. 
