380 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
October  15.  1898. 
whether  to  take  the  buds  or  pass  them  by  for  later.  As  the  results 
proved  great  was  the  risk  to  incur  had  the  latter  course  been  fully 
adopted,  the  safer  plan  being,  where  several  of  a  variety  are  grown,  to 
divide  them,  allowing  the  earliest  buds  to  pass,  and  to  secure  the  later 
ones,  thus  dividing  the  risk.  We  must,  however,  now  admit  that  if  we 
coaid  have  foreseen  the  slow  rate  of  bud  development,  there  would  have 
been  little  to  fear  by  taking  the  buds  as  they  came. 
If  a  season  like  the  present  one  brings  to  the  thoughtful  cultivator 
more  than  the  usual  crop  of  perplexities,  anent  the  behaviour  of  the  old 
and  tried  standard  varieties,  it  mast  also  intensify  the  interest  at  all 
times  manifested  in  the  newer  sorts  and  those  tried  for  the  first  time. 
This  year  great  interest  will  centre  on  many  varieties  which,  previous  to 
last  season,  were  of  somewhat  limited  distribution.  If  these  varieties 
come  out  as  well  in  comparison  to  other  varieties  as  they  did  last  year, 
after  passing  so  severe  an  ordeal  of  climatic  conditions,  they  will  no 
doubt  win  public  confidence,  and  will  at  once  become  standard  varieties, 
marking  a  distinct  step  forward  in  the  size  and  quality  of  the  composition 
of  the  show  stands. 
From  next  week  onwards  to  the  exhibition  season  I  hope  to  give 
your  northern  readers  a  general  review  of  Chrysanthemum  prospects 
gathered  from  personal  observation  of  as  many  collections  as  I  may  be 
able  to  visit.  In  the  meantime  I  should  be  thankful  to  growers  residing 
in  Yorkshire  and  northwards  for  a  short  note  to  the  Journal  office  on  any 
of  the  newer  varieties  for  comparison  with  my  own  personal  observations. 
Information  on  the  following  varieties  would  be  especially  valuable — 
Madame  Carnot,  International,  H.  L.  Sunderbruck,  Duchess  of 
Wellington,  Pallanza,  Mdlle.  M.  A.  de  Galbert,  Miss  Rita  Schroeter, 
Miss  Maggie  Blenkiron,  Beauty  of  Teignmouth,  Edith  Tabor,  Mrs  W.  H. 
Lees,  Boule  d’Or  (Calvat’s),  and  Mons.  Chenon  de  Lech6. — A  Yorkshire 
•Grower. 
CHRYSANTHEMUM  NOTES  FROM  LIVERPOOL. 
It  is  now  some  six  years  ago  since  I  first  put  my  pen  to  paper  in  the 
interests  of  the  “good  old  Journal,”  more  especially  to  represent  a 
district  where  high-class  culture  prevails  under  many  difficulties,  and 
where  some  notable  gardeners  have  been  schooled  in  the  delights  and 
beauties  of  horticulture,  having  afterwards  made  their  presence  felt  at 
many  leading  exhibitions  in  the  United  Kingdom.  Some  have  left  us, 
but  their  names  will  ever  be  cherished,  whilst  some  are  still  with  us, 
taking  the  same  keen  interest  in  the  Chrysanthemum  as  they  did  many 
years  ago. 
Such  a  one  is  the  pioneer  and  veteran  William  Tunnington,  and  I 
am  here  again  reminded  that  my  first  work  for  the  Journal  was  a 
charge  to  interview  Mr.  Tunnington  regarding  Chrysanthemums,  but 
not  to  let  him  know  who  had  sent  me.  I  well  remember  my  journey 
through  snow  almost  knee  deep  and  in  the  midst  of  a  blinding  sleet.  I 
have  often  thought  of  that  interview,  and  many  times  would  have  liked 
to  have  sent  a  full  account,  but  did  not  know  if  space  could  be  found 
for  it.  Perhaps  I  may  be  accused  of  wandering  ;  but  I  cannot  help  it 
when  I  think  of  the  incurved  blooms  with  which  he  first  startled  all 
Chrysanthemum  growers,  and  the  tremendous  increase  that  has  taken 
place  since  then. 
Who  could  have  anticipated  such  a  marvellous  change  ?  and  yet  we 
hear  it  said  that  it  is  entirely  owing  to  the  vagaries  of  fashion  ;  but  I 
maintain  that  its  popularity  is  owing,  in  the  first  instance,  to  good 
culture,  and  this  being  recognised  its  increased  value  as  a  leading  autumn 
and  winter  subject  soon  became  apparent.  Fashion,  too,  is  accused  of 
being  responsible  for  the  large  blooms  of  the  present  day  ;  but  is  it  not 
rather  the  observant  and  painstaking  grower,  who,  having  had  the 
rudiments  of  success  laid  down,  tries  his  best  to  reach  the  highest 
possible  standard  of  excellence  ?  How  often  do  we  hear  it  said,  as  we 
pass  amongst  people  at  the  various  exhibitions,  that  the  “  mop-like  ” 
fliwersare  not  suitable  for  decorative  purposes?  But  with  that  I  dis¬ 
agree.  Place  a  houseful  of  naturally  grown  plants  and  one  of  plants 
disbudded,  and  see  which  forms  the  greatest  attraction  to  visitors. 
True,  we  cannot  perhaps  cut  the  same  amount  of  bloom  from  the  dis¬ 
budded  plants,  but  there  are  many  large  rooms  where  the  exhibition 
blooms  look  really  charming,  and  not  in  the  least  out  of  place. 
The  wise  grower  having  plenty  of  cut  flowers  to  supply  would  not 
hazard  his  reputa'ion  so  far  as  to  neglect  one  for  the  sake  of  the  other, 
unless  specially  desired  by  his  employer  to  do  so,  hence  the  reason  for 
cultivating  a  broad  and  liberal  spirit  in  such  matters.  Then,  too,  we 
hear  from  various  quarters  the  desire  for  a  more  artistic  arrangement  of 
the  blooms  at  our  exhibitions,  and  we  have  during  the  last  few  years  seen 
glimpses  of  better  things  in  the  taste  displayed  by  a  few  of  our  leading 
nurserymen  in  grouping,  where  autumn  foliage  'and  ornamental  leaved 
plants,  used  in  conjunction  with  the  Chrysanthemum,  have  given  us  a 
welcome  relief.  So,  too,  has  this  idea  been  largely  introduced  into 
most  schedules  with  much  success,  also  the  staging  of  flowers  with  their 
own  foliage;  but  the  question  of  accommodating  some  thousands  of 
cut  blooms  in  this  way  would  be  a  great  tax  on  the  space  at  command, 
and  also  a  considerable  item  in  the  conveyance  of  the  blooms  to  and 
from  the  shows.  It  seems  to  me,  therefore,  that  we  must  work  quietly 
on  effecting  improvements  gradually,  for  the  question  is  such  a  gigantic 
one  that  many  years  must  elapse  ere  we  see  a  really  great  change  from 
existing  methods.  Much  more  I  might  write  on  other  phases  of  the 
Chrysanthemum,  but  I  feel  sure  that  I  have  said  enough  for  a  time. 
Liverpool  growers  play  such  a  prominent  part  in  Chrysanthemum 
culture,  that  I  am  again  fending  my  annual  notes  on  the  prospects  of  the 
season,  and  we  in  turn  are  certain  to  appreciate  notes  from  any  other 
part.  The  storm  on  the  23rd  September  will  be  much  remembered  for 
its  violence.  Our  autumn  show  in  St.  George’s  Hall  ought  to  prove  a 
great  attraction.  The  handsome  challenge  trophy,  to  be  won  twice  in 
succession,  or  three  times  in  all,  ought  to  bring  outsiders  amongst  us, 
and  they  would  be  gladly  welcomed.  The  price  paid  has  been  20  guineas, 
so  that  competitors  need  not  feel  ashamed  of  trying  their  hand  to  win  it. 
In  addition  there  are  two  gold  medals,  two  silver-gilt  Ryecroft  medals, 
and  good  money  prizes.  Excellent  music  is  provided,  and  we  hope 
sincerely  for  the  support  of  many  who  have  not  been  hitherto  with  us. 
The  Lawn,  Aigbhrth. 
Mr.  J.  Heaton,  who  is  worthily  entitled  to  a  notice  by  reason  of  the 
splendid  exhibit  of  blooms  which  he  staged  at  Liverpool  last  season,  is 
likely  to  give  some  trouble  again.  He  is  quite  one  of  the  youngest  of  our 
growers ;  but  enthusiasm  and  observation  have  triumphed,  and  he  has 
now  a  collection  which  I  have  not — up  to  the  present  time — seen^ 
surpassed  in  our  neighbourhood.  The  250  Japanese  and  100  Incurved 
are  of  the  most  promising  character.  Although  not  a  believer  in  very 
early  housing,  the  memorable  storm  of  Sept.  23rd  compelled  him  to  get 
under  cover  all  Japanese  and  the  Incurved  a  week  later,  which  he  con¬ 
siders  will  time  them  almost  to  a  nicety. 
Amongst  the  former,  Madame  Carnot,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Lees,  Miss  Gosohen, 
La  Meije,  Phoebus,  The  Queen,  Mrs.  C,  E.  Shea,  King  of  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums,  Mutual  Friend,  Madame  Ad.  Moullin,  M^ame  Ad.  Chatin,  Mrs. 
Dr.  Ward,  Directeur  Tisserand,  H.  L,  Sunderbruck,  Boule  d’Or  (Calvat), 
Miss  Elsie  Teicbman,  and  Reine  d’Angleterre  are  fast  developing  grand 
buds.  Mrs.  R.  C.  Kingston,  Globe  d’Or,  J.  Agate,  C.  H.  Curtis, 
L’Amethiste,  with  Queens  and  Princesses  are  capital.  Older  sorts  in 
both  sections  are  well  looked  after. 
Cleveley,  Allerton. 
I  need  offer  no  apology  for  including  Mr,  Cromwell  in  this  list.  He 
is  Eucb  a  thorough  grower,  and  hia  collection  is  visited  by  so  many. 
Commencing  at  the  outset  with  300  plants,  this  number  has  been  steadily 
increased  to  600  for  large  blooms,  the  demand  for  cut  flowers  necessitating 
some  300  more  trained  as  bush  plants  and  kept  late,  thereby  greatly 
extending  the  season.  The  whole  collection  looks  most  promising, 
although  the  heavy  rainfall  of  the  past  month  has  bad  a  tendency  to 
keep  the  wood  rather  soft.  They  are,  however,  grown  in  small  pots, 
which  are  fllled  with  roots,  the  wood  being  firm  and  short-jointed,  which 
in  the  present  season,  would  not  have  been  the  case  bad  larger  pots  been 
used. 
The  newer  Japanese  looking  first  rate  are  Oceana,  very  promising  on 
late  crown  bud;  Mrs.  Jpo.  Shrimpton,  Dorothy  Seward,  Edith  Tabor, 
Olive  Oclee,  fine  and  robust  grower  ;  Faloria,  good  ;  Mons,  Chenon  de 
Lech^,  Duchess  of  Wellington,  Eva  Knowles,  Pheebus,  Mons. 
Panckoucke,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Lees,  Deuil  de  Jules  Ferry,  and  Miss  Rita 
Schroeter.  Incurved  varieties  are  perhaps  better  represented  than  last 
year,  healthy  short-jointed  growth  and  good  round-shaped  buds  are 
leading  characteristics.  C.  H.  Curtis,  Mrs.  R.  C.  Kingston,  and  Jnoi 
Fulfoid  look  most  satisfactory. 
Oaklands,  Spital. 
My  remark  last  year  that  Mr.  Ransom  would  not  be  seen  again  as  an 
exhibitor  was  only  too  true.  This  I  regret  very  much,  as  he  grew  them 
well,  and  was  most  successful  at  the  Birkenhead  show.  His  employer, 
H.  R.  Rodger,  Esq  ,  is  a  great  lover  of  the  Japanese,  and  so  the  incurved 
have  had  to  give  way  altogether.  Two  hundred  are  in  bush  form,  but 
Mr.  Rodger  delights  also  in  the  larger  blooms.  These  look  excellent • 
Edith  Tabor,  Dorothy  Seward,  Lady  Byron,  Mrs.  Herman  Kloss, 
Wm.  Slogrove,  Boule  d’Or  (Calvat),  Directeur  Tisserand,  Mons. 
Chenon  de  Lech6,  President  Carnot,  and  Reine  d’Angleterre.  Mrs.  Weeks 
in  this  part  seems  to  be  somewhat  late,  and  Mr.  Ransom  thinks  the  middle 
of  May  the  most  suitable  time  for  Liverpool  growers  to  stop  it.  The 
standard  sorts  amongst  older  kinds  are  very  good  too. 
Boscoijel,  Birkenhead. 
Another  good  Cheshire  grower  is  Mr.  J.  Williams,  gardener  to  J.  C. 
Procter,  Esq.,  and  the  300  excellent  plants  of  incurved  and  Japanese  for 
large  blooms  are  everything  to  be  desired.  Bush  plants  are  always  a 
great  feature  here,  this  year  being  no  exception.  Four  or  five  well-tried 
varieties  that  always  do  well  in  this  state  are  Viviand  Morel,  Charles 
Divis,  Florence  Davis,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  Sunflower.  The  Boscobel 
situation  is  a  very  bleak  one,  eo  that  the  storm  cut  away  much  of  the 
foliage  in  addition  to  breaking  many  shoots,  but  they  seem  well  under 
the  circumstances.  All  the  older  varieties  look  fine,  the  new  ones  that 
should  be  in  strong  evidence  being  Mrs.  C.  E.  Shea,  Lago  Maggiore, 
Aroma,  Mrs,  Hume  Long,  Mutual  Friend,  Mrs.  G.  West,  W.  H.  Rieman, 
Edith  Tabor,  James  Myers,  Mrs.  H.  Robinson,  and  Miss  Rita  Shroeter ; 
the  newer  incurved  C.  H.  Curtis,  Owen’s  Crimson,  Globe  d’Or,  J.  Agate, 
R.  Petfield,  and  Mrs.  R.  C.  Kingston  all  look  well. 
Lingdale  Lodge,  Oxton. 
Not  too  successful  last  season,  we  cannot  dismiss  from  our  min^s  the 
triumphs  attained  by  Mr.  G.  Burden  during  the  past  years,  and  I  hope 
to  see  him  in  form  again  this  time,  more  particularly  as  he  has  almost 
escaped  the  storm .  Hailstones  did  damage  to  some  of  the  later  ones; 
400  plants  are  rapidly  swelling  their  buds — Pallanza.  H.  L.  Sunderbruck, 
Mrs.  W.  n.  Lees,  Madame  Carnot,  M.  Panckoucke,  Eva  Knowles,  Mons. 
G.  Biron,  Mons.  Chenon  de  Lech6,  H.  Daimy  Taillander,  Lady  Byron, 
Edith  Tabor,  and  Mis.  B.  Ironsides  looking  excellent.  C.  H.  Curtis, 
Globe  d’Or,  and  Bonnie  Dundee  have  most  promising  buds.  Older 
varieties  are  more  than  well  cared  for. — R,  P.  E. 
