July  23,  1896. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTIGULTVRE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
87 
can  pass  in  a  moment  from  one  variety  to  another,  and  so  be  able  to 
compare  in  a  better  manner  than  if  he  had  to  carry  the  one  in  his  mind 
for  some  distance  ere  he  found  the  other. 
Each  variety  is  correctly  and  legibly  labelled,  some  forms  being 
represented  by  only  five  or  six  plants,  while  others  number  considerably 
more.  The  system  of  carefully  staking  each  plant,  and  attaching  each 
spike  thereto,  is  excellent,  for  in  addition  to  insuring  neatness  and 
tidiness  (which,  by  the  way,  are  apparent  throughout  the  Veitchian 
establishment),  have  the  advantage  of  maintaining  the  flower  in  the 
best  position  for  showing  off  its  merits  or  its  defects.  It  is  a  matter  for 
regret  that  one  occasionally  sees  in  private  gardens  Carnation  plants  of 
which  the  flowers  are  allowed  to  hang  down  sometimes  until  they  quite 
touch  the  ground. 
In  addition  to  these  plants  in  the  beds,  the  same  varieties  are  grown 
under  glass,  and  it  is  there  that  one  sees  the  real  character  of  the 
flowers  this  season.  The  plants,  too,  have  made  splendid  growths,  as,  of 
course,  the  cultivator,  Mr.  Weeks,  has  had  them  more  under  control. 
Altogether  the  collection  is  a  very  complete  one,  and  every  endeavour  is 
made  to  keep  it  right  up  to  date.  Varieties  are  too  numerous  to  admit 
of  all  being  named  now,  so  a  small  selection  only  of  what  may  safely  be 
termed  of  the  best  has  been  made. 
During  a  comparatively  recent  period  many  new  varieties  have 
been  placed  in  commerce,  and  to  some  of  these  brief  attention  will 
first  be  called.  As  a  self  yellow  of  large  size  Britannia  will  be  found 
difficult  to  beat,  good  as  are  those  recognised  standard  varieties  Corunna 
and  Duke  of  Orleans.  There  is  a  difference  in  the  shade  of  yellow  in 
each  form,  so  that  all  may  be  advantageously  grown  ;  while  if  a  fourth 
be  desired.  Miss  Audrey  Campbell  is  worthy  of  every  consideration. 
Very  bright  is  the  hue  of  Hayes’  Scarlet,  the  flower  of  great  merit,  as 
indeed  it  should  be  to  uphold  its  celebrated  name.  Rich  is  the  crimson 
of  King  Arthur,  but  it  is  not  nearly  so  deep  as  the  exquisitely  formed 
Mephisto. 
Fragrance  in  a  Carnation  is  often  looked  for,  and  in  Miss  Ellen 
Terry  it  is  found  to  a  very  marked  degree,  the  blooms  of  which  are  of 
very  large  size  and  pure  white  colour.  The  shade  of  Mrs.  Hayes  Fisher 
is  somewhat  peculiar,  but  decidedly  pleasing.  The  prevailing  hue  is 
very  pale  primrose  yellow,  which  is  delicately  suffused  and  flushed 
with  pale  rose.  George  Cruickshank  is  an  acquisition  such  as  proves  of 
value  in  every  collection,  while  as  a  delicately,  chastely  coloured  yellow 
ground  Picotee  Cowslip  will  be  found  superb.  An  almost  perfect  pure 
white  is  Mrs.  Eric  Hambro,  a  variety  of  vigorous  growth  and  free- 
blooming  propensities. 
Turning  now  to  the  older  varieties,  we  find  them  very  strongly  repre¬ 
sented  both  in  and  out  of  doors,  and  some  such  as  the  scarlet  Joe  Willet 
and  the  pure  white  Mrs.  F.  Watts  are  deemed  so  usefirl  as  to  be  worthy 
the  honour  of  an  entire  bed  each.  Both  have  produced  flowers  in  large 
numbers  and  of  very  good  quality.  Queen  of  Bedders  almost  everyone 
knows  and  appreciates,  as  well  for  its  dwarf,  sturdy,  free-growing  habit 
as  for  the  pleasing  shade  of  its  rose-hued  blooms.  Besides  these  were 
noted  Duchess  of  York,  Eudoxia,  Cara  Roma,  Snowdon,  Germania, 
bizarres,  flakes,  and  fancies  in  ( xtensive  numbers,  with  such  Picotees  as 
Edith  D’Ombrain,  Norman  Carr,  Dr.  Epps,  Brunette,  Mrs.  Alfred  Tate, 
Clara  Penson,  and  Amy  Robsart,  all  of  which  have  several  points  of 
merit. 
NATIONAL  CARNATION  AND  PICOTEE  SOCIETY.— July  22nd. 
Caknations,  like  most  other  occupants  of  the  flower  garden,  have 
felt  the  detrimental  effects  of  the  long-continued  drought,  this  being 
apparent  at  the  annual  exhibition  of  the  Southern  section  of  the  above 
Society,  which  was  held  at  the  Crystal  Palace  on  Wednesday,  where  the 
exhibits  were  neither  so  numerous,  nor  the  quality  so  good  as  we  have 
seen  on  former  occasions.  Some  of  the  classes  were  well  filled,  and  the 
competition  keen,  while  others  were  but  sparsely  represented.  In  spite 
of  the  drawbacks  referred  to  many  superb  flowers  were  shown,  and  the 
chief  honours  of  the  day  rested  with  Midland  growers.  In  most  of  the 
classes  as  many  as  eight  prizes  were  offered,  so  that  the  majority  of  the 
exhibitors  received  an  award.  We  have,  however,  only  recorded  the 
names  of  the  principal  winners  below.  Taken  as  a  whole  the  exhibition 
was  an  interesting  and  enjoyable  one  from  all  points  of  view,  and  we 
trust  the  Society  has  every  reason  to  feel  satisfi^.  As  the  show  took 
place  just  at  we  were  going  to  press  we  are  unable  to  give  a  fully  detailed 
report. 
Carnations. — Seven  exhibitors  appeared  in  the  principal  class  for 
twenty-four  bizarres  and  flakes,  and  out  of  these  Mr.  R.  Sydenham, 
Birmingham,  was  placed  first  with  Lord  Salisbury,  George  Melville, 
Thalia,  William  Skirving,  Gordon  Lewis,  Mrs.  Rowan,  J.  D.  Hextall, 
Guardsman,  Mrs.  Burgess,  Robert  Lord,  Rosamundi,  Agricola,  J.  S. 
Hedderly,  Sarah  Payne,  Robert  Houlgrave,  Edith  Annie,  Master  Fred, 
and  Gordon  Lewis.  Of  several  of  the  varieties  named  two  flowers  were 
shown.  Messrs.  Thomsons,  Birmingham,  were  placed  second,  and  Mr. 
M.  Rowan,  Clapham,  third;  Mr.  J.  Edwards,  Manchester,  was  first  with 
twelve  blooms  out  of  seven  competitors,  showing  fine  blooms  of  J.  S. 
Hedderly,  Evan  Edwards,  Gordon  Lewis,  Othello,  Mrs.  Rowan, 
Harmony,  Sportsman,  Stanley,  Master  Fred,  Robert  Houlgrave,  Squire 
Llewlyn,  and  Admiral  Cuizon,  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  A. 
Brown,  Birmingham,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  J.  Brocklehurst,  Manchester. 
Mr.  T.  Henwood,  Reading,  was  first  with  six,  showing  Thaddeus,  George, 
Robert  Houlgrave,  W.  Skirving,  Marline,  and  G.  Lewis.  The  second  and 
third  prizes  went  to  Messrs.  A.  Greenfield  and  T.  Anstiss  in  the  order 
named. 
Mr.  Chas;  Blick,  gardener  to  Martin  R.  Smith,  Eaq.,  Hayes,  was  a 
splendid  first  for  twenty-four  seifs  in  twelve  varieties,  showing  Trede- 
gonde.  Warrior,  Cinnamon  Abney,  Banner,  Dalkeith,  Britannia,  Sappho, 
Roma,  Gilda,  Prince  Charlie,  Beacon,  Winnifred,  Mrs,  Gascoigne,  Jack 
Stuart,  Salisbury,  Her  Grace,  Lady  Ridley,  Regatta,  and  Brown  Bess. 
Mr,  Jas.  Douglas,  Ilford,  was  placed  second  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Walker,  Oxon, 
third,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  was  first  with  twelve  seifs,  showing  good 
blooms  of  Britannia,  Mephisto,  Germania,  Topsy,  Lady  Ridley,  Hayes 
Scarlet,  and  others.  Mr.  J.  Edwards  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr. 
R.  Sydenham  third.  Twelve  competitors  appeared  in  the  class  for  half 
a  dozen  seifs.  Mr,  T.  E.  Henwood  was  a  good  first  with  six,  showing  Her 
Grace,  Germania,  Mephisto,  Lord  Wantage,  and  others  in  good  form. 
Mr.  Chas.  Phillips,  Bracknell,  was  placed  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Brocklebank 
third. 
Mr.  Chas.  Blick  was  well  to  the  front  with  twenty-four  fancies  in  not 
less  than  twelve  varieties.  The  best  blooms  were  Roland,  Perseus, 
Vashti,  Naseby,  Eldorado,  Lorna  Drone,  Nestor,  Leopold  Regent, 
Khedive,  Oliver,  The  Baron,  Evening  Star,  Melba,  and  Figaro.  Mr. 
Jas.  Douglas  took  the  second  award,  and  Mr.  J,  Walker  third.  Messrs. 
Thomsons  were  first  with  a  dozen,  showing  among  others  Mrs.  A.  Tate, 
Brocklin,  Mrs.  W.  Spencer,  Monarch,  The  Dey,  G.  Cruickshank,  and 
Cardinal  Wolsey.  Mr.  A.  J.  Sanders,  gardener  to  Viscountess  Chewton, 
Cobham,  took  the  second  prize.  Thirteen  exhibits  appeared  in  the  class 
for  six  fancies.  Out  of  these  Mr.  J.  Edwards  was  placed  first  with  good 
blooms,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  second,  Mr.  Chas.  Harden  third, 
Mr.  Geo.  Chaundry,  Oxford,  was  first  with  six  bizarres  and  flakes, 
shown  without  dressing  or  cards.  Mr.  H.  Hurst,  gardener  to  W.  T. 
Holland,  Esq.,  Bexley,  was  second;  and  Mr.  T.  Anstiss  third.  For 
twelve  seifs  and  fancies,  similarly  exhibited,  Mr.  J.  H.  Dalton,  Chisle- 
hurst,  was  first  among  seven  exhibitors,  his  best  flowers  being  Miss 
Keswick,  The  Burn,  Waterwitch,  Chislehnrst  Scarlet,  and  Pride  of  the 
Oaks.  Mr,  Chas.  Harden,  Dover,  took  the  second  award  ;  and  Mr, 
H,  G.  Bartleet,  Shooters  Hill,  third.  Mr.  M.  V.  Charrington,  Eden- 
bridge,  was  first  with  six  blooms,  showing  Mephisto,  Corunna,  and 
several  seedlings.  Mrs.  E.  Charrington,  Reigate,  was  second  ;  and  Mr. 
Edmund  Charrington,  Chislehurst,  third. 
Mr.  Turner  was  first  with  a  scarlet  bizarre,  showing  Robert  Houl¬ 
grave.  Mr.  J,  Edwards  was  first  for  a  crimson  with  J.  S.  Hedderly. 
Mr.  R.  Sydenham  was  first  for  a  pink  bizarre  with  Mrs.  Skirving.  Mr. 
A.  R.  Brown  had  the  Iftst  purple  flake,  Mr.  J.  Edwards  the  best  rose 
flake,  and  Messrs.  Thomson  the  best  scarlet.  Mr.  Edwards  had  the  best 
white  self,  showing  Mrs.  Lee,  and  also  showed  Ruby  for  the  best  rose. 
Mr.  A.  W.  Jones  was  the  best  for  a  scarlet  and  also  for  a  yellow,  and  for 
a  buff  Mr.  Colby  Sharpin  was  first. 
Mr.  H.  G.  Smyth,  Drury  Lane,  won  the  Martin  Smith  prize  for  the 
best  border  variety  of  self-coloured  Carnation  with  Jim  Smyth  ;  Mr. 
A.  J.  Sanders  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  P.  L.  Brown  third.  For  nine 
varieties  of  flake,  bizarre,  or  fancy  Mr.  H.  W.  Weguelin  was  first  ;  Mr, 
Jas,  Douglas  second  ;  and  Mr.  M.  V.  Charrington  third. 
Picotees. — Mr.  Robert  Sydenham  was  a  good  first  with  twenty- 
four  Picotees  with  white  ground,  in  not  less  than  twelve  varieties, 
showing  fine  blooms  of  Lady  Louise,  Lena,  Gannymede,  Mrs.  Kingston, 
Mrs.  Wilson,  Little  Phil,  Nellie,  Thomas  William,  Muriel,  Mrs.  Payne, 
Esther,  Mrs.  Gorton,  Favourite,  Mrs.  Openshaw,  Mrs.  Coleridge,  Pride 
of  Leyton,  Miriam,  and  Jessie.  Mr.  A.  W.  Jones,  Birmingham,  followed 
with  the  second  place,  and  Messrs.  Thomsons  third.  Mr.  J.  Edwards 
had  the  best  dozen,  showing  Polly,  Brazil,  Lena,  Edith  D’Ombrain, 
Brunette,  Favourite,  Mrs.  Smith,  Mrs.  Openshaw,  Nellie,  Mrs.  Sharp, 
Mrs.  Payne,  Thomas  William,  and  Muriel.  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  took  the 
second  award,  and  Mr.  B.  Simonite  third.  Mr.  Chas.  Harden  was  first 
with  six,  showing  Favourite,  Norman  Carr,  Gannymede,  Esther,  Thomas 
William,  and  Morna.  The  second  and  third  prizes  fell  to  Messrs.  T.  E. 
Henwood  and  Thos.  Anstiss  in  the  order  named. 
Mr.  R.  Sydenham  was  to  the  front  with  twelve  yellow  ground 
Picotees  in  not  less  than  six  varieties,  showing  fine  blooms  of  Ladas, 
Florrie  Henwood,  Agnes  Chambers,  Countess  of  Jersey,  Mrs.  R.  Syden¬ 
ham,  and  Mrs.  Douglas ;  Mr.  Chas.  Blick  was  granted  second  award, 
and  Messrs.  Thomson  third.  Mr.  A.  W.  Jones  had  the  best  six  yellow 
grounds,  showing  Ladas,  Countess  of  Jersey,  and  President  Carnot  in 
good  form;  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  was  placed  second,  and  Mr.  H.  W.  Weguelin, 
Teignmouth,  third.  Mr.  G.  Chaundry  had  the  best  six  white  ground 
blooms,  shown  without  dressing  ;  Mr.  W.  L.  Walker,  Reading,  being 
second  ;  and  Mr.  H.  Hurst  third.  Mr.  J.  T.  Kerr,  Southend,  was  first 
with  six  yellow  grounds  similarly  shown  ;  Mr.  Chas.  Harden  being 
second,  and  Mr.  A.  Spurring,  Blackheath,  third. 
Mr.  A.  W.  .Tones  showed  Brunette  for  the  best  heavy  edged  red 
Picotee.  Mr.  J.  Edwards  was  first  with  a  light  edged  red.  Mr.  R. 
Sydenham  had  the  best  heavy  edged  purple,  and  also  the  best  light 
edged.  The  same  exhibitor  was  also  first  for  a  heavy  edged  rose,  Mr. 
A,  R.  Brown  taking  that  place  with  a  right  edged.  Mr.  Sydenham  was 
first  with  a  heavy  edged  scarlet  with  Scarlet  Queen,  Mr.  J.  Edwards 
being  first  for  a  right  edged  with  Mrs.  Geggie.  Mr.  Edwards  also  had 
the  best  yellow  ground,  showing  Mrs.  R.  Sydenham. 
Prizes  were  also  offered  for  groups  of  plants  arranged  for  effect,  vases 
of  Carnation  flowers,  sprays,  buttonholes,  and  table  decoration  made  up 
with  these  flowers.  Mr.  Charles  Blick  was  placed  first  for  the  latter, 
showing  an  elegant  arrangement,  in  which  Asparagus  and  Smilax  was 
freely  used  in  conjunction  with  the  Carnations.  Miss  Jackson, 
Norwood,  second  ;  and  Mr.  F.  W.  Seale,  Sevenoaks,  third,  but  in 
making  the  last  two  awards  the  decision  of  the  Judges  was  open  to 
criticism.  Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  not  numerous,  the  principal 
being  that  of  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Tottenham,  who  showed  a  large  collection 
of  hardy  flowers  in  which  Carnations  were  conspicuous. 
