May  28,  1896. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER \ 
499 
time  to  time  brought  together,  the  one  under  notice  being  well  up  to  the 
average.  The  trade,  too,  gave  loyal  assistance,  all  combining  to  make  up 
a  most  attractive  display  and  worthy  of  every  support. 
The  Orchids  were  without  doubt  the  great  feature  of  the  show,  and 
although  competition  was  not  strong  in  some  classes  the  quality  was 
of  the  choicest  description,  and  no  belter  object  lesson  could  be  taught 
those  who  decry  to  a  certain  extent  their  culture,  for  here  one  could  see 
variety,  form,  and  charming  colour  at  every  turn,  such  as  cannot 
possibly  be  found  in  any  other  class  of  plants.  For  the  best  miscel¬ 
laneous  collection  in  bloom  E.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Wilmslow,  was  accorded 
premier  honours  for  a  bank  tastefully  arranged  and  comprising  the 
choicest  varieties.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Stafford,  gardener  to 
F.  Hardy,  Esq.,  Ashton-on-Mersey,  his  Odontoglossum  crispum  figuring 
largely,  but  the  whole  group  was  somewhat  marred  by  the  use  of  green 
paper  as  a  covering  for  many  of  the  pots.  In  the  corresponding  class,  open 
to  nurserymen,  Mr.  James  Cypher,  Cheltenham,  staged  plants  of  more 
than  ordinary  merit,  and  well  set  up.  Mr.  John  Robson,  Bowdon,  was  a 
moderate  second,  and  Messrs.  Heath  &  Son,  Cheltenham,  third.  Mr.  R. 
Johnson,  gardener  to  Thos.  Statter,  Esq.,  Whitefield,  was  a  good  first  in 
the  class  for  Laelias  and  Cattleyas,  Btaging  such  choice  forms  as 
L.  purpurata  alba,  Statteriana,  rubescens,  and  R;x,  Cattleyas  Mendeli 
leucoglossa,  M.  giganteum,  and  M.  Alexandras.  Mr.  Stafford  was  a 
close  second,  Cattleyas  Schibderi,  Skinneri  alba,  and  Laelia  purpurata 
Schioderi  being  excellent. 
Mr.  Ashworth  had  a  most  interesting  collection  of  Cypripediums  in 
bloom,  all  in  fair  condition,  C.  Chamberlainianum  Calypso,  and  the 
charming  bellatulum  alba  being  prominent.  Mr.  Johnson  was  placed 
second,  and  Mr.  Stafford  third.  Dendrobiums  were  only  moderately 
represented,  Mr.  Cypher  winning.  Odontoglossums  are  always  good  at 
Manchester,  the  quality  this  year  being  quite  up  to  the  standard,  and 
many  beautiful  forms  were  noticed  in  the  admirable  first  prize  collection 
staged  by  Mr.  Stafford.  Messrs.  Heath  &  Son  won  with  ten  specimen 
Orchids,  conspicuous  amongst  them  being  Cattleya  Skinneri,  Oacidium 
6phacelatum,  and  Odontoglossum  citrosmum,  a  charming  variety  which 
was  granted  a  certificate. 
The  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  were  a  distinct  advance  on  the  two 
previous  years.  Mr.  Cypher  won  first  honours  with  ten  magnificent 
specimens,  amongst  which  Erica  Cavendishi,  Pimelea  Hendersoni,  Apbe- 
lexis  macrantha  purpurea,  and  Anthurium  Scherzerianum  Wardi  were 
the  best.  Mr.  Wilkes,  gardener  to  Miss  Lord,  Ashton-on-Mersey,  won 
with  ten  fine-foliaged  and  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  bloom. 
The  prize  for  table  plants  was  taken  by  Mr.  Morgan,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Fielden,  Dobroyd  Castle,  Todmorden,  with  well  grown  and  highly 
coloured  specimens  Azaleas  were  fairly  shown,  Mr.  Cypher  and  Mr. 
Wilkes  being  first  and  second  for  six.  Cinerarias  and  Calceolarias  were 
fresh  and  bright,  Mr.  Wilkes  winning  in  both  classes.  Mr.  Plant,  gar¬ 
dener  to  R.  P.  Gill,  Esq.,  Ashton-on-Mersey,  won  with  ten  exotic  Ferns. 
The  same  exhibitor  was  also  to  the  front  with  a  charming  collection  of 
hardy,  herbaceous,  and  alpine  plants,  every  one  being  perfectly  grown. 
Two  groups  arranged  for  effect  were  staged  by  amateurs,  and  Mr.  Wilkes, 
who  has  been  seen  to  such  splendid  advantage  at  former  exhibitions, 
was  again  to  the  fore  with  a  group  that  would  well-nigh  defy  criticism. 
The  second,  also  a  most  pleasing  group,  was  put  up  by  Mr.  Pattinson, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Blair,  Whalley  Range.  Messrs.  R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons,  Aig¬ 
burth  Nursery,  Liverpool,  were  represented  by  a  large  group  of  plants 
arranged  for  effect,  grand  and  bold  in  the  extreme.  Their  splendid 
Crotons,  seedling  Olivias,  and  Aigburth  Crimson  Gloxinia  were  worked 
in  with  excellent  effect,  and  the  prize  was  justly  won. 
Now  we  come  to  the  trade  exhibits  which  went  largely  to  make  up 
the  show,  the  group  of  Orchids  which  Messrs.  Sander  &  Co.  staged  being 
remarkable  alike  for  quantity  and  quality,  as  there  was  not  an  inferior 
plant  to  be  seen.  The  most  noticeable  were  Laelia  purpurata  Distinction 
(certificate),  Epidendrum  Randi,  Cattleya  Mendeli  Countess  of  Derby, 
Laalia  purpurata  albo-violacea,  Cattleya  Her  Majesty,  Stenoglottis  longi- 
folia,  and  several  handsome  new  Begonias,  all  receiving  certificates. 
Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Bradford,  had  a  splendid  exhibit,  the 
superior  forms  of  Odontoglossum  crispum  being  strongly  in  evidence,  and 
many  other  good  things  too  numerous  to  mention.  Certificates  were 
granted  to  Odontoglossum  Alexandras  Charlesworthi,  the  finest  type  in 
the  Bhow,  Odontoglossum  crispum  Warburtomanum,  a  superior  and 
distinct  form,  and  the  beatiful  Cvpripedium  Cowleyanum  var.  Annie 
Louise.  Messrs.  Jno.  Cowan  &  Co.,  Garston,  had  an  extensive  stand  of 
high  merit,  the  forms  of  Cattleya  Mossiae  being  greatly  admired.  Messrs. 
B,  S.  Williams,  Upper  Holloway,  London,  had  an  imposing  group  of 
miscellaneous  plants,  also  Orchids  in  variety,  a  great  addition  to  the 
show. 
The  length  of  time  in  which  the  Amaryllis  may  be  had  in  bloom  was 
never  better  exemplified  than  by  the  gorgeous  display  set  up  by  Messrs. 
Ker  &  Sons,  Aigburth.  They  formed  one  of  the  chief  attractions,  and 
were  greatly  admired  by  the  large  attendance  of  visitors.  Coming  to 
the  steps  of  the  long  promenade  the  imposing  stand  set  up  by  Messrs. 
Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  claimed  attention.  Calceolarias  and  Gloxinias 
of  the  most  diversified  colours,  sp'endid  seedling  Petunias  and  Strepto- 
carpus,  heavily  laden  pots  of  Tomatoes  and  Epicure  and  Tender  and 
True,  with  Beans  and  other  vegetables,  all  helped  to  complete  a  capital 
exhibit.  Messrs.  Chas.  Turner  &  Sons,  Slough,  were  well  represented  by 
a  noble  bank  of  plants,  new  Pelargonuims,  well-flowered  Roses,  not 
forgetting  the  useful  Crimson  Rambler,  and  Azaleas  were  the  interesting 
feature.  Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Son  had  an  extensive  miscellaneous  collec¬ 
tion  of  plants,  including  Carnations  and  Liliums.  A  special  woid  of 
praise  is  due  to  the  group  of  Begonias  staged  by  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  as  the 
exhibit  was  one  of  superb  quality.  Messrs.  Dickson,  Ltd.,  Chester,  again 
staged  a  most  notable  collection  of  herbaceous  plants  in  their  beat  style. 
The  hardy  seedling  Azaleas  staged  by  Messrs.  Anthony  Waterer  &  Son, 
Knap  Hill,  excited  interest  by  their  intense  colour  and  profuse  blooming 
properties;  whilst  Messrs.  Jno.  Waterer  &  Sons,  Bagshot,  again  claimed 
particular  attention  by  their  special  hybrids.  Messrs.  Jno.  Cowan  and 
Co.,  Ltd.,  had  a  splendid  circular  group  of  useful  and  interesting 
flowering  plants  well  set  up,  and  most  attractive  were  the  Violas  and 
herbaceous  flowers  staged  by  the  Misses  Hopkins,  Knutsford. 
Nurserymen's  Awards. — The  highest  award,  a  large  gold  medal,  to 
Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans  ;  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Bradford,  gold 
medal;  and  Jno.  Cowan  &  Co.,  Garston,  silver  medal,  all  for  Orchids. 
Gold  medals  to  Messrs.  R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons  for  Amaryllis ;  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware, 
for  Begonias  ;  Charles  Turner  &  Sons,  Slough,  for  Roses  and  Azaleas  ; 
Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  for  miscellaneous  exhibits.  Silver  medalB  to 
Cutbush  &  Sons,  East  Barnet,  for  group  ;  A.  Waterer  &  Sons,  Woking, 
for  hardy  Azaleas  ;  and  Jno.  Cowan  &  Co.,  for  miscellaneous 
collection  of  plants.  Implements  and  horticultural  specialities  were 
also  exhibited. 
Luncheon. 
At  the  luncheon  Mr.  A.  Sutton,  Reading,  in  replying  to  the  toast  of 
the  exhibitors,  lamented  the  fact  of  two  such  great  exhibitions  clashing, 
and  hoped  that  Mr.  Findlay  would  soon  be  restored  to  a  better  state  of 
health.  Mr.  John  Farrell  said  of  late  years  the  gardens  had  not  had 
their  share  of  support.  He  thought  that  the  Corporation,  which  could 
spend  money  in  the  purchase  of  “  old  masters,”  should  also  have  the 
power  to  help  on  an  institution  which  could  do  much  good  for  the 
people. 
Lord  Derby,  in  replying,  said  that  the  toast  had  been  drunk  for  the 
past  seventy  years,  with  ever-increasing  hope.  He  was  not  there  to 
give  them  a  record  of  past  years  ;  though  there  had  been  for  a  long 
time  something  to  be  desired  with  respect  to  the  future.  The  gardens 
were  beautifully  laid  out,  but  through  various  causes  had  not  been 
properly  supported.  He  hardly  dared  appeal  to  many  of  those  who  were 
not  present — many  of  the  great  men  of  Manchester  and  the  district — 
who,  if  they  saw  an  object  to  be  desired  for  the  city — a  new  building,  a 
work  of  art,  anything  calculated  to  glorify  or  beautify  the  city — would 
gladly  give  large  sums  to  acquire  it.  Yet  their  names  were  conspicuously 
absent  from  the  list  of  subscribers  to  the  gardens.  He  hoped  the 
appeal  that  day  would  be  productive  of  some  kindly  gifts  which  would 
enable  them  to  show  how  the  beautiful  in  botanical  science  could  be 
brought  home  to  our  doors  in  Lancashire.  He  could  not-  help  thinking 
that  if  efforts  were  made  individually  and  collectively  that  good  would 
result.  To  the  proprietors  of  the  Gardens  there  was  no  source  of  profit, 
as  they  were  simply  conducted  for  science  and  botany,  and  to  show  bow 
the  beautiful  forms  of  Nature  could  be  so  trained  to  adapt  and  modify 
themselves  to  the  will  of  man.  He  would  humbly  try  his  best,  and  get 
others  also  to  give  their  support.  Of  late  years  there  had  been  a  revival  of 
the  allotment  system,  and  he  thought  a  society  of  that  kind  could  help 
forward  and  bring  back  to  the  land  those  who  desired  small  pieces,  but 
had  little  time  or  money  to  devote  to  it.  If  they  did  that  they  were 
doing  great  good. 
In  conclusion,  be  spoke  of  the  splendid  services  rendered  by  Mr. 
Findlay,  and  of  their  great  sympathy  for  him,  and  a  fervent  hope  that 
he  might  soon  be  restored  to  health.  Mr.  T.  Stattpr  compared  the 
Temple  show  with  theirs,  and  regretted  much  the  clash.  The  position 
of  the  Society  was  not,  on  the  whole,  a  bad  one,  but  they  wanted  a  push, 
and  he  hoped  they  would  get  it. 
Mr.  Findlay  heartily  welcomed  Lord  Derby  on  bis  first  official  visit 
as  President,  and  hoped  that  when  he  came  amongst  them  again  the 
Society  would  have  emerged  from  its  present  comparative  difficulties. 
OLYMPIA.— May  27th,  28th,  and  29th. 
On  Tuesday  there  was  opened  the  third  of  the  flower  shows  to  be 
held  at  Olympia,  and  the  progress  was  most  marked.  Not  only  were  the 
exhibits  very  much  larger  in  numbers,  but  the  standard  of  quality  was 
considerably  higher.  There  were  hardy  and  other  plants,  both  flowering 
and  foliage,  in  great  diversity.  The  managers  of  the  show,  and  especially 
Mr.  G.  Bick,  are  deserving  of  the  highest  commendation,  not  only  for 
the  beautiful  display  but  also  for  the  completeness  of  the  arrangements. 
Owing  to  lack  of  space  we  are  compelled  to  hold  over  the  list  of  awards 
until  our  next  issue. 
Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Hale  Farm  Nurseries,  Tottenham,  staged  a  handsome 
group  of  hardy  flowers.  All  the  specimens  were  shown  in  large  pans, 
and  presented  a  very  pleasing  appearance.  Amongst  others  were  noticed 
Centaurea  montana,  Ajuga  reptans  purpurea,  Saxifragas  in  variety, 
Spirreas,  Trolliuses,  Armeria  cephalotes  rubra,  Lilium  croceum, 
L.  Harrisi,  Geum  coccineum  plenum,  Heuchera  sanguinea,  Cypripedium 
spectabile,  Solomon's  Seal,  Asphodels,  Aster  alpinus  specio.us,  besides 
flowers  of  German  Irises  in  great  variety,  and  others.  Pink  Malmaisons 
were  also  well  shown  by  Mr.  Ware, 
The  collection  of  Gloxinias  from  Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.,  High 
Holborn,  proved  the  excellence  of  the  firm’s  Invincible  strain.  The 
plants  were  in  small  pots,  but  carried  deep  green,  healthy  leaves  and 
flowers  of  exceptional  richness,  diversity  of  colouration,  and  substance. 
Victoria  Prize  Calceolaria  from  the  Holborn  house  made  a  really  fiae 
display,  as  also  did  their  Emperor  and  Empress  Petunias. 
The  plants  utilised  in  the  formation  of  a  group  by  Messrs.  W.  Cut¬ 
bush  &  Sons,  Highgate,  were  capital  specimens  of  good  culture.  The 
leafage  provided  by  Palms,  Ferns,  Dracaenas,  and  Aralias  was  admirably 
calculated  to  set  off  the  beauty  of  the  Ericas,  Crassulas,  Boronias, 
