116 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
July  SO,  18B6. 
surrounding  the  residence  of  Pantia  Balli,  Esq.,  at  Ashtead,  who  so 
generously  places  it  at  the  disposal  of  the  Committee  every  year.  With 
respect  to  the  cottagers’  exhibits,  it  is  enough  to  say  they  were  for  the 
season  exceptionally  good  and  very  largely  shown.  Creditable  also  were 
the  collections  of  six  vegetables  in  trays  shown  from  the  Boys’  School 
Gardens,  which  are  so  admirably  supervised. 
A  very  fine  and  most  attractive  group  of  plants  was  set  up  by  Mr. 
G.  Hunt,  Mr.  Kalli’s  excellent  gardener.  It  included  noble  Palms, 
overhanging  fine  Campanula  pyramidalis,  both  blue  and  white  ;  clumps 
of  Liliam  lancifolium  album  and  rabrum,  good  Crotons,  Dracaenas, 
Caladiums,  and  other  foliage  plants,  with  intermixed  dwarfer  plants  in 
flower,  such  as  Ixoras.  Achimenes,  Eupatoriums,  Streptocarpuses,  and  at 
one  end  some  good  Laelias,  Cattleyas,  Odontoglossums,  Epidendrums, 
Miltonias,  and  other  Orchids.  The  same  exhibitor  staged  a  very 
fine  group  of  Caladiums,  finely  leaved  and  coloured,  set  in  Maidenhair 
Fern.  Mr.  Morse  of  Epsom  had  good  Palms,  beneath  which  were  fine 
Cannas,  Madame  Crozy,  Austria,  and  Italia  being  very  fine  and  effective. 
Mr.  Goldsmith,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  F.  G.  Lucas,  Ashtead  Rectory,  set 
up  a  charming  group  that  was  very  attractive.  A  good  group  of  plants 
also  came  from  Mr.  Cahill,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Denshire,  Ashtead. 
Mr.  Hunt  also  had  a  very  effectively  arranged  group  of  hardy 
flowers,  amongst  which  were  Echinops  ritro  and  baccatus,  Eryngiura 
amethystinum,  Gladiolus  Lemoinei,  Montbretia  Pottsi,  Gaillardias, 
Alstrdmerias,  Pentstemons,  Lilium  longiflorum,  Achillea  The  Pearl, 
Monarda  didyma,  Heleniums,  Coreopsis,  Stenactis,  and  other  excellent 
flowers.  Various  local  ladies  staged,  and  other  ladies  judged  some  table 
decorations,  consisting  chiedy  of  a  centre  with  corner  vases.  The 
first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mrs.  Scsramagua  for  an  arrangement  of 
Grasses  and  Gypsophila,  set  up  thinly  with  flowers  of  Calliopsis  tinctoria 
— not  a  happy  combination,  especially  as  the  flowers  soon  flagged. 
Much  the  prettiest  was  a  similar  number  of  stands,  dressed  with  Gypso¬ 
phila  freely  and  a  few  sprays  of  Asparagus  plumosus,  the  flowers  not  at 
all  liberally  used  being  yellow  and  crimson  Carnations.  This  was  sent 
by  Miss  Hue  Williams. 
After  the  usual  presentation  of  prizes  ceremony,  the  whole  company, 
comprising  several  hundreds  of  persons,  assembled  on  the  fine  lawn 
fronting  the  mansion,  where  all  classes  joined  heartily  to  the  music  of 
an  excellent  band  in  the  graceful  dance.  A  more  pleasing  sight  could 
not  have  been  seen  anywhere,  for  the  grounds  are  splendidly  kept,  the 
park  is  richly  wooded,  and  all  the  surroundings  were  in  harmony  with 
the  general  enjoyment. 
PRESCOT. — July  23ed. 
Few  places  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Liverpool  could  be  better 
fitted  to  hold  a  flower  show  than  the  portion  of  the  beautiful  Park  at 
Knowsley,  which  Lord  Derby  so  kindly  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Committee  of  the  Prescot  Horticultural  Society  for  the  use  of  their 
annual  exhibition.  Last  year,  owing  to  the  unpropitious  state  of  the 
weather,  the  funds  of  the  Society  were  considerably  lowered  ;  but 
thanks  to  the  energetic  President,  Mr.  Morris  Mercer,  and  a  Committee 
that  would  take  some  beating  for  hard  work,  the  funds  have  been  placed 
in  a  sound  position.  The  glorious  weather  that  prevailed  during  the 
whole  of  last  Thursday,  when  the  twelfth  annual  show  was  opened, 
assisted  to  bring  in  visitors  by  the  hundred,  and  total  up  a  sum  sufficient 
to  place  the  Society  in  a  sound  condition  for  many  years  to  come. 
Of  the  exhibits  nothing  but  the  highest  praise  could  be  given,  and 
although  the  competition  might  not  have  been  so  strong  in  some  classes 
as  on  former  occasions,  the  quality  was  of  the  best.  For  a  collection  of 
plants  arranged  for  effect  in  a  space  of  75  square  feet,  Mr.  W.  Lyon, 
gardener  to  A.  Mackenzie  Smith,  Esq.,  was  placed  first;  Mr.  McFall, 
gardener  to  E.  C.  Seventon,  Esq ,  second ;  and  Mr.  R.  Pinnington, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Banner,  Blacklow  House,  Roby,  third.  Mr.  R.  Pin¬ 
nington  won  for  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  Allaraanda  Hendersoni, 
Clerodendron  Balfourianum,  Cycas  revoluta  (grand),  and  Croton  Queen 
Victoria  being  the  best.  He  also  won  for  four  greenhouse  plants  in 
flower,  noticeable  being  Bignonia  grandiflora,  and  a  well  grown  plant 
of  Lilium  Kraetzeri  carrying  over  500  blooms ;  for  one  stove  plant  with 
a  handsome  flowered  Ixora  Williamsi  ;  for  four  stove  or  greenhouse 
Ferns  and  two  Liliums.  Mr.  Lyon  won  with  splendid  Gloxinias,  and 
Mr.  A.  Rattray,  gardener  to  G.  T.  G.  Musson,  Esq.,  Holly  House,  Roby, 
with  six  excellent  tuberous  Begonias.  Mr.  E.  Bridge,  gardener  to  Mrs 
Jowett,  Greenhill,  Huyton,  a  veteran  Pelargonium  grower,  was  an  easy 
first  with  four  Zonals,  and  fora  single  specimen  Begonia,  whilst  the  grand 
Cockscombs  and  single  Fuchsia  staged  by  Mr.  McFall  came  in  for 
-  special  admiration,  as  did  the  three  Fuchsias  sent  by  Mr.  E.  Blythian, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Baxter,  The  Tower,  Rainhill.  Mr.  Lyon  took  the  prize 
for  Coleus,  Mr.  J.  A.  Radley  for  a  fine  contribution  of  herbaceous  plants, 
and  Messrs.  H.  Banks  for  double  Dahlias,  H.  F.  Taylor  for  Cactus 
Dahlias,  and  J.  Pownall  for  Pansies.  Considering  the  dryness  of  the 
season  the  cut  Roses  were  stronger  than  have  been  seen  for  many  years, 
Mr.  P.  Green,  gardener  to  T.  Gee,  Esq.,  Allerton,  being  an  easy  winner 
for  eighteen  and  six,  the  stands  containing  many  superb  blooms.  Mr. 
Carling  was  a  capital  first  for  twelve  Roses. 
Grapes,  Peaches,  and  Nectarines  were  remarkably  good,  Mr.  Oldham, 
gardener  to  J.  Beecham,  Esq.,  Ewanville,  Huyton,  winning  each  class. 
Mr.  Oldham  won  with  a  Scarlet  Melon  ;  Mr.  Ferguson,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Paterson,  Rock  Ferry,  Cheshire,  with  a  Green  Melon  ;  Mr.  Pinnington 
second  in  each  class.  Mr.  Stephenson  had  excellent  Peaches;  and 
Mr.  Barnes,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Gamble,  Esq  ,  Cowley  Hill,  St.  Helens,  well 
coloured  Nectarines.  For  four  dishes  of  fruit  Mr.  Eaton,  gardener  to 
Jno.  Partington,  Esq.,  Roby  Mount,  Roby,  secured  honours  with  small 
but  well  finished  Black  Eamburghs,a  nice  Pine,  Peaches,  and  Nectarines ; 
Mr.  Oldham  second,  Mr.  Pinnington  third.  Small  fruit  prizewinners 
were  Messrs.  McFall,  Ferguson,  Helsby,  Parr,  J.  Lyon,  and  S.  Baker. 
Vegetables  could  not  well  be  overpraised,  Mr.  J.  Rainford  winning 
the  majority  of  classes  with  produce  from  which  every  trace  of  coarseness 
was  eliminated,  and  fit  for  any  show  in  the  kingdom.  The  second  and 
third  collections  were  also  admirable,  all  being  staged  by  cottagers. 
Fine,  shapely  Potatoes  were  pat  up  by  Mr.  McFall,  and  beautiful 
Tomatoes  by  Mr.  Stephenson.  Cottagers’  exhibits  were  specially  good, 
and  worthy  of  the  highest  commendation ;  but  lack  of  space  forbids  of  our 
giving  names  of  prizewinners.  Mr.  Wm.  Case,  the  new  Secretary,  carried 
out  his  duties  in  a  most  efficient  way,  and  the  Committee — entirely  a 
working  men’s — have  had  their  laborious  labours  lightened  respecting 
funds  by  the  handsome  gate  of  Thursday  last. 
The  prize  for  a  model  garden  was  won  by  Mr.  Eaton.  The  same 
exhibitor  also  exhibited  a  fine  dish  of  Blackberries,  the  old  common 
variety  cultivated  in  the  kitchen  garden  at  Roby  Mount,  the  fruit  being 
much  superior  to  any  of  the  American  varieties. 
Messrs.  Dicksons,  Ltd.,  Chester,  had  a  small  but  excellent  stand  of 
herbaceous  plants  and  Tea  Roses.  Mr.  A.  J.  Stanley,  Crosby,  fine 
Cactus  Dahlias,  two  of  which  gained  certificates :  and  Mr.  H.  Flower  a 
useful  assortment  of  garden  requisites. 
I 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
Outdoor  Vines. — The  wood  necessary  to  be  reserved  should  be 
carefully  trained  in,  fully  occupying  vacant  spaces  with  strong 
extending  rods,  which  may  te  stopped  at  a  length  of  4  feet,  and  allowed 
to  form  a  fresh  leader,  pruning  back  in  winter  just  below  its  origination. 
Stop  lateral  growth  from  the  young  rods  at  the  first  leaf.  Fruitless  side 
shoots  emanating  from  old  spurs  must  be  reduced  in  number  if  crowded, 
selecting  the  best,  and  stopping  at  the  sixth  or  seventh  leaf.  Fruiting 
shoots  ought  not  to  extend  further  beyond  the  bunches  of  fruit  than  the 
second  or  third  leaf  without  stopping.  Allow  one  bunch  only  to  each 
lateral.  Pinch  sub-laterals  at  the  first  leaf,  continuing  to  do  so.  Thin 
out  the  berries  so  that  shapely  and  creditable  bunches  may  be  produced, 
which  stand  a  better  chance  of  ripening  well  than  crowded  bunches. 
A  good  soaking  of  water  to  the  roots,  followed  by  an  application  of 
clear  liquid  manure,  is  very  beneficial,  and  sustains  the  Vines  during  the 
period  of  swelling  their  fruit,  and  building  up  the  wood  for  successional 
fruiting.  Outdoor  Vines  frequently  suffer  much,  and  fall  into  disrepute 
because  of  neglect  in  training  the  growths  systematically,  and  affording 
food  to  the  roots  liberally,  especially  in  dry  soils  and  positions,  where 
enough  rain  cannot  reach. 
Apples. — Continue  the  summer  pruning  of  bushes,  espaliers,  and 
cordons,  shortening  the  lateral  growths  to  the  fourth  leaf.  Give  a  final 
thinning  where  good  crops  hang  on  the  trees,  dispensing,  however,  in 
all  cases  with  small  deformed  fruits  and  grub-eaten  examples.  Dastroy 
all  affected  in  this  manner,  whether  they  are  picked  from  the  trees 
or  have  fallen  to  the  ground. 
Plums. — The  best  and  most  even  crops  of  Plums  of  superior  quality 
are  secured  by  thinning-out  liberally  where  there  are  prolific  crops, 
such  being  invariably  found  on  low  standard  trees.  On  walls  confine 
the  removal  to  those  fruits  in  unsuitable  positions,  also  any  yellow 
stunted  fruits. 
Strawberries. — Thin-out  the  runners,  in  order  to  prevent  crowd¬ 
ing  the  young  plants  now  rooting  or  about  to  be  rooted  for  fresh 
stock.  If  more  plants  are  needed,  and  there  are  vacant  places  to  root 
them,  layer  at  once,  loosening  the  soil,  securing  the  runners  thereon, 
afterwards  maintaining  the  ground  moist.  Where  further  plants  are 
not  required  clear  off  the  whole  of  the  runners  and  all  weeds.  Permit 
no  runners  on  young  plants  which  may  be  weakly  or  on  spring-established 
beds,  as  their  production  weakens  the  progress  of  sturdy  growth. 
The  earliest  runners  will  now  be  rooted  in  small  pots  or  turves. 
Detach  the  wires  from  the  old  plants,  remove  the  young  plants  to  a 
convenient  position,  and  stand  them  closely  together  for  readily 
watering. 
Preliminary  preparations  may  be  carried  out  for  planting  early  beds 
at  a  favourable  opportunity.  Choose  a  piece  of  ground  that  has  had  a 
rich  manurial  dressing  in  spring,  and  only  requires  forking  over,  clean¬ 
ing,  levelling,  and  making  firm.  Ground  from  which  early  Potatoes 
have  been  cleared  is  usually  quite  suitable.  Positions  can  also  be 
prepared  for  later  planting.  Dig  deeply,  and  enrich  the  soil  well  with 
a  liberal  quantity  of  manure.  In  the  interval  elapsing  before  planting 
it  will  have  become  sufficiently  consolidated.  It  is  not  desirable  to 
plant  on  the  site  of  old  beds  if  fresh  ground  is  available  in  a  suitable 
position. 
Raspberries. — As  the  fruit  is  gathered  cut  out  the  old  canes  close 
to  the  ground,  thus  leaving  plenty  of  room  for  the  development  of  the 
new  canes,  four  to  six  of  which  are  enough  for  each  stool.  If  planted  in 
