106 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
August  3,  R99. 
have  the  character  of  spiny  lamp-posts  that  would  damp  the  ardour  of 
the  most  incorrigible  of  climbing  small  boys.  They  are  convenient 
plants,  too,  inasmuch  as  the  cultivator  may  go  away  for  a  week  or  two, 
and  return  to  find  them  little  or  none  the  worse  for  the  neglect. 
Outdoor  Attractions. 
Beyond  question  these  are  too  numerous  to  particularise.  There  are 
the  hundreds  of  splendid  Chrysanthe  mums  standing  in  serried  lines  like 
regiments  of  grey  coated  soldiers,  and  they  will  do  their  duty  well  as  the 
autumn  days  come  round.  There  are  no  grossness  of  wood  or  flabbiness 
■of  leafage,  but  instead  a  sturdy,  stout  air  of  strength  that  augurs  well  tor 
future  fame.  Begonias  are  planted  out  by  the  thousand,  and  will  with 
favourable  weather  soon  be  making  a  brave  show.  The  Strawberries 
were  rapidly  passing,  but  the  perennial  Sir  Joseph  was  in  evidence  to  carry 
on  the  supply  after  its  more  luscious  sisters  have  finished  for  another 
year.  The  splendid  grounds  of  herbaceous  flowers  might  easily  be  made 
the  text  of  a  lengthy  art  cle,  as  also  could  the  Hose  and  Dahlia  gardens. 
Each  of  these  is  well  stocked  with  plants  in  good  condition,  and  those  in 
the  first  and  second  named  were  gloriously  beautiful,  notwithstand  ing  the 
fact  that  rain  had  for  some  time  been  conspicuous  by  its  absence. 
From  Swanley  to  Eynsford. 
From  Swanley  to  Eynsford  there  are  more  ways  than  one,  and  we 
chose  that  which  would  afford  the  greatest  interest,  and,  it  may  be  added, 
would  take  the  longest  time.  With  a  strong  horse,  a  comfortable  carriage, 
and  Mr,  Cannell  as  driver  and  demonstrator,  progress  was  not  particularly 
rapid,  but  the  drive  was  full  of  interest.  Those  who  have  the  idea  that 
all  the  fruit  farming  in  Kent  is  excellent  have  only  to  traverse  this  short 
four  miles  to  have  their  minds  disabused  of  a  fallacy.  There  is  much 
fruit  growing  that  is  very  good,  and  there  is  much  that  is  very,  very  bad. 
Side  by  side  may  be  seen  the  correct  and  the  incorrect  methods  of  pro¬ 
cedure,  the  results  of  soil  fertility  and  intelligent  work  on  the  one  hand, 
and  of  soil  exhaustion  and  studied  neglect  on  the  other.  Some  growers 
have  apparently  got  the  notion  that  if  they  make  a  hole,  allow  the  roots 
of  the  tree  to  fall  into  it,  throw  a  little  earth  on  and  tread  it  down,  they 
have  done  their  duty  and  the  turn  of  the  tree  starts  at  once.  This  is  not 
fruit  growing,  it  is  fruit  neglecting  and  can  never  be  profitable.  But  here 
eve  are  at  Eynsford,  that  thriving  village  where  the  cottager  grows  his 
bees,  flowers,  vegetables,  fruit,  and  poultry’,  and  will  soon,  if  the  inde¬ 
fatigable  Mr.  E.  D.  Till  has  his  w  ay,  be  producing  his  own  cider. 
The  English  Seed  Farm. 
The  position  of  the  Eynsford  Nurseries  for  the  production  of  seeds 
is  eminently  favourable,  as  they  occupy  the  base  and  two  sides  of  a  mile 
long  valley,  which  derives  the  full  benefit  of  the  whole  day  sun.  Then 
the  area  is  so  great,  approaching  to  400  acres,  that  it  is  not  a  difficult 
matter  to  find  positions  suited  to  all  kinds,  and  to  isolate  those  that  are 
particularly  liable  to  insect  fertilisation.  Then  the  mechanical  cultivation 
of  the  soil  is  of  the  very  btst,  and  it  is  enriched  according  to  the  require¬ 
ments  of  any  individual  crop,  so  that  these  with  proper  after  attention  have 
■every  encouragement  to  the  greatest  success.  The  several  acres  of 
Peas  formed  a  study  of  themselves,  if  only  for  the  comparison  of  one 
variety  with  another.  The  time  that  was  being  spent  in  “roguing” 
each  variety  proves  the  desirability  of  the  ruling  spirit,  Mr.  Robert 
Cannell,  to  keep  all  stocks  perfectly  true.  The  acres  of  Onions,  Parsnips, 
Beans,  Carrots,  Potatoes,  Lettuces,  Cabbages,  Broccoli,  and  others  are 
all  subjected  to  the  same  rigorous  treatment  at  their  proper  seasons. 
But  the  flowers  make  the  most  beautiful  display,  and  prove  by  their 
condition  the  same  intelligent  care.  Here  and  there  may  be  seen  plants 
with  streamers  of  raffia,  which  denote  that  they  are  above  the  average,  and 
that  the  seeds  must  bo  saved  separately  for  home  sowing  next  season, 
thus  insuring  the  improvement  of  the  variety  each  succeeding  year.  Which 
of  the  Sweet  Peas,  Asters,  Stocks,  Clarkias,  Godetias,  Ltnums,  or  the 
scores  of  others,  were  the  best  cannot  be  said,  as  all  were  as  good  as 
careful  selection  and  the  best  attention  could  make  them.  One  thing  is 
very  certain,  that  it  is  no  longer  necessary  to  go  to  Germany  to  see  an 
Aster  and  a  Stock  farm,  as  there  is  one  at  Eynsford. 
Trees  and  Shrubs. 
The  land  is  not  all  given  up  to  seed  growing,  for  the  simple  reason 
that  space  must  be  found  for  fruit  and  forest  trees,  as  well  as  all  kinds  of 
shrubs.  The  fruits,  of  all  kinds  and  forms,  from  the  Straw  berry  to  the 
trained  Apple  and  Pear,  look  thoroughly  well,  and  have  every  indication 
that  the  soil  and  the  cultivation  are  quite  suited  to  their  tastes.  Black, 
Red,  and  White  Currants  and  Raspberries,  particularly  Superlative,  are 
in  enormous  numbers,  as  are  coniferous  and  forest  trees  of  various  kinds. 
But  the  end  must  be  reached,  and  at  once  ;  and  Eynsford,  and  its  crops 
in  extenso,  must  be  left  for  another  year,  when  further  developments  will 
be  looked  for,  and  in  all  probability  found.  For  an  instructive  day  thanks 
are  tendered  to  Mr.  Swanley  Cannell,  and  to  Mr.  Ey  nsferd  Cannell,  by 
— A  Kentish  Man. 
BERBERRIES  FOR  PRESERVING. 
Not  many  persons  utilise  the  common  Berberry  fruit  for  preserving, 
the  stones  or  seeds  being  a  serious  objection,  and  the  stoneless  variety  is 
not  always  reliable.  Birds  leave  the  berries  severely  alone  till  late  in  the 
season.  Not  so  the  berries  of  the  Holly-leaved  Berberis  aquifolium,  so 
extensively  grown  as  a  covert  shrub,  for  they  speedily  disappear  down 
the  throats  of  the  thrush  family’,  while  pheasants  devour  them  with 
avidity.  Boys  also  have  strong  inclination  for  tasting  fruits,  and  it  is 
curious  to  note  how  the  “  young  idea  ”  arrives  at  a  decision  as  to  quality. 
In  a  certain  public  recreation  ground  are  thousands  of  B.  aquifolium, 
B.  Darwini,  and  B.  duleis,  or  properly  B.  buxifolia.  All  the  bushes  are, 
or  rather  were,  laden  with  berries.  The  fruits  of  tho  Box-leaved  have 
almost  all  disappeared.  Of  course  they  arc,  or  were,  fewer  and  larger 
than  the  berries  of  the  other  two  species,  and  they  are  also  far  sweeter 
and  better  in  flavour.  Next  to  these  come  Darwin’s  in  appreciation  by 
the  y  oungsters,  and  they,  like  the  birds,  rarely  err  in  their  tastes  for  the 
choicest  fruits.  The  crop  of  Darwin's  Berberry  is  enormous,  rivalling 
that  of  Currants  ;  and  if  good  to  juvenile  appetites,  and  agreeing  with 
their  stomachs,  why  not  utilise  the  produce  ot  the  bushes  for  tarts,  jam, 
and  jelly  ? 
Seeds  are  no  obstacle  to  the  preservers,  as  they  can  abstract  seeds  and 
skins  quite  easily  by  machinery,  and  in  these  days  we  want  variety,  the 
Berberry'  having  a  flavour  peculiarly  all  its  ow  n.  Boy  taste  falls  last  on 
the  Holly-leaved  Berberry.  The  crop  is  enormous  and  the  fruits  dazzling 
with  “bloom.”  It  is  astonishing  what  a  difference  sugar  makes  in  the 
appreciation  of  fruits,  and  not  many  more  palatable  preserves  are  made 
than  that  of  the  berries  of  the  Holly-leaved  Berberry. —  G.  Abbey. 
SHOWS. 
%  BOOTLE. — July  20th. 
This  great  shipping  harbour  of  Liverpool,  with  its  thousands  of  acres 
of  docks,  and  its  quays  laden  with  merchandise  from  all  parts  of  the 
world,  and  a  population  largely  composed  of  the  working  class  element, 
has  been  too  long  behind  the  times  in  the  matter  of  horticultural  enlighten¬ 
ment,  but,  thunks  to  the  Parks  Committee  of  the  Corporation  of  Bootle, 
the  recently  opened  Derby  Park  was  the  scene  of  a  brilliant  and 
fashionable  function,  on  the  occasion  of  the  first  show  in  the  park. 
The  Mayor,  who  was  accompanied  by  the  Mayoress,  Town  Clerk, 
and  other  members  of  the  Council,  at  the  opening  said  that  it  was  the 
beginning  of  a  new  feature  in  their  social  life,  and  one  which  he  thought 
would  prove  of  great  benefit  to  all,  and  hoped  the  show  would  be  held 
annually.  Councillor  Morton  spoke  of  the  hearty  co-operation  received 
from  every  one.  Financially  they  had  been  very  successful,  and  judging 
from  the  splendid  show  there  was  every  prospect  of  its  being  the  precursor 
of  a  most  useful  institution. 
The  groups  of  plants  formed  an  extra  fine  feature,  more  particularly 
that  staged  by  Mr.  H.  Ogden,  West  Derby,  and  for  which  the  handsome 
challenge  cup,  presented  by  Lord  Stanley,  M.P.,  was  deservedly  bestowed. 
In  other  classes  Mr.  Ogden  took  the  lead,  Mr.  C.  A.  Mather  following 
with  many  successes.  Roses  were  brilliant,  and  here  the  influence  of  the 
Formby  air  was  most  manifest,  the  flowers  being  of  the  richest  hues,  and 
the  form  perlcct.  Messrs.  B.  Kennedy  and  J.  C.  Hacking  secured  the 
prizes.  Mr.  Stanley’s  bouquets  were  of  much  merit.  Mr.  J.  Mathews 
had  plants  in  variety’,  suitable  to  all  tastes.  The  small  fruits  and 
vegetables  w  ere  of  the  highest  order,  Messrs.  W.  Mackarell  and  J.  Norris 
taking  almost  all  the  prizes,  although  ccmpetition  was  strong  in  every 
class. 
BECKENHAM.— July  26th. 
The  summer  show  of  this  Society  was  held  in  the  Recreation  Grounds, 
Croydon  Road.  The  weather  left  nothing  to  be  desired.  The  quality  of 
the  exhibits  compare  favourably  with  former  years.  The  show  includes 
many  outside  attractions,  which  appear  to  be  duly  appreciated. 
There  were  only  two  groups  arranged  for  effect,  10  feet  by  5  feet,  but 
both  were  of  excellent  quality',  and  tastefully  arranged.  Mr.  F.  G. 
Cogger,  gardener  to  W.  Potter,  Esq.,  was  placed  first  with  a  group 
composed  of  Humeas,  Crotons,  Cannas,  Caladiums,  Ferns,  and  Panicum  ; 
Francoas,  Odontoglossums,  Masdevallias,  and  Adas  provided  the  flowering 
part.  Mr.  G.  E.  Day,  gardener  to  H.  F.  Simmonds,  Esq.,  was  second 
with  a  group  in  which  the  Orchids  ployed  the  most  prominent  part  ;  they 
were  very  attracthe.  There  were  six  entries  lor  the  group  8  feet  by  4. 
Mr.  E.  Hawkins,  gardener  to  C.  A.  Smith,  Esq.,  was  placed  to  the  front 
with  a  nice  group,  somewhat  closely  arranged.  Mr.  W.  Biswell  was  a 
good  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Draper,  gardener  to  C.  E.  Firmin,  Esq.,  third  ; 
this  group  included  some  excellent  Liliums. 
Mr.  F.  G.  Ci  gger  was  first  for  pix  table  plants  with  good  Crotons, 
Aralias,  and  Cocos  Weddelliana.  Mr.  R.  Robertson,  gardener  to 
W.  Cobbett,  Esq.,  followed  with  Crotons  and  Dracaenas.  Coming  to  the 
smaller  class  for  three  plants,  Mr.  E.  Hawkins  took  first  prize,  closely 
followed  by  Mr.  D.  White,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Stenning,  E  q. ;  and  Mr. 
F.  Smith  third.  Mr.  F.  G.  Cogger  was  awarded  first  prize  for  three 
flowering  plants,  staging  a  fine  Ivalosanthes  coccinea,  Bougainvillea 
glabra,  and  a  Statice.  The  same  exhibitor  was  again  to  the  fore  with 
three  foliage  plants  with  a  good  pair  of  well-coloured  Crotons  and  a 
Caladium.  Mr.  R.  Robertson,  gardener  to  W.  Cobbett,  Esq.,  was  second. 
For  six  miscellaneous  plants  Mr.  R.  Robertson  was  first  with  a  moderate 
display.  The  single  specimen  plants  in  flower  made  a  better  display. 
Mr.  \V.  Turle,  gardener  to  A.  H.  Baker,  Esq.,  South  Eden  Park,  took 
first  honours  With  a  well-flowered  plant  of  Anthurium  Scherzerianum. 
Mr.  W.  G.  Conn,  gardener  to  II.  W.  Dillon,  Esq.,  Sydenham,  followed 
with  a  fine  Hydrangea.  Mr.  R.  Robertson  was  third  with  a  fine  Fuchsia. 
Mr.  W.  G.  Conn  was  first  for  a  specimen  foliage  plant  with  a  well-coloured 
plant  of  Pandanus  Veitchi.  Mr.  W.  Turle  was  second  with  a  fair  plant 
of  Latania  borbonica  ;  and  Mr.  H.  Cooper,  gardener  to  Mias  Harrison, 
third. 
For  two  Ferns,  distinct,  Mr.  F.  G.  Cogger  was  still  leading  with  good 
plants  of  Adiantums  Farleyense  andcuneatum  ;  Mr.  H.  Cooper  was  second 
with  good  plants  of  Davallia  Mooreanaand  a  Gymnogramma.  For  three 
flowering  Begonias  Mr.  W.  Turle  was  first  with  moderate  plants  only. 
Mr.  F.  G.  Cogger  was  the  only  exhibitor  for  three  Coleuses,  and  was 
