256 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
September  21,  1899. 
which  must  have  exercised  Mr.  Jones  not  a  little  wandering  over  the 
Dahlia  field  to  get  together.  The  arrangement  was  surpassingly  fine, 
and  immensely  pleased  the  public,  the  neat  star-shaped  single  varieties 
being  greatly  admired. 
Floral  and  Fruit  Committees. 
In  connection  with  the  Royal  Caledonian  Society’s  autumn  exhibition 
the  first  meeting  of  the  newly  instituted  Floral  and  Fruit  Committees 
were  held  on  the  13th  in  a  little  dark  office  near  the  exhibition.  The 
undernoted  plants  were  recommended  for  certificates.  A  broad-leaved 
green  Dracaena  with  white  markings,  a  seedling  raised  by  Mr.  Angus, 
Norwood  Hall,  Aberdeen.  The  plant  is  very  strong-growing,  robust,  and 
effective,  and  was  named  The  Sirdar.  From  Messrs.  Cunninghame  and 
Fraser,  Comely  Bunk,  Edinburgh,  a  bright  golden-marked  sport  from 
Ilex  maderiensis,  to  which  the  varietal  name  of  Fraseri  has  been  affixed. 
A  new  yellow  Pompon  Chrysanthemum  named  Craig  Millar  from  Messrs. 
Dickson  &  Co.,  Liberton,  and  a  yellow  self  Carnation  named  Mrs. 
Whitehead,  from  Mr.  Whitehead,  Selkirk. 
The  Fruit  Committee  recommended  cultural  certificates  to  Mr.  Cairns, 
Balruddery,  Dundee,  for  a  dish  of  Apple  Emperor  Alexander,  and  for  a 
dish  of  Pear  Pitmaston  Duchess. 
DERBY.— September  13th. 
This  is  held  in  connection  with  the  Agricultural  Show,  and  few,  if 
any,  of  the  many  sections  into  which  the  Show  is  divided  attracted  more 
general  interest  than  did  the  horticultural  department,  which  really  seems 
to  grow  more  attractive  every  year.  The  Committee  found  it  advisable 
this  year  to  transfer  the  whole  of  this  section  from  its  old  site  near  the 
Free  Baths  to  a  new  one  in  the  field  adjoining  the  Meadow  Road.  One 
great  advantage  resulting  from  the  change  was  that  the  crush  in  the 
tents  was  considerably  lessened,  and  having  more  room  at  disposal 
the  Committee  was  able  to  make  more  convenient  arrangements  than 
have  existed  in  former  years.  Not  only  was  the  locality  of  the  Exhibition 
different,  but  a  change  had  also  taken  place  in  the  management,  Mr.  W. 
Bacon,  who  has  for  the  past  thirty-five  years  filled  the  position  of 
Secietary,  having  resigned,  and  turned  over  his  duties  to  Mr.  C.  F.  Steele. 
The  latter  was  assisted  this  year  by  a  capable  Committee.  The  Show  was 
held,  as  in  former  years,  in  three  large  marquees,  and  the  plants,  flowers, 
and  fruit  of  which  it  consisted  were,  both  in  point  of  numbers  and  in 
quality,  vastly  superior  to  any  yet  staged  at  Derby.  That  the  duties 
devolving  upon  those  gentlemen  who  undertook  to  make  the  awards  were 
no  sinecure  may  be  gathered  from  the  fact  that  the  classes  numbered  over 
130,  and  that  in  many  of  them  entries  were  very  numerous  indeed.  The 
judging  was,  however,  performed  to  the  satisfaction  of  everybody. 
The  principal  feature  consisted,  of  course,  of  the  collections  of  exotic 
plants,  each  covering  an  area  of  200  square  feet,  which  w°re  staged  in  a 
huge  circular  marquee.  The  groups  were  arranged  round  a  centrepiece 
of  Balms,  each  forming  a  segment  of  a  circle,  and  the  competition  for 
the  first  prize,  which  was  the  substantial  one  of  £20,  was  very  keen 
indeed.  Eventually,  the  adjudicators  decided  in  favour  of  the  collection 
shown  by  Mr.  J.  Ward,  gardener  to  T.  H.  Oakes,  Esq.,  whose  display  was 
beautiful.  It  consisted  of  tall  and  graceful  Palms,  surrounded  by  an 
almost  endless  variety  of  Crotons,  the  crimson  glory  of  some  contrasting 
strangely  with  the  sober  colouring  of  others,  and  lending  to  the  collection 
an  air  of  brightness,  without  which  it  would  have  been  dull.  To  this 
end  also  were  introduced  with  charming  effect  Liliums,  Abutilons, 
Orchids,  Grasses,  Dracmnas,  and  Coleus.  The  collection  to  which  was 
awarded  the  second  prize  was  that  of  Mr.  Sharp,  of  Huddersfield,  and  in 
its  formation  wor?  employed  many  plants  precisely  similar  to  those  in  the 
winning  group.  The  arrangement  was  artistic  in  the  highest  sense  of 
the  word,  and  there  was  little  to  choose  between  the  two.  Messrs. 
Artindale  &  Son  of  Sheffield,  Mr.  G.  Woodgate  of  Rolleston,  and  Mr. 
A.  Finch  of  Coventry,  were  placed  third,  fourth,  and  filth  respectively. 
A  gold  medal  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  James  Yeitch  &  Sons  of  the 
Royal  Exotic  Nurseries,  Chelsea,  for  a  magnificent  collection  staged  for 
decorative  purposes  only,  and  not  for  competition.  Noticeable  amongst 
the  components  of  this  last  named  group  was  an  immense  bunch  of 
remarkably  fine  Lilies  of  the  Valley,  the  fragrance  of  which  permeated 
the  atmosphere  of  the  whole  tent.  Rare  varieties  of  Rododendrons  and 
Orchids  were  also  shown,  together  with  Crotons,  Palms,  and  other  plants, 
the  varied  hues  of  whose  foliage  were  blended  with  the  utmost 
taste.  Something  of  a  novelty  was  staged  hard  by  in  the  shape  of  an 
Ivy  show  by  Messrs.  Wm.  Cutbush  &  Sons  of  the  Highgate  Nurseries, 
for  which  a  silver  medal  was  awarded.  This  collection  included  no 
ewer  than  forty-five  varieties  of  Ivy,  some  of  the  variegated  forms 
oeing  exceedingly  beautiful.  In  the  same  marquee  were  displayed  the 
collections  of  Begonias,  the  wiiming  group  of  which  was  shown  by  Mr. 
J.  H.  Goodacre.  Mr.  G.  B.  Mather  of  Tudor  Lodge,  Radbourne  Street, 
Derby,  occupied  a  large  stand,  which  had  been  most  tastefully  arranged 
for  decorative  purposes.  On  it  was  displayed,  amongst  other  devices,  a 
splendid  wreath  and  anchor,  whilst  in  the  same  tent  Mr.  T.  Rowley  of 
ficeen  Lane,  Derby,  showed  three  immense  floral  structures,  taking  the 
snap*,  of  a  cross,  wreath,  and  anchor  respectively,  for  which  he  was 
awarded  a  silver  medal. 
No  prettier  section  of  the  whole  Show  .was  to  be  found  than  that 
devoted  to  table  decoration,  there  being  little  or  nothing  to  chorse 
between  the  displays.  Eventually  Mr.  Goodacre  scored  again  with  a 
floral  arrangement  into  which  rare  stove  exotics  did  not  enter  at  all,  but 
which  was  composed  almost  exclusively  of  the  simple  Sweet  Pea,  set  off 
by  trailing  creepers  and  feathery  Ferns.  Fruit  also  entered  largely  into 
this  display,  amongst  the  varieties  shown  being  black  and  white  Grapes, 
Apples,  Peaches,  Melons,  Pine  Apple,  Figs  and  Nectarines.  Messrs.  W. 
Edwards  &  Son  of  Nottingham  also  showed  a  pretty  table,  not  for 
competition,  into  the  arrangement  of  which  the  rustic  vases  and  flower- 
holders,  invented  by  Mr.  Edwards,  largely  entered.  In  the  vegetable 
classes  there  was  nothing  remarkable  shown  with  the  exception  of  a 
collection  of  fine  Onions,  staged  by  Mr.  Wilkins  of  Inwood  House, 
Blandfurd,  Dorset,  for  which  he  was  awarded  a  special  gold  medal. 
The  principal  division  is  open  only  to  nurserymen,  gentlemen’s 
gardeners,  and  market  gardeners,  and  some  splendid  produce  was  staged. 
Collection  of  six  Ferns. — First,  Mr.  J.  Ward.  Rosbs,  twelve  blooms, 
distinct. — First.  Mr.  C.  Carrington.  Second,  Mr.  P.  Newbold.  Third, 
Mr.  A.  Stirland.  Roses,  six  distinct. — First,  Mr.  P.  Newbold.  Second, 
Mr.  C.  Carrington.  Third,  Mr.  W.  Holden.  Dahlias,  double,  twelve 
distinct. — First,  Mr.  C.  Carrington.  Second,  Mr.  A.  Siirland.  Third, 
Mr.  J.  Wood.  Dahlias,  double,  six  distinct.  — First,  Mr.  J.  Wood. 
Second,  Mr.  C.  Carrington.  Third,  Mr.  A.  Siirland.  Dahlias,  Cactus, 
twelve  distinct. — First,  Mr.  C.  Carrington.  Second,  Mr.  A.  Stirland. 
Third,  Mr.  J.  Wood.  Gladioli,  twelve  spikes,  not  less  than  eight 
varieties. — First,  Mr.  C.  Carrington.  Second,  Messrs.  Artindale  &  Son. 
Third,  Mr.  R.  Straw.  Asters,  twelve  blooms,  not  less  than  eight 
varieties. — First,  Mr.  A.  Stirland.  Second,  Mr.  C.  Carrington.  Third, 
Mr.  J.  King.  Marigolds,  African. —  First,  Mr.  A.  Stirland  Marigolds, 
French. — First,  Mr.  J.  Wood.  Second,  Mr.  J.  King.  Third,  Mr.  C. 
Carrington.  Hand  bouquet. — First,  Mr.  J.  Norman.  Second,  Mr.  J. 
Wood.  Third,  Mr.  C.  Carrington.  Vase  or  epergne  of  cut  flowers. — 
First,  Mr.  J.  Norman.  Second,  Mr.  W.  Holder.  Third,  Mr.  J. Stevenson. 
Decorative  dessert  table  of  ripe  fruit  and  flowers.— First,  Mr.  J. 
Goodacre.  Second,  Mr.  A.  Wage.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Ward.  Grapes,  three 
bunches  black. — First,  Mr.  A.  McCullook.  Second,  Mr.  E.  A.  Young. 
Third,  Mr.  J.  H.  Goodacre,  Grapes,  three  bunches  white. — First,  Mr. 
J.  H.  Goodacre.  Second,  Mr.  G.  Wadeson.  Third,  Mr.  A.  McCullock. 
One  Melon. — First,  Mr.  A.  Wagg.  Second.  Mr.  J.  Ward.  Third,  Mr. 
J.  H.  Goodacre.  Six  Peaches  — First,  Mr.  J.  H.  Goodacre.  Second,  Mr. 
G.  Wadeson.  Third,  Mr.  G.  Woodgate.  Six  Nectarines. — First,  Mr.  G. 
Wadeson.  Second,  Mr.  G.  Lilley.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Ward.  Six  dessert 
Apples. — First,  Mr.  J.  H.  Goodacre.  Second,  Mr.  J.  Evan  .  Third, 
Mr.  J.  King.  Six  kitchen  Apples. — First,  Mr.  A.  Ward.  Second,  Mr. 
J.  Read.  Third,  Mr.  R.  Straw.  Six  Pears,  dessert. — First,  Mr.  J.  H. 
Goodacre.  Second,  Mr.  A.  Elphinstone.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Ward. 
Twelve  Tomatoes. — First,  Mr.  J.  Ward.  Second,  Mr.  W.  Holder. 
Third,  Mr.  J.  King.  Potatoes,  white  kidney. — First,  Mr.  J.  Evans. 
Second,  Mr.  J.  Stevenson.  Third,  Mr.  E.  A.  Yound.  Kidney  Potatoes, 
coloured. — First,  Mr.  J.  Woodward.  Second,  Mr.  J.  Evans.  Third,  Mr. 
E.  A.  Yound.  Round  Potatoes,  white,  dish  of  six. — First,  Mr.  J.  Evans. 
Second,  Mr.  R.  Straw.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Read.  Round  Potatoes,  coloured. 
— First,  Mr.  J.  Read.  Second,  Mr.  P.  Newbold.  Third,  Mr.  R  Straw. 
Peas,  thirty  pods. — First,  Mr.  W.  Holder.  Second  Mr.  G.  Woodgate. 
Third,  Mr.  G.  Wadeson.  Scarlet  Runner  Beans. — First,  Mr.  G.  Wood- 
gate.  Second,  Mr.  P.  Newbold.  Third,  Mr.  R.  Straw.  Spring  Onions. — 
First,  Mr.  J.  Read.  Sem nd,  Mr.  P.  Newbold.  Third.  Mr.  G.  Woodgate. 
Carrots. —  First,  Mr.  J.  Read.  Second,  Mr.  P.  Newbold.  Third,  Mr. 
A.  Wagg.  Turnips. — First,  Mr.  G.  Woodgate.  Second,  Mr.  J.  Read. 
Third,  Mr.  N.  Holder.  Parsnips.— First,  Mr.  J.  Read.  Second,  Mr. 
N  Holder.  Third,  Mr.  P.  Newbold.  Vegetable  Marrows.— First,  Mr. 
J.  Woodgate.  Second,  Mr.  R.  Straw.  Third,  Mr.  G.  Morris.  Lettuce. — 
First,  Mr.  N.  Holder.  Second,  Mr.  G.  Morris.  Third,  Mr.  G.  Evans. 
Cauliflowers. — First,  Mr.  N.  Holder.  Second,  Mr.  J.  Earp.  Third,  Mr. 
J.  Reed.  Cabbage,  white.  —  First,  Mr.  G.  Wadeson.  Second,  Mr. 
A.  Stirland.  Third,  Mr.  A.  J.  Elphinstone.  Cabbage,  red. — First,  Mr. 
J.  Earp.  Second,  Mr.  G.  Woodgate.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Woodward.  Celery, 
red. — First,  Mr.  J.  Woodward.  Second,  Mr.  N.  Holder.  Third,  Mr. 
P.  Newbold.  Celery,  white. — First,  Mr.  A.  Stirland.  Second,  Mr. 
P.  Newbold.  Third,  Mr.  R.  Straw.  Red  Beet.  — First,  Mr.  P.  Newbold. 
Second,  Mr.  J.  Woodward.  Third,  Mr.  N.  Holder.  Cucumbers. — First, 
Mr.  J.  Earp.  Second,  Mr.  J.  E.  Woodward.  Third,  Mr.  A.  Stirland. 
Herbs. — First,  Mr.  G.  Woodgate.  Second,  Mr.  N.  Holder.  Third,  Mr. 
A.  Stirland.  Unfortunately  space  cannot  be  found  for  the  remaining 
classes.—  (“  Derbyshire  Advertiser.") 
Onions  at  Derby  Show. 
To  the  combined  Horticultural  and  Agricultural  Show  at  Derby  on 
September  13th  Mr.  Thomas  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady  Theodore  Guest, 
Inwood,  Blandford,  sent  such  a  collection  of  Onions  as  had  never  been 
seen  in  that  town  before.  It  consisted  of  the  following  twenty-four  sorts — 
In  wood  Favourite,  Cocoa  Nut,  Pink  Perfection,  Advancer,  Excelsior, 
Holborn,  Anglo-Spanish,  Red  Globe,  Dobbie’s  Red,  James’  Keeping, 
Veitch's  Globe,  Somerset  Crimson,  Ailsa  Craig,  Golden  King,  Masterpiece, 
Somerset  King,  Maincrop,  Challenger,  Lord  Keeper.  Challenge,  Prize- 
taker,  Rousham  Park  Hero,  Record,  and  Ne  Plus  Ultra.  There  were 
nine  specimens  of  each  sort,  the  only  small  ones  being  Red  Globe.  The 
whole  of  the  others,  without  exception,  were  magnificent  specimens  that 
would  probably  average  2  lbs.  apiece  in  weight,  and  many  of  them  I 
should  say  considerably  more.  All  were  handsome,  clean,  symmetrical 
examples  of  high  culture,  affording  an  invaluable  object  lesson,  and 
causing  much  astonishment  among  the  general  mass  of  visitors,  which 
feeling  was  combin'''!  with  admiration  in  the  mind  of  many  a  local 
gardener.  Tne  judges  showed  their  appreciation  by  awarding  Mr. 
Wi  kins  a  gold  medal. 
Adverse  criticism  there  was,  of  course  ;  there  never  will  be  results 
above  the  common  level  without  somebody  posing  as  a  critic  to  try  and 
belittle  them.  “  Wastefa',  I  call  it,”  6aid  one  of  these  wiseacres.  “  S’pose 
y’  send  to  shop  for  pound  of  Onions,  what  about  them  there  two  pounders 
then?”  To  my  surprise  I  found  the  wastefulness  or  extravagance  pre- 
