02 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  aND  COTTAGE  GARDENER . 
August  4.  1898. 
"Airs.  Frinsep,  The  Tzar,  Monarch,  and  Miss  Audrey  Campbell.  Mr.  T.  A. 
Went,  of  Thames  Ditton,  being  second,  and  Mr.  E.  Charrington,  of 
Chislehurst,  third.  In  class  4,  for  twelve  Picotees,  white  or  yellow  ground, 
Mr.  T.  A.  Went  turned  the  tables  on  Mr.  Rowberry,  beating  him  with  a 
capital  stand  of  Badminton,  Dervish,  The  Gift,  Alice  Mills,  Voltaire, 
Golden  Eagle,  Seedling,  Florrie  Henwood,  Favourite,  Jessie,  Mrs.  Sharpe, 
and  Thos.  William. 
In  class  5,  for  six  Carnation  blooms,  Mr.  Aubrey  Spurling,  of  Black- 
heath,  was  first ;  Mr.  St.  B.  Sladen,  of  Reigate,  second  ;  and  Mr.  F.  E. 
Snudden,  of  Loughboro’,  third.  Class  6,  for  six  Picotees,  Mr.  M.  Char¬ 
rington,  of  Hever,  was  first ;  Mr.  E.  E.  Snudden  second  ;  and  Mr. 
St.  B.  Sladen  third.  In  classes  7  and  8,  for  three  Carnations  and  three 
Picotees  respectively,  Mr.  R,  B.  M.  Morris,  of  Merstham  ("the  Hon.  Sec. 
•to  the  Society),  carried  off  the  principal  honours.  Mr.  Robt.  Sydenham 
brought  dowD,  as  an  experiment,  most  of  the  blooms  he  had  taken  the 
leading  prizes  in  the  single  bloom  classes  at  the  Crystal  Palace  on  the 
preceding  Wednesday,  his  idea  being  that  through  the  cold  weather 
the  blooms  have  more  slowly  developed,  and  would  consequently  last 
longer  when  cut.  The  idea  was  borne  out  by  'he  result,  for  he  nearly 
■cleared  the  board  here  with  them  in  the  corresponding  classes.  For  a 
vase  of  Carnation  blooms,  &c„  Mr.  T.  A.  Went  was  to  the  front  with 
a  splendid  exhibit  ;  Mr.  M.  V.  Charrington  being  second  ;  and  Mrs. 
Hadley  third. 
For  three  sprays  of  Carnations  Mr.  A.  J.  Rowberry  was  first,  Mr. 
St.  B.  Sladen  second,  and  Mr.  M.  V.  Charrington  third.  Mr.  Aubrey 
Spurling  carried  off  the  challenge  cup  for  twelve  varieties  of  Carnations, 
three  trusses  of  each,  and  the  special  prizes  offered  by  Mr.  R.  Killick  for 
twelve  Carnations  cut  from  the  open  border,  and  staged  without  dressing, 
were  taken  by  Mr.  M.  V.  Charrington,  Dr.  Hadley  and  Mr.  A.  J.  Row- 
berry.  For  the  best  table  decoration  Mrs.  St.  Barbe  Sladen  was  first, 
Mrs.  Hadley  of  Reigate  second,  and  Mrs.  W.  Morrison  of  Reigate  third. 
Mr.  Cutbush  of  Highgate  staged  a  large  collection  of  Swoet  Peas 
and  Carnations  :  Mr.  F.  G.  Foster  of  Havant  a  magnificent  stand  of  Sweet 
Peas  ;  Mr.  Henry  Cannell  of  Swanley,  Cannas,  Sweet  Peas,  and  Carna¬ 
tions  ;  Mr.  Jas.  Douglas  a  fine  exhibit  of  new  Carnations,  and  last  but  by 
no  means  least  was  a  lovely  group  set  up  by  permission  of  Lily,  Duchess 
of  Marlborough,  consisting  of  Malmaison  Carnations,  foliage  plants,  and 
Ferns. 
BEDDINGTON. — August  1st. 
The  fete  held  on  August  Bank  Holiday  in  connection  with  the  Bed¬ 
dington,  Carshalton,  and  Wallington  Horticultural  Society  has  become  of 
more  than  local  importance,  and  is  annually  visited  by  thousands  of 
people  from  the  surrounding  districts.  The  sports  and  the  demonstra¬ 
tion  on  bee  management  assist  in  attracting  the  public,  while  the  horti¬ 
cultural  department  has  long  been  renowned  for  the  excellence  of  the 
produce  staged.  Several  tents  have  to  be  requisitioned  for  the  accommo¬ 
dation  of  the  exhibits,  the  major  portion  of  which  are  shown  in  compe¬ 
titive  classes.  Some  nurserymen  sent  collections,  but  the  day  is  recognised 
as  a  bad  one  for  the  nurserymen  to  support,  as  many  of  their  men  want 
the  Bank  Holiday  for  pleasure  and  not  for  work  Mr.  J.  R.  Box, 
Croydon,  showed  some  good  Roses,  while  Mr.  W.  E.  Humphreys, 
gardener  to  A.  H.  Smee,  Esq.,  Wallington,  arranged  a  group  of  miscel¬ 
laneous  plants. 
This  year’s  show  was  practically  the  same  as  that  of  last  j’ear  with 
regard  to  entries,  the  fruit  section  only  showing  slight  deterioration.  What 
fruits  were  staged  were  not  up  to  the  average  standard  of  quality,  though 
hardy  fruits  were  admirable  for  the  season.  The  Currants,  both  Red  and 
Black,  and  Gooseberries  were  clean  and  attractive,  but  under  glass  fruit 
was  not  so  good.  Grapes  were  fair,  but  there  was  nothing  that  calls 
for  special  comment. 
Groups  of  plants  were  effective,  and  elicited  much  admiration,  one 
from  Mr.  J.  H.  Stevens,  gardener  to  E.  G.  Coles,  Esq.,  Carshalton,  being 
especially  meritorious.  The  quality  of  the  individual  plants  was  good, 
and  the  arrangement  tasteful.  Mr.  A.  Etheridge,  gardener  to  A.  Cressv, 
Esq.,  Wallington,  also  staged  a  group  of  assorted  plants  which  was  in 
every  way  creditable.  The  cultivation  and  the  cleanliness,  combined  with 
judicious  placing,  made  this  exhibit  very  charming.  Mr.  W.  E.  Hum¬ 
phrey’s  non-competitive  group,  briefly  referred  to  above,  was  excellent 
in  every  respect,  and  was  a  worthy  addition  to  the  exhibition. 
For  the  first  time  this  season  a  class  has  been  instituted  for  a  table  of 
miscellaneous  dowering  and  foliage  plants,  and  it  should  eventually 
become  a  feature  of  the  Show,  as  it  is  at  Brighton  and  other  provincial 
centres.  On  the  present  occasion  Mr.  G.  Lewrv,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Blake. 
Croydon,  was  the  only  exhibitor,  and  received  the  first  prize.  Good 
culture  was  particularly  apparent  in  the  plants  utilised.  The  awards  in 
the  classes  for  baskets  of  flowers  and  for  table  decoratio"  s  were  keenly 
contested  for.  An  extremely  tasteful  table  arranged  by  Mrs.  A.  Robinson, 
Stafford  Road,  Wallington,  was  greatly  admired.  Skilful  use  had  been 
made  of  yellow  Marguerites,  pink  Carnations,  and  Sweet  Peas,  with 
Maidenhair  Ferns,  Asparagus,  and  Smilax.  Amongst  the  plants  that 
were  best  shown  were  Begonias,  Caladiums,  and  Crotons  ;  while  flowers 
in  a  cut  state  were  to  be  seen  in  considerable  numbers.  These  comprised 
those  from  greenhouses  as  well  as  garden,  and  wild  flowers  with  grasses 
in  abundance.  Some  were  shown  in  bunches,  while  others  found  places 
in  vases,  epergnes,  and  baskets  in  association  with  varied  foliage. 
Altogether  the  floral  department  was  delightful. 
To  find  the  finest  section  of  the  Show,  however,  it  was  necessary  to 
go  amongst  the  vegetables.  These  were  of  all  kinds,  and  from  cottagers 
as  well  as  professional  growers  were  excellent.  There  was  quantity 
too  in  addition  to  quality,  an  l  the  competition  in  some  of  the  classes, 
where  there  were  from  nine  to  a  dozen  exhibitors,  was  remarkably  keen. 
It  too  frequently  happens  at  such  shows  that  size  is  taken  as  the  standard 
of  excellence,  but  at  Beddington  such  was  not  the  case,  for  almost  all 
the  produce  was  of  average  size,  clean  and  fresh.  The  collections  of 
vegetables  were  splendid,  as  were  many  of  the  Potatoes,  Cabbages,  Beet, 
Onions,  Marrows,  Beans,  and  Peas.  Salads  and  herbs  in  their  respective 
classes  were  also  very  fine. 
The  most  intense  interest  was  centred  in  the  class  for  a  collection  of 
nine  distinct  kinds  of  vegetables,  to  be  arranged  on  a  4-feet  space  of  the 
show  table.  Quality  only  was  to  be  taken  into  consideration  in  the 
judging.  Six  prizes,  amounting  to  £5  in  the  aggregate,  were  offered,  and 
the  money  was  divided  proportionately  with  the  marks  secured.  There 
were  nine  competitors,  of  whom  Mr.  J.  II.  Stevens,  with  fifty-six  marks, 
was  placed  first.  It  was  a  splendid  exhibit,  that  did  not  contain  a  really 
weak  dish.  Marrows,  Turnips,  Onions,  Green  Cabbages,  Beet,  Broad 
Beans,  Potatoes,  Peas,  and  Cucumbers  were  represented.  Mr.  H.  Shoe- 
bridge,  gardener  to  M.  Beddington,  Esq ,  Carshalton,  with  forty-eight 
marks,  took  the  second  position,  his  best  dishes  be  hg  Kidney  Beans, 
Beet,  Peas,  Potatoes  and  Green  Cabbages.  Mr.  Harvey  Hopkins,  The 
Wrythe,  Carshalton,  took  third  place  with  forty-seven  marks.  His 
Potatoes,  Kidney  Beans,  Onions,  and  Marrows  were  highly  creditable. 
Mr.  H.  Sell,  gardener  to  J.  Wallis,  Esq.,  Beddington,  was  fourth  with 
forty-sis  marks,  his  Beet,  Onions,  and  Turnips  being  very  strong.  Mr. 
J.  Cripps,  gardener  to  J.  Easterbrook,  Esq.,  Carshalton,  was  fifth  with 
forty-three  marks.  Cauliflowers  and  Onions  were  best  in  this  stand. 
Mr.  0.  McRae,  Beddington  Corner,  was  sixth  with  thirty-seven  marks, 
the  Potatoes  forming  his  best  dish.  The  ninth  man  scored  twenty-eight, 
or  just  half  of  the  number  secured  by  Mr.  Stevens.  The  monetary  value 
of  the  individual  prizes  was— first,  £1  Os.  Id.  ;  second,  17s.  4d.  ;  third, 
17s. ;  fourth,  16s.  8d. ;  fifth,  15s.  6d. ;  sixth,  13s.  5d. 
CASTLEFORD. — August  1st. 
In  recent  years  this  show  has  made  phenomenal  progress,  a  Bank 
Holiday  fixture  evidently  being  very  popular  with  an  immense  working 
class  population.  The  treasury  of  the  Society  is  in  a  very  flourishing 
condition,  the  handsome  sum  of  £800  in  hand  would  be  materially 
increased  at  the  close  of  the  present  exhibition,  a  fine  day  and  a  large 
attendance  crowning  the  business-like  arrangements  of  a  hard-working 
Committee.  The  general  features  of  the  show  showed  a  considerable 
falling  off  in  the  number  of  entries,  but  the  exhibits  of  the  chief  prize¬ 
winners  were  quite  up  to  the  average. 
In  the  class  for  twelve  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  six  in  bloom  and 
six  ornamental  plants,  not  more  than  two  of  any  variety,  Mr.  F.  Nicholas, 
gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Zetland,  Upleatham,  was  easily  first  with  a 
superb  collection  without  a  sign  of  weakness  in  any  feature  of  the  exhibit, 
which  comprised  Ixora  Williamsi,  Anthurium  Scherzerianum  Wardi, 
Dipladenia  boliviensis,  Dipladenia  Thos.  Speed,  Statice  profusa,  and 
Olerodendron  fallax  coming  exceedingly  fine;  Crotons  Warreni  and 
angustifolia,  well  coloured  Kentia  Belmoreana  and  its  .variety  superba,  a 
magnificent  plant  of  Cycas  circinalis,  and  Dajmonorops  grandifolia.  Mr. 
Joe  Sharp,  Almondbury,  was  second ;  Mr.  J.  Sunley,  Monkfryston, 
third.'  For  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  bloom,  first,  Mr.  Joe 
Sharp  ;  second,  Mr.  J.  Sunley.  Six  exotic  Ferns,  Mr.  Nicholas  was  first 
with  fine  fresh  examples  of  Gleichenia  glaucescens,  Adiantum  Farleyense, 
Cyathea  dealbata,  Neottopteris  australaica,  Gleichenia  flabellata,  and  a 
magnificent  Davallia  fijiensis. 
Table  plants  were  charming,  every  plant  being  fit  for  the  purpose, 
either  individually  or  collectively.  The  first  prize  went  to  Mr.  W.  Curtis, 
gardener  to  J.  Blacker,  Esq.,  Selby  ;  Mr.  Nichols  second  ;  Messrs.  J.  and 
R.  Callam,  Heath  Nurseries,  Wakefield,  third 
Groups  arranged  for  effect,  175  square  feet,  made  an  imposing  show. 
Mr.  Joe  Sharp  was  deservedly  first  with  an  imposing  arrangement.  The 
second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Curtis  for  a  highly  creditable  display,  and  Mr. 
J.  Sunley  was  third. 
Messrs.  J.  &  R.  Callam  exhibited  a  fine  stand  of  cut  Roses,  thirty-six 
varieties,  securing  first  honours  here  and  in  the  stands  for  twelve  varieties, 
the  other  stands  in  these  classes  calling  for  no  comment.  Messrs.  J.  &  R. 
Callam  and  Cottam,  Alma  Gardens,  Cottingham,  divided  the  chief  honours 
for  bouquets,  wreaths,  crosses,  ladies’  sprays,  and  buttonhole  flowers. 
Mr.  J.  Sunley  was  first  for  a  good  collection  of  cut  blooms,  stove  and 
greenhouse. 
A  remarkably  fine  stand  of  vegetables  of  twenty  varieties,  exhibited 
by  Mr.  Nichols,  gardener  to  Lady  Beaumont,  Carlton  Towers,  com¬ 
manded  general  admiration.  The  same  exhibitor  secured  first  prize  for  a 
collection  of  fruit,  six  varieties,  and  first  for  two  bunches  of  black  Grapes, 
showing  Madresfield  Court  in  superb  condition. 
Effects  of  Root  -  pruning. — It  has  often  happened  that  when 
cellars  for  houses  or  other  excavations  into  the  subsoil  have  to  be 
made  near  unproductive  fruit  trees  they  are  within  a  year  or  two  brought 
to  bearing,  and  continue  this  habit.  In  all  such  cases  it  is  the  considerable 
amount  of  roots  that  are  thus  destroyed  which  produce  this  good  effect. 
Most  of  our  young  orchards  suffer  more  from  excess  of  plant  food  than 
from  its  deficiency.  Undoubtedly  in  destroying  these  roots,  especially  in 
the  growing  season,  the  vitality  of  the  tree  is  injured.  In  modern 
orcharding  the  orchard  is  cultivated  shallow  all  summer  and  not  cropped 
at  all.  That  causes  the  trees  to  make  too  much  wood.  If,  says  an 
American  authority,  at  midsummer  these  orchards  were  ploughed 
7  to  9  inches  deep,  the  trees  would  be  more  fruitful  than  they  are  under 
the  present  system.  But  if  this  treatment  makes  the  trees  blossom  and 
set  heavily  next  year,  it  will  need  to  be  all  the  better  supplied  with  food, 
because  so  many  of  its  roots  have  been  destroyed. 
