September  15,  1898. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
213 
in#  Cocos  plumosa  and  Weddelliann  :  Crotons,  among  which  we  may 
mention  Challenger,  Warreni.  Prince  of  Wales, and  Countess;  Anthuriums, 
Bamboos,  Orchids,  and  Grasses.  Mr.  J.  Ward,  Riddings  House,  who  has 
held  the  premier  position  at  this  Show  for  some  years,  was  a  dangerous 
second,  and  had  a  fine  group,  but  failed  slightly  in  his  arrangement  in 
the  background,  which  was  rather  flat.  Every  plant  in  this  group  was 
a  perfect. specimen,  and  the  Crotons,  which  were  freely  used,  called  forth 
expressions  of  admiration  on  all  hands.  This  group  was  backed  by  a  fine 
specimen  of  Iventia  Forstoriana,  and  interspersed  in  raised  groups  with 
Cocos  Weddelliana.  Crotons  Warreni,  Corastius,  Mrs.  Dorman,  Reidi,  and 
Queen  Victoria,  with  a  groundwork  of  Orchids  and  light  Grasses.  Mr. 
•I.  McIntyre,  Darlington,  was  placed  third  with  a  very  pretty  t  roup,  but 
somewhat  cramped.  Mr.  G.  Woodgate,  Rolleston  Hall,  came  in  fourth 
with  a  splendid  group,  and  would  have  stood  higher  if  he  had  put  on  a 
better  finish  ;  his  groundwork  was  somewhat  rough.  Mr.  Stevenson, 
Alton  Manor,  took  the  fifth  place. 
For  a  decorative  dessert  table  of  ripe  fruit  and  flowers,  fruit  not  to 
exceed  fourteen  dishes,  Mr.  Goodacre  was  an  easy  first  with  fine  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  Peaches,  Melon  and  Figs, 
very  fine;  Mr.  Edmonds  second  ;  and  Mr.  Ward  third. 
.There  were  only  two  classes  provided  for  Grapes,  three  bunches  any 
variety  black,  and  any  variety  white,  a  very  unsatisfactory  class.  Any 
variety  black  Grapes,  three  bunches,  Mr.  Campbell  was  an  easy  first  with 
superb  Black  Hamburghs,  perfect  in  finish,  compact  medium-sized 
bunches,  and  very  fine  in  berry.  Mr.  Doe,  Rufford  Abbey,  came  in 
second  with  well  finished  but  rather  loose  bunches  of  Barbarossa.  Mr. 
Evans,  Chaddesdon  Hall,  third  with  neat  well-finished  Alicante  ;  and 
Mr.  Goodacre  fourth  with  large  bunches  of  Gros  Guillaume,  but  wanting 
in  finish,  and  berries  rather  small.  Any  variety  white  Grapes,  three 
bunches,  Mr.  Campbell  was  again  an  easy  first  with  very  pretty,  well- 
finished  Muscat  of  Alexandria  ;  Mr.  Goodacre  second  with  much  larger 
bunches  and  berries,  but  failed  in  finish. 
Non-competitive  exhibits  were  varied  and  interesting.  Mr.  J.  Norman, 
St.  Peter  Street,  Derby,  was  awarded  the  Society’s  gold  medal  for  a 
magnificent  collection  of  fruit,  and  in  our  opinion  the  best  exhibit  in  the 
show,  including  perfect  bunches  of  Madresfield  Court  and  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  Grapes,  which  were  fine  in  bunch,  berry,  and  finish  ; 
splendid  Princess  of  Wales  Peach.  Pitmaston  Orange  Nectarines, 
Jargonelle  Pears,  and  Transparent  Gage  Plums.  Messrs.  Webb  &  Sons. 
V  ordslev,  staged  a  beautiful  collection  of  Gloxinias,  and  were  also  awarded 
a  gold  medal.  Mr.  Finch,  Ashbourne  Road,  Derby,  was  awarded  a  silver 
medal  for  a  fine  stand  of  Begonias.  Mr.  J.  H.  White,  Worcester,  was 
awarded  a  gold  medal  for  a  collection  of  herbaceous  flowers  and  Dahlias. 
Special  prizes  were  offered  by  Messrs.  Webb,  Carter,  and  Sutton  &  Sons 
for  vegetables. 
WELLINGBOROUGH  AND  MIDLAND  COUNTIES  DAHLIA 
SOCIETY. 
There  is  every  prospect  of  a  flourishing  Dahlia  Show  being 
established  at  Wellingborough.  It  is  known  also  as  the  Midland  Dahlia 
Exhibition,  and  there  is  great  need  for  a  revival  of  that  interest  in  the 
Dahlia  which  was  so  active  and  healthy  when  Charles  James  Perrv 
resided  at  Birmingham  ;  and  Tamworth,  Rugby,  Oxford,  Coventry,  and 
other  Midland  centres  glowed  with  enthusiasm  on  behalf  of  this  fine  and 
useful  summer  and  autumn  flower.  This  was  the  third  exhibition, 
and  the  advance  in  quality  shown  among  the  local  growers,  and  especi¬ 
ally  by  the  artizan  class,  is  most  remarkable.  Mr.  Thomas  Pendercd, 
the  President,  one  of  tho  ablest  of  the  public  men  of  Wellingborough, 
is  a  tower  of  stiength  to  the  Society;  and  there  being  a  united  hard¬ 
working  Committee,  and  painstaking  Secretary  in  Mr.  W.  Spriggs, 
success  is  certain  if  only  the  public  will  support  the  Society  by  attending 
the  annual  Show.  There  was  a  considerable  accession  of  exhibitors  and 
a  most  gratifying  increase  in  the  number  of  entries,  with  the  result  tho t 
the  Corn  Exchange  was  filled  with  Dahlias  of  all  types,  in  glowing 
colours  and  high  quality. 
A  considerable  contingent  of  southern  trade  growers,  in  grateful 
remembrance  of  the  generous  welcome  accorded  to  them  last  year,  took 
down  their  flowers  for  competition  in  the  open  clashes.  Messrs. 
Keynes  &  Co.  of  Salisbury,  .T.  Walker  of  Thame,  J.  Burrell  &  Co.  of 
Cambridge,  J.  Mortimer  of  Farnham,  and  G.  Humphries  of  Chippen¬ 
ham  were  all  exhibiting,  and  the  southern  amateur  element  was 
admirably  represented  by  Mr.  H.  A.  Needs  of  Horsell,  Woking.  Mr. 
R.  Burgin,  the  successful  amateur  exhibitor  at  the  Crystal  Palace,  was 
there  also  The  silver-gilt  medal  offered  by  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.  of 
Rothesay  for  the  number  of- points  gained  by  one  exhibitor  was  won 
bv  a.  young  aspirant  to  floral  honours — Mr.  W.  E.  Prentice,  jun.,  of 
Wellingborough. 
There  were  seven  entries  of  twenty-four  blooms  of  Show  Dahlias,  the 
first  prize  going  to  Mr.  John  Walker,  Thame,  for  a  very  even  stand  of 
blooms,  chief  among  them  John  Hickling,  Perfection.  Buffalo  Bill  (self). 
Mrs.  J.  Downie,  Harry  Turner,  John  Walker,  Mrs.  Every.  Duke  of  Fife, 
M  illiam  Powell,  and  James  Cocker.  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Farnham,  was 
second  with  rather  smaller  but  fresh  and  compact  flowers.  Messrs. 
Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.,  Salisbury,  were  third  ;  and  Mr.  Geo.  Humphries 
Chippenham,  was  awarded  an  extra  prize.  There  were  nine  entries  of 
twelve  blooms,  Mr.  J  Walker  being  again  first,  his  lending  flowers 
Daniel  Cornish,  Goldfinder,  Duchess  of  Albany,  W.  Keith,  John 
Hickling.  and  Goldsmith.  Mr.  Mortimer  was  again  a  good  second  ;  and 
Messrs.  C.  Kimberley  &  Son,  Stoke,  third. 
The  best  twenty-four  blooms  of  Cactus  Dahlias,  distinct,  shown  on 
boards  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Show  varieties,  brought  six  entries. 
Messrs.  Keynes  &  Co.  were  placed  first'with  a  very  fine  stand  of  blooms, 
excellently  arranged  to  show  contrasts  of  colour,  the  flowers  of  even  size 
and  very  fresh.  The  following  were  especially  noticeable  :  Britannia, 
Stella,  Exquisite,  Daffodil.  Mr.  John  Goddard,  Harmony, Ethel,  Progenitor, 
Laverstock  Beauty,  Wallace,  The  Clown,  Starfish,  and  Countess  of 
Lonsdale  ;  second,  Messrs.  J.  Burrell  &  Co.,  who  had  fresh,  bright  flowers, 
rather  smaller  in  size,  chief  among  them  Lucius,  Island  Queen,  Britannia, 
Keynes’  White,  Debonair,  Aiax.  and  Mimosa,  several  being  very  pro¬ 
mising  varieties  of  Mr.  Burrell’s  own  raising.  Mr.  S.  Mortimer  was  third. 
Messrs.  Keynes  &  Co.  also  had  the  best  twelve  blooms,  there  being  nine 
exhibitors  in  this  class.  Mr.  G.  Humphries  was  secondhand  Mr.  S. 
Mortimer  third,  the  flowers  being  much  the  same  'as  those  already 
named. 
There  were  six  entries  of  twelve  bunches  of  Cactus,  three  blooms  in  a 
bunch,  and  the  competition  was  very  keen.  Messrs.  Keynes  &  Co.  were 
first  with  a  very  fine  collection,  consisting  of  Britannia,  Radiance,  Wallace, 
Progenitor,  Countess  of  Sherbrooke,  Countess  of  Lonsdale,  The  Clown, 
and  Starfish  ;  second,  Messrs.  J.  Burrell  &  Co.,  who  came  very  close  with 
striking  bunches  of  Antelope,  Lucius,  Mary  Service,  Keynes’  White, 
Starfish,  and  Britannia  ;  third,  Mr.  S.  Mortimer.  With  twelve  bunches 
of  Pompon  Dahlias,  six  in  a  bunch,  there  were  five  competitors,  Messrs. 
J.  Burrell  &  Co.  being  placed  first  with  a  delightful  collection,  the  flowers 
small,  very  compact  and  even,  and  singularly  fresh  and  perfect,  the 
varieties,  Arthur  West,  Bacchus,  Phcebe,  Tommy  Keith,  Rosebud, 
and  Douglas  ;  second,  Messrs.  Keynes  At  Co.,  also  with  charming  bunches 
of  Spitfire,  Clarissa,  Tommy  Keith,  Hypatia,  and  Emily  Hopper  ;  third, 
Mr.  J.  Walker. 
In  the  amateurs’  division,  confined  to  those  who  do  not  employ  the 
exclusive  services  of  a  gardener,  Mr.  F.  Middleton,  Althorp,  was  first 
with  a  stand  of  very  good  blooms,  and  Mr.  R.  Burgin,  St.  Neots,  was 
second,  he  showing  very  well  also.  The  varieties  exhibited  were  mainly 
the  same  as  those  in  the  open  division.  There  were  six  entries  in  this 
class,  and  seven  in  that  for  six  blooms.  In  this  class  Mr. 
Burgin  was  first,  and  Mr.  Middleton  second.  Mr.  Middleton  had 
the  best  twelve  cut  blooms  of  Cactus,  having  in  very  good  character 
Britannia,  Island  Queen,  Earl  of  Pembroke,  Standard  Bearer,  Starfish, 
Archne,  and  Night  ;  second  Mr.  H.  A.  Needs,  Horsell,  Woking,  also  with  ■ 
good  blooms  ;  and  third  Mr.  R.  Burgin.  There  were  eight  entries  of  six- 
blooms  of  Cactus,  Mr.  Middleton  coming  in  first  and  Mr.  W.  E  Prentice, 
jun.,  Wellingborough,  second.  With  six  bunches  of  Cactus  varieties, 
three  in  a  bunch,  Mr.  H.  A.  Needs  was  first,  having  in  capital  character 
Harmony,  Starfish,  Charles  Woodbridge,  Keynes’  White,  and  two  others. 
Mr.  R.  Burgin  was  second  and  Air.  Middleton  third.  Pompons  ini 
bunches  of  three  blooms  were  also  well  shown  by  amateurs.  Air.  Burgin- 
had  the  best  bouquet,  of  which  Dahlias  were  to  be  the  chief  feature. 
Wellingborough  cottagers  showed  Dahlias  in  very  good  character,  for: 
they  soon  caught  hold  of  the  ideal  of  quality  set  up  by  a  competent  judge. 
Mr.  W.  Mason  had  the  best  twelve  blooms  of  Show  and  Fancy,  staging 
capital  examples  of  Dazzler,  Hon.  Mr.  Wyndham,  W.  Powell,  George 
Gordon,  and  Air.  Gladstone.  Mr.  W.  Gennis  was  second,  and  Air.  E. 
Prentice,  iun.,  third.  Air.  Alason  also  had  the  best  twelve  cut  blooms  of 
Cactus,  Mr.  Prentice  was  second,  and  Mr.  E.  Alatthews  third.  Air.  W.  E. 
Prentice  had  the  best  six  blooms  of  Show  Dahlias,  putting  up  very  fine 
flowers  ;  Air.  Alason  was  second,  and  Mr.  E.  Coles  third.  Air.  Prentice 
was  also  first  with  six  blooms  of  Cactus,  Air  Coles  second,  and  Air.  W. 
Walden  third  ;  and  six  bunches  of  Pompon  Dahlias  were  also  of  good 
character.  Air.  Prentice  also  won  the  first  of  the  special  prizes  offered 
by  Mr.  Richard  Dean  for  three  bunches  of  Cactus  Dahlias  shown  by 
cottagers.  Air.  W.  Spriggs,  the  Secretary  of  the  Society,  was  second, 
and  Air.  W.  Alason  third.  Air.  E.  Alatthews  won  the  first  of  the  special 
prizes  offered  by  Air.  Geo.  Humphries  for  six  blooms  of  Show  Dahlias  ; 
Mr.  Gennis  was  second,  and  Air.  Cox  third.  Asters  were  also  shown 
by  cottagers,  and  it  was  agreeable  to  see  they  gave  the  preference  to 
Truffaut’s  Paeony-flowered  varieties. 
Fruit  and  vegetables  were  also  invited  to  add  interest  to  the  Show. 
The  two  best  bunches  of  Grapes  were  well  finished  Aluscat  Hamburgh 
from  Alessrs.  T.  Clayson  &  Son,  Wellingborough.  Air.  II.  Rathman  was 
second  with  a  bunch  each  of  Black  Hamburgh  and  Alicante.  The  best 
three  dishes  of  culinary  Apples  were  shown  by  Air.  T.  Rendered,  who 
had  in  good  character  Warner's  King,  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  and  Ecklin- 
ville.  Second,  Air.  J.  E.  Bugby,  Besborough.  with  Ecklinville,  Peasgood's 
Nonesuch,  and  Perkins’  Al.,  which  bears  a  resemblance  to  Warner’s  King. 
Air.  Pendered  was  also  first  with  three  dishes  of  dessert  Apples,  having 
capital  fruit  of  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin,  Worcester  Pearmain,  and  King  of 
Pippins.  Air.  G.  Douglas,  Wellingborough,  was  second  with  Quarrendcn, 
Cox’s  Orange  Pippin,  and  Worcester  Pearmain.  Air.  Pendered  was  also 
first  with  three  dishes  of  Pears,  having  good  fruit  of  Louise  Bonne  of 
Jersey,  Pitmaston  Duchess,  and  Alarie  Louise.  Alessrs.  T.  Clayson  and 
Son  were  second  with  Aladam  Treyve,  Clapp's  Favourite,  and  Souvenir 
du  Congres.  Some  good  Tomatoes  were  shown  by  Alessrs  Bugby  and 
others.  Cottagers’  vegetables  were  shown  in  several  classes,  and  in  all. 
cases  they  were  very  good. 
The  following  certificates  were  awarded  by  a  jury  of  the  leading 
Dahlia  exhibitors  : — To  Show  Dahlia  David  Johnson  and  Cactus  Dahlia 
Ranji,  from  Air.  G.  Humphries  ;  to  Cactus  Dahlias  Wallace,  Progenitor, 
The  Clown,  ATiscountes9  Sherbrooke,  Radiance,  and  Countess  of  Lonsdale, 
from  Alessrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co. ;  to  Cactus  Alagnificent.  from  Air. 
J.  Stredwick,  Silverhil),  St.  Leonards  ;  to  Cactus  Lucius  aDd  Antelope 
and  Pompon  the  Duke,  from  Alessrs.  J.  Burrell  &  Co. 
The  Judges  were  Air.  Richard  Dean,  Y.M.H..  and  Air.  Percival.  An 
interesting  collection  of  small-flowered  Cactus  Dahlias  came  from  Air. 
John  Green,  Norfolk  Nurseries,  Dereham,  which  was  highly  commended. 
