130 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
August  10,  1899. 
Sweet  Peas  formed  an  important  feature,  and  for  nine  vaiieties  in 
hunches  Mr.  V.  B.  Johnstone,  Tettenhal),  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for 
.a  grand  arrangement  of  fine  blooms  (Eckford’s  varieties')  as  follows  : — 
Prince  of  Wales,  B.  Burpee,  Mrs.  J.  Chamberlain,  Lady  N.  Ballour, 
Black  Knight,  Chancellor,  Salopian,  G.  Cadogan,  Venus,  Duchess  of 
York,  Senator,  and  Queen  Victoria.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mrs. 
A.  W.  Hulse,  Birmingham. 
For  Mr.  R.  Sydenham’s  prizes  for  Sweet  Peas,  nine  bunches,  were 
awarded  to  Mr.  V.  B.  Johnstone,  Mr.  W.  Bellamj  ,  and  Mr.  C.  L.  Branson, 
Coleshill,  in  the  order  named.  For  a  floral  decoration  of  Sweet  Peas 
Mr.  A.  W.  Hulse  was  first  ;  Mr.  J.  Sceany,  Harborne,  second  ;  and  Miss 
R.  Sydenham  third. 
Premier  Blooms. — Mr.  A.  W.  .Tones  with  Fancy  Carnation  Perseus, 
Mr.  W.  Bellamy  with  self  Carnation  Endymion,  Mr.  R.  C.  Cartwright 
bizarre  Carnation  Gordon  Lewis,  Mr.  Tom  Lord  with  heavy  edge  Picotee 
Lady  Louisa.  Mr.  R.  Sydenham  with  Hake  Rob  Roy,  Mr.  R.  Sydenham 
with  a  yellow  ground  Picotee. 
In  addition  to  the  competitive  exhibits  there  was  a  large  and  attractive 
•display  by  the  trade,  chief  among  which  was  a  remarkably  fine  collection 
of  herbaceous  cut  flowers,  set  up  with  admirable  taste  by  Messrs  W.  F. 
Gunn  &  Sons,  Olton,  Birmingham,  and  to  which  a  silver  medal  was 
awarded.  A  similar  award  wis  given  to  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Sons,  Lang- 
jjort,  for  a  superb  collection  of  Gladioli  :  certificates  of  merit  being 
awarded  to  their  two  new  varieties.  Flying  Fox  and  Prince  llanjitsinghi. 
Silver  medals  were  also  awarded,  to  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  Coventry,  for 
a  collection  of  Roses  ;  to  Mr.  Wm,  Sydenham,  Tamworth,  for  a  display 
of  herbaceous  flowers,  Violas  and  Roses  ;  to  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Farnham, 
for  Cactus  and  Show  Dahlias,  and  to  Messrs.  Hewitt  &  Co.,  Birmingham, 
for  floral  decorations.  Bronze  medals  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Pritchard 
and  Son,  Shrewsbury,  for  Carnations  ;  to  Messrs.  Simpson  &  Sons, 
Birmingham,  for  Sweet  Peas  ;  to  Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  London,  for 
Carnations  ;  to  Mr.  J.  H  White,  Worcester,  a  first-class  certificate  for  a 
collection  of  herbaceous  cut  flowers. 
LIVERPOOL. — August  3rd,  4th,  5th,  and  7th. 
Opinion  has  been  freely  expressed  as  to  the  suitability  of  the  Liver¬ 
pool  Horticultural  Show  being  held  in  conjunction  with  the  Royal 
Lancashire  Agricultural  Society,  but  no  one,  after  seeing  the  magnitude 
and  the  success  which  has  attended  the  efforts  of  the  Committee  connected 
with  both  Shows,  would  for  a  moment  hesitate  to  say  that  the  amalgama¬ 
tion  was  not  sound  policy.  To  show  how  great  was  the  interest  centred 
in  trying  to  make  horticulture  a  fitting  companion  to  a.  riculture,  we  may 
mention  that  a  huge  tent,  over  400  feet  long  by  42  feet  wide,  was  scarcely 
sufficient  to  accommodate  the  display  of  flowers,  fruits,  and  vegetables 
brought  together  ;  and  never  since  the  days  when  Messrs.  Cypher,  F'ncb, 
Cromwell,  and  Mease,  with  the  late  Mr.  Cox,  used  to  do  battle  together 
has  the  Association  been  in  such  a  proud  position  as  regards  exhibits. 
Plants. 
For  ten  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  Mr.  J.  Bracegirdle,  gardener 
to  V.  II  Watts,  Esq.,  Elm  Ilall,  Wavertree,  had  perhaps  as  handsome 
collection  as  has  ever  been  seen  in  Liverpool,  the  Palms  being  fresh 
and  well  clothed,  Crotons  a  trifle  short  in  colour,  hut  flowering  plants, 
such  as  Bongainvillea  glabra,  Ixora  Prince  of  Orange,  and  Erica  retorta 
major  as  perfect  as  one  could  wish  to  see.  Mr.  R.  Pinnington,  gardener 
to  Mrs.  Banner,  Blacklow  House.  Roby,  came  second  with  good  but 
smaller  specimens.  Crotons  Countess,  mortfontainensis.  Ixora  coccinea 
superba,  and  Ch-rodendron  Balfourianurn  being  most  telling.  The  class 
for  three  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  bloom  saw  Mr.  Bracegirdle 
again  to  the  front.  Bougainvillea  glabra  Sanderiana  being  splendid  ;  Mr. 
Hitehman,  gardener  to  Arthur  Earle,  Esq.,  Childwall  Lodge,  was  a  capital 
second. 
In  the  classes  for  four  fine-foliage  plants,  three  Palms,  six  exotic 
Ferns,  two  classes  of  single  Ferns,  three  Fuchsias,  and  one  Fuchsia,  Mr. 
Bracegirdle  won  all  along  the  line,  the  plants  of  Davallia  fijiensis 
plumosa  and  Gleichenia  Mendeli  standing  out  most  conspicuously. 
Messrs.  T.  Carling,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Cope,  Dove  Park,  Woolton, 
R.  Pinningt  n,  and  T.  Gowen,  gardener  to  J.  A.  Bartlett,  Esq., 
Lynton  Lodge,  Mossley  Hill,  were  excellent  seconds  and  thirds  in 
various  classes.  Mr.  George  Eaton,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Shirley,  Esq., 
Allerton  House,  Allerton,  showed  the  highest  cultural  skill  in  winning 
the  class  for  three  Ferns,  six  Caladiuras,  and  four  Ivy-leaf  Pelargoniums. 
The  classes  for  Crotons  and  Dracaenas  in  8-inch  pots  brought  out  many 
fine  plants,  Messrs.  Gowen  and  Carling  winning. 
Orchids  have  been  seen  in  better  condition,  but  the  four  staged  by 
Mr.  E.  R.  Finch,  gardener  to  Joseph  Smith,  Esq.,  Newstead,  Wavertree, 
containing  three  well-flowered  Cattleyas,  and  the  single  Oncidium  Lan- 
ceanum  from  Mr.  W.  Lyon,  gardener  to  A.  M.  Smith,  Esq..  Bolton  Hey, 
Roby,  were  very  creditable.  For  cool  Orchids  F.  Cross,  Esq.,  showed 
admirably.  Begonia  classes  were  of  a  high  standard,  Mr.  T.  Ankers,  gar¬ 
dener  to  W.  B.  Bowring,  Esq.,  Grassendale,  winning.  The  Coleus  and 
Zonal  Pelargoniums  from  Mr.  Hitehman  were  clean,  and  the  latter  beau¬ 
tifully  flowered.  Mr.  E.  Bridge,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Jowett,  Greenhiil, 
Huyton,  came  a  clever  second.  Cockscombs,  Gloxinias,  Liliums,  Cannas, 
and  Lycopods  w'ere  fairly  well  shown,  Messrs.  Bridge,  Lyon,  Moorhouse, 
gardener  to  S.  Brocklehurst,  Esq.,  West  Derby,  E.  R,  Finch,  and  Mr.  W. 
Bustard,  gardener  to  T.  McClelland,  Esq.,  staging. 
Groups  and  Cut  Flowers. 
In  Liverpool  groups  are  not  fully  up  to  the  standard  of  those  in  many 
parts  of  the  country,  lacking  that  natural  and  free  charm  that  is  so  requi¬ 
site.  The  large  group  from  Mr.  Bracegirdle  was  a  long  way  in  advance, 
and  reflected  very  high  commendation.  The  half-circular  one  by  Mr. 
Gowen  showed  good  work. 
Cut  flowers  were  magnificently  arranged.  In  Roses  Messrs.  Alex. 
Dickson  &  Sons,  Newtownards  took  the  lead  for  forty,  quality  being  the 
leading  feature.  Messrs.  Darkness  k  Sons.  Bedale,  came  a  good  second, 
and  Mr.  Hugh  Dickson,  Belfast,  third.  For  eighteen  Teas  and  Noisettes 
Messrs.  Cocker  k  Sons,  Aberdeen,  succeeded  in  beating  Messrs.  Alex. 
Dickson  &  Sons,  both  stands  being  especially  good,  he  latter  scoring  for 
six  light  and  six  dark  In  the  local  class  Mr.  T.  Raffles  Bullev.  Liscard, 
had  a  capital  twelve.  The  boxes  of  cut  Roses,  arranged  for  effect,  num¬ 
bered  four,  Mr.  P.  Creen,  gardener  to  T.  Gee,  Esq.,  Greenhiil,  Allerton, 
winning.  The  stove  and  greenhouse  cut  flowers  from  Mr.  Carling  showed 
to  perfection.  No  greater  tweniy-four  hardy  herbaceous  cut  flowers  have 
ever  been  seen  than  the  winning  set  from  Messrs.  Cocker  k  Sons  and 
Ilarkness  k  Son,  who  won  in  the  order  named.  The  Carnations  from 
Mr.  W.  Neish,  gardener  to  J.  H.  Ismay,  Esq.,  Caldy  Manor,  were  of  the 
best. 
Fruit  and  Vegetables. 
Fruit  was  not  too  liberally  displayed,  but  there  was  good  quality,  the 
six  dishes  being  won  by  Mr.  T.  Elsworthy,  gardener  to  Messrs.  W.  L. 
and  R.  F.  Gladstone,  Court  Hey,  Roby.  These  were  Madresfield  Court 
and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  a  fine  Melon,  Bellegarde  Peach, 
Lord  Napier  Nectarine,  and  Brown  Turkey  Fig,  all  being  clean  and 
well  ripened.  Mr.  W.  Oldham,  gardener  to  J.  Beecham,  Esq.,  Ewan- 
ville,  Huyton.  was  a  good  second.  For  black  and  white  Grapes  the 
winners  were  Messrs.  T.  Reid,  gardener  to  D.  Wilson,  Esq.,  Claughton. 
T.  Elsworthy,  T.  B.  Kendall,  and  H.  A.  Sanderson.  For  four  dishes  of 
fruit,  Mr.  T.  Eaton,  gardener  to  J.  Farrington,  Esq.,  Roby  Mount,  Roby, 
had  a  most  perfect  exhibit.  Wonderful  fruits  of  Koyal  George  secured 
the  Peach  class  for  Mr.  B.  Ashton,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Lathom,  Lathom 
House,  and  Lord  Napier  the  Nectarine  for  Mr.  Elsworthy. 
Vegetables,  although  not  in  such  abundance  as  one  would  have  liked, 
were  tine,  and  the  respected  Mr.  B.  Ashton,  successor  to  the  well  known 
grower,  Mr.  J.  Hathaway,  had  grand  produce  in  classes  for  twelve  and 
six  varieties  and  four  dishes  of  Potatoes.  Mr.  W.  Bustard  won  with 
eight  varieties,  Mr.  Lyon  with  two  dishes  each  of  Potatoes  and  Tomatoes, 
and  Mr,  Salisbury,  gardener  to  L,  F.  Bahr,  Esq.,  with  four  dishes  of 
Peas. 
Non-Competitive  Exhibits. 
The  majestic  Palms,  foliage  a  d  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  towered 
right  away  the  whole  length  of  the  centre  of  the  fine  tent,  the  side  tables 
being  tilled  with  such  a  grand  trade  array  as  has  seldom  been  seen  in 
Liverpool.  First  and  foremost  was  the  splendid  exhibit  from  Messrs. 
R.  P.  Ker  k  Sons,  Aigburth,  which  for  quality  could  not  be  excelled. 
The  choice  Crotons  will  not  soon  fade  from  memory,  or  the  display  of 
their  crimson  Gloxinias,  Dracienas,  Cannas,  and  foliage  plants  generally. 
Messrs.  Dicksons,  Ltd.,  Chester,  were  in  strong  force  with  herbaceous 
cut  flowers,  the  collection  being  large,  varied,  and  quite  up  to  the  usual 
high  siandard  ;  a  first  certificate  was  given  for  a  fine  flaked  Carnation 
named  “  II is  Honour.”  Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons,  besides  winning 
the  premier  prize  for  Roses  in  competition,  made  a  commanding  display  of 
cut  Roses  not  for  competition,  the  substance  and  colour  of  which  brought 
forth  the  highest  encomiums  from  delighted  visitors.  Mr.  Eckford’s 
Sweet  Peas  shone  particularly  strong,  as  they  deserved,  the  choice 
colours  and  admirable  arrangement  showing  the  good  work  which  this 
firm  has  carried  out  so  successfully.  T  e  Carnations  from  Mr.  C.  A. 
Young,  West  Derby,  showed  again  how  thoroughly  interested  our  great 
Liverpool  grower  is  in  his  work,  the  varieties  and  colouring  being  most 
remarkable.  Messrs.  T.  Davies  k  Sons,  Wavertree,  had  choice  Ericas, 
Sweet  Peas,  and  loliage  plants,  all  in  the  pink  of  perfection.  Mr. 
II.  Middlehurst,  Liverpool,  maintained  his  reputation  as  a  most  successful 
exhibitor  of  Sweet  Peas.  Mr.  Septimus  Pye,  Gars  tang,  had  a  large 
assortment  of  cut  Violas  and  Carnations. 
Mr.  Hugh  Dickson,  Belfast,  arranged  beautiful  cut  Begonias,  while 
the  herbaceous  cut  flowers  from  Mr.  J.  Cocker,  Aberdeen,  showed  to  the 
greatest  advantage.  The  celebrated  “  Edwardian  ”  ware  from  Mr  Edwards, 
of  Nottingham,  was  shown.  Messrs.  John  Cowan  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Gateacre, 
had  a  lovely  display  of  Orchids  and  miscellaneous  plants,  and  collections 
of  the  latter  came  also  from  Messrs.  Rowlands,  West  Derby,  and  Coulton, 
Aigburth.  Outside  some  of  the  best  firms  had  large  temporary  erections, 
a  grand  contribution  of  small  Conifers,  with  splendid  dw'arf  fruiting  trees. 
Apples  and  Pears,  literally  laden  with  fruit,  vegetables  and  flowers,  bulbr 
and  splendid  cut  Roses,  coming  from  Messrs.  W.  Clibran  k  Sons. 
Dicksons.  Ltd.,  Chester,  had  a  fine  stand  of  farm  seeds,  and  everything 
requisite  for  a  well  kept  garden.  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Robinson,  Man¬ 
chester,  kept  up  their  repute  by  placing  farm  seeds,  vegetables,  and 
flowers  of  the  highest  quality.  A  similar  compliment  ought  also  to  be 
accorded  Messrs.  Dickson,  Brown  &  Tait,  of  Manchester.  Messrs.  Webb 
and  Sons,  Stourbridge,  had  one  of  their  celebrated  stands,  the  mention 
ot  which  is  sufficient  to  all  readers.  Mr.  J.  Bramham,  of  Liverpool,  had 
one  of  the  most  extensive  exhibits  of  ornamental  wirework  ever  seen. 
Messrs.  T.  Green  &  Sons  staged  every  description  of  the  superior  rollers 
and  mowing  machines,  for  which  they  are  so  lamed,  and  Mr.  R.  Halliday, 
Manchester,  some  excellent  horticultural  buildings.  The  Boundary 
Chemical  Company,  Liverpool,  had  a  fine  show  of  their  now  indispensable 
specialities. 
The  successful  undertaking  of  so  great  a  show  has  been  much 
facilitated  by  the  excellent  and  courteous  work  given  by  Messrs.  Foster 
and  Mercer,  Chairman  and  Vice-Chairman,  H.  Sadler,  the  newly 
appointed  Secretary,  and  the  well  selected  staging  Committee. 
