September  10,  1896. 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTTGULTURL  AND  COTTaGE  GARDENER 
259 
Special  vegetable  collection  of  ten  varieties. — First,  Mr.  J.  Snow  ; 
second,  Mr.  J.  Foster  j  third,  Mr.  H.  Jenner.  Eight  varieties,  amateurs. 
— First,  Mr.  G.  T.  Turner ;  second,  Mr.  J.  Foster  ;  third,  Mr.  J.  Duprose. 
Sutton’s  special  prize,  —  Mr.  B.  Cruse.  The  exhibits  of  cottagers’ 
vegetables  were  exceptionally  good,  the  classes  were  well  filled,  and  keen 
competition  was  the  order  of  the  day. 
BIRKENHEAD  AND  WIRRAL.— September  2nd  and  3rd. 
This  show,  which  is  becoming  a  most  popular  one,  was  held  in  con¬ 
nection  with  the  agricultural  show,  and  to  many  is  a  most  welcome 
adjunct.  When  it  is  known  that  the  agricultural  show  ranks  second 
only  to  the  Royal,  it  may  be  easily  imagined  the  very  large  numbers  of 
people  who  frequent  the  show,  and  inspect  the  horticultural  depart¬ 
ment.  There  are  several  matters  in  the  schedule  that  want  remedying, 
particularly  in  the  entrance  fees,  and  the  small  amount  of  prize  money 
in  some  of  the  large  classes  of  plants,  also  a  strict  adherence  to  the 
wording  of  the  schedule,  which  no  doubt  the  Committee  (to  its  own 
advantage)  will  see  to  before  the  next  season’s  show.  Of  the  show 
itself  nothing  but  praise  could  be  accorded,  surpassing  as  it  did  all 
previous  efforts;  not  a  faulty  exhibit  could  be  found,  the  competition 
being  most  keen. 
The  plants,  fruits  and  cut  flowers  occupied  a  fine  large  tent,  and  here 
Messrs.  Jackson  and  Ranson  had  arranged  the  exhibits  in  a  highly 
satisfactory  manner.  The  vegetables  and  groups  of  plants  were  placed 
in  a  separate  tent.  Mr.  W.  A.  Taylor,  who  had  charge  of  this  depart¬ 
ment,  as  in  former  years,  left  nothing  to  be  desired  in  the  way  of 
arrangement,  so  that  visitors  might  see  to  the  best  advantage. 
The  plant  classes  were  all  well  filled.  For  five  flowering  and  same 
number  of  foliage,  Mr.  J.  Bracegirdle,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Watts,  Esq., 
Elm  Hall,  Wavertree,  was  a  gc^  first,  his  foliage  plants 
being  good,  also  the  too  seldom  seen  Swainsonia  alba,  and  a  good 
Clerodendron  Balfourianum.  Mr.  A.  Brown,  gardener  to  G. 
Webster,  Esq.,  for  second  place  had  fine  flowering  plants,  Mr.  J.  W. 
Tottey,  gardener  to  W.  Laird,  Esq,,  being  a  fair  third.  Five  entered 
for  the  group  of  plants  arranged  for  effect,  Mr.  E.  Bradshaw  being  first 
with  a  pleasing  group  well  set  up,  but  lacking  colour  ;  Mr.  Bracegirdle 
second  with  a  light  and  tasteful  arrangement,  in  which  colours  were 
seen  to  advantage  ;  Mr.  Haines,  gardener  to  Egerton  K.  Laird,  Esq., 
Birkenhead,  third.  For  three  stove  or  greenhouse  plants  in  flower  Mr. 
A.  Brown  was  placed  first  with  fine  plants  Yinca  alba,  Allamanda 
Hendersoni,  and  Statice  profusa ;  Mr.  R.  Pinnington,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Banner,  Blacklow  House,  Roby,  second.  For  three  foliage  and  one 
*  foliage  plant  Mr.  Pinnington  was  an  excellent  first,  having  Latania 
borbonica,  Croton  Queen  Victoria,  Alocasia  macrorhiza  variegata,  and  a 
magnificent  Cycas  revoluta  ;  Messrs.  Brown  and  Tottey  came  in  second. 
Mr.  Brown  won  with  a  good  Vinca  alba  the  single  stove  flowering  plant 
class,  also  the  corresponding  class  for  greenhouse  plant,  with  a  fine 
Bouvardia,  also  for  tuberous  Begonias,  one  Fuchsia  and  three  Geraniums  ; 
the  second  prizewinners  being  Messrs,  Pinnington,  Tottey  and  Haines. 
Mr.  Tottey  securing  the  prizes  for  three  Ferns  and  three  table  plants. 
Mr.  Haines  won  the  class  for  Coleus  plants  with  grand  specimens,  Mr. 
Brocklebank  winning  the  single  Fern  class. 
Cut  flowers  are  always  a  great  feature,  this  time  being  no  exception. 
Hand  bouquets  were  beautiful,  Mr.  S.  Johnson  first,  and  Mr.  J.  Williams, 
gardener  to  C.  J.  Procter,  Esq.,  Noctorum,  second,  his  streamers  being 
too  heavy,  otherwise  the  arrangement  was  faultless.  Mr,  A.  J.  Stanley, 
Thornton,  with  one  made  from  flowers  grown  in  the  open.  Messrs. 
Williams  and  Moore  won  for  best  arranged  sprays  for  ladies’  and  gentle¬ 
men’s  buttonhole  bouquets,  Roses  were  fairly  well  shown,  Messrs. 
J.  Lancellotte  and  Owen  Roberts  being  the  winners.  Dahlias  were 
superb,  the  successful  exhibitors  being  Messrs.  J,  H.  Howell,  E.  M. 
Ratcliffe,  C.  Ordred,  and  J.  Clark.  The  prizes  for  Asters,  twelve  cut 
flowers  grown  in  the  open,  and  six  bunches  of  Helichrysnms,  were  taken 
by  Mr.  J.  H.  Howell.  Messrs.  Littlemore  and  Moore  winning  for  six 
and  three  bunches  outdoor  cut  flowers.  Mr.  A.  Brown  had  the  best 
twelve  indoor  cut  flowers,  amongst  which  was  a  bloom  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Louise  fully  8  inches  in  diameter  ;  Mr,  Pinnington  was 
second,  and  won  for  six  and  three  bunches. 
The  fruit  classes  made  an  imposing  display.  Class  for  dessert 
table,  with  six  distinct  kinds  arranged  with  their  own  foliage,  was  a 
departure  from  last  year.  Mr.  R.  Pinnington  was  accorded  first  prize 
with  good  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Madresfield  Court 
Grapes,  Gladstone  Peaches,  Sutton’s  Scarlet  Melon,  Bryanston  Gage 
Plum,  Souvenir  du  Congr&s  Pears,  Mr.  Stephenson,  gardener  to  the 
executors  of  F.  W.  Leyland,  Esq.,  Woolton  Hall,  Liverpool,  was  a  gcod 
second,  having  fine  Alicante  Grapes,  large  Melon,  good  Nectarines,  and 
well-coloured  Peaches,  There  was  an  excellent  array  of  Grapes, 
J.  H.  Kenion,  Esq.,  winning  for  Black  Hamburgbs  ;  Mr.  T.  Furguson, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Paterson,  Rock  Perry,  with  Black  Alicante.  For  any 
other  black,  Mr.  Breeze,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Lever,  Esq.,  Birkenhead, 
with  heavy  and  handsome  Muscat  of  Alexandria  ;  and  Mr.  R.  Pinnington 
with  Buckland  Sweetwater  in  the  class  for  any  other  white.  Messrs. 
Neish  (gardener  to  T.  H.  Ismay,  Esq.)  and  Stephenson  won  fos  Peaches 
and  Nectarines.  Mr.  Morris  with  Apricots.  Mr.  R.  Pinnington  had 
the  best  scarlet  Melon  with  Sutton’s  Eureka  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Williams  the 
best  green-flesh.  The  Apple  classes  were  grand,  Messrs.  Neish.  Stephen¬ 
son,  and  Morris  winning.  Mr.  J.  Clarke  won  with  Jargonelle  Pears.  The 
prizes  for  dessert  Pears,  Green  Gage,  and  any  other  variety  of  Plums  all 
went  to  Mr.  Owen  Hall. 
Vegetables  were  splendidly  shown,  quality  being  the  leading  feature. 
To  give  a  list  of  prizewinners  in  such  a  large  number  of  classes  would 
take  up  too  much  space,  so  mention  is  only  made  of  a  few.  The  collec¬ 
tion  of  eight  distinct  kinds  was  won  with  a  fine  exhibit  staged  by  Mr, 
J.  Williams  ;  Mr,  J.  Brocklebank  being  second.  Mr,  Stephenson  won 
in  both  classes  for  red  Tomatoes,  the  prizes  for  yellow  varieties  being 
open  to  much  criticism.  Potatoes,  white  and  coloured,  were  handsome 
samples;  Messrs.  Lancelott,  Carter,  and  Brocklebank.  Other  miscel¬ 
laneous  vegetable  classes  were  well  contested. 
To  Messrs.  W.  A.  Taylor,  the  courteous  Steward  of  the  horticultural 
department,  and  A.  H.  Edwardson,  the  indefatigable  Secretary  of  the 
whole  show,  also  to  their  assistants,  the  thanks  of  exhibitors  are  due  ftr 
encouraging  help  at  a  time  of  more  than  ordinary  pressure.  The  weather 
was  of  the  worst  possible  description,  a  large  deficit  being  the  result,  but 
with  a  willing  Committee  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  the  Society  will 
make  progress  for  many  years  to  come.  The  trade  was  represented  by  a 
stand  of  Dahlias,  arranged  by  Mr.  A.  .J.  Stanley  ;  a  stand  by  the- 
Jadoo  Fibre  Co.,  most  interesting  ;  Dicksons  (Ltd.),  Chester,  a  fine 
selection  of  Dahlias,  cut  flowers,  and  miscellaneous  plants ;  a  gold 
medal  being  awarded  to  Mr.  H.  Middlehurst,  Liverpool,  for  a  large  and 
varied  assortment  of  the  best  varieties  of  seeds,  plants,  and  vegetables. 
Mr.  W.  Mason,  Oxton,  had  a  good  stand  of  cut  flowers  and  miscel¬ 
laneous  horticultural  requisites. 
NATIONAL  DAHLIA  SOCIETY. — September  4th  and  5th. 
The  annual  show  of  the  above  Society  was  held  on  these  dates  at  the 
Crystal  Palace.  In  size  the  exhibition  showed  some  slight  falling  off, 
many  exhibitors  having  had  their  blooms  completely  spoiled  by  the  heavy 
rains  that  have  been  experienced  of  late.  The  blooms  staged  were,  how¬ 
ever,  of  very  fine  quality  throughout,  especially  in  the  Show,  Fancy,  and 
Cactus  sections.  Mr.  T.  W.  Girdlestone’s  decorative  single  varieties 
were  superb. 
Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.,  Salisbury,  secured  the  premier  award 
in  the  class  for  sixty  distinct  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias.  The  stand  was 
exceptionally  even,  and  the  blooms  of  high  quality.  Those  represented 
were  Mrs.  Kendle,  Buffalo  Bill,  Mr.  Chamberlayne,  Jas.  O’Brien  (self). 
Peacock,  Dandy,  S.  Mortimer  (self),  Emin  Pacha,  Mrs.  Langtry,  Imperial, 
Mrs.  P.  Wyndham,  Colonist,  Virginal,  W.  Jackson,  Buttercup,  Duchess 
of  York,  Golden  Fleece,  Miss  Barber,  Portia,  James  Cocker,  Rebehca, 
Miss  Cannell,  Henry  Bond,  Matthew  Campbell,  Wm.  Rawlings,  Duchess 
of  Albany,  Hy.  Walton,  Nellie  Cramond,  Goldsmith,  Rebecca  (self)-, 
Chieftain,  S,  Mortimer,  W.  Powell,  Mrs.  W.  Slack,  John  Walker,  Rev.- 
J.  B.  M.  Camm,  Geo.  Barnes,  Alice  Emily,  Dr.  Keynes,  Mr.  Spoff orth,. 
Mrs.  Every,  Frank  Pearce  (self).  Gaiety,  R.  T.  Rawlings,  T.  S.  Ware, 
J.  Rawlings,  Eclipse,  Harrison  Weir,  Royal  Queen,  Mr.  Glasscock, 
Florence  Tranter,  Harry  Keith,  R.  Dean,  J.  Hickling,  Dorothy,  J.  T. 
West,  Crimson  Globe,  Kathleen,  Arthur  Rawlings,  and  Frank  Pearce. 
Mr.  John  Walker,  Thame,  was  a  good  second,  Mr.  M.  V.  Seale,  Seven- 
oaks,  third,  and  Mr.  S.  Mortimer  fourth.  The  blooms  in  this  class  were 
very  even  throughout  the  whole  of  the  exhibits. 
In  the  class  for  forty-eight  distinct  Show  [and  Fancy  blooms  Mr. 
S.  Mortimer,  Swiss  Nursery,  Farnham,  was  a  decided  first.  Bach  flower 
was  of  high  quality,  and  very  heavy.  The  varieties  comprised 
Kathleen,  Arthur  Rawlings,  Mrs.  Mortimer  (self),  Victor,  Frank  Pearce, 
J.  Cocker,  J.  Hickling,  Hero,  Perfection,  T.  Hobbs,  T.  J,  Saltmarsh, 
G.  Barnes  (self),  Shottesham  Hero,  T.  S.  Ware,  Dandy,  G.  Barnes,  Mrs. 
J.  Downie,  Queen  of  the  Belgians,  Eldorado,  Harrison  Weir,  Duke  of 
Fife,  Mrs.  F.  Forman,  Glowworm,  R.  T.  Rawlings,  H.  Bond,  Mrs, 
Saunders,  W.  H.  Williams,  Emily  Edwards,  Hugh  Austin,  Mrs.  Gladstone, 
Sunrise,  J.  N.  Keynes,  Alice  Emily,  Shirley  Hibberd,  Ethel  Britton, 
H.  Eckford,  J.  C.  Vaughan,  Willie  Garrett,  Mrs.  S.  Walker.  Sunbeam, 
Lord  Chelmsford,  Reliance,  Mrs.  Mortimer,  Diadem,  Clara,  James  Vick, 
J.  B.  Service,  and  Thomas  Goodwin.  The  second  prize  blooms  of  Mr. 
M.  V.  Seale  lacked  both  the  colour  and  substance  of  Mr.  Mortimer’s. 
Mr.  J.  Walker  was  creditable  third. 
The  premier  position  for  thirty-six  Show  and  Fancy,  distinct,  was 
taken  by  Mr.  J.  T.  West,  Tower  Hill,  Brentwood,  who  exhibited  in  good 
condition  the  following  varieties  : — W.  Rawlings,  Mrs.  Gladstone,  Victor, 
J.  Heckling,  Arthur  Rawlings,  J.  T.  West.  H.  Turner,  M.  Campbell, 
Frank  Pearce,  R  T.  Rawlings,  Maude  Fellows,  Shirley  Hibberd, 
Shottesham  Hero,  Sunbeam,  Professor  Fawcett,  Mr  Glasscock,  Mr.  Fyfe, 
Duke  of  Fife,  Dorothy,  E.  Sheerman,  Hero,  Willie  Garrett,  Miss  Fox, 
Geo.  Rawlings,  Kathleen.  Rosy  Morn,  J.  Rawlings,  Lord  Chelmsford, 
Wm.  Lowell,  Duchess  of  York,  Ethel  Britton,  Warrior,  and  John  Walker. 
Messrs.  C.  Kimberley  &  Son,  Coventry,  were  second  ;  Mr.  G.  Humphries, 
Kington  Langley,  Chippenham,  third  ;  and  Mr.  W,  Treseder,  Cardiff, 
fourth. 
Mr,  J.  T.  West  followed  up  his  success  in  the  preceding  class  by 
taking  that  position  in  the  one  for  twenty-four  distinct  Show  and  Fancy 
varieties.  The  stand  was  composed  of  Wm.  Rawlings,  W.  Powell,  Duke 
of  Fife,  J.  Britton,  E.  Sheerman,  Mrs.  Gladstone,  J.  Heckling,  J.  Walker, 
Hercules,  Duchess  of  York,  Mr,  Glasscock,  J.  T.  West,  Victor,  Maud 
Fellows,  Professor  Fawcett,  Mies  Fox,  Harrison  Weir,  Geo.  Rawlings, 
A.  Rawlings,  R.  T.  Rawlings,  Mr.  Fyfe,  Rosy  Morn.  Goldfiuder,  and 
Willie  Garrett.  The  second  and  third  prizes  went  to  Messrs, 
G.  Humphries  and  C.  Kimberley  &  Son  in  the  order  (  f  their  r  ames. 
Mr.  Harris,  Whittle  Road,  Chelmsford,  with  J.  Britton,  Wm.  PeweP, 
Mrs.  Langtry,  Alice  Emily,  Mr.  Gladstone,  J,  T,  West,  Mrs.  J.  Downie, 
Miss  Cannell,  Duchess  of  York,  J.  Cocker,  J.  Walker,  and  Dazzler 
secured  the  first  prize  in  the  class  for  twelve  distinct  Show  and  Fancy 
blooms,  followed  by  Mr.  T.  R.  Tranter,  Hart  Street,  Henley-on-Thames, 
second.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Lowfield  Nurseries,  Ciawby,  third  ; 
and  Mr.  J.  H.  Mercer,  Wood  Street,  Elton,  Bury,  Lancs,  fourth. 
Messrs.  J,  Cheal  &  Sons  were  the  only  exhilitors  in  the  class  for 
eighteen  varieties  of  Cactus  Dahlias,  and  were  awarded  first  prize  for 
