108 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
August  3,  1899. 
Mr.  McFall’s  group  for  effect  was  rich  in  flowering  plants,  but  more 
“greenery”  might  have  been  introduced  with  telling  effect.  Mr.  W. 
Lyon,  gardener  to  A.  Mackenzie  Smith,  Esq.,  Bolton  Hey,  Roby,  was  a 
goo  1  second,  and  Mr.  R.  Pinnington  third.  Mr.  McFall  showed  splendid 
greeuhouso  and  stove  flowering  plants  in  other  classes.  The  Gloxinias 
from  Mr.  Lyon  were  types  of  the  best  culture,  whilst  Mr.  George’s 
Fuchsias  were  most  profusely  flowered.  Mr.  T.  Greene,  gardener  to 
T.  Gee,  Esq.,  Grecnhill,  Allerton,  was  successful  with  Cockscombs,  one 
Begonia,  twelve  Roses,  and  a  collection  of  herbaceous  flowers  well  set 
up  ;  the  prize  for  six  Begonias  going  to  Mr.  Humphreys,  gardener  to 
E.  Shorrock  Eccles,  Esq.,  Huyton.  British  Ferns  were  handsomely 
grown  by  Mr.  Field,  gardener  to  J.  H.  Wilson,  Esq.,  Aigburth,  and  it  is  a 
feature  well  worth  imitating  in  every  Echedule,  for  they  were  quite  aB 
•handsome  as  any  of  the  exotics. 
The  fruit  classes  were  capitally  contested,  the  honours  falling  to  Mr. 
T.  Eaton,  gardener  to  J.  Farrington,  Eiq.,  Roby  Mount,  Roby,  whose 
fruit  in  the  collection  and  in  Peaches  and  Nectarines  were  of  fine  form  and 
beautiful  colour,  reflecting  much  credit  on  the  grower.  The  honours  for 
white  and  black  Grapes  fell  to  Messrs.  J,  Fait clough,  gardener  to 
,1.  Atherton,  Esq.,  Huyton  (two  classes);  W.  Oldham,  gardener  to 
G.  Beecham,  Esq.,  Ewanville,  Huyton ;  and  R.  Forbes,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Baxter,  The  Tower,  Rainhill.  Small  fruits  were  splendid,  the 
winners  being  Messrs.  Pinnington  (two  classes),  McFall  (two),  J.  Brown 
<(two),  Eaton,  G.  Parr,  and  G.  Fairclough.  Vegetables  were  all  specially 
choice,  and  not  the  least  interesting  feature  of  the  show, — II.  P.  R. 
NEWPORT. — July  28th. 
Although  comparatively  young  th i3  Society  holds  its  own  against 
■other  West  of  England  societies,  and  is  steadily  improving  its  position 
both  as  regards  the  quality,  extent,  and  popularity  of  the  exhibitions 
held.  Mr.  J.  Ellis  is  the  Honorary  Secretary,  and  ho  receives  good 
assistance  from  a  representative  Committee.  The  Show  was  held  under 
most  favourable  climatic  conditions,  and  was  well  attended. 
The  competition  with  trained  and  other  specimen  plants  was 
satisfactory,  the  greater  portion  being  locally  grown.  For  six  flowering 
plants  Mr.  J.  Cypher,  Cheltenham,  was  first,  staging  large,  grandly 
•flowered  specimens  of  S’atice  profuse,  Bougainvillea  Sanderiana,  Ixora 
\\  illiamsi,  Erica  Irbvana,  Erica  obbovata,  and  Stephanotis  floribunda. 
Mr.  McLow,  gardenrr  to  A.  T.  R  jbinson,  Esq.,  was  second,  among  his 
'plants  bring  a  fairly  good  specimen  of  the  old-fashioned  exhibition  plant 
Jvalosanthe3  coccinoa.  Messrs.  W.  Jones  &  Son  were  third.  Tho  best 
four  flowering  plants  were  shown  by  Mr.  W.  Carpenter,  gardener  to 
W.  .1.  Buckley,  Esq.,  th  se  consisting  of  Anthurium  Andreanum, 
Mlamanda  Ilendcrsoni,  Ixora  Wiliiamsi,  and  Bougainvillea  Sanderiana. 
Mr.  U.  Powell,  gardener  to  Col.  Wallace,  was  second.  The  competition 
with  fine-foliaged  plants  was  closer  and  keener  than  is  the  case  at  many 
•other  shows,  Mr.  Cypher  was  first,  Crotons  Flambeau  and  Kentias 
Fosteriana  and  Belmorcana  being  his  best  plants.  Mr.  G.  Sharratt, 
gardener  to  C.  H.  Bailey,  Esq  ,  M,  P.,  was  second.  For  four  varieties 
Mr.  J.  Duff,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Williams,  was  first,  showing  good  speci¬ 
mens  of  Cycas  intermedia,  Iventia  Belmorcana,  Latania  borbonica,  and 
Anthurium  crvstallinum.  Mr.  J.  R.  Taylor,  gardener  to  J.  Pickford, 
Esq.,  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  C.  Parker,  gardener  to  T.  J.  Beynon, 
Esq.,  third. 
Table  plants  were  numerous  and  well  selected.  First,  Mr.  J.  Grisdale, 
gardener  to  C.  D.  Phillips,  Esq.  ;  second,  Mr.  J.  E.  Davis,  gardener  to 
Lord .  Aberdare ;  and  third,  Mr.  Id.  A.  Joy,  gardener  to  R.  A. 
Bowring,  Esq.  Mr.  J.  Pegler,  gardener  to  H.  J.  Davies,  E-q.,  was  first 
for  Begonias  ;  second,  Mr.  J.  R.  Taylor  ;  while  for  Gloxinias,  Mr.  J.  B. 
Greening,  gardener  to  P.  A.  Williams,  E>q.,  was  first;  and  Mr.  W. 
Lewis,  gardener  to  Dr.  Garrod  Thomas,  second.  For  Coleuses,  Mr.  It. 
^j0nn.  gardener  to  W .  T.  Dawson,  Esq.,  was  first ;  second,  Mr.  G.  Sharratt. 
The  most  successful  exhibitors  of  Orchids  were  Dr.  C.  B.  Gratle  and 
Mr.  G.  Sharratt  ;  and  the  principal  prizewinners  with  Ferns  were 
Messrs.  I.  Sharrard,  John  Duff’,  and  W.  Lewis,  the  competition  being 
most  satisfactory  in  every  instance. 
Groups  for  effect  were  quite  a  feature  in  the  display.  The  best 
-circular  group  was  arranged  by  Mr.  W.  Carpenter,  who  made  good  use 
of  admirably  grown  materials  ;  second,  Mr.  McLew  ;  third,  Mr.  G. 
^Sharratt.  The  semicircular  groups  were  equally  well  arranged,  but 
^r-  A..  Joy  was  well  first  ;  Mr.  D.  Powell  second,  and  Mr.  J.  R. 
laylor  third.  The  first  prize  for  a  group  of  Tuberous  Begonias  went 
to  Mr.  H.  J.  Pillinger. 
The  hot  dry  weather  experienced  for  several  weeks  in  succession 
seriously  militated  against  the  cut  flower  section,  but  Mr.  Ralph  Cross- 
ling,  1  enarth,  had  grand  stands  of  Roses,  taking  first  for  Hybrid 
Perpetuals  and  Teas  ;  Mr.  W.  Treseder,  Cardiff,  following  in  each 
instance.  With  both  Carnations  and  Picotees  Mr.  W.  Treseder  easily 
gained  first  honours,  staging  large  perfect  blooms  in  each  instance.  Mr. 
J.  B.  Greening  also  showed  good  blooms,  and  was  awarded  second  prize. 
For  a  mixed  stand  Mr.  C.  Darling  was  first,  Mr.  W.  Treseder  was 
■fiisfc  for  an  excellent  display  of  herbaceous  flowers  in  twelve  kinds; 
second,  Messrs.  Jones  &  Son,  Maindee  ;  and  there  were  numerous  com¬ 
petitors  with  Sweet  Peas,  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  and  other  flowers. 
f  ruit  was  shown  in  fairly  large  quantities,  and  much  of  it  was  praise¬ 
worthy.  In  the  open  to  all  section  the  first  prizo  for  a  collection  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  H.  A.  Joy,  and  he  was  also  first  for  white  Grapes,  show- 
^ng  good  Muscat  of  Alexandria  ;  second,  Mr.  R.  Giddings,  with  beauti¬ 
fully  rioened  Buckland  Sweetwater.  Mr.  J.  Fraser,  gardener  to  F.  L. 
Dane,  Esq.,  was  first  in  the  class  for  black  Grapes,  showing  Black 
Hamburgh  good  in  every  respect ;  second,  Mr.  T.  Green,  gardener  to 
E.  Lewis,  Esq.,  for  very  creditable  examples  of  Madresfield  Court. 
Melons  were  shown  in  pairs,  and  not  cut  by  the  Judges.  Mr.  II.  Mitchell* 
gardener  to  II.  B.  Cory,  Esq.,  was  first ;  and  Mr.  J.  B.  Greening  second. 
Peaches  were  numerous  and  good.  The  first  prize  went  lo  Mr.  T.  Green 
for  remarkably  well  grown  Royal  George  ;  second,  Mr.  W.  E.  Noad, 
gardener  to  W.  Aiming,  Esq.,  for  Bellegarde,  also  very  fine.  In  the  local 
classes  the  prizes  for  collections  went  to  Messrs.  C.  Darling  (gardener  to 
Col.  Lyne),  T.  Green,  and  W.  E.  Noad  in  the  order  given.  In  the  various 
other  fruit  classes  Messrs.  H.  A.  Joy,  J.  Fraser,  W.  E.  Noad,  It.  Giddings, 
II.  Mitchell,  R.  Long,  J.  Hughes,  and  J.  Duff  were  the  most  successful 
competitors. 
Vegetables  were  better  in  quality,  and  shown  in  larger  quantities  than 
anticipated.  The  best  nine  varieties  were  shown  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Hughes, 
second  Mr.  T.  Richards,  third  Mr.  E.  Steer.  Tomatoes  were  good.  First 
Mr.  T.  Richards,  second  Mr.  W.  E.  Noad,  third  Mr.  J.Duff.  Cucumbers 
were  also  well  selected.  Mr.  McLew  was  first  and  Mr.  J.  C.  Hughes 
second.  Classes  were  provided  for  all  kinds  of  vegetables  in  season,  and 
these  were  well  filled. 
Non-competitive  displays  added  considerably  to  the  attractiveness  of 
the  show.  A  gold  medal  was  awarded  to  Mr.  W.  Treseder,  Cardiff,  for  a 
group  of  choice  plants  and  cut  flowers  very  tastefully  and  lightly  arranged 
in  an  up-to-date  style.  The  Carnations,  Picotees,  Chrysanthemums,  and 
Dahlias  were  remarkably  good,  and  shown  off  to  the  best  advantage.  A 
gold  medal  was  also  awarded  to  Mr.  John  Basham,  Bassaleg,  Newport, 
who  had  a  grand  bank  of  plants  and  cut  flowers,  comprising  bush  Apples 
and  cordon  Gooseberries  admirably  fruited  in  pots,  and  a  vatiety  of  stove 
and  greenhouse  plants.  Messrs.  Ileath  &  Son  made  a  good  display  with 
herbaceous  flowers.  Dahlias,  Sweet  Peas,  and  Orchids,  and  gained  a  silver 
medal.  Messrs.  Garaway  &  Co..  Biistol,  showed  a  group  of  well-grown 
stove  and  greenhouse  plants.  Mr.  Eckford  exhibit d  Sweet  Peas  of  great 
merit,  as  also  did  Me  srs.  Jones  &  Son,  Newport.  A  tent  was  wholly 
devoted  to  ladies’  exhibits,  table  decorations  proving  most  attractive. 
THE  YOUNG  GARDENERS’  DOMAIN. 
The  Gloxinia. 
{Concluded  from  page  88.) 
The  hiuse  should  be  kept  close  for  a  few  days,  and  air  admitted 
gradually  after  growth  again  commence  .  When  thoroughly  rooted 
repot  into  32’s  and  2Fs  in  the  same  soil  as  recommended  previously,  with 
some  sheep  manure,  dried  an  1  broken  up  very  flue,  incorporated  with  the 
soil.  When  growth  i>  very  active  liquid  manure  is  beneficial.  Gloxinias 
are  partial  to  soot  water,  this  making  the  leaves  beautifully  green, 
which  is  a  sure  sign  of  health  and  vigour. 
It  is  necessary  to  sow  seeds  thinly.  When  the  young  seedlings  make 
their  appearance  they  must  be  carefully  shaded,  as  the  sun  quickly 
cripples  them.  When  the  youngsters  are  large  enough  to  handle,  prick 
them  out  into  pans,  and  before  they  become  crowded  transfer  to  small 
pots,  and  later  into  48’s,  the  size  in  which  the  plants  are  to  flower.  Crock 
the  pots  well.  Treated  thus  they  make  capital  stock,  and  will  have  from 
six  to  a  doz  -n  flowers  on  them. 
The  old  tubers  nre#carce)y  worth  growing  after  the  second  season,  as 
the  flowers  deteriorate  to  a  great  oitent  after  this  stage.  If  a  particularly 
good  variety  makes  its  appearance  and  it  is  desirable  to  increase  it,  it 
may  be  done  by  means  of  the  leaves.  These  quickly  root  and  make 
plan'Pts  if  taken  off  and  the  stem  inserted  in  soil.  During  the  flower¬ 
ing  period  the  plants  should  be  removed  to  a  cooler  house,  as  by  this 
means  they  will  last  in  good  condition  for  a  considerably  longer  time. — 
W.  J.  M. 
Mushroom  Culture. 
Most  gardeners  have  to  produce  quantities  of  this  edible  fungi,  and 
various  are  the  ways  they  are  served  up  at  table  by  the  cook.  July  is  a 
suitable  month  to  commence  collecting  the  stable  manure  for  making  the 
first  bed  to  be  put  in  the  Mushroom  house.  Some  gardeners  exclude  all 
straw  from  the  manure  and  obtain  excellent  results,  but  where  the  horses 
are  periodically  given  medicine  balls,  or  fed  freely  with  Carrots,  the 
practice  of  using  the  droppings  alone  is  risky,  and  not  to  be  com¬ 
mended,  and  under  such  circumstances  I  have  known  it  extremely 
difficult  to  get  Mushroom  beds  to  bear  good  crops. 
If  large  quantities  are  required  the  process  of  collecting  the  material 
is  very  slow.  I  have  found  the  following  way  entirely  satisfactory. 
In  most  stables  the  men  generally  put  the  whole  of  the  manure  which  is 
daily  collected  into  the  “mitten”  or  pit  attached  to  the  stables,  and  it 
is  usually  of  a  very  strawy  nature.  When  a  quantity  is  required  for  a 
bed  the  contents  of  the  pit  should  be  turned  over  and  have  ail  the  longest 
of  the  straw  shaken  out,  retaining  all  that  which  is  short,  and  of  course 
full  of  droppings. 
Take  this  to  the  garden  yard  or  to  an  open  shed  if  one  is  available. 
If  the  manure  is  put  into  the  open  means  must  be  found  to  ward  off  rain. 
The  manure  should  be  put  in  a  heap,  and  when  fermentation  commences 
it  must  be  turned  every  alternate  day,  as  by  this  process  the  rank  gases 
are  dispelled,  and  in  a  fortnight  the  whole  mass  will  he  sweetened  and 
purified.  If  the  manure  is  dry  it  should  be  sprinkled  with  water,  but 
aim  at  the  happy  medium,  so  that  when  the  manure  is  put  in  the  bed  it 
may  be  beaten  down  quite  solid. 
After  tie  bed,  whicli  should  not  be  less  than  15  inches  in  depth,  is 
made  up,  place  a  thermometer  3  inches  deep  in  the  bed,  which  will 
probably  heat  rapidly  to  110°,  or  higher  if  the  manure  was  loo  moist 
when  put  in.  When  the  heat  of  the  bed  has  declined  to  75°  at  the  depth 
indicated  above  the  bed  may  be  safely  spawned. — FOREMAN  X. 
(To  be  conclude  1.) 
