June  25,  1896. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
587 
making  up  a  large  exhibit.  A  unique  group  of  hardy  plants  was  shown 
by  Messrs.  Fisher,  Son,  &  Sibray,  Sheffield,  which  included  Acers  in 
variety,  with  Irises,  Yews,  and  other  hardy  shrubs.  The  firm  also 
showed  a  small  group  of  choice  plants,  comprising  Crotons,  Caladiums, 
Dracaenas,  Antirrhinums,  Cannas,  Strobilanthus  Dverianus,  and  others, 
arranged  with  taste,  and  making  up  a  pretty  exhibit. 
A  large  amount  of  space  was  occupied  by  Messrs.  Richard  Smith  and 
Co.,  Worcester,  who  showed  several  fine  Clematises  and  a  large  group  of 
hardy  flowers  composed  of  Campanulas,  English  Irises,  Delphiniums 
in  variety,  Pmonies,  Liliums,  Spirmas,  and  Malmaison  Carnations,  and 
foliage  plants  in  the  shape  of  Bamboos.  Messrs.  W.  &  J.  Birkenhead, 
Sale,  had  a  charming  collection  of  Ferns  in  mystifying  variety,  including 
Adiantum  farleyense,  gracillimum  tenerum  roseum,  and  others,  Gymno- 
grammas,  Polystichums,  and  Pterises,  the  whole  betraying  a  remarkably 
green  and  healthy  appearance.  Messrs.  W.  Clibran  k  Son,  Altrincham, 
had  a  varied  collection  of  hardy  flowers,  composed  of  Irises,  Campanulas, 
Pseonies,  and  such-like,  the  exhibit  also  including  a  large  assortment  of 
curious  Cacti.  Mr.  J.  W.  Wilson,  Hull,  arranged  a  tasteful  group  of 
flower  and  foliage  plants,  in  which  Orchids  and  hardy  flowers  were  set 
up  with  Ferns  and  foliage  plants.  MessrB.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans, 
had  a  varied  collection  of  choice  plants,  amongst  which  were  noticed 
Begonias,  Dracaenas,  Sarracenias,  Hypericum  Moserianum  tricolor,  and 
others. 
Sweet  Peas  in  great  variety  came  from  Mr.  Henry  Eckford,  Wem, 
Salop,  in  which  all  the  best  kinds  were  included.  The  dark,  white,  rose 
and  yellow  tints  made  a  pleasing  contrast,  which  was  much  admired. 
Geo.  Yeld,  Esq.,  York,  had  a  pretty  group  of  choice  Pmonies,  Irises, 
Hemerocallis,  and  seedling  Lilium  colchicum,  which  was  most 
interesting.  Messrs.  Laxton  Bros.,  Bedford,  sent  a  collection  of  Strawr- 
berries,  comprising  Royal  Sovereign,  Noble,  Laxton’s  Monarch,  Baroness, 
and  Laxton’s  Leader,  all  in  good  condition.  Messrs.  Webb  &  Sons, 
Stourbridge,  were  represented  by  a  small  but  choice  exhibit  of  vege¬ 
tables,  such  as  Potatoes,  Beans,  Carrots,  Onions,  Cabbage,  and  Turnips 
and  Marrows.  Considering  the  early  date  the  exhibit  was  very 
commendable.  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  sent  a  choice 
collection  of  Cannas,  displaying  many  of  the  best  varieties,  the  flowers 
of  which  were  large  and  showy. 
R.H.S.  Awards. 
The  deputation  of  the  R.H.S,  granted  a  silver-gilt  Flora  medal  to 
Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  for  group  of  plants.  Silver 
Flora  medal  to  Mrs.  Tetley  for  Pelargoniums.  Silver  Banksian  medals. 
— Mrs.  Gurney  Pease,  for  Ferns  ;  Mr.  C.  J.  Mee,  for  group  of  plants  ; 
Sir  J.  Reckitt,  Bart.,  for  group  of  plants;  Mr.  H.  Pybus,  for  Zonal 
Pelargoniums. 
First- class  certificate  to  Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  for  Laslio- 
Cattleya  variety  Gladiator. 
Awards  of  merit  to  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons,  for  Papaver  orientale 
var.  Prince  of  Orange  ;  Messrs.  Low  &  Co.,  for  Cattleya  Mossiro  var. 
Giant  ;  Messrs;  Charlesworth  k  Co.,  for  Odontoglossum  crispum  var. 
H.  Mason;  Mr— G.  Yeld,  for  Iris  G.  Yeld  ;  Lord  Deramore,  for  Dipla- 
denia  Lord  Deramore;  Mr.  James  Cypher,  for  Cattleya  Forbesi ;  H. 
Steel,  Esq.,  for  Odontoglossum  crispum  H.  Steel;  Messrs.  Heath  and 
Son,  Cheltenham,  for  Lobelia  Heath’s  Tree. 
Botanical  certificate. — T.  R.  Jessop,  Esq.,  for  Bifrenaria  Charles- 
worthi. 
Highly  commended.  —  Mr.  James  Cypher,  for  Erica  ventricosa, 
Phoenocoma  and  Bougainvillea  Sanderiana  ;  the  Marquis  of  Zetland,  for 
Hedaroma,  Cycas,  and  Ixora  Pilgrimi ;  Messrs.  Fisher,  Son  &  Sibray,  for 
group  of  hardy  plants  ;  Messrs.  Laing  &  Mather,  for  group  of  Carnations  ; 
Mr.  A.  Waterer,  for  cut  Rhododendrons  ;  Mrs.  Gurney  Pease,  for  Cycas 
siamensis  ;  Mr.  J.  A.  Rod  well,  for  group  of  alpines,  &c. 
Commended. — Messrs.  Perkins  &  Son.  for  bouquets  ;  H.  B.  Grotrian, 
Esq.,  for  seedling  Begonias ;  Mr.  S.  Hardcastle,  for  Succulents  ;  Sir 
Jos.  Pease,  Bart.,  M.P.,  for  Lemons,  Citrons,  and  Oranges  ;  T.  R.  Jessop, 
Esq.,  for  Oncidium  cornigerum. 
Cultural  commendation  to  T  R.  Jessop,  Esq.,  for  Saccolabium 
guttatum  ;  Rev.  G.  Yeats,  for  Adiantum  concinnum  ;  and  the  Earl  of 
Zetland,  for  Davallia  fijiensis  plumosa. 
Special  Awards. 
In  addition  to  prizes  above  mentioned,  and  the  grants  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society,  the  following  honours  were  awarded  : — A  gold 
medal  to  Messrs.  Fisher,  Son,  &  Sibray  for  stove  and  greenhouse  plants, 
and  Japanese  Maples.  Silver-gilt  medals  to  Messrs.  Dicksons,  Limited, 
for  cut  flowers,  and  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones  for  cut  blooms  of  Pelargoniums, 
Silver  medals  to  Messrs.  Barr  &  Son  for  hardy  decorative  plants, 
Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Sons  for  collection  of  decorative  plants  and  cut 
blooms,  Mr,  Geo.  Mount  for  Roses  and  other  flowers,  Messrs.  Clibran 
and  Son  for  collection  of  plants  and  cut  flowers,  Messrs.  Jones  &  Sons 
for  floral  decorations,  Messrs.  H,  Cannell  &  Son  for  collection  of  Cannas, 
and  Mr,  J.  W.  Wilson  for  decorative  plants  and  cut  flowers. 
The  Luncheon. 
Full  to  overcrowding  was  the  tent  in  which  the  luncheon  was  held. 
Alderman  Sir  Joseph  Terry  occupied  the  chair,  supported  by  the  Lord 
Mayor,  the  City  Sheriff,  and  Dean  of  York  ;  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Rev. 
W.  Wilks,  and  other  members  forming  the  deputation  from  the  R.H.S. ; 
with  several  Aldermen,  members  of  the  Gala  Committee,  and  other 
gentlemen. 
After  lunch  the  Lord  Mayor  proposed  the  “  Health  of  the  President 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,”  extending  a  hearty  welcome  to  the 
deputation  on  the  occasion  of  its  first  visit  to  York.  He  had  long  been 
closely  connected  with  the  York  Gala,  which  had  experienced  many  trials 
and  reverses  ;  but  he  thought  they  had  crowned  their  success  that  day 
in  the  presence  of  a  deputation  of  the  premier  Society  of  the  world,  and 
they,  were  further  honoured  with  the  presence  of  its  distinguished 
President.  (Cheers.)  Sir  Trevor,  he  continued,  wa3  not  only  an 
authority  on  Orchids,  but  was  interested  in  all  phases  of  horticulture  ; 
moreover,  he  had  rendered  important  services  for  his  country  as  a 
statesman  for  many  years.  (Loud  applause.)  That  the  Gala  was  well 
supported  is  proved  in  the  fact  that  they  had  £2300  in  hand.  This  year 
they  had  been  very  successful  considering  the  weather,  and  in  express¬ 
ing  the  pleasure  of  the  Gala  Committee  at  the  visit  of  the  deputation 
and  Sir  Trevor,  though  it  was  his  first  visit  to  York,  he  sincerely  hoped 
it  would  not  be  the  last.  (Prolonged  cheers.) 
Sir  Treyor  Lawrence  rose  amid  cheers  to  respond,  and  in 
offering  condolence  for  the  inclement  weather  said  he  had  nothing  but 
sincere  congratulations  to  advance  to  them,  and  in  thanking  the  Gala 
Committee  for  the  cordial  welcome  they  had  received  he  was  speaking 
the  unanimous  voice  of  the  whole  deputation.  Never  had  he  seen  a 
more  complete  and  varied  exhibition,  as  there  was  something  to  please 
every  taste.  (Cheers.)  There  were  Orchids  for  those  who  admired 
them,  and  fruit,  Pelargoniums,  and  hardy  flowers  for  those  who  found 
delight  in  them.  He  hoped  that  the  not  inconsiderable  number  of 
awards  which  the  depufation  had  made  on  that  occasion  showed  its 
appreciation  of  the  high  character  of  the  exhibition.  (Applause.)  They 
were  aware  perhaps  that  on  this  occasion  the  R.H.S.  is  making  a  new 
departure.  The  Council  of  the  Society  have  long  felt  regrets  that  they 
have  not  been  ab'e  to  bring  themselves  in  close  contact  with  the  people 
of  the  provinces  of  a  garden-loving  country.  They  fully  recognised  that 
while  those  who  lived  near  London  could  enjoy  the  benefits  bestowed  by 
the  R.H.S.,  they  could  not  expect  those  living  in  Yorkshire  to  visit  the 
meetings  at  Westminster,  varied  and  beautiful  though  they  were.  He 
hoped,  however,  that  the  Society  would  be  able  to  bring  itself  more  in 
touch  with  the  Society  than  it  had  hitherto  done,  and  in  representing 
the  advance  in  horticulture  it  is  wished  that  the  R.H.S.  should  occupy 
in  the  horticultural  world,  as  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society  does  in 
that  of  agriculture.  (Cheers.)  In  order  to  assist  in  bringing  this  about 
he  hoped  they  would  do  what  they  could  towards  the  support  of  the 
premier  Society. 
He  would  not  enter  into  a  history  of  the  R.H.S.,  but  reminded 
them  that  it  was  started  in  1804,  and  received  its  first  charter  in  1809. 
Since  that  time  the  Society  has,  in  name,  represented  the  horticulture  of 
the  kingdom.  Not  always  wisely,  he  regretted  to  say,  but  when  unwisely 
it  had  always  failed.  While  horticulture  was  its  real  and  only  love,  it 
had  always  prospered,  but  when  a  departure  had  been  made  in  favour  of 
tennis,  rinks,  and  such  festivities,  admirable  and  proper  though  they 
might  be  at  the  Yorkshire  Gala — (laughter) — they  went  wrong.  Ever 
since  leaving  South  Kensington  the  Society  had  increased  on  an  average 
of  280  members  per  annum,  and  this  year  already  250  members  have 
been  enrolled,  making  a  total  of  nearly  4000  Fellows.  (Cheers.)  This  was 
not  to  be  compared  with  in  the  Kensington  days,  when  they  were  losing 
largely  every  year.  He  regretted  the  income  of  the  Society  was  not  so 
large  as  its  supporters  would  desire,  though  they  would  be  glad  to  hear 
it  had  a  surplus,  if  not  so  large  as  that  of  the  Yorkshire  Gala.  They 
also  felt  the  want  of  an  horticultural  hall  in  London,  and  though  they 
once  had  a  few  thousand  pounds  of  the  sum  required  for  that  purpose, 
owing  to  circumstances  it  had  to  be  given  up. 
In  conclusion,  Sir  Trevor  made  reference  to  the  kindness  of  his 
agreeable  and  amiable  host  and  hostess — the  Lord  Mayor  and  Lady 
Mayoress — (cheers) — expressing  bis  hope  that  though  it  was  the  first 
occasion  of  a  deputation  visiting  York  he  sincerely  hoped  it  would  not 
be  the  last.  (Applause.) 
The  Dean  op  York  gave  the  health  of  “  The  President,  Lord  Mayor, 
the  Chairman,  Vice-Chairman,  and  Council,”  speaking  highly  of  the 
benefits  conferred  on  the  City  through  the  Gala  Society.  Other  speakers 
were  Messrs.  Alderman  Border,  H.  J,  Veitch,  Malcolm  Dunn,  W.  T 
Thistletdn  Dyer,  T.  G.  Hodgson,  J.  Wright,  and  J.  Mclndoe. 
The  number  of  visitors  on  the  first  day  (very  wet)  was  5258  ;  second 
day,  31,770  ;  third  day,  15,213.  Total,  52,241. 
Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. 
Under  the  presidency  of  the  Lord  Mayor  of  York,  a  meeting  was  held 
on  the  afternoon  of  the  first  day  of  the  show  in  the  Council  tent,  the 
object  being  to  bring  before  the  notice  of  gardeners  the  benefits  of  the 
Institution.  Amongst  those  who  spoke  in  its  favour  were  the  Lord 
Mayor,  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  the  Dean  of  York,  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  and 
Messrs.  H.  J.  Veitch,  J.  S.  Gray,  H.  J.  Clayton,  and  G.  J.  Ingram. 
There  was  a  large  number  of  gardeners  and  others  present,  and  after 
several  interesting  speeches  Mr.  J.  S.  Gray  moved — “That  this  meeting, 
having  heard  the  objects  of  the  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution, 
and  considering  such  an  excellent  institution  well  worthy  of  support, 
heartily  commends  it  to  the  practical  sympathy  of  all  Yorkshire 
gardeners,  and  to  the  kind  assistance  of  all  employers  and  patrons  of 
gardening.”  This  motion  was  seconded  by  Mr.  H.  J.  Clayton,  and 
carried  unanimously. 
NATIONAL  VIOLA  SOCIETY. 
The  first  exhibition  of  this  young  Society  was  held  in  the  corridor 
of  the  Royal  Botanic  Society’s  Gardens,  Regent’s  Park,  on  Saturday, 
June  20th.  The  entries  and  competition  exceeded  the  hopes  of  the 
executive,  for  the  scorching  weather  experienced  by  the  southern  growers 
