164 
TQURN'AL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
Aa^at  13,  1898, 
Mr  G  Humptries  was  to  the  front  with  twenty-four  Dahlias, 
ehowinfir  well-formed  blooms.  The  second  award  went  to  Messrs. 
Townsend  &  Sons,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  P.  Harris.  Sound  well.  Mr.  S. 
Tottle*  Tauntoo,  ^ad  the  best  twelve  Cactus  DanliaSj  Messrs.  J. 
Townsend  k  Sons  being  second,  and  for  twelve  bunches  of  singles  Mn 
F.  Harris  was  first,  Mr.  A.  Walters,  Bath,  second;  Mr.  S.  Bird, 
gardener  to  F.  H.  Fox,  Esq.,  Wellington,  was  to  the  front  with 
twenty.four  spikes  of  Gladioli,  the  exhibit  being  exceptionally  good. 
The  second  award  went  to  Mr.  S.  Tottle.  Mr.  G,  Humphries  h^I  t^ 
best  dozen  spikes  of  Gladioli.  Asters  were  well  shown,  Mr,  G.  H. 
Vickery,  Bath,  winniner  with  twenty-four  quilled  blooms,  Mr  A. 
Walters  being  second.  Mr.  Vickery  was  also  first  in  the  class  for  twenty- 
four  French  blooms,  Mr.  A.  Walters  taking  the  second  place,  and  Mr.  G. 
Humphries  the  third.  .  ..  „  t.  i. 
Mr.  G.  W.  Shelton,  gardener  to  W.  K.  Wait,  Esq..  Clifton,  had  the  best 
twenty-four  bunches  of  cut  flowers,  distinct.  Mr.  E.  Hall  was  first  with 
twelve  bunches  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  and  Mr.  G.  W.  Shelton  second. 
For  twenty-four  bunches  Messrs.  Brooks  &  Sons  were  placed  first,  and 
Mr,  G.  Humphries  second  :  but  here  the  decision  of  the  Judges  was  open 
to  criticism.  Mr,  J.  B.  Blackmore.  Twerton-on-Avon,  was  first  with 
twelve  bunches  of  sinerle  Begonias,  also  gaining  that  honour  with  -^uble 
blooms.  Mr.  A.  Walters  was  placed  first  with  a  dozen  bunches  of  hardy 
flowers,  Messrs.  W.  Brooks  &  Sons  being  second,  and  Mr.  G,  Garraway, 
Bath,  following  with  the  third.  Mr.  W,  Bussell,  Manor  Nu^ry,  was 
first  with  hardy  annuals,  Mr.  G.  Garraway  second,  and  Messrs.  W .  Brooks 
and  Sons  third.  ,  ^  . 
For  a  floral  device  'Messrs.  W.  Brooks  &  Sons  were  placed  fi||St  i 
M^  J.  West,  Clifton,  second  ,  and  Messrs.  Townsend  &  Sons  third.  For 
an  ornamental  device  in  fruit  and  flowers  for  table  Mr.  J.  Attwell, 
gardener  to  J.  B.  Brain,  Esq.,  Stoke  Bishop,  was  first  with  an  elegant 
arrangement;  Mr.  W.  DafPurn  was  placed  second;  and  Mr.  J;  West 
third.  Messrs.  W.  Brooks  &  Sons  were  first  with  a  hand  bouquet ;  Mr 
J.  West  second.  Messrs.  W.  Brroks  &  Sons  also  had  the  most  t^eful 
basket  of  flowers,  Mr.  C,  Holland  being  second,  and  Miss  Tyte,  Wells, 
third.  Mrs.  W.  H.  Webb,  Weston-super-Mare,  bad  the  best  table 
decoration,  Miss  Tyte  being  secend,  and  Mr.  J.  E.  Appleton  third,  ^ 
Fruit, — This  was  well  and  largely  shown.  For  a  collection  of  eight 
dishes,  Mr,  H.  W,  Ward,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Kadnor,  Longford 
Castle,  was  placed  first  with  good  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Black 
Hamburgh  Grapes,  Piince  of  Wales  Peaches,  Drylen  Nectarines,  Earl  s 
Favourite  Melon  « Charlotte  Rothschild  Pine,  White  Marseilles  Figs,  and 
Lady  Sudeley  Ad.  ’es.  Mr.  J.  Llovd,  gardener  to  V.  Stuckey,  Esq.,  Lang- 
port,  was  S'cond,  his  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Plums  being  the  beat 
dishes,  and  the  third  prize  went  to  Mr.  A.  Crossman,  gardener  to  J. 
Brutton,  Esq.,  Yeovil.  Mr.  Llovd  was  a  good  first  for  four  dishes  of 
fruit  with  Madresfield  Court  Grapes,  Bellegarde  Peaches,  Pineapple 
Nectarinefii  and  a  Melon,  Mr,  A,  Crossman  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr. 
H,  W.  Ward,  third.  „  „ 
Mr,  W.  Carpenter,  gardener  to  A.  B.  Bailey,  Esq.,  Frome,  showed 
three  fine  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  with  which  he  gained  first 
prize  in  a  keen  competition.  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward  was  a  good  second. 
Mr.  J.  Marshall,  gardener  to  J.  Dale,  Esq.,  Eedland,  was  first  for  two 
bunches  of  any  other  white  Grape  with  good  pieces  of  Buckland 
Sweetwater,  Mr.  H,  W.  Ward  taking  the  second  place  with  G^den 
Qneen.  Mr.  A.  Crossman  had  the  best  three  bunches  of  Black  Ham- 
burgh,  Mr.  J.  Marshall  taking  second  place,  but  in  both  cases  there  was 
&  lack  of  size  and  finish.  For  three  bunches  of  anv  other  black,  Mr. 
H.  W.  Ward  vras  first  with  good  pieces  of  Madresfield  Court,  Mr.  Daffurn 
being  second  with  the  same  variety.  ,,  t  tt  n 
Mr.  Jas.  Lloyd  bad  the  best  green-fleshed  Melon  ;  Mr.  Jas.  Hall, 
Croscombe,  taking  the  highest  award  with  a  scarlet  fleshed.  Mr. 
J,  Brutton  was  first  with  a  dish  of  Peaches  and  also  with  Nectarines ; 
and  for  Apricots  Mr.  Humphries  claimed  that  honour.  Mr,  J.  Lloyd  was 
first  with  Figs,  showing  Brown  Turkey.  Plums  were  largely  shown.  Mr. 
J.  Marshall  being  first  in  a  strong  competition.  Mr.  F.  Woodland, 
Uphill,  had  the  best  dish  of  dessert  Apples  ;  and  for  ctwking  Apples  Mr. 
A.  Trimmer,  Wells,  was  placed  first.  Mr.  E.  Hall  had  the  best  dish  of 
dessert  Pears ;  and  for  dessert  Cherries  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward  was  to  the 
front ;  Mr.  Summerhayes  winning  with  Morellos. 
Vegetables,  though  not  largely  shown,  were  of  good  quality,  the 
premier  prize  for  a  collection  being  won  by.  Mr.  A.  Crossman,  Mr.  G. 
Garraway  being  second  and  Mr.  J.  Hall  third,  Mr.  V .  Slade  won  first 
prize  with  a  dish  of  Tomatoes.  In  the  cottagers’  section  the  prizes  for 
vegetables  were  keenly  contested,  while  the  quality  throughout  was 
good.  If  the  Society  could  on  future  occasions  induce  some  of  the 
neighbouring  nurserymen  to  send  miscellaneous  exhibits,  this  would 
greatly  enV  ance  the  interest  of  the  show  from  a  visitor’s  point  of  view. 
HABDY  FEUIT  GARDEN. 
Aprlcota,  Peacbes,  and  STectarlnes. — Aid  swelling,  ripening, 
and  a  good  finish  to  the  fruit  by  keeping  the  roots  moist,  growths 
properly  trained  in,  and  the  fruit  exposed  to  sun.  The  soil  of  borders 
dries  up  rapidly,  owing  to  the  conditions  which  prevent  in  many  cases 
moisture  being  attracted  from  adjoining  parts.  In  such  cases  water  as 
well  as  liquid  stimulants  will  be  more  frequently  required,  together 
with  the  frequent  renewal  of  mulching  material  over  the  roots  through- 
out  the  season . 
Smooth,  hard,  and  dry  surfaces  should  be  loosened  before  water  is 
applied:  Do  this  to  the  full  extent  of  roots,  but  avoid  injury  to  fibres 
near  the  surface.  Liquid  manure  improves  vreakly  trees  that  need 
invigorating,  while  it  is  of  immense  service  in  meeting  the  demands 
which  heavily  cropped  trees  make  upon  the  food  available  in  the  soil, 
but  the  latter  must  be  moistened  first  with  clear  water  before  the  best 
effects  can  he  had  from  stimulants. 
Proteoting  Fruit. — Support  bearing  shoots  by  affording  the  necessary 
ties  to  prevent  them  breaking  off  and  damaging  the  fruit.  Insects 
which  attack  the  fruits  as  they  ripen  must  be  promptly  trapped,  or  the 
means  by  which  they  secrete  themselves  in  the  vicinity  removed.  For 
earwigs  place  traps  of  hollow  Bean  stalks^or  strips  of  folded  brown 
paper  among  the  branches,  clearing  out  the  insects  daily  and  destroying 
them.  Heaps  of  rubbish  material  about  the  roots  afford  abundant  con¬ 
cealment  for  woodlice.  Nooks  and  crannies  between  the  bricks  are  also 
hiding  places  which  ought  to  be  stopped.  Wasps  may  he  kept  at 
bay  by  enclosing  the  fruits  in  muslin  bags,  which  are  also  a  safeguard  if 
the  fruits  iail.  Nets  can  be  employed  to  keep  birds  away  which  peck 
holes  in  fruit,  spoiling  its  best  appearance. 
Morello  Cherries. — Most  of  the  pruning  and  training  which  these 
require  may  be  done  now,  providing  the  fruit  has  been  gathered.  The 
constant  renewal  of  wood  by  laying  in  the  yonng  shoots  which  start  from 
the  base  of  the  bearing  wood  or  other  parts  each  year  is  the  best  method 
of  culture,  inasmuch  as  these  shoots  are  not  only  invariably  fruitful,  hut 
bear  finer  fruit  than  restrictive  methods  of  pruning  produce.  It  is  not 
easy  to  convert  old  trees  that  have  been  spurred  in  for  years  to  this  free 
and  fruitful  condition,  and,  at  the  same  time  keep  them  close  to  the 
wall.  Young  trees,  however,  if  trained  in  the  proper  manner  at  first  are 
easily  managed.  Simply  cut  out  the  bearing  shoots  after  the  crop  has 
been  removed,  tying  or  nailing  in  the  euccessional  growths  at  once. 
Morello  Cherries,  being  acid  in  taste,  and  not  so  tempting  to  birds  as 
the  sweet  dessert  varieties,  may  he  kept  a  considerable  time  on  the  trees 
for  late  use.  They  are  better  protected,  however,  from  possible  attacks 
by  birds,  for,  if  they  do  not  wholly  destroy  them,  yet  by  pecking  holes 
in  them  their  appearance  is  spoiled.  If  preserved  for  an  extended 
period  they  must  also  be  kept  dry. 
Plums. — Similar  precautions  as  recommended  for  Beaches  mnst  be 
adopted  to  preserve  choice  Plums  on  walls.  The  breastwood  should  be 
shortened  to  the  third  leaf  if  not  previously  done,  and  the  leading  shoots 
laid  in.  These  details  are  important  not  only  for  the  sake  of  giving- 
exposure  to  the  swelling  fruit,  but  to  secure  a  proper  amount  of  light 
and  air  for  ripening  up  the  wood  and  buds.  Summer  attention  prevents 
waste  of  force,  concentrating  the  energies  of  trees  in  legitimate  channels 
Instead  of  supporting  shoots  that  must  eventually  be  cut  away. 
Heavily  laden  standard  Plum  trees  ought  to  have  the  branches  sup¬ 
ported  or  tied  up  so  that  the  weight  of  the  crop  may  not  break  them 
down.  Cut  out  dead  wood  wherever  visible.  Probably  this  will  be  all 
the  pruning  necessary  now  with  well  established  trees,  but  where 
branches  are  too  crowded  take  an  early  opportunity  of  thinning  and 
regulating.  The  wood  annually  made  is  usually  short- jointed,  and 
becomes  furnished  with  natural  spurs  of  a  permanent  character.  Young 
trees  only  require  regulating,  the  pruning  necessary  being  for  the  pur¬ 
pose  of  increasing  the  number  of  branches  which  are  to  furnish  the 
foundation  of  the  future  tree,  but  this  must  be  left  for  winter.  The 
main  object  now  is  to  prevent  overcrowding,  assisting  the  wood  to 
ripen,  and  also  encourage  the  formation  of  shapely  and  well  Jbalanced 
specimens. 
FRUIT  FORCING. 
Vlnea. — Early  llouxes. — Vines  that  have  been  forced  to  ripen  their 
fruit  in  Mav  and  June  have  the  wood  ripe.  Some  of  the  leaves  may 
also  have  fallen,  which  are  generally  the  first  formed,  as  these  from  their 
thin  texture  are  soonest  exhausted  in  elaborative  power.  There  are 
other  causes  for  the  leaves  being  shed  early,  such  as  attacks  of  red 
spider,  insufllcient  supplies  of  water,  and  lack  of  nourishment.  These 
must  be  guarded  against,  but  under  the  best  of  treatment  some  of 
the  lower  leaves  fall  early  from  no  other  cause  than  their  thin  texture, 
whilst  the  laterals,  which  are  formed  later,  have  stouter  foliage.  Such 
are  useful  in  assimilating  nutrient  elements,  some  of  which  find  their 
way  to  the  leafless  buds,  as  is  seen  in  their  plumping  and  in  the 
thickening  of  the  adjacent  wood.  The  laterals  must  not  therefore  be 
cut  close  in,  as  that  would  probably  cause  the  principal  buds  to  start, 
but  remove  the  growth  by  degrees,  deferring  the  final  pruning  until  the 
early  part  of  September. 
Renovating  the  Borders  of  Early  Houses. — When  the  Vines  are 
weakly  it  is  a  good  practice  to  remove  the  surface  soil  down  to  and  fork 
it  from  amongst  the  roots,  taking  the  opportunity  of  raising  any  that  are 
deep,  and  laying  them  in  fresh  turfy  loam  nearer  the  surface.  Good 
calcareous  gravelly  loam  is  the  best,  or  one-sixth  of  lime  rubbish  may 
be  added  where  lime  and  gritty  matter  are  deficient  and  the  soil  heavy. 
If  the  soil  be  very  light  and  brashy,  add  a  sixth  of  clay  marl  dried  and 
I  pounded.  A  twelfth  part  of  wood  ashes  may  be  supplied  with  advan¬ 
tage,  and  where  the  soil  is  poor  a  fifth  part  of  fresh  horse  droppings. 
Other  fertilisers  are  best  applied  as  surface  dressings.  Give  a  moderate 
watering,  fresh  roots  will  push,  especially  from  near  the  collar,  into  the 
