2^6 
* 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER  September  3  me. 
occaiionally  leads  in  the  direction  of  entertainments  that  materially 
detract  from  the  reputation  of  the  Society  under  whose  anspices  the 
show  is  held.  At  Sandy  such  difficalties  are  studiously  avoided,  and 
beyond  the  engaging  of  two  good  bands,  no  attempt  is  made  to 
attract  visitors  except  by  the  merit  and  interest  of  the  show  itself. 
It  speaks  volumes  for  the  success  of  the  Committee  when  it  is  recorded 
that  this  is  sufficient  to  draw  so  many  thousands  to  a  quiet  little  town 
like  Sandy,  not  for  one  or  two  years,  but  for  a  long  succession  of  years, 
as  the  one  now  under  notice  is  the  twenty-eighth  annual  gathering. 
In  the  exhibition  itself  horticalture  always  takes  the  most  prominent 
position,  some  five  or  six  spacious  marquees  being  devoted  to  plants, 
flowers,  fruit,  and  vegetables,  but  numerous  tents  are  also  allotted  to 
market  garden  and  farm  products,  together  with  poultry,  pigeons,  cage 
birds,  dogs,  cats,  and  rabbits,  all  of  which  attract  their  respective 
admirers.  The  Sandy  show  is,  in  fact,  a  long-anticipated  event  in  Bed¬ 
fordshire  and  the  neighbouring  counties,  and  is  invariably  made  the 
occasion  of  a  special  holiday,  which  is  taken  advantage  of  by  as  many 
persons  in  the  district  as  can  find  the  opportunity. 
A  satisfactory  indication  of  the  healthy  condition  of  the  Society  is 
afforded  by  the  fact  that  at  the  close  of  the  last  financial  year  there  was 
a  balance  of  over  £100  at  the  bank,  although  about  £750  had  been 
disbursed  in  prizes  and  expenses  during  the  preceding  twelve  months. 
With  fine  weather  the  receipts  at  the  gates  are  considerable,  but 
it  is  to  be  feared  that  the  takings  were  somewhat  diminished  at  the 
show  last  week  owing  to  the  heavy  rain,  which  marred  the  latter  part 
of  the  day. 
The  show  was  held  in  the  Park  attached  to  Sandy  Place,  the 
residence  of  Mrs.  Foster,  who  had  kindly  given  this  admirable  site  for 
the  purpose,  in  every  sense  the  most  suitable  that  could  be  obtained, 
conveniently  near  to  the  railway  station.  The  tents  were  placed  in 
different  parts  of  the  Park,  so  that  to  complete  their  inspection  a 
considerable  circuit  had  to  be  made,  thus  avoiding  the  crowding  of  dense 
masses  of  visitors  in  one  or  two  spots.  A  brief  glance  can  only 
be  given  at  the  chief  features  of  the  exhibition,  as  a  detailed 
report  would  require  more  space  than  Journal  readers  would  willingly 
spare  from  more  engaging  subjects.  To  the  specimen  plants  and 
groups  one  large  tent  was  wholly  devoted,  and  a  considerable 
portion  of  this  was  occupied  with  the  fair  collection  of  ten  stove  and 
greenhouse  plants,  which  constituted  the  leading  open  class,  the  prizes 
ranging  from  £12  to  £3.  Mr.  J.  Cypher,  Cheltenham,  staged  some  of 
his  well-known  bright  healthy  specimens,  and  won  the  position  he  so 
seldom  misses  anywhere — namely,  the  first,  Mr.  W.  Finch  of  Coventry 
taking  the  second  place,  followed  by  Mr.  W.  Vause,  Leamington,  and 
Mr.  G.  Eedman,  gardener  to  J.  H.  Goodgames,  Esq.,  St.  Neots,  the  last 
two  showing  smaller  but  well-grown  plants.  With  six  fine-foliage 
plants  Mr.  W.  J.  Empson,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Wingfield,  Ampthill  House, 
Ampthill,  was  accorded  first  honours  for  specimen  Palms,  Crotons,  and 
Dractenas  in  admirable  condition,  this  being  only  one  of  the  many 
classes  in  which  Mr.  Empson  scored  a  success  ;  indeed,  taking  the 
number  of  prizes  won,  and  the  general  quality  of  the  exhibits,  he  was 
unquestionably  the  champion  competitor,  and  he  evidently  makes  the 
most  of  tLfe  resources  at  his  command  in  the  garden  he  so  well  manages. 
Mr.  G.  Claydon,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Aitell,  Woodbury  Hall,  Sandy,  was  a 
good  second  ;  and  Mr.  G.  Redman  third.  Numerous  classes  were  pro¬ 
vided  for  Ferns,  Fuchsias,  Pelargoniums,  Balsams,  Cockscombs,  Begonias, 
and  Achimenes,  in  which  the  chief  prizes  were  taken  by  Messrs.  Empson, 
Claydon,  Redman,  Stone,  and  W.  Brook.  For  a  group  of  plants  Mr. 
Empson  was  again  first,  with  a  tasteful  arrangement  in  which  Orchids 
were  prominent.  Messrs.  Claydon  and  Redman  followed  in  the  order 
named.  Table  plants  are  always  well  shown  at  Sandy,  and  the  last 
occasion  was  no  exception  to  the  rule.  Mr.  G.  R.  Allis,  gardener  to 
Major  Shuttleworth,  Old  Warden  Park,  was  deservedly  awarded  the 
premier  prize  for  neat,  graceful,  healthy  plants,  exactly  fitted  for  the 
purpose  in  view,  Mr.  Empson  was  second  with  good  examples  ;  and 
Mr.  R.  Carter,  gardener  to  Capt.  Buncombe,  Waresley  Park,  was  third, 
also  showing  well. 
Cut  flowers  were  brilliantly  shown,  and  the  tent  devoted  to  them  was 
one  of  the  most  attractive  in  the  exhibition.  Imposing  collections  of 
herbaceous  flowers  were  contributed  by  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons,  Bedsle ; 
Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt ;  Mr.  H.  J.  Sheppard,  and  Laxton  Bros.,  to  whom 
the  prizes  were  awarded  in  that  order.  Fresh,  bright,  and  beautiful 
Roses  came  from  Messrs.  G.  &  W.  H.  Burch,  Harkness  &  Sons,  and  Paul 
and  Son,  the  two  last,  with  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Farnham,  and  Mr,  J. 
Walker,  also  showing  Dahlias  remarkably  well.  Cactus  Dahlias  were 
charmingly  represented,  particularly  in  the  premier  collection  from  Mr. 
Seale,  Sevenoaks,  which  could  scarcely  be  surpassed  in  colour,  shape, 
and  freshness.  The  amateurs’  classes  were  also  well  filled,  Mr.  W,  King¬ 
ston  showing  both  Roses  and  Dahlias  in  capital  form,  other  noteworthy 
exhibitors  being  Messrs.  Fellowes,  Lockie,  Redman,  Burgin,  Leeds, 
Smith,  W.  Bourne,  C.  Forbes,  and  C.  Hobbs. 
Fruit  and  vegetables  occupied  another  large  tent,  and  deserve  fuller 
notice  than  can  be  accorded  them,  for  the  quality  was  good  throughout, 
and  the  competition  keen  in  nearly  every  class,  with  the  result  that  close 
discrimination  became  necessary  to  determine  the  award  of  the  prizes. 
For  eight  dishes  of  fruit  Mr.  Empson  was  first,  closely  followed  by  Mr. 
Allis  ;  indeed,  there  were  but  few  points  difference  between  the  exhibits, 
though  perhaps  the  larger  bunches  of  Grapes  in  the  first  influenced  the 
decision  materially  ;  certainly  both  were  praiseworthy  contributions. 
Messrs.  Redman  and  Stone  followed  in  this  class,  while  with  six  dishes 
Mr.  Claydon  took  the  lead,  Mr.  C.  Forbes  and  H.  Wotton  being  second 
and  third.  Apples  were  excellently  shown,  Mr.  Allis  with  six  varieties 
(three  dessert  and  three  cooking),  Messrs.  Empson  and  Carter  following. 
Grapes  were  also  strongly  represented,  especially  black  Grapes,  the- 
bunches  compact,  berries  large,  and  colour  good.  The  more  important 
prizes  were  secured  by  Messrs.  C.  Moore,  C.  Forbes,  T.  Baker,  W.  J. 
Empson,  G.  R.  Allis,  and  R.  Carter.  Peaches,  Pears,  Plums,  Cherries, 
Gooseberries,  Currants,  Melons,  and  Apples  in  other  classe.8  were  shown 
in  excellent  condition,  many  of  the  exhibitors  already  named  taking- 
prizes. 
The  competition  was  keen  for  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons’  prizes  for 
vegetables,  and  the  collections  were  remarkable  throughout  for  their 
exceptional  merit.  Mr.  T.  Lockie,  gardener  to  A.  J.  Thornhill,  Esq., 
Diddington  Hall,  Huntingdon,  was  adjudged  first  honours  for  exceed¬ 
ingly  well  grown  samples  in  the  best  style  of  this  skilful  cultivator,  his 
Cucumbers  being  models  of  rare  merit.  Mr.  Empson  followed  closely, 
Messrs.  R.  Carter  and  G.  Woodhams  taking  equal  third.  Messrs.  J. 
Carter  &  Co.’s  prizes  also  brought  some  excellent  vegetables,  Messrs. 
Empson,  Stone,  and  Woodhams  securing  the  first;  second,  and  third 
prizes  respectively.  The  Society’s  ordinary  classes  were  also  well  filled, 
the  exhibits  occupying  a  large  space,  Mr.  Lockie  and  Mr.  Empson 
securing  some  of  the  leading  prizes.  The  exhibits  in  farmers’,  market 
gardeners’  and  cottagers’  classes  must  be  passed  with  the  remark  that 
they  indicated  that  a  high  standard  of  cultivation  has  been  reached  in 
the  district,  and  how  great  an  interest  is  taken  in  the  competition. 
A  concluding  word  of  praise  must  be  accorded  to  the  Committee- 
and  officers  for  the  admirable  manner  in  which  the  show  is  managed, 
for  the  marshalling  of  such  an  enormous  number  of  entries  is  an  onerous 
task.  The  Treasurer  and  Hon.  Secretary,  Mr.  E.  T.  Leeds  Smith, 
naturally  takes  considerable  interest  in  the  work,  but  the  major  portion 
of  the  responsibility  falls  upon  the  Acting  or  Assistant  Secretary,  Mr. 
Edward  Sills,  for  his  first  year  of  office  has  acqulltei  himself  extremely 
well. 
PETERSFIELD.—Augitst  27th, 
The  annual  show  of  the  Petersfield  Horticultural  Society  tock  place 
on  Thursday  in  the  beautiful  grounds  of  the  Vicarage,  by  permission  of 
the  Rev.  F.  J.  Causton,  the  President.  Fine  weather  brought  a  good 
attendance.  One  large  tent  was  devoted  to  gardeners’  exhibits  of  fruit, 
groups,  stove  and  greenhouse  flowers,  and  vegetables,  and  the  crowd  of 
visitors  made  it  impossible  to  get  a  good  report,  the  names  in  particular 
being  difficult  to  procure.  Taking  the  show  on  the  whole  it  was  the  best 
ever  held  and  more  entries,  which  speaks  well  for  the  President  and 
Committee  and  the  Hon.  Secretaries,  the  Rev.  Cyril  Edwards  and 
Mr.  H.  Woods. 
The  silver  medal  given  by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  was  taken 
by  Mr.  Durnford  for  a  collection  of  double  and  single  Begonias  in  a 
competition  of  six  entries.  In  the  class  for  eight  stove  and  greenhouse 
plants  Mr.  North  was  first  and  Mr.  T.  Goldring  a  good  second.  Groups 
of  plants  were  good.  First  Mr.  G.  Kew,  second  Mr.  G.  Williams,  both 
being  very  close  to  each  other  in  point  of  merit,  consisting  with  grace¬ 
fully  grown  Palms,  good  colour  Crotons,  Dracasnas,  Bridal  Wreaths, 
Fiancoa  ramosa  groundwork,  with  small  Maidenhair  Ferns.  There  were 
five  entries  in  this  class.  One  tent  was  set  apart  for  ladies’  table 
decoration,  which  formed  a  decided  feature  of  the  show.  Miss  W,  Jones 
was  first.  The  arrangement  was  very  elegant,  and  comprised  Poppies, 
Smilax,  and  small  Orchids.  Second  Miss  L.  Crawter,  whose  ariangement 
was  a  little  too  heavy.  For  a  hand  bouquet  Miss  E.  Bridger  was  first, 
while  for  an  epergne  of  flowers  Miss  E.  J.  Lucker  secured  the  premier 
award. 
Fruit  was  well  shown.  Mr.  J.  Lintott  was  placed  first  with  good 
Black  Hamburgh  Grapes  with  fine  berries  and  well  finished  bunches. 
Second  Mr.  G.  Kew.  Dish  Peaches. — First  H.  T.  Crawter,  second 
J.  Porter.  There  were  six  entries  in  the  special  prize  collection  of 
vegetables  given  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons. — First  Mr,  B.  G.  Cross, 
second  Mr.  J,  North. 
Messrs.  Ladhams  &  Son  had  a  fine  display  of  choice  herbaceous  cut 
flowers,  which  filled  one  end  of  the  tent,  and  were  greatly  admired. 
Messrs.  Cheal  &  Son  showed  a  charming  collection  of  Show  and  Cactus 
Dahlia,  which  was  awarded  a  certificate  of  merit.  The  cottagers’  classes 
were  well  represented,  including  very  fine  kidney  and  round  Potatoes, 
Parsnips,  Carrots,  autumn  and  spring-sown  Onions. — A  Cobrespohdsnt. 
GRAISELEY,  WOLVERHAMPTON.— AUGUST  29th  AHD  31ST. 
The  second  annual  show  of  the  above  suburb  of  Wolverhampton  was 
held  on  the  above  dates,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Graiseley  Amateur 
Gardeners’  Association,  in  a  field  kindly  lent  by  Thos.  Clarke,  Esq., 
instead  of,  as  on  the  first  occasion,  in  the  Club  house  of  the  Society, 
the  accommodation  even  then  having  proved  too  small  for  the  unexpect^ 
number  of  visitors.  The  initial  attempt  being  so  successful  induced  the 
enterprising  promoters,  Messrs.  A.  Brommage  and  William  Hewin,  the 
respective  Chairman  and  the  Hon.  Secretary,  with  their  Committee  of 
seven  members,  to  extend  their  operations  this  year,  and  with  most 
satisfactory  results  so  far  as  a  display  of  exhibits  was  concerned,  and 
more  particularly  did  this  apply  to  such  as  the  cut  flowers  and  vegetables, 
comparing  also  as  they  did  most  favourably  with  similar  products  at 
even  larger  local  shows.  The  schedule  was  divided  into  two  classes— 
viz.,  to  members  and  non-members  respectively,  including  cottagers’, 
special  prizes  having  been  collected  for  competition  in  the  former 
class. 
In  lieu  of  a  prize  list,  and  which  was  not  readily  obtainable,  it  may 
be  mentioned  that  there  were  upwards  of  350  exhibits  in  the  sixty-nine 
classes  contained  in  the  schedule,  and  the  competition  was  keenly  con¬ 
tested  in  the  major  portion  of  the  classes.  Especially  remarkable  was 
