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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
November  16,  1899. 
Sale  of  Orchids  at  Manchester. 
On  November  2nd  and  3rd  Messrs.  Artingstall  and  Hind  offered 
by  public  auction  at  Princes  Street,  Manchester,  the  collection  of 
Orchids  formed  by  the  late  H.  Greenwood,  Esq.,  Highheld,  Haslinyden. 
The  sale  was  well  attended  by  both  trade  aud  private  buyers  from 
nearly  all  parts  of  the  kingdom,  and  prices  realised  were  good 
throughout,  the  total  amounting  to  a  little  over  £1400.  A  few  of 
the  prices  of  the  chief  plants  may  interest  readers: — Cypripedium 
callosum  Sanderge  with  fiv3  growths  75  guineas,  the  original  plant 
of  Laelio-Cattleya  II.  Greenwood  34  guineas,  and  a  small  piece  of 
the  same  variety  £16  10s,  Lselio- Cattleya  tyntesfieldense  50  guineas, 
Lselio-Cattleya  Dominiana  var.  Frances  Mary  19  guineas,  L.-C. 
Mendeli  X  Digbyana  20  guineas,  L.-C.  Canhamiana  langieyense 
15  guineas,  while  Cypripedium  insigne  Sanderas  fetched  31  guineas, 
Cypripedium  insigne  Sanderianum  27,  25,  and  16  guineas  respec¬ 
tively,  C.  Lawrenceanum  Hyeanum  21  guineas,  C.  Goweri  magnifica 
18j  guineas,  C.  Nandi  14  guineas,  C.  Antigone  8  guineas,  O.  Charles 
Rickman  94  guineas.  Two  fine  plants  of  Crawshay’s  variety  of  Lgelio- 
anceps  Amesias  were  sold  for  24  and  17  guineas  each,  Cattleya 
labiata  Sanderse  24  guineas.  The  Dendrobiums,  as  a  rule,  were 
small,  but  the  prices  realised  were  good— namely,  D.  Ainsworthi 
intertextum  19  guineas,  D.  nobile  Murrhinnianum  and  74 
guineas,  D.  micans  5£  and  5  guineas,  D.  Schneiderianum  £14  10s., 
D.  Hebe  5  guineas,  D.  Luna  7 4  guineas,  D.  Sybil  6  guineas,  D. 
Wiganas  £7,  D.  splendidissimum  illustre  £14  10s,  Greenwood’s 
variety  of  nobile  giganteum  £7  5s.,  and  a  fine  plant  of  D.  Clio 
£19.  Odontoglossum  Hunnewellianum  maximum,  two  plants  £30 
and  £14  respectively.  0.  Andersonianum  Danehurst  variety  £10, 
O.  Humeanum  £7,  and  0.  aspersum  fulgens  £6  10s.  The  collection 
also  comprised  many  seedlings  of  the  different  families,  and  for  their 
possession  competition  was  exceedingly  keen.  Considering  the  size  of 
the  collection,  under  3000  plants,  the  majority  being  small,  the 
results  must  be  considered  satisfactory.  The  prices  and  the  attendance 
of  so  many  interested  buyers  tend  to  the  opinion  that  Orchid  culture 
is  increasing  in  popularity. 
Cattleya  Mantini  nobilior. 
Highly  coloured  Orchids  are  doubly  appreciated  at  this  rather  dull 
season  of  the  year,  and  the  above  must  be  considered  one  of  the  best.  It 
was  raised  on  the  Continent  by  Mons.  Mantin,  and  also  in  this  country 
by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons  from  C.  Bowringiana,  crossed  with  Cattleya 
aurea.  It  will  succeed  under  the  same  conditions  as  either  of  its 
parents,  and  when  well  grown  is  a  most  delightful  object.  I  find  it 
much  better  to  give  the  plants  brought  over  from  our  continental 
raisers  a  little  more  heat  for  the  first  season,  until  they  become 
thoroughly  acclimatised,  as  they  appear  to  have  been  grown  in  more 
heat  than  we  give  them,  and,  if  they  do  not  get  it,  they  are  apt  to  lose 
their  roots  and  deteriorate. 
Cypripedium  Milo. 
Cypripedium  insigne  and  its  varieties  have  participated  in  the 
parentage  of  some  of  the  most  charming  hybrid  Cypripediums  in 
cultivation,  and,  in  my  opinion,  the  better  varieties  of  C.  Milo  may  be 
equalled,  but  not  excelled,  by  any  of  them.  The  parentage  of  this 
beautiful  flower  is  C.  insigne  Chantini  x  C.  oenanthum  superbum, 
and  it  belongs  to  the  same  class  as  C.  Pollettianum  Euryades,  and 
several  others.  It  is  of  free  growth,  grown  in  the  compost  recom¬ 
mended  for  the  green-leaved  section.  It  flowers  at  the  present  season, 
lasts  for  a  considerable  time  in  bloom,  and  when  the  plants  become 
large  they  are  rarely  without  a  flower.  This  plant  can  be  recom¬ 
mended  to  any  lover  of  Cypripediums  as  one  that  should  be  added  to 
every  collection.  There  is  great  variety  in  the  different  seedlings 
raised,  some  being  much  better  than  others.  C.  Milo  was  raised  by 
Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  and  there  are  several  varieties  which  have 
received  the  hall  mark,  so  to  speak,  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 
— J.  Barker,  Hessle. 
SHOWS. 
BIRKENHEAD. — November  7th  and  8th. 
The  Committee  of  the  Birkenhead  Show  was  fortunate  in  having  the 
presence  of  the  Mayor  and  other  influential  gentlemen  at  the  annual 
show  on  Tuesday  and  AVednesday  last.  The  Mayor  (Alderman  J.  T. 
Thompson)  spoke  in  no  uncertain  way  on  the  lack  of  support  such  an 
excellent  society  was  receiving.  Alderman  Thompson  also  spoke  of  the 
importance  of  having  experienced  men  as  judges.  The  society  had  been 
in  existence  for  some  years,  and  in  his  judgment  it  had  not  yet  taken  its 
proper  position  in  the  town,  because  he  thought  there  ought  to  be  in 
Birkenhead  a  show  second  to  none  in  the  kingdom.  The  Committee  did 
good  work  in  admitting  free  the  inmates  of  the  Albert  Industrial  Schools, 
Christ  Church  Homes,  Traumere  Workhouse,  and  Birkenhead  Rescue 
Home. 
Although  the  entries  were  not  so  large,  the  quality  was  exceptionally 
good,  and  this  applies  to  the  large  class  ot  twenty-four  Japanese, 
eighteen  distinct  varieties.  Here  Mr.  Geo.  Haigh,  gardener  to  W.  H. 
Tate,  Esq.,  Highfield,  Woolton,  won  in  fine  style,  his  blooms  being  solid, 
fresh,  and  of  good  colour.  The  silver  cup  was  won  outright,  and  it  is 
pleasing  to  note  that  the  givers  of  the  special  prizes,  viz.,  C.  Gatehouse, 
Esq.,  and  A.  W.  Walker,  Esq.,  believe  in  one-year  wins.  The  varieties 
were  Viviand  Morel  (2),  Pride  of  Exmouth  (2),  Mrs.  G.  W.  Palmer,  Mrs. 
White  Popham  (2),  Australie  (2),  Ella  Curtis,  Lady  Hanham,  Madame 
Gustave  Henri  (2),  Eva  Knowles,  Lady  Ellen  Clark,  Mr.  C.  H.  Payne, 
Secretaire  Fierens,  Modesto,  Mons.  Hoste  (2),  Phoebus,  Mrs.  J.  Lewis, 
Chatsworth,  Charles  Davis,  and  James  Bidencope.  Mr.  E.  Ellis,  Heswall, 
came  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  J.  H.  Ismay  third.  For  twelve  incurved, 
Mr.  Ellis  turned  the  tables  on  Mr.  Haigh,  both  having  most  commendable 
stands,  ror  twelve  Japanese,  another  well  tried  exhibitor,  Mr.  J. 
Williams,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Procter,  Esq.,  Boscobel  Noctorum,  took  a 
lead  over  Mr.  Ellis  with  an  almost  faultless  stand. 
In  the  local  classes  the  competition  was  fair.  Mr.  E.  Broadey,  gardener 
to  W.  H.  Jones,  Esq.,  Hooton,  going  strong  for  twelve  Japanese  and 
twelve  incurved,  Mr.  Williams  and  Mr.  Neish  following.  Smaller  classes 
were  moderate.  Mr.  Williams’  skill  was  apparent  in  the  vases  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  and  a  pretty  bouquet.  Mr.  Haines,  gardener  to  E.  K. 
Laird,  Esq.,  had  a  most  pleasing  group  ot  Chrysanthemums,  each  variety 
being  correctly  named,  yet  not  unsightly. 
The  fruit  classes  were  well  represented.  Mr.  D.  Wilson  won  with 
Grapes,  and  Mr.  Ferguson,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Patterson,  Rock  Ferry,  for 
a  collection  of  fruit.  Mr.  Riley  was  to  the  fore  as  Secretary,  and  he  was 
well  supported  by  the  excellent  Committee. 
COVENTRY. — November  7th  and  8th. 
The  Mayor  of  Coventry  opened  the  fifth  annual  show  of  this  Society 
on  the  above  dates,  and  he  was  ably  supported  by  several  influential 
citizens.  The  Committee  took  the  opportunity  to  present  a  handsome 
shower  bouquet  to  the  Mayoress,  which  was  suitably  acknowledged  by  the 
Mayor.  The  Corn  Exchange,  where  the  show  was  held,  is  admirably 
adapted  for  such  an  exhibition,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  a  greater 
measure  of  support  will  be  accorded  to  the  Society  than  has  been  shown 
during  the  last  year  or  two. 
The  number  of  entries  was  lower  than  last  year,  but  the  general 
excellence  of  the  exhibits  was,  on  the  whole,  well  maintained.  For 
groups  of  Chrysanthemums  covering  a  space  of  50  feet  Mr.  J.  Morris, 
gardener  to  Sir  R.  Moon,  Bart.,  was  decidedly  first.  Mr.  E.  Wood,  an 
under  gardener  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Coventry,  who  grew  his  plants 
himself  in  his  spare  time,  was  a  creditable  second.  In  the  class  for 
groups  40  feet  space  Mr.  W.  Howe,  gardener  to  J.  K.  Starkey,  Esq., 
took  the  lead,  followed  by  Mr.  G.  Finch,  gardener  to  J.  E.  Banks,  Esq. 
Two  meritorious  miscellaneous  groups  were  staged,  first  Mr.  W.  Finch, 
nurseryman,  Coventry,  second  Mr.  J.  Morris. 
For  twenty-four  Japanese  Mr.  H.  Blakeway,  gardener  to  P.  A. 
Muntz,  Esq.,  Dunsmore,  Rugby,  was  easily  first.  His  best  blooms  were 
Ethel  Addison,  Phoebus,  Viviand  Morel,  Mrs.  Beisant,  Mrs.  Lewis,  Lady 
Ridgway,  Mrs.  Palmer,  Lady  Hanham,  Edith  Tabor,  Mrs.  W.  Mease, 
Madame  Hoste,  and  Madame  P.  Rivoire.  Second,  Mr.  J.  Blake,  gardener 
to  W.  H.  Herbert,  Esq.,  The  Grange,  Coventry.  For  twenty-four  incurved, 
Mr.  A.  Chandler,  gardener  to  Arthur  James,  Esq.,  was  first,  and  con¬ 
sidering  the  lateness  of  the  Queen  family  he  had  a  grand  exhibit.  His 
best  flowers  were  Ernest  Cannell,  Topaze  Orientale,  Baron  Hirsch, 
C.  H.  Curtis,  Lady  Isobel,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Mrs.  N.  Molyneux.  Mr.  J. 
Morris  was  second. 
The  non-competitive  exhibits  were  a  special  feature  of  the  show. 
Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  staged  a  grand  collection  of  decorative 
plants,  amongst  which  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  was  particularly  noted. 
Mr.  H.  T.  Martin,  gardener  to  Lord  Leigh,  had  a  table  30  feet  long  of 
fruit,  principally  Apples,  with  heavy  bunches  of  Black  Alicante  Grapes 
and  brightly  coloured  Crotons,  suitable  for  table  decoration,  intermixed. 
This  exhibit  was  the  centre  of  attraction,  the  high  colour  of  the  Apples 
being  blended  most  harmoniously  with  the  foliage  utilised.  Mr.  Martin 
also  staged  an  excellent  stand  of  cut  Chrysanthemums  in  vases. 
Mr.  J.  K.  Starkey  sent  a  fine  group  of  miscellaneous  plants,  and 
Sir  R.  Moon,  Bart.,  a  collection  of  fruit,  consisting  chiefly  of  Apples  and 
Pears.  Messrs.  C.  Kimberley  &  Son  had  a  stand  of  wreaths  and  crosses  ; 
Mr.  F.  Curtis  horticultural  sundries,  and  Mr.  W.  Finch  made  a  fine  show 
of  massive  wreaths,  anchors,  crosses,  and  baskets  of  cut  flowers. 
ISLE  OF  WIGHT. — November  7th  and  8th, 
The  fourth  annual  show  of  the  Underclille  Chrysanthemum  Society 
was  held  at  Ventnor  on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday  last.  The  entries  were 
not  so  numerous  as  on  previous  occasions,  nor  was  the  competition  so 
keen  ;  but  the  quality  of  exhibits  far  exceeded  expectations.  For  groups 
Mr.  W.  Gee,  gardener  to  Mr.  H.  Cloots,  carried  off  the  premier  award 
with  a  well-arranged  group  of  Chrysanthemums  and  foliage  plants, 
containing  some  very  fine  blooms.  Mr.  Martin  Silsbury,  of  Shanklin, 
secured  first  honours  for  twenty-four  Japanese  with  some  fine  blooms. 
For  a  specimen  bloom  Mr.  F.  Woods,  gardener  to  Mr.  C.  Mortimer,  Steep- 
hill  Castle,  was  an  easy  first  with  Australian  Gold.  For  specimen 
plants  Mr.  W.  W.  Sheath,  gardener  to  Miss  Mitchell,  Macrocarpa,  secured 
