e  ecember  8,  1898. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
U1 
NATIONAL  CHRYSANTHEMUM  SOCIETY. 
The  last  meeting  of  the  season  of  the  Floral  Committee  of  this 
Society  was  held  on  Tuesday,  the  6th  inst.,  at  the  Royal  Aquarium, 
when  Mr.  Thomas  Bevan  took  the  chair.  There  was  a  full  attendance 
of  members,  but  the  exhibits  were  not  numerous,  although  of  excellent 
quality.  Part  of  the  business  consisted  of  fixing  the  dates  of  the 
meetings  for  1899,  and  it  was  resolved  that  next  year’s  meetings  he 
held  at  half-past  one  o’clock  on  the  following  dates — viz.,  September 
27th,  October  10th  and  25th,  November  1st,  15th,  and  22nd,  and 
December  5th.  It  was  also  arranged  that  the  annual  dinner  of  the 
Committee  take  place  on  Monday,  the  12th  inst.,  and  that  a  meeting 
of  the  Classification  Committee  be  held  at  the  same  time. 
The  Committee  made  the  following  awards  of  first-class  certi¬ 
ficates  : — 
Madame  R.  Cadbury. — A  Japanese  of  large  size  and  with  long 
close  florets  of  medium  width,  slightly  curly  at  the  tips  and  drooping. 
The  blooms  are  deep  in  build  and  of  good  substance.  Colour  pale 
creamy  white.  Shown  by  Mr.  H.  Weeks. 
Red  L.  Canning. — A  decorative  free  flowering  late  Japanese  ; 
rather  free,  flat  florets  of  a  dull  chestnut  crimson  shade.  From  Mr. 
A.  Felgate,  jun. 
THE  CHRYSANTHEMUM  SHOWS. 
With  what  a  sense  of  relief  do  readers  of  the  gardening  papers 
realise  that  the  deluge  of  the  Chrysanthemum  shows  for  the  present 
year  is  over,  and  that  it  is  possible  for  those  who  are  not  worshippers 
at  the  shrine  of  the  great  Chrysanthemum  juggernaut  to  both  read 
and  breathe.  No  doubt  editors  know  their  own  business  best,  and 
therefore  fill  their  pages  with  as  many  reports  of  shows  as  they  can. 
But  when  the  course  of  reports  commences  it  is  time  for  the  ordinary 
reader  who  still  retains  his  head  to  go  for  the  time  into  retirement, 
perchance  to  the  seaside,  or  to  that  “  lodge  in  some  vast  wilderness,” 
for  which  Cowper  sighed,  until  the  flood  of  Chrysanthemum  names  and 
winnings  had  swept  by.  I  have  often  wondered  whether  any  persons 
but  those  few  whose  names  for  once  in  a  year  get  publicity  through 
publishing  these  monotonous  accounts  read  these  reports. 
I  presume  editors  defend  the  practice  by  saying,  “  If  we  do  not 
publish  these  reports  others  will.”  Whether  such  defence  is  sound  is 
hardly  a  matter  for  readers  to  determine.  Happily,  the  report  season 
is  sharp,  short,  and  severely  limited.  I  have  grave  doubts  whether 
horticulture,  the  art  of  gardening,  is  very  much  the  better  for  all  this 
slavish  worship  of  one  flower.  The  Rose  is  one  of  exceeding  beauty, 
more  easily  grown,  and  eminently  a  national  flower,  but  not  one  tithe 
the  fuss  is  made  over  it  as  an  exhibition  flower  that  is  made  over  the 
more  modern  Chrysanthemum.  But  whilst  myriads  grow  Roses  from 
pure  love  of  the  flowers  the  few  only  of  growers  i  datively  grow  for 
competition  when  they  do  so;  further,  the  pecuniary  element  is  so 
moderately  prominent.  But  were  the  pecuniary  element  removed  from 
Chrysanthemum  culture,  so  far  as  exhibiting  is  concerned,  how 
many  or  how  few  would  be  worshippers  at  the  shrine  of  this  sainted 
flower  ? 
When  in  visiting  a  garden  during  the  autumn  the  battalions  of 
tall  plants  in  large  pots  are  reviewed,  three-fourths  are  found  grown 
to  produce  giant  show  flowers,  and  the  rest  are  not  objects  of  pride 
or  concern,  because  they  are  intended  only  for  conservatory  decoration 
or  for  the  furnishing  of  domestically  decorative  cut  flowers.  Remove 
the  pecuniary  inducement  held  out  in  the  form  of  prizes,  and  intere-t 
would  rapidly  die.  This  is  a  sad  condition  of  things,  and  it  may  be 
that  the  publication  of  these  Chrysanthemum  show  reports  helps  to 
perpetuate  the  evil. 
I  am  fully  aware  that  this  is  a  terribly  pessimistic  and  unpopular 
aspect  of  the  Chrysanthemum  furore.  Gardeners  and  traders,  growers 
of  these  flowers,  are  so  very  human,  and  in  company  with  the  mass  of 
humanity  of  the  commercial  world  regard  getting  money  as  the 
primary  aim  and  object  of  existence.  That  may  be  a  very  good 
doctrine  in  relation  to  things  mundane  generally,  but  when  associated 
not  with  gardening  as  a  means  of  living,  which  is  quite  another 
thing,  but  in  booming  one  flower  so  excessively  that  it  may  be  the 
means  of  winning  prizes,  and  not  out  of  that  love  for  the  beautiful  in 
flowers  which  alone  animates  the  true  floriV,  then  is  it  something  to 
be  deprecated.  Well,  here  have  I  laid  my  bosom  bare  to  the  world. 
How  many  will  contend  with  ink  and  pen  for  the  honour  of  slaying 
this  revolutionary— Iconoclast  ? 
[How  many  will  observe  this  pity  for  an  Editor’s  being  inundated 
with  Chrysanthemums  and  then  turning  the  tap  for  another  douse  ?] 
NATIONAL  CHRYSANTHEMUM  SOCIETY. 
December  6th,  7th,  and  8th. 
The  last  of  the  1898  series  of  exhibitions  held  under  the  auspices 
of  the  N.C.S.  at  the  Royal  Aquarium  opened  on  Tuesday  last,  and  was 
a  most  decided  success.  The  Show  was  not  particularly  large,  but  the 
flowers  staged  were  of  very’  high  quality  being  fresh,  rich  in  colour, 
and  of  good  size.  In  many  of  the  classes  the  competition  was  remark¬ 
ably  close,  there  being  from  eight  to  twelve  entries.  Non-competitive 
exhibits  again  were  very  fine  for  the  time  of  the  year,  being  numerous, 
as  well  as  of  fine  quality. 
There  were  nine  entries  in  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  andr 
needless  to  say,  some  excellent  flowers  were  staged.  Despite  the  lateness 
of  the  season  the  blooms  had  depth,  solidity,  and  colour.  Mr.  T.  Lunt, 
gardener  to  A.  Stirling,  Esq.,  Keir,  Dunblane,  was  a  splendid  first  with 
Graphic,  Simplicity,  Australie,  Mons.  Gruyer,  Mrs.  H.  Weeks,  Khama, 
Oceana,  Madame  Ph.  Rivoire,  Edith  Tabor,  Niveus,  Matthew  Hodgson, 
and  Louise.  The  second  position  was  adjudged  to  Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutf, 
Ipswich,  who  also  staged  well,  his  blooms  of  Silver  King,  G.  J.  Warren, 
and  Matthew  Hodgson  being  especially  noteworthy’.  Mr.  F.  King, 
gardener  to  A.  F.  Perkins.  Esq..  Holmwood,  was  third,  and  Mr.  R. 
Kenyon,  gardener  to  A.  F.  Hills,  Esq.,  Woodford,  fourth. 
In  the  class  for  six  Japanese,  distinct,  there  were  eight  exhibitors, 
of  whom  Mr.  J.  Sandford,  gardener  to  G.  W.  Wright,  Esq.,  Finchley, 
was  placed  with  grand  flowers  of  Silver  King,  G.  J.  Warren,  C.  W. 
Richardson,  Simplicity,  Madame  Carnot,  and  Golden  Gate.  Mr.  T.  Lunt 
was  second  ;  and  Mr.  G.  Elder,  gardener  to  J.  W.  Benson,  Esq.,  Epsom, 
third. 
Six  competitors  staged  twenty-four  Japanese,  distinct,  and  Mr. 
T.  Lunt  proved  invincible  with  a  most  creditable  stand  comprising 
Simplicity,  Australie,  John  Seward,  Mons.  Hoste,  Matthew  Hodgson, 
Mons.  Gruyer,  Mrs.  H.  Weeks,  Oceana,  Mrs.  F.  A.  Bevan,  Niveus,  Mdlle. 
M.  A.  de  Galbert,  John  Seward,  Mary  Molyneux,  Graphic,  Mrs.  G.  W. 
Palmer,  Khama,  Duchess  of  Ymrk,  Louise,  and  Dorothy  Seward.  Mr. 
R.  Kenyon  was  placed  second.  The  flowers  were  even  and  clean,  the 
best  being  Julia  Scaramanga,  Simplicity’,  Joseph  Brookes,  Matthew 
Hodgson,  Graphic,  and  Madame  Carnot.  Mr.  W.  Slogrove,  gardener  to 
Airs.  Crawford,  Gatton  Park,  Reigate,  was  third. 
For  twelve  incurved,  in  not  less  than  six  varieties,  Mr.  F.  King 
was  an  excellent  first  with  Mdlle.  Lucie  Faure,  The  Egyptian,  Miss 
P.  Fowler,  C.  B.  Whitnall,  Miss  N.  Foster,  Bonnie  Dundee,  Lord 
Rosebery’,  and  L’Amethyste.  Mr.  J.  G.  Foster,  Brockhampton  Nurseries, 
second  ;  and  Mr.  R.  Bassil,  gardener  to  D.  H.  Evans,  Esq  ,  Pangbourne, 
third.  There  were  eight  competitors.  There  was  apparently  only  one 
exhibitor  of  twelve  bunches  of  Chrysanthemums.  This  was  Mr.  R.  C. 
Notcutt,  who  was  deservedly  awarded  the  premier  prize.  For  six  bunches 
Air.  J.  Hoath,  gardener  to  A.  W.  Chapman,  Esq.,  Farnham,  was  first ; 
Air.  G.  Elder  second  ;  and  Air.  T.  Robinson,  gardener  to  W.  Lawrence, 
Esq.,  Hollingbourne,  third.  Air.  W.  Howe,  gardener  to  Sir  Henry 
Tate,  Bart.,  Streatham  Common,  was  decidedly  first  for  twenty-four 
bunches  of  Chrysanthemums,  any  varieties.  Air.  Norman  Davis,  Fram- 
field,  was  second  ;  and  Air.  S.  J.  Cook,  gardener  to  A.  N.  Stephens, 
Esq.,  Hendon,  third. 
There  were  three  competitors  for  twelve  bunches  single  varieties. 
Air.  G.  W.  Forbes,  gardener  to  Aladame  Nicols,  Regent  House,  Surbiton, 
was  placed  first  with  a  capital  display.  Air.  A.  Felgate,  gardener  to 
Elizabeth,  Duchess  of  AVellington,  Walton-on-Thamos,  was  a  good 
second  ;  and  Air.  W.  C.  Pagram,  gardener  to  J.  Courtney,  Esq.,  Wey- 
bridge,  third. 
For  six  bunches  large  flowering  single  varieties  Air.  A.  Felgate  secured 
the  first  prize  with  a  strong  stand,  followed  by  Alessrs.  Tullet  and  Meridew 
in  the  order  named.  For  six  bunches  of  small  single  varieties  Mr.  Tullet 
led  with  a  good  stand,  followed  closely  by  Air.  A.  L.  Reynolds. 
'  For  a  collection  of  flowering,  berried,  and  foliage  plants  Air.  A.  Newell, 
gardener  to  Sir  Edwin  Saunders,  Wimbledon  Common,  was  placed  first 
with  a  well  arranged  group,  consisting  of  Roman  Hyacinths,  Bouvardias 
in  variety,  Poinsettias,  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine,  and  a  variety  of 
foliage  plants,  and  Air.  AV.  Howe,  gardener  to  Sir  H.  Tate,  Streatham 
Common,  second.  For  a  collection  of  Cyclamens  Air.  W.  Orpwood, 
Andover  Nursery’,  Uxbridge,  was  awarded  first  with  a  well  flowered 
collection.  Air.  W.  Orpwood  was  agtin  first  for  a  group  of  Primulas 
with  well  grown  plants. 
Alessrs.  II.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  contributed  a  large  display  of 
Chrysanthemums,  Begonias,  and  Zonal  Pelargoniums.  The  most  con¬ 
spicuous  in  the  Chrysanthemums  were  huge  bunches  of  Aliss  Harvey, 
the  white  Airs.  Filkins  (a  capital  variety  for  December  flowering), 
Alice  Carter,  Golden  Dart,  Julia  Scaramanga,  and  Airs.  Filkins.  The 
Pelargoniums  were  really  grand,  the  colours  exceedingly  bright  and 
fresh,  quite  paling  the  surrounding  flowers.  Mr.  N.  Davis,  Framfield, 
exhibited  an  imposing  display  of  Chrysanthemums,  tastefully  arranged  in 
gigantic  vases,  baskets,  and  numerous  floral  devices,  the  whole  grouped 
with  Palms,  Crotons,  and  Ferns.  The  huge  vases  of  G.  J.  Warren, 
Aladame  Carnot,  and  Airs.  Hermann  Kloss  were  magnificent,  the  decorative 
stations  were  well  represented,  and  contributed  to  make  a  grand  display. 
Mr.  H.  J.  Jones,  Ryecroft  Nursery,  Lewisham,  exhibited  in  his  well- 
known  style.  The  large  flowering- varieties  were  staged  in  large  vases, 
and  comprised  good  examples  of  Julia  Scaramanga,  Aldlle.  L.  Zed£, 
Western  King,  Georgina  Pitcher,  and  Airs.  11.  Kloss  ;  the  entire  group 
edged  with  boards  of  specimen  bloora9,  the  whole  being  tastefully'  filled 
in  with  small  Ferns,  Palms,  Crotons,  and  foliage  plants.  Air.  T.  S.  AY  are^ 
Ltd.,  Tottenham,  staged  a  group  of  cut  Chrysanthemums,  comprising  a 
good  collection  of  single  varieties,  while  the  incurved  and  Japanese 
vaiieties  were  well  represented. 
Air.  A.  Felgate,  jun.,  Hersham,  Surrey,  exhibited  a  group  of  red 
L.  Canning,  also  boxes  of  cut  bloom*.  The  variety  will  be  an  acquisition 
to  maiket  growers,  and  for  late  decorative  purposes.  Air.  B.  Owen, 
Alaidenhead,  staged  a  fine  display  of  cut  blooms,  principally  specimen 
flowers.  The  best  forms  were  Air.  Al.  Yersfeld,  Alary  Alolyneux,  and 
several  new  seedlings. 
